Environmental Rules in Ottawa County, MI (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Ottawa County, Michigan.
Verified from official government sources
Erosion Control
Any earth change in Ottawa County that disturbs one acre or more, or sits within 500 feet of a lake or stream, needs a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permit from the county Drain Commissioner under Code of Ottawa County § 200.2.5, adopted under Part 91 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
Ottawa County Soil Erosion Control Permit
Some RestrictionsCode of Ottawa County § 200.2.5
A Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permit shall be required for all earth changes within Ottawa County that disturb one or more acres of land or that are within 500 feet of the water's edge of any lake or stream.
Flood Zones
Ottawa County's Environmental Health Division will not approve a septic system for a new or rebuilt home sited inside the ten-year flood plain. The Health Officer's site acceptance review under Article VIII also rejects lots subject to seasonal flooding, ponding or heavy surface runoff, and lots built on filled ground over peat, muck or impervious clay, effectively blocking construction until the parcel meets these standards.
Ottawa County Bars Septic Sites in Flood Plains
Some RestrictionsOttawa County Environmental Health Regulations, Art. VIII § H(3), (9)
H. Site Acceptance Criteria - The following minimum characteristics shall be evaluated and used by the Health Officer in determining the acceptability of a site for the construction, repair, enlargement, or relocation of a sewage disposal system: ... 3) The site shall not be subject to seasonal surface water flooding or ponding, frequent surface run-off due to precipitation, or be located withi...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In Ottawa County flood-affected areas, well caps must sit at least 12 inches above the 100-year floodplain elevation. Article XXIII, Section W of the county's Environmental Health Regulations bans water supply systems that create a public health nuisance in a flood zone, and ties compliance to the state's Public Health Code, Part 127.
Ottawa County Well Cap Flood Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsOttawa County Environmental Health Regulations, Art. XXIII § W
W. Existing Water Supply Systems in Flood Affected Areas - It shall be unlawful for water supply systems to create a public health nuisance, as determined by the Health Officer, in flood affected areas. In order to avoid such a nuisance, well caps shall be watertight and vented no less than twelve (12) inches above the one-hundred (100) year floodplain elevation. Water supply systems located wi...
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