Lake County: septic rules when you sell
Transfer of Title (TOT) Use Permit
In Lake County, property owners must obtain a Transfer of Title (TOT) Use Permit from the Lake County Public Health Agency before selling or transferring a property served by a septic system. A NAWT-certified inspector evaluates the system (do NOT pump before the inspection). The application fee is $60 plus an $11 processing fee ($71 total).
County fee $60 application fee plus an $11 processing fee ($71 total).
Inspector requirement The OWTS must be evaluated by a NAWT-certified inspector. Contact the LCPHA OWTS environmental health specialist for a list of qualified Lake County inspectors/pumpers.
When to apply Apply before the sale/transfer. The system inspection report must be less than 365 days old. After closing, new owners have 60 days to apply for the septic permit transfer or the permit becomes invalid.
| Inspection at sale | A TOT Use Permit is required before the sale or transfer of title of any residence or building served by an OWTS. The owner, transferor, or agent applies via the Transfer of Title application. Important: do NOT have the tank pumped before the inspection — pumping is part of the inspection. |
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| County fee | $60 application fee plus an $11 processing fee ($71 total). |
| Inspector requirement | The OWTS must be evaluated by a NAWT-certified inspector. Contact the LCPHA OWTS environmental health specialist for a list of qualified Lake County inspectors/pumpers. |
| When to apply | Apply before the sale/transfer. The system inspection report must be less than 365 days old. After closing, new owners have 60 days to apply for the septic permit transfer or the permit becomes invalid. |
| Winter rule | Inspections cannot occur in winter and must cease once snow covers the Soil Treatment Area. To close without an inspection, the buyer signs a notarized inspection agreement to have the system inspected in the spring (and complete any needed repairs/replacement); LCPHA requires a copy of the agreement to issue the TOT Use Permit before closing. Homeowners should contact Lake County Environmental Health for instructions on how to proceed in winter. |
| If the system fails | The system must be repaired or replaced if necessary. Lake County provides a Conditional Inspection Agreement and a Conditional Repair Agreement (PDFs) to handle deferred inspections and required repairs. |
| Exemptions | Not all systems require an inspection. Qualifying exemptions exist (see the county's Exemption List); to claim one, submit the Exemption Request Form for LCPHA approval. A TOT Use Permit application is still required even if an inspection is exempt. |
Verified July 2026 · Source: Lake County Public Health Agency — Septic System Transfer of Title (TOT) Use Permit