Temporary Campground License

Temporary Campground License

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) does not issue temporary campground licenses except for Calhoun County events. The temporary campground licenses are issued by the local health department having jurisdiction under a contractual agreement with the MDEQ, and MDEQ provides training and support to local health departments in this program.

A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL:

The name of the license is the temporary campground license.

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

Temporary campground licenses are issued under authority of Section 333.12508 of Michigan's Public Health Code, PA 368 of 1978, as amended.

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:

Campgrounds R 325.1551 - 325.1599

The act and administrative rules may also be viewed at the campground program website

D. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:
 1.  Applicability (activities that require the permit)

Either a temporary campground license or an annual campground license is required to establish a campground. Campground means a parcel or tract of land under the control of a person in which sites are offered for the use of the public or members of an organization, either free of charge or for a fee, for the establishment of temporary living quarters for 5 or more recreational units. A temporary campground license is typically obtained for an event such as a music festival where camping will occur, does not exceed 4 weeks duration, and the location of the event with camping may change from one year to the next.

 2.  Pre-Application Requirements

Prior to submitting an application for a temporary campground license, the applicant must prepare a scaled drawing that accurately shows the dimensions of the property where the campground will be located, shows the campground sites and roads, the location of restrooms or portable toilets, the location and source of potable water, and shows any other planned site improvements. Also, the applicant should provide a copy of all contracts with vendors for providing portable toilets, dumpsters, etc. Where construction of buildings or utilities is proposed for the temporary campground, a campground construction permit must be obtained and typically an engineering consultant is retained by the applicant to prepare the plans and specifications for the proposed construction of campground facilities. See "Section 5.3.6 Campground Construction Permits" for more information regarding this aspect.

 3.  Application Submission Requirements

The scaled drawing of the campground, all contracts with vendors, and the temporary campground license application should be submitted to the local health department having jurisdiction. The temporary campground license application (EQP 1717) can be obtained online at the campground program website or at any local health department office.

 4.  Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval

The temporary campground license application must be submitted to the local health department together with other required documents at least two weeks prior to the start of the event. For temporary campgrounds with more than 100 sites, it is recommended that the applicant contact the local health department having jurisdiction early in the planning process to obtain information on licensing requirements and expedite the review when an application is subsequently submitted.

 5.  Operational Requirements

The operation of the campground must follow the statutory provisions for campground operation and an inspection will be conducted by representatives of the local health department or DEQ to determine compliance. Generally, the campground owner or manager needs to monitor the campground daily to ensure all facilities are in working order and good repair, and that the campground is maintained in a clean and orderly fashion. See the campground inspection report (EQP 1715) for details and more specific description of the operational requirements. This is available at the campground program website

 6.  Fees

The fee for a temporary campground license varies with the number of campground sites that will be provided. These fees change every 3 years but the fees for the years 2008 through 2010 are as follows:

Number of Campground Sites

Fee

License for up to 25 sites

$81

License for 26 - 50 sites

$108

License for 51 - 75 sites

$136

License for 76 - 100 sites

$163

License for 101 - 500 sites

$244

License for more than 500 sites

$542

Most local health departments have an inspection fee for temporary campgrounds, and the amount of this fee must be obtained from the local health department having jurisdiction.

 7.  Appeal Process

A contested case hearing under the Administrative Procedures Act, PA 306 of 1969, as amended, may be requested through the local health department or DEQ.

 8.  Public Input Opportunities

The public typically learns about an event that will require a temporary campground license through newspaper advertisements or notices posted by the local municipality under zoning and land use ordinances, and this venue provides the best opportunity for public input. The public may also offer comments to the local health department or DEQ regarding temporary campground license applications although there is no legislative mandate establishing a procedure for public comments.

E. ADMINISTERING AGENCY:

The local health departments of Michigan administer the licensing program for temporary campgrounds. The webpage, http://www.malph.org/directory lists all of Michigan's local health departments and provides specific contact information for each department. Contact with the local health department is suggested for questions regarding a specific temporary campground license application. Questions of a general nature may be directed to the DEQ at the following:

Campgrounds and Pools Unit, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, 525 West Allegan Street, P.O. Box 30273, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7773

  • Program Phone: 517-241-1340

 

Creation/Revision Date:

October 2010