Who needs a Title 5 septic inspection in Massachusetts
Are you are planning to sell a property with a subsurface sewage disposal system? Then, you will most likely that you will need an inspection. Property transaction inspections are not the only time a property owner may need an inspection. There are also several other Tile 5 regulations determining when a septic system must be inspected. If you do need a septic inspection remember to use an independent inspector such as Title Five Specialists.
Inspections at the time of property transfer
The most common reason for a Title 5 inspection is the transfer of property. If your property has a septic system it must be inspected within two years of a sale. This may be extended to three years if the septic tank has been pumped annually. If weather conditions prevent an inspection, then the property owner is granted no longer that six months after the sale to have the system inspected; provided the seller notifies the buyer. However, are cases where a property transfer will not require an inspection.
Septic inspection when an addition is added
The board of health may require a Title 5 inspection when an increase in the design flow is proposed. This my happen when an addition is add such as an extra bedroom. However, design flow may also be added when there is a change in the type of establishment. It is important to note that the components of the system are never allowed to be covered by any additional construction.
Who does not need a title 5 inspection
If your septic system has passed inspection within the last two years you will not need an inspection. Also, inspection are not required for the transfer of property between the following relationships.
- Between currant spouses.
- Between parents and their children.
- Full siblings.
- When property is transferred into a trust for someone who is of first degree relationship to the grantor.
Exceptions are also made If the owner of the property or the buyer has an enforceable agreement with the approving authority to upgrade, connect to sewer or connect to a shared system within two years. Other transactions not requiring an inspection are:
- Issuing a mortgage.
- Refinancing.
- Adding or deleting a spouse to the deed.
- Change of guardian or trustee.
Septic inspections for condo units
Condo association is responsible for inspections. If the facility has five or more units, each system must be inspected at least once every three years. If the facility has less than five units at the time of transfer of title of any unit, the system serving that unit must be inspected. Shared systems are required to be inspected every three years.
Board of health mandated septic inspections
All systems are required to be inspected when the owner of the property is ordered to do so by the local Approving Authority, the Department or court. Typically the board of health will order an inspection if there is reason to believed that the septic system is a danger to public health.
Large systems
If a septic system has a design flow of over 10,000 gallons a day that the system must be inspected every five years. The year that the system is first inspected on is determined by which basin the system is located in.
Title 5 town bylaws
Massachusetts towns may add there own additional bylaws to the state environmental code as long as those standards are more stringent. In some towns any additions to the real estate square footage will require an inspection of the septic system.
For answers to more frequently asked questions please refer to an independent Massachusetts licensed septic inspector such as Title Five Specialists. Title Five Specialists services all of eastern MA. They can be reached at 1-857-267-3849