Septic Inspections for Home Sales in El Paso County
El Paso County's revised septic rules no longer require an inspection to sell a home. This page covers what is still required, who may inspect, and what an inspection covers.
Is a septic inspection required to sell a house in El Paso County?
No. El Paso County's revised OWTS regulations took effect on July 11, 2026 and removed the requirement for a certified septic inspection at property sale. El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) now offers its certified inspection review as a voluntary service.
EPCPH's summary of the 2026 changes puts it plainly: "Previously: Required at property sale. Updated: Property sale inspection requirement removed." The document the county issues after a review has also been renamed a Notice of Determination (retrieved 2026-10-20). Older guides and listings that mention a required "Property Sale Acceptance Document" describe the rules before July 11, 2026.
When is a certified septic inspection still required in El Paso County?
A certified inspection is still required for change-of-use requests and cesspool remediation requests. EPCPH can also require one at its discretion for other reasons.
The 2026 update gives examples of a change of use, such as adding a bedroom or changing to a commercial use. A change-of-use review requires a system verification, and the system must be working as intended.
Does Colorado require septic inspections when a home is sold?
Not statewide. Colorado's Regulation 43 (section 43.4.L) says a local board of health "may choose" to require a transfer-of-title inspection, and "is not required to develop a transfer of title inspection program".
Whether one is needed therefore depends on the county, and since July 11, 2026 El Paso County no longer requires one (EPCPH 2026 update).
Who can do a certified septic inspection in El Paso County?
A Certified Inspector, which the county defines as a person certified by the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) or an equivalent program that EPCPH approves (Chapter 8, section 8.3).
Under Chapter 8 section 8.4.D.2, the inspector must submit the report to EPCPH electronically within 7 days of the inspection, and the inspection is valid for 12 months. EPCPH keeps a public list of certified inspectors on its Find an OWTS Professional page.
What does a certified septic inspection report cover?
A complete description of the condition and function of every part of the system, with photos of anything failing. Chapter 8 (section 8.4.D.2.c) lists what the report must include:
- a current record drawing, verified by the inspector;
- tanks and risers, effluent piping, and tees and baffles;
- filters, alarms, pumps and other mechanical devices, plus every component of any advanced treatment unit;
- the soil treatment area, including ponding, surfacing, the condition of the vegetation, odors and drainage patterns;
- any malfunctioning or failing components, unapproved discharges, or signs of system failure;
- any parts of the system that sit too close to setbacks, on or off the property.
The U.S. EPA's general inspection checklist also includes reviewing pumping and maintenance records, measuring sludge and scum levels to decide whether the tank needs pumping, and possibly running a camera through the pipes and leach lines.
Should a buyer still get a septic inspection?
It's now the buyer's and seller's choice, not a county rule. On its certified inspection resources page, EPCPH says that understanding a system's condition "helps property owners and prospective buyers make informed decisions".
It describes the optional review as "supporting informed decision-making during property transactions" (retrieved 2026-10-20).
The EPA separately recommends having a septic system inspected every 1 to 3 years for as long as you own the home, not only when buying.
What does El Paso County charge for an inspection review?
EPCPH's OWTS Fee Based Services schedule (revised January 2025; retrieved 2026-10-20) lists a review for a property's first OWTS at $368 and for each additional OWTS at $281. That schedule predates the July 2026 changes and still uses the old "Property Sale Review" name, so confirm the current fee with EPCPH before you apply.
The inspector's own fee is separate and set by the inspector.