Transfer of Title
Under a Transfer of Title Program, property served by an on-site wastewater treatment system must be inspected by a certified 3rd party inspector to identify any conditions requiring repair, and verify the design of the system is consistent with its current use. The inspection report is then submitted to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) prior to the closing.
LCDHE Agreement to Repair Document
Additional Transfer of Title Information and Instructions
FAQs
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Under a Transfer of Title Program, property served by an on-site wastewater treatment system must be inspected by a certified 3rd party inspector to identify any conditions requiring repair, and verify the design of the system is consistent with its current use. The inspection report is then submitted to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) prior to the closing.
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Failing on-site treatment systems pose a risk to public health and can have a serious impact to our ground and surface water. Many buyers are unaware of how to evaluate an OWTS or what to look for to determine if it is functioning correctly, or if the system is properly sized for the home. A functioning OWTS is an important part of the home and needs to be inspected to ensure it is in good condition. Statewide, counties operating Transfer of Title programs identify issues needing repair in around 20% of the OWTS that are inspected. If not properly inspected, these systems are then transferred to buyers who may not understand the implications of having a malfunctioning system or the costs involved with repair.
A transfer of title inspection gives buyers peace of mind that the system is in working order, and protects the interests of all involved. -
No, there are several exemptions to inspection requirements; systems that were installed in the last three years, property acquired through inheritance, property transferred to a trust, and a few other similar circumstances do not require an inspection.
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Inspections will be completed by third-party inspectors certified through the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT). A list of certified inspectors is available here. A list of certified inspectors will also be maintained on the LCDHE website.
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Once an inspection has been completed, the inspector will submit the report to LCDHE for review. An online system for receiving the inspection reports and applications is being used so reports can be submitted at any time.
An owner or owner’s agent may also request an acceptance document and submit a copy of the inspection report.
If the OWTS passes inspection and meets criteria within the regulations, LCDHE will issue an Acceptance Document. An Acceptance Document is valid until the date of closing or for a period of 12 months, whichever comes first. -
If the OWTS fails inspection or is otherwise deemed not suitable for an acceptance document, the property owner must apply for a repair permit to correct the problems.
Alternatively, a buyer may agree to make the repairs themselves if they file an Agreement to Repair with LCDHE. The buyer must then apply for a permit and complete necessary repairs within 180 days of the closing. -
If snow cover, frozen ground, or lack of access prevents an inspection, a Conditional Acceptance Document may be issued if the buyer agrees in writing to complete the required inspection and make any necessary repairs within 180 days of the closing.