Time of Transfer Evaluations

Starting in January 2026, any sale or transfer of a home with a well and/or septic system in Grand Traverse County, located within 300 feet of surface water, will require an evaluation. Before the sale or transfer can be finalized, these systems must be assessed to ensure they are properly sized and functioning as intended. This process is designed to protect the environment. 

To learn more about the regulation, click the two links below:

• Grand Traverse County Regulation for the Evaluation of On-Site Water and Sewage Disposal Systems at the Time of Property Transfer (PDF) 
• Time of Transfer Evaluations - Quick Facts Sheet (PDF)

Additional Information: 

• 2026 time of transfer evaluations fee schedule (PDF)

Resources:

• Certified Evaluator Listing (PDF)
• Water Supply Checklist (PDF)
• Sewage Disposal Checklist (PDF)
• ArcGIS Tax Parcel Map Viewer (link - Current to the 2025 June 1st PRE update)
• Evaluation Rating System (PDF)