What Should Buyers Know About Septic Systems and Wells in Gunnison County?

If you buy a home with a septic system in unincorporated Gunnison County, the system generally must be inspected before the title transfers, and the county issues an acceptance document. Gunnison County does not issue well permits. The Colorado Division of Water Resources does.

Does Gunnison County require a septic inspection when you buy a home?

Yes, in unincorporated areas. In June 2018, commissioners approved a point-of-sale inspection requirement that took effect in June 2019. Before a property with an onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) changes hands, the system must be inspected and shown to function as designed, and the county's Environmental Health office issues a Transfer of Title acceptance document. Septic rules in the Crested Butte watershed can be stricter, with periodic inspections. The county's Environmental Health page offers the acceptance form, application and a flow chart. Because the rule was described in a 2018 article, confirm the current process and fees with the county.

How long is the inspection good for?

According to the 2018 coverage, an inspection is valid for two years. That matters if a sale falls through and you are working on a second contract.

What if the system needs repairs?

The county has allowed conditional acceptance. If repairs are needed, a buyer can agree to complete them within 90 days of closing. If the system is inaccessible because of snow or frozen ground, the buyer can prepay for an inspection and agree to complete it when the property is accessible. This is a real issue in a place with long winters, so build it into your timeline.

Are any sales exempt?

Per the 2018 report, newly built or newly repaired systems (within four years) and transfers resulting from death or foreclosure were exempt. Ask the county whether your situation qualifies.

Who issues well permits in Gunnison County?

Not the county. The Gunnison County website states it does not issue well permits. The Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR) does, and a licensed well driller can help you obtain a permit to drill. DWR's Montrose office can be reached at (970) 249-6622, and the Denver office at (303) 866-3581.

What should I ask about a well before I buy?

I'm not a water engineer, but these are the questions I encourage buyers to ask:

• Is there a permit on file? Ask the seller for the well permit number and confirm it with DWR.
• What are the permitted uses? Permits can limit how water may be used, such as household use versus irrigation or livestock.
• How is the water quality and flow? A water test and a flow test by a qualified professional are inexpensive compared with the cost of a problem.
• Is there a shared well agreement? Some properties share a well, which should be documented.

What about land and acreage?

If you are buying vacant land, water and wastewater are two of the first questions. Ask whether a well can be permitted, whether the soils support a septic system, and what the county's land use requirements are for the zone. Include the due diligence period in your contract so you have time to answer those questions.

How do septic and wells connect to the rest of the purchase?

Your offer, inspection deadline, and closing date should leave room for a septic inspection, particularly between late fall and spring when snow and frozen ground can delay access. Your title company, lender, and the county Environmental Health office all play a part, and a local agent can help coordinate them.

What is the best order of operations for a rural purchase?

Here is how I like to sequence it for buyers. Start by confirming the property is in unincorporated Gunnison County and whether it has a septic system, a well, or both. Request the septic records and the well permit number from the seller early. Build the septic inspection and any water testing into your inspection period, and leave extra room if the property could be snowed in. Then ask your lender and title company whether anything about wells or septic affects the loan. Finally, ask the county Environmental Health office how conditional acceptance would work for your situation. Doing these in order keeps surprises out of the closing week.

Frequently asked questions

Is a septic inspection required to sell a house in Gunnison County?

In unincorporated areas, yes, a point-of-sale inspection and county acceptance document are required for properties with septic systems, per the county's rules described in 2018. Confirm current details with Environmental Health.

Who handles septic rules in Gunnison County?

Gunnison County Environmental Health, 200 E. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison.

Can I get a well permit from Gunnison County?

No. Well permits are issued by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

What if there is snow on the ground at closing?

Conditional acceptance may allow a prepaid inspection once the system is accessible. Ask the county how it applies to your sale.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Gunnison, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties.
Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Sources: Crested Butte News, "County commissioners change septic system regulations" (June 2018); Gunnison County Environmental Health (OWTS) page; Gunnison County Well Permits page.