Just One More Thing the Momentum Group Can Do For You! We Will Make Sure It Gets Done Right-Thanks for the Tips Ted!

 A BRIEF REVIEW OF 

Onsite Sewage System Inspection Requirements for Property Conveyances in Kitsap County

Effective September 1, 2008

 (By Ted Benson, Senior Account Manager,  LandAmerica Transnation Title, Certified Real Estate Instructor - Environmental Issues, RE Law & Marketing)

Kitsap County Board of Health Ordinance 2008-1, Section 13D (pg 69), requires property owners with septic systems to apply to the Health District for an “Evaluation of Onsite Sewage System for Property Ownership Conveyance” when selling the property. The Health District wants to help make compliance with State and local ordinance as easy as possible therefore this requirement will be EFFECTIVE FOR ALL PROPERTIES WITH SEPTIC SYSTEMS THAT ARE LISTED ON SEPT 1, 2008 AND THEREAFTER.

THE STEPS:

1. Gather Information:

     Determine if records of the septic system are on file at the Health District office. If no records exist owner must provide a “Record of Construction” see Section 12C.3 (page56). A certified septic designer may be employed to produce a “Record of Construction” however Section 13.D.3.a) does not require a designer to prepare the “Record of Construction” ---it only requires that whoever does it meets the site plan requirements (e.g. draw to scale, show property lines, structures, utilities, OSS components, etc). The site plan requirements are contained on the Health District’s web site under “Applications and Forms” and in “Policy #2”. (Ted’s Tip-To minimize potential future liability extreme care should be taken to insure accuracy of the “Record of Construction” if it is not prepared by a professional septic designer.) 

         Complete the “Evaluation…” application form. (Forms are expected to be available week of August 11th.)

• Make check for the “Evaluation…” application payable to the Kitsap County Health District. (KCHD). Initially the fee will be $202.

• Obtain a copy of the septic tank inspection report from a certified septic pumping company that has been done within the last 3 years. If the owner does not have the report or the tank hasn’t been pumped or inspected within the last 3 years the owner will need to consider employing a certified septic inspecting/pumping company to have this done. (See note below regarding frequency of inspections that are required for “Alternative” type of septic systems)

• Obtain evidence of any and all corrections or repairs that the septic pumping company’s inspection noted needing attention, correction or repair.

2. Submit to the Health District Office : (Health Dist .will not “hold” applications for pump reports or other items required for application. To avoid delays and extra costs have all these items together and submit along with the “Evaluation…” application. )

• The completed “Evaluation…” application.
• Check for the fee
• Septic pumping company’s inspection report
• Evidence of completed repairs and corrections. 
• Remember if the Health District does not have any records on file a “Record of Construction” will be required.

Ted’s Tip! Submit early before anticipated closing date to have time to address any additional issues if necessary. The Health District recommends submitting this before or immediately after the property is listed… “Playing the time game in anticipation of a closing date seems to fail more often than not.”  

3. Then… the Health District Inspector will pull a copy of the records (if any) on file, conduct the site inspection, and issue the “Evaluation…” report within 7 business days. (If violations exist and an Order to Correct is issued corrections must be made. Re-application may be made for an amended report after legal corrections have been completed. Health Dist. will not “hold” the final report for issues to be resolved.) (Fee for amended report not yet determined, by the H. District as of 29 July 2008)

REMINDER- Additional requirements for Alternative Systems:

Alternative type septic systems must be under contract with a certified operations and maintenance contractor. The annual report must be on file with the Health District and any corrections or repairs disclosed by the annual inspection report must be completed prior to submitting the “Evaluation …” application to the Health District office. (Reminder: Alternative Septic Systems are all those septic systems that are not conventional gravity or pump to gravity type of systems.)

(“Ted’s Tips” is by Ted Benson, Senior Account Manager,  LandAmerica Transnation Title, Certified Real Estate Instructor -Environmental Issues, RE Law & Marketing)

The above information is a brief overview of just some of the requirements under the local health district ordinances and requirements for onsite sewage disposal systems. No liability is assumed for inaccuracies or reliance thereon. For further information and details consult with a health district official in the On Site program division and review the ordinance 2008-1 http://www.kitsapcountyhealth.com/environmenta_health/onsite/docs/KCBOHO2008-01.pdf

 Ted would be happy to help you obtain septic records and preliminary title commitments for your listings or discuss the new ordinance with you. Please feel free to call him- Ted Benson, LandAmerica Transnation Title 360-731-9806

Copyright 2008 Ted Benson All Rights Reserved. Permission to reprint granted provided this credit is given.