Selling a Property with a Septic System - Kitsap Public Health District

Environment
SELLING A PROPERTY WITH A SEPTIC SYSTEM
WHAT, WHY & HOW
KITSAP PUBLIC
HEALTH DISTRICT
345 6th Street
Suite 300
Bremerton, WA
98337
360-337-5235
360-337-5291 (fax)

The transfer of property from one person to another—called property conveyance—includes an extra step when a developed
property utilizes a septic system. State and county regulations require that the health district regularly inspect all
septic systems. One way we achieve this is through property conveyance inspections, required since 2008.
Completing these conveyance inspections early in the sale process allows ample time to address any deficiencies before
escrow closes
GOT PROPERTY RECORDS?
It is important for the owner to conduct a records search BEFORE beginning to prepare the inspection application. If no
record exists, one will have to be created. You can conduct a search on the health district’s website, or call us for help at
360-337-5235. See the Resources section at the end.
THE PROCESS
When you plan to sell a property with a septic system:
1. Check our website to determine if the property has records on file. You will need the property street address and
tax account number.
2. If you do not find any records for the property through the website, call us at 360-337-5235, and request a records
search. For older properties, former street addresses and the names of former owners could be helpful.
3. Make sure there is a current (not more than three years old) septic report or annual maintenance report on file with
us. If not, contact a health-district-certified pumper or monitoring and maintenance company to schedule this work.
4. Submit a completed application to the health district.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Will the health district prevent or prohibit the sale of my property?
No. This discovery-and-disclosure process merely ensures that a septic system is working properly. Our report will
note violations, which are then regulated by the Board of Health (see question No. 7).
2. What does the inspection include?
Specialists will inspect the system equipment and complete a records review, site inspection, and code compliance
evaluation.
3. What will the evaluation report include?
The evaluation report is an objective, factual one that includes:
a. A record of approval for installation; when it was approved, and its type and size;
b. Whether the system is function properly and has been maintained;
c. Signs or symptoms indicating a malfunction and how to correct it;
d. Whether the system and the property are in compliance with regulations in effect at the time the system was
installed.
4. How long will it take to receive my report from the health district?
You’ll get it within seven business days, regardless of the results of the inspection.
5. How long is the report valid?
It is good for three years if the system remains in compliance with Board of Health
regulations.
6. Will my old system be required to be upgraded to meet current code?
Unless the system is failing or has major health violations (see next question), changes won’t be necessary.
2

7. What situations will require correction or result in a violation?
Board of Health regulations require immediate correction by the owner for:
a. Failing, broken, or malfunctioning systems;
b. Approved primary or reserve areas that have been eliminated, destroyed, or made unusable;
c. Use of the system in violation of its approved use or capacity;
d. Missing service access risers or observation ports for alternative systems that are required to have annual
monitoring and maintenance.
8. Are there any retro-fit requirements for standard systems?
In systems installed before 1978, access to the tank within 24 inches of the surface was required. Most systems
installed after July 1978 were required to have a tank access rise installed with 12 inches of the surface. If a retrofit is
ever necessary, owners will need to have the tank riser installed before, or during, the next required inspection (once
every three years).
9. What if there are no records on file for my system?
Regulations require a scaled site plan, or record of construction, for the property’s septic system if none, or “asbuilt,”
exists.
10. Must I hire a contractor to develop a record of construction?
No. Anyone can prepare this record for submittal to the health district, as long as the requirements are met.
11. How do I submit the Property Conveyance application? What is the cost?
The application and a current fee schedule are available at our website or office. (See Resources below.) Submit the
application to us in person or by mail. The fee covers the record search and review, site inspection, evaluation report
preparation, and report processing and shipping.
12. Can I get a revised evaluation report if I make the required corrections to my system?
Yes. If corrections are made according to Board of Health regulations, you can apply for a revised evaluation report
at a reduced cost. This will show the system is in compliance.
RESOURCES
KITSAP PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT
Search for records or the most recent inspection reports; view the local health regulations; find a certified onsite sewage
contractor; or get other septic system information: kitsappublichealth.org/environment.
Call us with questions or for assistance: 360-337-5235.
KITSAP COUNTY ASSESSOR
Find records or other information on a specific property:
http://kcwppub3.co.kitsap.wa.us/ParcelSearch/map.asp?CMD=INIT
3

kitsappublichealth.org
09/11