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A Use Permit Program accomplishes the following:
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A “Use Permit” expressly authorizes the use of an OWTS. It recognizes that the owner of an OWTS is responsible for proper use and maintenance of the OWTS.
In cases where the home is being sold or changing ownership, the owner or seller of the home will be required to obtain the “Use Permit”. In all other cases, the current owner of the property will be required to obtain the “Use Permit”.
An approved and certified “third party” inspector will do the inspection. That inspector will check the septic tank, electrical connections, controls and pumps (if the OWTS has these), and the soil treatment area (leach field). The inspector will need to inspect all items listed on the Elbert County inspection form and answer whether or not they are acceptable. If the Record Drawing is inaccurate or does not exist, a current drawing must be submitted with the inspection report.
All deficiencies with the OWTS found by the inspector will need to be repaired before ECPH can issue a Conventional use permit. Examples of these include but are not limited to: electrical connections that don’t meet code, damaged septic tank lids, pump not working, risers and lids below grade, etc. You will need to provide verification that the repairs have been completed: Non permitted repair verification form.
A repair permit application must be submitted to (ECPH). A final inspection of the repair must be performed by (ECPH).
The owner, seller, use permit inspector, or real estate agent may submit an application.
If the OWTS was originally permitted by ECPH, the record can be obtained from ECPH by calling our office. Phone 303-621-3144
If the OWTS is malfunctioning (typically with surfacing sewage), or tank is no longer water-tight, the owner of the property will be required to obtain a repair permit from ECPH and repair the OWTS. Repair permits are valid for 30 days unless otherwise approved.
ECPH will issue a “provisional” use permit. Per Regulation 43 a Permitted Repair Permit Application must be submitted to ECPH within 2 business days after receiving notice that the system is not functioning adequately.
Once you submit a completed application and inspection report, and the fee is paid, ECPH will review the application and report. If the application and inspection report are complete, ECPH will issue a Use Permit. Typically, the “turnaround” time will be no more than 2-3 business days. If the inspection report indicates that there are deficiencies with the OWTS that have not been repaired, ECPH will notify you of what needs to be done in order for ECPH to approve the application. Once those issue(s) are resolved, ECPH will issue a Use Permit.
A Use Permit for a sale is valid until the date of real estate closing or for a period of six months, whichever comes first. Once the property has sold, or the use permit has been issued for another triggering event (as outlined in question 3 above), the use permit does not expire until another triggering event occurs.