Explain Shoreland Regulations
Shoreland regulations apply to all property within 1,000 feet of navigable waters. This can include ponds and small streams, too. You will need additional permits and you will have to work within county zoning rules.

What is Primary Environmental Corridor?
This is a corridor of lands that is regulated to protect lands for wildlife and their habitat. In general, housing density is regulated. The removal of trees and vegetation is limited.

What rules regulate Flood Fringe Overlay and Flood Plain?
Generally the flood plain cannot be filled or built upon. In Waterford, the prevailing median sea level is 775.9. In Wind Lake it is generally 773.9. Flood Fringe Overlay can usually be built on but fill must be brought in so that the structure is well above the designated sea level.

What Are the Steps for Division of Property?
Most property division must be approved by local and county regulations. Plans must be presented to authorities. Sketches are needed at the outset of the procedure. Surveys and written plans are needed for final approvals. Caution is advised when selling new divisions. It is not lawful to sell land without approved division. Land division is seldom allowed if the division creates a substandard lot. You are advised to check the zoning and lot size requirements for that zoning before you proceed to divide. Building can occur on a substandard lot if the contiguous property is owned by different owners.

What Should I Know About Septics?
The material disposed of from your home into your septic tank is basically composed of sugar and starch. The sugar collects as solids on the bottom of the tank while the starch floats and forms a heavy oil-like liquid in the middle and top of the tank. If your tank is not cleaned in time, the sugar and starch overflows into the drain field or drywell. The starch seals the dirt, making it almost impossible for water to drain away into the ground. When a drainage system becomes completely sealed, sewage will either back up into your house or overflow on top of the ground by your septic tank or drainage system. The drainage system then must be relocated which is a costly operation. The formula for a cleaning schedule is as follows: Multiply the number of people in your family by 100 gal. (The average amount of sugar and starch one person disposes of in one year.) When you reach your septic tank volume, it should be cleaned. For example: 5 people x 100 gal. Of waste per year. A 500 gal. Tank should be cleaner every year or a 1000 gal. Tank should be cleaned every two years. It's suggested that tanks be cleaned at least every three years. If you have a garbage disposal, it should be cleaned every 6 months to a year.

For a discussion of comm 83 and a review of the conventional system and other alternative systems, go to our environmental section.