Grease Trap Requirements
Ypsilanti, MI
FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
FOG Compliance in Ypsilanti, MI
Food service establishments in Ypsilanti operate under a combination of federal EPA pretreatment standards, Michigan state plumbing code, and city-level FOG ordinances. Together these rules determine how grease traps must be sized, how often they must be pumped, and what happens when a restaurant falls out of compliance.
Pumping frequency is the compliance rule restaurant owners interact with most often. In Ypsilanti, the rule is: Gravity grease interceptors: quarterly minimum. This aligns with the 90-day US median enforced by most major cities. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) for trap sizing and installation. Under Section 1014, which applies a fixture drainage load formula with a retention time factor, grease interceptors installed in Ypsilanti must meet minimum capacity thresholds based on the fixtures connected to them — 3-compartment sinks, dishwashers, pre-rinse stations, wok stoves, and floor drains on the cook line.
Ypsilanti requires a dedicated FOG permit for any food service establishment generating fats, oils, and grease. The permit is separate from, and in addition to, the plumbing permit required at installation.
Ypsilanti enforces the 25 percent rule: grease traps must be pumped before the combined FOG and settled solids reach 25 percent of the trap's total liquid depth. Inspectors measure the depth with a sludge judge or dipstick, typically at surprise visits. Exceeding the threshold at inspection triggers a notice of violation and mandatory emergency pump-out, regardless of the scheduled pumping cycle. Establishments must maintain pumping logs, hauler manifests, and inspection reports on-site — missing records is itself a violation in most enforcement actions. Enforcement authority rests with the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA), which handles permit issuance, inspections, and hauler licensing.
For a deeper explanation of the rules this city enforces, read our guides on how grease traps work and the 25/50 pumping rule.
Pumping Requirements
Permits & Enforcement
Complete FOG Regulations
| Pumping Frequency | Gravity grease interceptors: quarterly minimum; Hydromechanical grease traps: weekly minimum. Must service when 25% or more of any compartment is filled with FOG/solids. |
|---|---|
| 25% Rule | Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Record Keeping | Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site |
| Plumbing Code | Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) |
| Ordinance Ref. | Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) FOG Program; Ypsilanti Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 (Building and Building Regulations); Michigan Plumbing Code 2015, Chapter 10 |
| Authority | Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) |
Additional Notes
FOG program applies to all non-domestic users classified as Food Service Establishments (FSEs). FSEs defined as facilities engaging in cooking, baking, grilling, sauteing, and similar food preparation producing hot consumable food products. Records for cleaning, inspection, and removal must be maintained for minimum 3 years. Contact: Chad Smith, Compliance Supervisor, 734-484-4600 ext. 123.
Last verified: — Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions.
Contact Information
Environmental Services - Water Resources: (734) 222-6860
Official Sources
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