Livingston County Septic Permits and Soil Evaluations

Step 1: assemble a complete application

Livingston County accepts the soil-evaluation application online, by email at health@livgov.com, or in person at Environmental Health, 2300 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 102, Howell, MI 48843. The county says the package must include a boundary drawing showing property lines, easements, and neighboring wells or sewage systems within 100 feet; the 10-digit parcel identification number; the legal description; a land survey if available; and the appropriate fee.

A survey may be required when the property is under 10 acres, test holes are close to a property line, or the county specialist determines one is needed. Recorded subdivisions and site condominiums may qualify for an exception. Confirm the property-specific requirement before ordering work.

Step 2: coordinate the county visit

The county says an Environmental Health Specialist will contact the applicant within 3–5 business days after receiving the materials. Its current FAQ says appointments can usually be scheduled within 5–7 business days after a complete application, although peak construction periods may extend scheduling to 10 business days.

The property owner or a designated representative should attend with the county specialist and excavating contractor. The excavator generally digs test holes at least 8 feet deep. MISS DIG must mark public underground utilities before excavation; call 811 or submit a locate request online. An unmarked property can delay service.

Step 3: use the result to plan the system

The evaluation documents soil information, boring locations, an aerial map, and conditions affecting treatment and dispersal, including groundwater limitations. The result may be marked suitable with special restrictions, further information needed, or unsuitable. Those findings help determine whether the site can support a conventional design or needs alternative technology.

Approval is tied to the evaluated area. Changing the house, driveway, well, or other site features may affect the plan, so resolve major layout decisions before applying for the installation permit.

Step 4: apply, install, and inspect

Livingston County requires an approved soil evaluation before a septic permit application, and the permit must be issued before installation. Applications can be submitted through the county-linked online permit portal. Use the current application and checklist because forms and fees can change.

Ask who handles design details, contractor information, inspection scheduling, and final documentation. Keep the soil report, permit, approved plan, inspection results, and maintenance records with the property file.

Additions and property changes

Livingston County requires a site review for certain additions or modifications on properties served by well or septic. County examples include enclosed decks, pole barns, and home additions. Pools, garages, driveways, and other work can matter if they interfere with the system or reserved replacement area, so ask before finalizing a layout.

County contact and existing records

Livingston County Environmental Health can be reached at (517) 546-9858, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–5:00 p.m.; the office is closed for lunch and county holidays. The office address is 2300 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 102, Howell, MI 48843. Verify hours before visiting.

The county provides searches for current records from 2018 onward and archived records from 2017 or earlier. Search using only the street address or parcel ID as directed. Older files, incomplete records, or unusual properties may require follow-up with Environmental Health.