La Plata County: septic rules when you sell
Continued Use Permit (formerly Transfer of Title Acceptance Document)
Under La Plata County's OWTS regulations effective March 2, 2026, most properties served by a septic system must be inspected before sale and obtain a Continued Use Permit (the new name for the former Transfer of Title Acceptance Document). A NAWT-certified third-party inspector does the inspection; the nonrefundable county administrative fee is $120. Apply at least two weeks before closing.
County fee $120 nonrefundable administrative fee (applies to both standard and conditional permits), per the 2026 OWTS fee schedule.
Inspector requirement Third-party inspector must hold NAWT (National Association of Wastewater Technicians) certification. The county maintains a courtesy list of inspectors.
When to apply Apply at least two weeks before the expected closing date. Email eh@lpcgov.org or apply in person at 185 Suttle Street, Durango. County review takes about three business days after complete paperwork and payment are received.
| Inspection at sale | Properties served by a septic system are required to undergo inspection prior to sale and obtain a Continued Use Permit. Rules reflect the new county OWTS regulation effective March 2, 2026 (adopted January 15, 2026), aligned with Colorado Regulation 43. |
|---|---|
| County fee | $120 nonrefundable administrative fee (applies to both standard and conditional permits), per the 2026 OWTS fee schedule. source ↗ |
| Inspector requirement | Third-party inspector must hold NAWT (National Association of Wastewater Technicians) certification. The county maintains a courtesy list of inspectors. |
| When to apply | Apply at least two weeks before the expected closing date. Email eh@lpcgov.org or apply in person at 185 Suttle Street, Durango. County review takes about three business days after complete paperwork and payment are received. |
| If the system fails | If the inspection shows the system malfunctioning or improperly permitted, apply for a Conditional Continued Use Permit, attaching the inspection report plus a signed buyers' Agreement to Repair or Alter the OWTS documenting repairs the buyer will complete after closing. |
| Exemptions | Exempt: OWTS installed/approved by the county within 4 years of closing; system repaired/approved within 1 year (with NAWT report submitted); non-arm's-length transactions; transfers creating/ending joint ownership with the original owner/spouse/parent/child; transfer to a trust in the same name or an LLC with the original owner as director; and foreclosure or forfeiture (but not subsequent resale). Note: even when county-exempt, title companies, realtors, or buyers may still require it. |
Details to confirm with the county
We couldn't confirm the following from La Plata County's official pages. Check these with the county before you rely on them:
- Explicit winter/snow inspection rule (not stated on the septic-systems program page)
- Stated validity period of the Continued Use Permit / Acceptance Document (not specified on the program page)
Verified July 2026 · Source: La Plata County Public Health — Septic Systems / Continued Use Permit