What are the septic requirements?

**Inside toilets only, with an approved septic system.**

**The covenants** require each residence to be provided with and maintain **only inside toilets**, with septic tanks and drain fields or dry well installations meeting the requirements of the Michigan State Board of Health.

**Freeman Township** goes further. Before a building permit is issued, plans for sewage disposal and water supply must be submitted in accordance with State law and any County or Township ordinances. No building may be erected or altered for dwelling, commercial or manufacturing use without proper flush type toilet facilities, including septic tanks and seepage beds complying with Michigan law and the rules of the Michigan Department of Public Health and the Clare County Health Department.

**And no privy or outside toilet** may be used in any building constructed, altered or repaired.

**Two rules specific to waterfront lots:**

- All septic tanks and drain fields installed on properties abutting wetlands, ponds, lakes, creeks, streams or rivers must be located on the side of the dwelling **away from** the water.
- Any existing septic tank or drain field being **replaced** must comply with the same requirement.

That second point catches people out — replacing a failed system on an older waterfront lot may mean relocating it, not just renewing it in place.

**Start with the Clare County Health Department** and the Township Zoning Administrator. Septic approval is a prerequisite to your building permit.

*Source: Restrictive Covenants, Article VII, Section 4; Zoning Ordinance No. 8, Section 4.22.*