Transfer of Title

Applying for an Acceptance Document

If the property being sold does not meet one of the criteria below, an Acceptance Document for the existing on-site wastewater treatment system is required. 

The system received final approval less than three years from the date of the request for an Acceptance Document;

1. The change in ownership is not an arm’s length transaction where a buyer and seller are acting in their own self-interest (transfers between family members, estate transactions, foreclosures, etc.) 
2. The change in ownership is creating or ending a joint ownership as long as one person is an original owner and/or the spouse, parent, or child of an original owner. 
3. The transfer is to a trust or limited liability company where the original owner is a member. 
4. The transfer is a result of a foreclosure or forfeiture. However the subsequent transfer from the foreclosing entity does require inspection and an Acceptance Document. 

Prior to applying for an Acceptance Document the system must be inspected. A system that passes inspection will be issued an Acceptance Document that is good for 12 months. 

If the inspection report indicates repairs are necessary, those must be completed prior to applying for the Acceptance Document or if the Purchaser will be responsible for repairs  a Conditional Acceptance Document may be issued with an Agreement to Repair or Inspect from the Purchaser. 

If the property cannot be inspected due to weather conditions an Agreement to Repair or Inspect may be completed and uploaded with a request for a Conditional Acceptance Document.  

Apply for an Acceptance Document This link will take you to our MyHD portal. Please note: first-time users will be prompted to create an account.

If you are an OWNER selling a property served by an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS):

1. Determine if the OWTS serving the property requires an Acceptance Document prior to sale. There are several exceptions to the Transfer of Title requirements. If any of the items listed in a.-e. below apply, the OWTS does not require an Acceptance Document;
   1. The system received final approval less than three years from the date of the request for an Acceptance Document;
   2. The change in ownership is not an arm’s length transaction where a buyer and seller are acting in their own self -interest (transfers between family members, estate transactions, foreclosures, etc.) 
   3. The change in ownership is creating or ending a joint ownership as long as one person is an original owner and/or the spouse, parent, or child of an original owner. 
   4. The transfer is to a trust or limited liability company where the original owner is a member. 
   5. The transfer is a result of a foreclosure or forfeiture. However the subsequent transfer from the foreclosing entity does require inspection and an Acceptance Document. 
       
2. If the OWTS does not meet one of the exceptions above, check the permit record and the approved use of the system to ensure it matches with the actual conditions of the property; the number of bedrooms listed on the permit, and any other accessory connections (garages, barns, shops, accessory dwellings, etc.) should match with how the property will be listed for sale. 
   
   Permits were first required in Larimer County in 1973, though older permits do exist. Homes built prior to 1973 may be served by unpermitted systems that will still need inspection. Permit records may be obtained by using the Property Search tool on the County Assessor’s page. A permit is not required for a property to receive an acceptance document.
    
3. If the system is properly permitted for the current use, or it appears to be older than 1973, the next step is to have the system inspected by a third-party NAWT-certified inspector. View the list of certified inspectors.  
   
   If the system is not properly permitted for the current use, you can find more information on obtaining an upgrade or repair permit here.  
   
   If the inspection finds that your system is functioning adequately, complete this form to apply for a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document. 
    
4. If the inspection finds that your system is not functioning adequately and requires repairs, there are several options; 
   1. Owner Completes Repairs - Obtain a repair permit and complete the work necessary to repair the system. View more information on obtaining a repair permit here. Once repaired, the system meets requirements to be transferred and does not require an acceptance document. 
   2. Agreement to Repair- If the department determines that the OWTS does not meet the requirements the person acquiring title to the property may agree in writing through an Agreement to Repair to obtain a repair or alteration permit and complete all necessary repairs within 180 days of the closing. An application for a Conditional Acceptance Document may be submitted with the buyer’s Agreement to Repair. 
       
5. If an inspection cannot be completed prior to closing due to snow cover, lack of access, frozen ground, etc., you may still legally sell the property if the buyer agrees to have the inspection performed when conditions allow and to be responsible for all deficiencies identified. A Conditional Transfer of Title Acceptance Document may be issued if the person acquiring title to the property agrees in writing to have the inspection completed when conditions allow and, if needed, to obtain a repair or alteration permit within 180 days of the inspection. 

Apply for an Acceptance Document This link will take you to our MyHD portal. Please note: first-time users will be prompted to create an account.

If you are a BUYER purchasing a property served by an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS):

1. Check the permit record and the approved use of the system to ensure it matches with the actual conditions of the property; the number of bedrooms listed on the permit, and any other accessory connections (garages, barns, shops, accessory dwellings, etc.) should match with how the property is listed for sale. Permit records may be obtained by using the Property Search tool on the County Assessor’s page.
   
   Permits were first required in Larimer County in 1973, though older permits do exist. Homes built prior to 1973 may be served by unpermitted systems that will still need inspection. A permit is not required for a property to receive an acceptance document, provided the system is functioning correctly. 
    
2. Determine if the OWTS serving the property requires an inspection and Acceptance Document prior to sale. There are several exceptions to the Transfer of Title requirements. If any of the items listed in a.-e. below apply, the OWTS does not require an Acceptance Document;
   1. The system received final approval less than three years from the date of the request for an Acceptance Document;
   2. The change in ownership is not an arm’s length transaction where a buyer and seller are acting in their own self-interest (transfers between family members, estate transactions, foreclosures, etc.) 
   3. The change in ownership is creating or ending a joint ownership as long as one person is an original owner and/or the spouse, parent, or child of an original owner. 
   4. The transfer is to a trust or limited liability company where the original owner is a member. 
   5. The transfer is a result of a foreclosure or forfeiture. However the subsequent transfer from the foreclosing entity does require inspection and an Acceptance Document. 
       
3. If the system does require an inspection and Acceptance Document request a copy from the Owner.
    
4. If the inspection finds that the system is not functioning acceptably and requires repairs, there are several options; 
   1. Owner Completes Repairs - The Owner of the property obtains a repair permit and completes the work necessary to repair the system prior to the closing date.  
   2. Agreement to Repair- If the the OWTS does not meet the requirements for issuance of a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document, the person acquiring title to the property may agree in writing to assume the responsibility of obtaining a repair or alteration permit and complete all necessary repairs within 180 days of the closing.
       
5. If an inspection cannot be completed prior to closing due to snow cover, lack of access, frozen ground, etc., you may still legally purchase the property if you agree in writing to assume the responsibility of having the inspection performed when conditions allow and to be responsible for all deficiencies identified. A Conditional Transfer of Title Acceptance Document may be issued if the person acquiring title to the property agrees in writing to have the inspection completed when conditions allow and, if needed, to obtain a repair or alteration permit within 180 days of the inspection. 

To become licensed as an OWTS inspector in Larimer County, you must hold a current National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) Inspector certification. State regulations require a current NAWT Inspector certification in order to inspect systems for property transfers. 

View the list of inspectors here

Inspections will be submitted to the Health Department using an online system called OnlineRME. To prepare to submit those reports, please access the OnlineRME website, create a username and password, and set up your company ID (View PDF instructions). 

The inspection form is accessed from OnlineRME and generally follows the same protocol as the NAWT standard inspection form.  

View the PDF document that explains the process to create the inspection in OnlineRME. Online RME allows you to create a specific inspection form for the existing system on the property prior to your inspection. The form will adjust the items requiring inspection based on the type of system installed; gravity tank and soil treatment area vs. dosing tank and pressure distribution, etc. Inspectors may also use the NAWT inspection.

There are several NAWT Inspector courses being held over the next few months, several with online options, and the Colorado Professionals in Onsite Wastewater will be holding a recertification course on June 30th for those who need to renew a certification. 

If you have recently passed a NAWT Inspector course and your information has not been updated on the website please forward us a copy and we will add you to the list of certified inspectors. 

There are many certified professionals available to conduct inspections throughout Larimer County and nearby areas. 

View a list of Certified OWTS Inspectors Here