Jefferson County: septic rules when you sell
Use Permit Program (OWTS)
Before selling a Jefferson County property on a septic system that is more than 5 years old, the owner must have the system inspected and obtain a use permit. The county's application fee is $100 (inspectors set their own separate inspection fee). Submit the application at least 10 working days before closing; the permit is valid until closing or 6 months, whichever comes first.
County fee $100 nonrefundable use permit application fee (set by the Board of Health). Inspectors set their own separate inspection fee.
Inspector requirement The county does not mandate a specific certification — inspectors must use the county's forms and criteria; if an inspector performs poorly the county reports them to their credentialing organization or the state PE board. (NAWT is not required.)
When to apply Submit the application no less than 10 working days before the scheduled closing date. Forms 701 and 703 must be filed within 30 days of preparation; the septic-tank inspection form is valid 12 months.
| Inspection at sale | Prior to the sale of a property with a septic system, the owner must have the system inspected and obtain a use permit. Applies to systems installed more than 5 years prior to the sale date. |
|---|---|
| County fee | $100 nonrefundable use permit application fee (set by the Board of Health). Inspectors set their own separate inspection fee. source ↗ |
| Inspector requirement | The county does not mandate a specific certification — inspectors must use the county's forms and criteria; if an inspector performs poorly the county reports them to their credentialing organization or the state PE board. (NAWT is not required.) |
| When to apply | Submit the application no less than 10 working days before the scheduled closing date. Forms 701 and 703 must be filed within 30 days of preparation; the septic-tank inspection form is valid 12 months. source ↗ |
| Validity | A use permit is valid until the date of real estate closing, or 6 months, whichever comes first. |
| Winter rule | Inspections can still be done under snow cover — a reasonably thorough inspection is possible, but the presence of snow cover will be noted on the permit as a limiting inspection condition. |
| If the system fails | Any inspection item marked 'fail' (a 'critical' item) must be corrected before the county will issue a use permit. For failing systems the owner obtains a repair permit; a Waiver of Use Permit for Failing Systems (Form 900) process exists. |
Details to confirm with the county
We couldn't confirm the following from Jefferson County's official pages. Check these with the county before you rely on them:
- Exemptions beyond the 5-year (system age) rule were not enumerated on the official pages reviewed.
Verified July 2026 · Source: Jefferson County (Jeffco Public Health) — OWTS Use Permit Program