For years, selling a home with a septic system in El Paso County meant completing a county-required transfer-of-title septic inspection before closing.
That has officially changed.
Effective July 11, 2026, El Paso County Public Health no longer requires a certified Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) inspection or a Property Sale Acceptance Document in order to transfer ownership of a property served by a septic system.
At first glance, that may sound like one less hurdle during the transaction. While that's true, it does not necessarily mean buyers should skip a septic inspection.
What changed?
Following a public hearing on May 27, the El Paso County Board of Health voted to remove the mandatory inspection requirement for property transfers involving septic systems.
This means:
- Sellers no longer need county approval before closing.
- Title companies no longer need a Property Sale Acceptance Document.
- The county inspection process is now voluntary.
Should buyers still have the septic system inspected?
In almost every case, my answer is yes.
A septic system is one of the most expensive components of a property to repair or replace. Even though the county no longer requires the inspection, it remains one of the most valuable due diligence tools available.
A certified inspection can help identify:
- System condition
- Maintenance concerns
- Potential failures
- Permit history
- Proper operation and care
The inspection provides valuable information before closing, when buyers still have options.
One important thing hasn't changed
If you're financing the purchase, don't assume your lender has eliminated its requirements.
Some lenders continue to require septic inspections before they will fund the loan.
This is why I always recommend confirming lender requirements early in the transaction to avoid surprises just before closing.
Sellers still have disclosure responsibilities
Even though the county requirement has changed, Colorado disclosure laws have not.
Sellers must still disclose any known issues with the septic system, and it's still wise to gather:
- Pumping records
- Installation information
- Repair records
- Permits, if available
The more documentation available, the smoother the transaction tends to be.
My recommendation
While this regulation removes one mandatory step, I don't believe it changes what is best for buyers.
If I were representing a buyer purchasing a home with a septic system in El Paso County, I would still recommend including a septic inspection during the inspection period.
Protecting clients through education and informed decisions has always been part of my job, and this is no exception.
If you're buying or selling a home with a septic system anywhere in Colorado Springs, Monument, Black Forest, Peyton, Falcon, or throughout El Paso County, I'd be happy to help you understand what applies to your specific property.
Source: El Paso County Public Health OWTS Program
