Health

Transfer of Title

Apply for an Acceptance Document or Submit an Inspection

If a property has an on-site wastewater treatment system, it must be inspected by a certified third-party inspector. The inspection checks for any needed repairs and ensures the system is designed to match its current use. The inspector's report must be sent to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) before the real estate transaction is finalized. 

LCDHE Agreement to Repair Document

Additional Transfer of Title Information and Instructions

Applying for an Acceptance Document

In some cases, an Acceptance Document might not be required. Details about these exceptions can be found in the "Instructions for Sellers" and "Instructions for Buyers" sections.

Before applying for an Acceptance Document, the system must be inspected. If the system passes, an Acceptance Document will be issued and will be valid for 12 months from the inspection date.

If the inspection finds repairs are needed, those repairs must be finished before applying for the Acceptance Document. If the buyer agrees to handle the repairs, a Conditional Acceptance Document may be issued along with an Agreement to Repair.

If weather prevents an inspection, the buyer or seller can complete an Agreement to Inspect after the sale is finalized.

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

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

  1. Find out if the on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) for the property needs an Acceptance Document before the sale. Some situations are exceptions to the Transfer of Title rules, so an Acceptance Document is not required if any of the following apply:
  • The system received final approval less than three years ago from the date of the request for an Acceptance Document.

  • The ownership change is not a standard transaction between a buyer and seller acting in their own self-interest.

    Examples: Transfers between family members, estate settlements, or foreclosures.

  1. The ownership change adds or removes a joint owner, as long as one person is the original owner or their spouse, parent, or child.

    Example: When a couple separates, and one person keeps ownership of the property.

     

  2. The transfer is to a trust or limited liability company (LLC) where the original owner is a member. 

     

  3. If the property is transferred due to foreclosure or forfeiture, an inspection and Acceptance Document are not needed at that time. However, the next transfer by the foreclosing entity will require an inspection and Acceptance Document.

     

  4. If the OWTS doesn’t qualify for one of the exceptions, review the permit records to ensure the system’s approved use matches the property’s actual conditions. For example, the number of bedrooms listed on the permit and any additional connections (like garages, barns, or accessory living quarters) should align with how the property is being sold. Keep in mind that many properties built before 1973 may not have permit records unless the system was repaired or upgraded after that time. Even unpermitted systems on older homes will still need an 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.

     

  5. If the system has the correct permit for its current use or is from before 1973, the next step is to have it inspected by a certified inspector from the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT). View the list of certified inspectors.  

    If the system is not properly permitted for the current use, you can find more information on how to obtain 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. 
     

  6. If the inspection shows your system isn’t working properly and needs repairs, you have a few options:

    Owner Completes Repairs: Get a repair permit and fix the system. Once the repairs are finished, the system can be transferred without needing an acceptance document. You can find more information about getting a repair permit [here].

    Minor Repairs: If the repair is minor and involves the tank, the soil treatment area will still need to be inspected.

    Agreement to Repair: If the OWTS system does not meet requirements, the seller or buyer can agree to get a repair permit and complete the necessary repairs within 180 days after closing. A signed and notarized Agreement to Repair must be submitted with the application.

  7. If an inspection cannot be completed before closing due to weather or access issues, the property can still be sold legally. The party who signs the Agreement to Inspect will be responsible for addressing any problems found during the inspection.

Apply for an Acceptance Document This link will take you to our MyHD portal. Please note: first-time users will be asked 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 records to make sure the system matches how the property is being sold. The number of bedrooms and any additional connections, like garages, barns, or accessory living spaces, should match the approved use on the permit. You can find permit records using the Property Search tool on the County Assessor's page.

    Keep in mind that not all properties have a permit. Many homes built before 1973 don’t have permit records unless the system was repaired or upgraded after that year. Unpermitted systems from before 1973 will still need to be inspected. However, a permit is not required to get an acceptance document.

  2. Before selling the property, check if the on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) needs an inspection and Acceptance Document. Some situations are exceptions to this requirement. The system does not need an Acceptance Document if any of the following apply:

    a) Recent Approval: The system received final approval less than three years ago.

    b) Non-Independent Ownership Transfer: The ownership change isn’t a typical buyer-seller transaction where both act in their own self-interest.

    • Example: Transfers between family members, estate transactions, or foreclosures.

    c) Change in Joint Ownership: The change creates or ends joint ownership, as long as one person is the original owner or their spouse, parent, or child.

    • Example: When a couple separates, and one person retains ownership.

    d) Transfer to a Trust or LLC: Ownership is transferred to a trust or LLC where the original owner is a member.

    f) Foreclosure or Forfeiture: Transfers resulting from foreclosure or forfeiture don’t require inspection. However, if the foreclosing entity sells the property, an inspection and Acceptance Document will be required for that sale.

  3. If the system needs an inspection and Acceptance Document, ask the owner for a copy.

     

  4. If the inspection finds that the system isn't working properly and needs repairs, there are a few options:

    Owner Completes Repairs – The property owner gets a repair permit and fixes the system before the closing date.

    Agreement to Repair – If the system doesn’t meet the requirements for the Transfer of Title Acceptance Document, the person buying the property can agree in writing to take responsibility for getting a repair permit and fixing the system within 180 days of the closing.
     

  5. If the inspection can't be done before closing due to weather or lack of access, you can still buy the property if you agree in writing to have the inspection done once conditions allow and take responsibility for any issues found. A Conditional Transfer of Title Acceptance Document can be issued if the buyer agrees to complete the inspection later and, if necessary, get a repair or alteration permit within 180 days of the inspection. 

 

To become a licensed OWTS inspector in Larimer County, you must have a current National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) Inspector certification. State rules require that you maintain this certification.

If you recently passed the NAWT Inspector course and your information is not yet updated on the website, please send us a copy of your certification, and we will add you to the list of certified inspectors.

View the list of inspectors here

Inspections should be submitted to the Health Department using an online system called OnlineRME. To get ready to submit reports, visit 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 lets you create a specific inspection form for the system on the property before your inspection. The form will automatically adjust to include the items that need to be checked based on the type of system, such as a gravity tank with soil treatment area or a dosing tank with pressure distribution. Inspectors may also use the NAWT inspection.

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

View a list of Certified OWTS Inspectors Here


FAQs

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  1. What is a Transfer of Title program?

    Under the Transfer of Title Program, properties with an on-site wastewater treatment system must be inspected by a certified third-party inspector. The inspection checks for any needed repairs and ensures the system is suitable for its current use. The inspection report must be submitted to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) before the closing date.

  2. What is the purpose of the Transfer of Title program?

    A transfer of title inspection gives buyers peace of mind that the system is in working order, and  protects the interests of all involved.  

  3. Does every system require an inspection?

    No, there are several exemptions to the inspection requirements. These include systems installed in the last three years, properties acquired through inheritance, or properties transferred to a trust.

  4. Who completes the inspection?

    Inspections will be completed by third-party inspectors certified by the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) and licensed by Larimer County. A list of certified inspectors is available here.  
     

  5. What is the process for obtaining an Acceptance Document?

    Once an inspection is completed:

    1. The inspector will submit the report to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) for review. This is done through an online system.
    2. The property owner or their agent can also request an acceptance document and submit a copy of the inspection report.
    3. If the on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) passes inspection and meets all the required standards, LCDHE will issue an Acceptance Document. The Acceptance Document is valid until the closing date or for up to 12 months, whichever comes first.
  6. What happens if an inspection fails?

    If the on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) fails the inspection or is not suitable for an acceptance document, the property owner must apply for a repair permit to fix the issues.

    Alternatively, the buyer can agree to make the repairs themselves by filing an Agreement to Repair with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE). The buyer will then need to apply for a permit and complete the repairs within 180 days of the closing date.

  7. What about inspections during the winter?

    If snow or frozen ground, or lack of access to the system, prevents an inspection, a Conditional Acceptance Document may be issued. The buyer must agree in writing to complete the inspection and make any needed repairs within 180 days of the closing date.