Soil Evaluation

A soil evaluation is required before building a home that is not served by a municipal or centralized sewage treatment facility. A soil evaluation (sometimes referred to as a "perk test") is an assessment performed by a Sanitarian from Washtenaw County Environmental Health. This assessment determines a site's suitability for installing a new or replacement onsite sewage system. 

Contact your Township office to determine if municipal sewage treatment is available. All building inspection agencies in Washtenaw County require either proof of municipal sewer connection or a sewage permit before building permits can be issued. 

A soil evaluation must be completed and approved before you can apply for a sewage permit and begin constructing your sewage system

  1. Why do I need a soil evaluation?
  2. Is a soil evaluation the same as having a "perk" test performed?
  3. What do I need to do to have a soil evaluation performed?
  4. How is the soil evaluation scheduled?
  5. How is the soil evaluation performed, and what is the Sanitarian looking for during the evaluation?
  6. Who determines the location for the test holes / sewage system?
  7. Who needs to be present at the soil evaluation?
  8. How long will a soil evaluation take?
  9. What is a soil approval area?
  10. How long is a soil evaluation valid?
  11. What happens after the soil evaluation is completed?
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MISS DIG Notification

Please note that it is the responsibility of the contractor or owner to contact the MISS DIG notification system at 811 or 800-482-7171 and comply with all requirements of the MISS DIG Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act before starting any excavation work.