1. Complete the application form. Forms must be filled out completely in order for them to be processed by this department.
2. If you do not know the Property Code Number you may contact the Bay County Equalization Department for assistance at (989) 895-4075.
3. Submit the on-site evaluation fee as indicated on the top of the form along with the application.
4. All applications will be processed within a period of twenty-one calendar days from the time the completed application is received and the fee has been paid and receipted. The time necessary for approval of an application may vary due to workload and weather conditions.
5. If you are having an on-site evaluation on your water supply, please be informed that all Partial Chemical samples are forwarded to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Lab in Lansing, Michigan. Results from the MDEQ are usually available within 2 - 5 weeks.
6. Most lending institutions will request the results of an on-site evaluation be sent directly to their office. When filling in the section "Results of Evaluation Forwarded To", please include the complete mailing address along with zip code.
Checks may be made out to the Bay County Health Department.
Please send payment along with the application to:
Bay County Health Department
Environmental Health Division
1200 Washington Avenue,
Bay City, Michigan, 48708
The Bay County Health Department will:
1. Conduct an on-site evaluation of the sewage disposal system and/or well, taking all necessary samples.
2. Notify you in writing of the results of the evaluation.
3. Always be available on a consultation basis to answer your questions at any time regarding the sewage disposal and/or well evaluation. The Health Department has a great deal of information regarding the operation and maintenance of your system. Please feel free to make use of this service.
Best wishes and good luck with your new home!
Registration is required to take the exam.
| Where | Bay County Health Department 1200 Washington Avenue Bay City, MI 48708 |
| Exam Fee | $50 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. |
By filling out the registration form, paying the fee, and passing the exam, your company will be included on our list of registered sewage system installers in Bay County. This list is distributed to customers upon request.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Bay County Health Department/Environmental Health Division at (989) 895-4006 #3. Thank you for your cooperation.
Registration is valid for three years inclusive of the year you take the exam.
(TESTING STARTED JANUARY 1, 2005)
No person shall engage in the business of installing sewage disposal systems or any part thereof within the County of Bay, without first registering with the Bay County Health Department. Registration shall be valid for 3 years, including the calendar year in which the license is issued, and shall expire on December 31. All applicants shall complete written examination proctored by a representative of the Bay County Health Department Environmental Health Division. Upon satisfactory completion of the written examination, the results will be reviewed and incorrect responses shall be reviewed with the applicant. A minimum score of 70% must be achieved to satisfactorily complete the written examination. A $50.00 test fee, made payable to the Bay County Health Department, shall be submitted at the time that the test application is submitted.
If you are planning to build at a site located in Bay County which is not served by a municipal water supply and/or sewage collection system, you are required to obtain a permit from this department. The permit(s) must be secured from this department prior to beginning any work. In addition, don't forget to check with your township representatives to be sure that your plans are acceptable with local regulations.
The permit which is issued to you by this department will contain specific minimum standards. Onsite sewage disposal systems must be isolated a minimum of fifty (50) feet from all water supply wells. Any changes from the permit issued by this office must first be approved.
Your water supply well must be installed by a Registered Well Driller. All new wells will be in compliance with the requirements of the Bay County Well Ordinance and Part 127 - Act 368 of 1978, as amended. Upon completion of your well installation, this department must be notified so a Final Inspection can be conducted, and water samples can be collected.
In the interest of economy and providing an efficient service to you, the following policy for processing well permit applications has been adopted: Upon receipt of a properly completed application for a construction permit, the Health Officer shall make a written decision within 14 working days
For the complete set of rules and regulations pertaining to wells, contact the Environmental Health Division at 989-895-4006
If you are planning to build at a site located in Bay County which is not served by a municipal water supply and/or sewage collection system, you are required to obtain a permit from this department. The permit(s) must be secured from this department prior to beginning any work. In addition, don't forget to check with your township representatives to be sure that your plans are acceptable with local regulations.
Since an onsite sewage disposal system depends upon the absorption of sewage effluent by the soil, you must furnish exact direction to your building site. A representative of this department will conduct a site evaluation of the soil conditions, including the soil type, topographical features, and the depth to the seasonal high water table. A soil boring will be conducted at the spot where you wish if you mark the spot with a brightly colored ribbon attached to a tall stake.
The permit which is issued to you by this department will contain specific minimum standards. Onsite sewage disposal systems must be isolated a minimum of fifty (50) feet from all water supply wells. Any changes from the permit issued by this office must first be approved. A Final Inspection of the onsite sewage disposal system installation must be conducted by this department prior to covering the system.
In the interest of economy and providing an efficient service to you, the following policy for processing sewage permit applications has been adopted:
All applications will be processed within a period of twenty-one calendar days from the time the completed application is received and the fee has been paid and receipted. The time necessary for approval of an application may vary and is dependent on the investigation required to establish soil characteristics, seasonal water table levels, and other environmental data. During the winter months when the soils at a site are frozen beyond reasonable means of the soil auger, the owner shall be required to dig a 5 foot trench so that the Health Department can properly evaluate the soils.
Permits are non-transferable from person to person. Section 6-7 of the Sanitary Code of Bay County, Michigan states: permits are not transferable from person to person or from one location to another. A new permit shall be required for each new owner of a premise or property for which an ODSD Permit is issued, or if the location of the OSDS is to be changed.
Codes and Applications
