|
FACT
SHEET -TIME OF SALE
Q. What is required at the time of sale for septic systems?
A. The septic tank must be uncovered and pumped out by a licensed
septic tank pumper so a representative of our office may verify
the size and condition of the septic tank. Also, verification
of a lateral field following the septic tank is required.
1. Pumpers from outside of the county may be used, but they must
be on the DNR's licensed pumper list.
2. If the house was built, or the system installed, after 1989
we will do a record search for a permit on the system. If our
office has a permit on file, the septic tank will still need to
be inspected. The representative from our office will also walk
the lateral field and look for signs of failure. If no permit
exists, we will still inspect the existing septic tank and look
for a surface discharge.
3. We will also be inspecting the plumbing inside the house.
Q. What constitutes a lateral field?
A. A series of perforated pipes in varying lengths which do not
discharge to the ground surface.
1. There is no such thing as a surface discharge from a tank,
i.e. into a ditch, tile or stream being grandfathered. These are
illegal and a new system will need to be installed.
2. If there are no records of a lateral field and no signs of
a surface discharge further verification shall be required.
Q.
What if the septic system does not meet the code requirements?
A. A properly sized septic tank and/or a lateral field will need
to be installed.
Q.
Who is responsible for the inspection and upgrades?
A. The Cerro Gordo County Ordinance is written so that at time
of sale the seller is responsible for having the inspection completed.
If the property is transferred without an inspection, it then
becomes the responsibility of the buyer.
Q.
What is this going to cost?
A. Most septic tanks will cost $120-$175 to pump, as it is based
on the size of the tank and individual pumpers. If the septic
tank needs to be unearthed, a backhoe will cost $75-$150/hour.
These fees are only estimates and not intended to be used for
financial planning purposes. Cerro Gordo County is not responsible
if the contractor charges a higher rate.
Our fee for time of sale inspections is $150.00. Systems that
fail the inspection will be required to obtain a septic permit
for installing a new system. If the new system is installed in
six months no additional permit fee is required. However, if the
system is not installed within six months, an additional $150
permit fee is required.
Q. If a system is pumped, inspected, and passed, but fails
a short time later what happens?
A. This program is intended to find illegal discharges and to
provide education to new homeowners. We have a one-time glimpse
of the septic system and it is impossible to determine when or
if the system will fail. We have in good faith tried to provide
the parties with useful information regarding the septic system.
|
