County adopts on-site water and sewage evaluation rule to take effect Jan. 1, 2026; board seeks public-private guidelines

The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a county regulation requiring evaluations of on-site water and sewage disposal systems at the time of property transfer, with the rule to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Environmental health staff led the presentation of revisions made after a public hearing, including a terminology change from “inspection” to “evaluation,” clearer definitions for failure and sewage, and alignment with proposed statewide language. Brent Wheat, Grand Traverse County environmental health director, said the edits were meant to improve clarity about when an evaluation is considered a failure and to align local language with state proposals.

Why it matters: The regulation creates a county-level program for evaluating septic systems within 300 feet of surface water and establishes a process that county staff say will be implemented beginning Jan. 1, 2026. County staff outlined a ramp-up plan for 2026 that includes hiring staff, purchasing a vehicle and drafting operational guidelines that the health department intends to refine with public-private input.

Key clarifications and concerns: Commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about enforcement and the financial burden on homeowners. Commissioner Nelson and others asked whether the health department can exercise discretion where property owners are acting in good faith to correct problems; staff said the regulation retains discretion for the health officer and sanitarians to work with property owners and issue corrective-action plans before civil infractions are pursued.

Mapping and outreach: Staff described plans to work with equalization and GIS to create a parcel-layer buffer to identify properties within the 300-foot evaluation zone and said they would develop a public outreach and education campaign over the summer, including press releases, social media, open houses and collaboration with stakeholders who participated in the ad hoc process (realtors, local contractors and community groups).

Funding and program logistics: During public comment, speakers noted existing models in neighboring jurisdictions and the importance of financing options for homeowners. The health department said it will include program costs in the 2026 budget and explore loan programs (including state offerings) and public-private partnerships to ease homeowner costs. The health department also confirmed it intends to publish guidelines and run a certification process for system evaluators prior to Jan. 1, 2026.

Vote: Commissioner Walter moved adoption of the regulation effective Jan. 1, 2026; Commissioner McAllister seconded. The board approved the regulation by roll-call vote.

Implementation notes: The health department committed to creating operational guidelines with stakeholder input, maintain quarterly reporting to the advisory board, and produce a public education plan. Staff also said they will coordinate with neighboring county health departments to incorporate best practices and to avoid inconsistent enforcement where other local ordinances exist.

What supporters said: Commissioner Walter called the regulation “huge for our county” and praised the collaborative process; several commissioners thanked the health department and ad hoc participants for nine months of work.

What critics requested: Commissioners and public commenters asked for explicit language protecting homeowners attempting good-faith corrective action, financing options for low-income owners, and a public-facing map or parcel layer to help real estate transactions identify affected properties.

Next steps: Health department staff will present proposed operational guidelines to an inclusive stakeholder committee and return periodic reports to the board as the program ramps up toward the Jan. 1, 2026 effective date.