Ordinances and Management Program Examples
Local, Regional, and National

South Carolina Examples

Isle of Palms, South Carolina (pdf) - Originally adopted in 1999 and revised in 2000 and 2003, this is probably the first septic inspection ordinance in coastal SC. Ordinance mandates inspections prior to sale of real estate interest, requires septic tank access manholes for new installations, and requires the City to develop an information program for property owners.
Folly Beach, South Carolina (pdf) - Approved in June 2005, this is the model for the Baseline Inspection Ordinance for Sale of Property, Renovations, and Change in Occupancy template.
Edisto Beach, South Carolina(1) (pdf) - The purpose of this ordinance is to require that structures built or rebuilt will be evaluated to ensure they have a septic system capable of handling the uses for the structure.
Edisto Beach, South Carolina(2) (pdf) - This ordinance defines the number of bedrooms based on size and/or wastewater outlets so that systems will not be undersized for their intended use. Read the article Wastewater: The Hidden Threat of Our Nation's Changing Shoreline (pdf) for the story that describes the impetus behind these ordinances at Edisto Beach.
McClellanville, South Carolina (pdf) - This proposal, as adopted in January 2006, establishes a voluntary onsite management program. Homeowners will be sent septic system pump-out reminder postcards and asked to return a second card showing they have had their system pumped.

Berkeley Lake, Georgia (pdf) - Inspections are required every five years, records are kept by the City, and malfunctions must be repaired within 90 days.
Nags Head, North Carolina (pdf) - Go to page 18 of this Small Flows Quarterly publication to learn about the Septic Health Initiative program that has found success as a voluntary program, not an ordinance. The four-pronged approach includes education, inspection and pumping (at no cost to property owners!), water quality monitoring, and a decentralized management plan.
Southern Shores, North Carolina (pdf) - This ordinance sets a limit on the number of bedrooms and occupants for the design adequacy of the onsite system.

Charlestown, Rhode Island (pdf) - This ordinance was the original template from which the Folly Beach ordinance was developed.
Washtenaw County, Michigan (pdf) - Regulations for inspection at time of property transfer.
Aitkin County, Minnesota (pdf) - This ordinance covers the permitting of new systems and the inspection of existing systems.
Otter Tail, Minnesota (pdf) - This article about the Otter Tail Water Management District is a success story for proper management of onsite systems with an effective yet modest level of inspection and maintenance. The District has documented a less then 2% failure rate over 20 years. System improvements and management occur at affordable costs resulting in improved lake water quality, improved property values while maintaining the rural character of the community despite moderate growth.
State of Massachusetts (pdf) - This document is intended to provide guidance to both the system owner and the system inspector for evaluating the adequacy of existing on-site sewage disposal systems. Approved System Inspectors are charged with the responsibility of inspecting systems in accordance with 310 CMR 15.302,15.303 and this guidance and reporting their findings to the approving authority.