Mineral County: septic rules when you sell
OWTS Transfer of Title (Acceptance Document)
Mineral County's septic program is run by the Silver Thread Public Health District (STPHD). Since January 1, 2020, selling or transferring a property served by a septic system requires an inspection by a NAWT-certified inspector and an Acceptance Document from the county Land Use Office. The county administrative fee is $50.
County fee $50.00 county administrative fee (paid at the Hinsdale or Mineral County Administration office by cash or check).
Inspector requirement Inspection must be performed by a NAWT (National Association of Wastewater Technicians)-certified OWTS inspector using the STPHD-approved inspection form. Inspectors are independent contractors, not STPHD staff.
When to apply After the system is inspected by a NAWT inspector, the owner, transferor, or real estate agent submits the Application for an Acceptance Document plus the inspection report and $50 fee to County OWTS staff for review; must be completed before the sale is finalized.
| Inspection at sale | Beginning January 1, 2020, a property owner of a residence or structure served by an OWTS must have the system inspected to demonstrate it is functioning prior to sale or transfer of title, and obtain an Acceptance Document from the Mineral County Land Use Office (the county point of contact for STPHD). |
|---|---|
| County fee | $50.00 county administrative fee (paid at the Hinsdale or Mineral County Administration office by cash or check). source ↗ |
| Inspector requirement | Inspection must be performed by a NAWT (National Association of Wastewater Technicians)-certified OWTS inspector using the STPHD-approved inspection form. Inspectors are independent contractors, not STPHD staff. |
| When to apply | After the system is inspected by a NAWT inspector, the owner, transferor, or real estate agent submits the Application for an Acceptance Document plus the inspection report and $50 fee to County OWTS staff for review; must be completed before the sale is finalized. |
| Validity | Not stated in the STPHD/county Transfer of Title materials. |
| Winter rule | If the OWTS is not accessible (e.g., snow), a Conditional Acceptance Document can be issued via an Agreement to Inspect and Agreement to Repair/Replace, with the inspection completed when conditions allow (per the STPHD Transfer of Title process chart). |
| If the system fails | If the inspector finds a deficiency, repairs must be completed within 90 days after submittal of the inspection report (sooner if County OWTS staff determine an imminent health hazard such as surfacing sewage exists). A repair permit ($250) is required; a new system requires the STPHD OWTS permitting process ($500). A conditional acceptance document may be issued in the interim. |
| Exemptions | Exempt properties/situations are set out in the STPHD OWTS Rules and Regulations VIII [43.4 L]; see STPHD regulations for the full list. |
Details to confirm with the county
We couldn't confirm the following from Mineral County's official pages. Check these with the county before you rely on them:
- Full list of specific exemptions (referenced to STPHD Rules §VIII [43.4 L] but not itemized in the county-facing Transfer of Title materials)
- Stated validity period of the Mineral/STPHD Acceptance Document
Verified July 2026 · Source: Mineral County Land Use Office / Silver Thread Public Health District — OWTS Transfer of Title