How the New Septic Regulations Will Affect Teller County CO Residents
Beginning January 1, 2015, El Paso & Teller Counties will require a property owner of a residence or other structure served by an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (Septic), to have an inspection of that system to demonstrate that the system is functioning prior to the sale or transfer of the
property title.
The big difference will be if a sale/transfer is done without an inspection and approval document, a civil penalty is authorized against the transferor and Seller can be liable if system is later determined to be defective.
When will the requirement for Transfer of Title Inspections Begin?
An inspection by a certified Septic inspector will be required for any sale or transfer that occurs on or after January 1, 2015. Even if a contract is written in 2014, if it does not close until 2015 an inspection will be required.
Who is Required to Obtrain a Transfer of Title Inspection?
In most cases the property owner or transferor will be required to have the Septic inspected and obtain an “Acceptance Document.” The transferor and purchaser can agree between themselves how payment for the inspection and “Acceptance Document” will be handled.
How Do I Find a Certified Inspector?
Click here for certified inspectors.
What if the Inspector Finds a Deficiency?
Repairs must be completed within 90 days after the submittal of the inspection report unless the county determines that an imminent health hazard (such as surfacing sewage) exists.
What if the Septic has a deficiency and/or is malfunctioning and the owner is not able to obtain a repair permit and complete the repairs prior to the closing date?
The County will not prevent a property from closing. They will issue a conditional acceptance document, provided that the purchaser of the property agrees to obtain a permit and complete all necessary repairs within 90 days after occupancy of the property. (From a REALTOR’s standpoint, this could be a problem for the buyer’s lender).
How Long is the Acceptance Document valid?
The acceptance document is valid until the date of the real estate closing, or for a period of six months, whichever comes first. The acceptance document may be renewed one time for a period of six months.
What does the Transfer of Title process cost?
Individual inspectors will establish their own fees for inspection. Plus the County will charge around $55.
What if There is No Septic Drawing on File with the County?
If there is no septic drawing on file for the system, that is another charge that will be incurred. Every system will need to be mapped if there is no current drawing on file.
Please visit the El Paso County website to read all the affects of the new regulations.
Below is more information on septic systems:
Maintaining Your Septic System
Thank you for reading How the New Septic Regulations Will Affect Teller County CO Residents.
Provided courtesy of April DeNio
Our motto:
"Customer Service...Not Sales!"
Hire us to help you sell or buy your next home!
Connect with us on Facebook
Comments(0)