Health

Transfer of Title

Apply for an Acceptance Document or Submit an Inspection

A property served by an on-site wastewater treatment system must be inspected by a certified third party inspector to identify any conditions requiring repair and to 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 of the real estate transaction.  

LCDHE Agreement to Repair Document

Additional Transfer of Title Information and Instructions

Applying for an Acceptance Document

NOTE: There are some exceptional circumstances that may not require an acceptance document. These circumstances are outlined in the "Instructions for Sellers" and "Instructions for Buyers" tabs. 

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 from the date of the inspection. 

If the inspection report indicates repairs are necessary, those must be completed before you apply for the Acceptance Document. If the Purchaser will be responsible for repairs  a Conditional Acceptance Document may be issued with an Agreement to Repair. 

If an inspection cannot be completed due to weather then either the buyer or seller should complete an Agreement to Inspect after the closing of the real estate transaction. 

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. Determine if the OWTS serving the property requires an Acceptance Document before the 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 the final approval less than three years from the date of the request for an Acceptance Document;
    2. The change in ownership is not an independent transaction where a buyer and seller are acting in their own self-interest.
      1. Example: transfers between family members, estate transactions, or foreclosures. 
    3. The change in ownership creates or ends a joint ownership as long as one person is an original owner or the spouse, parent, or child of an original owner. 
      1. Example: when a couple separates and one of the parties still owns the property. 
    4. The transfer is to a trust or limited liability company (LLC) 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 living quarters, etc.) should match with how the property will be listed for sale. It is worth mentioning here that not all properties have a permit, many properties built prior to 1973 do not have permit records available unless the system was repaired or upgraded after 1973. 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 if it appears to be older than 1973, the next step is to have the system inspected by an inspector certified by 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. 
     
  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. 
      1. If the repair is for the taken and is a "minor" repair, the soil treatment area will still need to be inspected.
    2. Agreement to Repair- If the department determines that the OWTS does not meet the requirements,  either the seller or the buyer may agree to obtain a repair permit and complete all necessary repairs within 180 days of the closing date. An Agreement to Repair signed and notarized may be submitted with the application. 
  5. If an inspection cannot be completed prior to closing due weather conditions or lack of access, you may still legally sell the property if any of the parties agree to have the system inspected.  Whichever party signs the Agreement to Inspect will be responsible for all deficiencies identified. 

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 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 living quarters, 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.

    It is worth mentioning here that not all properties have a permit, many properties built prior to 1973 do not have permit records available unless the system was repaired or upgraded after 1973. Homes built before 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.
  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 the final approval less than three years from the date of the request for an Acceptance Document.
    2. The change in ownership is not an independent transaction where a buyer and seller are acting in their own self-interest.
      1. Example: transfers between family members, estate transactions, or foreclosures. 
    3. The change in ownership creates or ends a joint ownership as long as one person is an original owner or the spouse, parent, or child of an original owner. 
      1. Example: when a couple separates and one of the parties still owns the property. 
    4. The transfer is to a trust or limited liability company (LLC) 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 before 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 weather conditions or lack of access, 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 a licensed OWTS inspector in Larimer County, you must hold and maintain a current National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) Inspector certification. State regulations require a current NAWT Inspector 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

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 before your inspection. The form will adjust the items requiring inspection based on the type of system installed; gravity tank and soil treatment area versus dosing tank and pressure distribution, among others. 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 a Transfer of Title Program, property served by an on-site wastewater treatment system must be inspected by a certified third 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 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 inspection requirements such as systems that were installed in the last three years, property acquired through inheritance, property 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 has been completed:

    1. The inspector will submit the report to LCDHE for review. There is an online system to submit inspection reports and applications. 

    2. An owner or owner’s agent may also request an acceptance document and submit a copy of the  inspection report.  

    3. 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.  

  6. What happens if an inspection fails?

    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 date.

  7. What about inspections during the winter?

    If the ground is covered with snow or frozen or lack of access to the system 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 date.