Durango 970 247 5702 | Pagosa Springs 970 264 2409 Facebook Twitter About Us Programs & Services Contact Us On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is the regulatory authority for on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) permitting in La Plata, Archuleta, and San Juan Counties, and the southwestern portion of Hinsdale County (by Williams Reservoir). SJBPH has regulated OWTS, also known as septic systems, since 1967. Application forms and further information for Transfer of Title (property sales), Permitting, Inspections, Installers and Cleaners, and the availability of Personal Information in our database can be found on the appropriate tabs below. Need to submit paperwork to the OWTS team? Need to make payment for OWTS services? Transfer of Title Permits Inspections Installers & Cleaners Personal Information in Our Database Beginning January 1, 2019, most properties served by a septic system in Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan Counties are required to undergo inspection prior to sale. This requirement helps identify failing and hazardous systems and protects property buyers from unforeseen repair obligations. If you are selling a property with a septic system that is more than four years old (as of the expected closing date), take the following steps: Before listing the property for sale, use the green banner link above to download a copy of your existing septic system permit. Check the approved use (including the permitted number of dwellings and bedrooms) and look for a final signature at the bottom or bottom-right of the permit (usually under “this system has been inspected and found to conform to the above requirements” or similar language). Permits were first required in 1967 and older homes may be served by unpermitted systems that still need inspection. If the system is properly permitted for the uses currently on site (as reported by the County Assessor), or appears to be older than 1967, have the system inspected by a third-party NAWT-certified inspector (see our courtesy list of local inspectors). If the system is not properly permitted for the uses on site, visit the “Permits” tab on this page to learn how to apply for a proper permit for the system. If the inspection cannot be completed prior to closing due to snow cover, frozen ground, etc., you may still legally sell the property if the buyers agree to have the inspection performed when conditions allow and to be responsible for all deficiencies identified. Use this form to apply for a Conditional Transfer of Title Acceptance Document (see submission instructions above) and attach a fully executed Buyers Agreement to Inspect. If the inspection finds that your system is functioning acceptably, use this form to apply for a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document at least two weeks before your expected closing date (see submission instructions above) and attach a copy of the Inspection Report you receive from your inspector. If the inspection finds that your system is not functioning acceptably, visit the “Permits” tab on this page to determine if you need to apply for a repair or alteration permit, or only need to perform maintenance on the system. If you only need to perform maintenance not requiring a permit, have the identified maintenance performed by a qualified professional and submit documentation that the maintenance is complete along with your Application for a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document. If repairs or alterations cannot be completed prior to closing, you may still legally sell the property if the buyers agree to complete the necessary improvements. Use this form to apply for a Conditional Transfer of Title Acceptance Document (see the submission instructions above), and attach a copy of your Inspection Report and a fully executed Buyers Agreement to Repair or Alter. Once you have applied for an Acceptance Document, pay the $90 administrative fee (see payment instructions above). If you pay online, write “Transfer of Title” in the “Description” field and write the property address in the “Invoice number/Customer Name” field. It generally takes SJBPH about three business days to review an Application for a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document and either issue an Acceptance Document or request more information from the applicant. Acceptance Documents are issued by email to all email addresses provided on the application. Once the document is issued, take it to your closing or provide it to your title company. If you are selling a property with a septic system that is less than four years old (as of the expected closing date), you may be exempt from the Transfer of Title Inspections Requirement. Use the green banner link above to download a copy of your existing permit. If the date of the final signature at the bottom right is less than four years old on the closing date, the system is exempt from additional inspections at time of sale. Be aware that some buyers’ agents will add a requirement for a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document into real estate contracts, even if the property is exempt from the legal requirement to obtain one. Certain types of transactions are exempt from the Transfer of Title Inspections Requirement: The transfer is not an arm’s length transaction (for example, inheritance, including a spouse) The transfer is creating or ending joint ownership, with one original owner remaining on the title Creating trusts and LLCs in the same name as the original owner Foreclosure Note: sales of bank-owned and Public Trustee-owned properties are NOT exempt. In these cases, inspections may need to be ordered by the buyer. Complete list of Transfer of Title forms and guidance documents: Transfer of Title Inspections: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers Application for a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document SJBPH Transfer of Title Inspection Form Buyers’ Agreement to Repair or Alter an OWTS (attach this form to an application where identified repairs/alterations will not be completed before closing) Buyers’ Agreement to Inspect an OWTS (attach this form to an application where an inspection could not be performed before closing) As a courtesy, SJBPH maintains an unofficial registry of local certified inspectors. This list is not official or comprehensive and you should verify that an inspector’s certificate is current before contracting with them to do an inspection. There may be other certified inspectors on the NAWT website that do not appear on SJBPH’s courtesy list. Click here to search for an inspector on the NAWT website. OWTS Regulations Current copy of the OWTS regulations. SJBPH Fee Schedule Current fee schedule for services provided by San Juan Basin Public Health, including all OWTS permit, licensing, and transfer of title fees. Colorado statewide OWTS regulations Colorado OWTS resources, rules and information Do Your Part, Be Septic Smart! SJBPH SERVING LA PLATA AND ARCHULETA COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST COLORADO SINCE 1948. Hablamos español. HOURS Durango Office: Mon.-Fri. 8 am - 4:30 pm Pagosa Springs Office: Mon.-Thurs. 8 am -12 pm & 1 pm - 4:30 pm DURANGO | LA PLATA COUNTY 281 Sawyer Drive Durango, CO 81303 970 247 5702 Directions PAGOSA SPRINGS | ARCHULETA COUNTY 502 S. 8th Street Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 970 264 2409 Directions © 2021 San Juan Basin Public Health | All Rights Reserved Facebook Twitter