Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) has heard a number of different thoughts and concerns as we have been discussing the idea of a property transfer regulation. BCPH has met with homeowners, realtors, mortgage bankers, engineers, installers, pumpers, other regulatory agencies (in Colorado and in other states), academics, and Boulder County municipalities. It's important to note that the majority of homeowners in Boulder County are already handling their wastewater appropriately by either operating an approved septic system or by paying a municipal treatment plant to do it for them.

One common area of agreement is that it makes sense to protect our water and ensure that sewage is handled appropriately. Many people agree that giving people a grace period to address this issue is appropriate, while others feel people should bring their systems into compliance right away.

Many septic system owners felt that the best time for them to address the issue was when they were selling their properties. Then they wouldn't need to get a loan or spend a large portion of their savings right away. When selling their homes, owners would recognize the value of the property and would be more amenable to making necessary repairs.

We have heard concerns from realtors that this regulation would be yet another issue to deal with during a sale, and it could affect the sale. BCPH has addressed this concern in part by working in collaboration with realtors to develop a “Realtor Kit” that includes all of the information they need.

Mortgage bankers were concerned there wouldn't be enough money available at the time of sale with which to make these repairs. BCPH has identified a low interest loan through Longs Peak Energy (link) and a grant program through USDA Rural Development (link). Professionals in the septic industry wanted to make sure there was adequate time to handle the workload, especially given weather delays. BCPH has addressed this by extending the time frame for conducting repairs to within one year of the sale of the property.

Other Q & A:

Why enact a property transfer regulation?

How does it work?

See also - focus group feedback.

Because it matters to your health & family, our water, and your home value.

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