Pitkin County: septic rules when you sell
OWTS Use Permit
In Pitkin County, an OWTS Use Permit is required before you can sell a property served by a septic system (and before a building permit on such a property). A licensed systems inspector inspects the septic system; if it passes, the county issues the Use Permit. The current county fee is $185 per permit.
County fee $185 per permit (Environmental Health fee schedule). Note: an older county brochure lists $100; the fee schedule is the current authoritative figure.
Inspector requirement Inspection must be performed by a Licensed Systems Inspector from the county's list of licensed inspectors.
When to apply An inspection report is valid for one year; the homeowner has one year from the inspection date to apply for a Use Permit. For passing systems, the county processes the Use Permit within 3-5 business days of a complete application.
| Inspection at sale | As of July 1, 2010, an OWTS Use Permit is required prior to the sale of a property served by an existing OWTS, and prior to issuance of a building permit on such a property. |
|---|---|
| County fee | $185 per permit (Environmental Health fee schedule). Note: an older county brochure lists $100; the fee schedule is the current authoritative figure. source ↗ |
| Inspector requirement | Inspection must be performed by a Licensed Systems Inspector from the county's list of licensed inspectors. source ↗ |
| When to apply | An inspection report is valid for one year; the homeowner has one year from the inspection date to apply for a Use Permit. For passing systems, the county processes the Use Permit within 3-5 business days of a complete application. |
| Validity | Use Permits are valid for one year from issuance. |
| If the system fails | If repairs are needed, the required construction/repair permits are expedited so the process does not delay closing. Once a construction permit is issued for each noncompliant OWTS and the buyer agrees in writing to complete the repair within the permit timeframe, the Use Permit requirement can be met. |
| Exemptions | Use Permit waived if each OWTS received final approval of an OWTS Construction Permit within the 5 years before closing; or a construction permit has been issued and the buyer agrees in writing to assume and complete the repairs; or the buyer agrees to demolish the dwelling and abandon the OWTS within a set period; or a remodel/addition valued at $30,000 or less that does not add bedrooms or water use; or a detached structure (shed/barn) without plumbing. |
Details to confirm with the county
We couldn't confirm the following from Pitkin County's official pages. Check these with the county before you rely on them:
- Explicit winter/snow inspection rule (not stated in the Use Permit brochure or checklist)
Verified July 2026 · Source: Pitkin County Environmental Health — OWTS Use Permit Program