Resales
A resale inspection is a procedure performed by a JCDHE Environmental Health Specialist to determine the functional status of a private sewage treatment system. It involves inspection of the indoor plumbing, the functional components of the system, lot site conditions and a historical file review.
A resale inspection, performed prior to buying a property, can help you avoid expensive problems later. The functional status of a treatment system can be determined at the time of the inspection and can tell you if minor or major repairs are needed, as well as any recommended upgrades to the system.
If you are selling or refinancing your home, it is advisable to schedule a resale inspection. This should be done as far in advance of the closing date as possible to allow enough time to make any required repairs.
The Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code requires that an inspection be performed within the first 60 days after a property is purchased, if the property is located in an area covered by the Code. All areas of Johnson County are covered except Overland Park, and within the city limits of De Soto, Gardner and Edgerton.
Applying for a Resale Inspection
Before the process can be started, the application and current fee must be submitted to the Environment Division office. After the application and current fee have been submitted, the JCDHE Environmental Health Specialist contacts the applicant to set a time and date for the inspection.
It is the applicant's responsibility to contact a licensed Johnson County Sanitary Disposal Contractor to pump out the septic tank.
Required Forms
- Application for a Private Sewage System Resale Inspection- applicable fees can be found on the Forms and Fees page
Preparing for the Inspection
The septic tank must be pumped out so that Environmental Health Specialist can make a thorough examination of the structural integrity of the tank and the components of the private sewage treatment system and ascertain its condition. The septic tank's condition will be noted in a report provided to you.
The main opening to the septic tank must be uncovered and available for pumping and inspection prior to the Environmental Health Specialist's arrival to the site.
Scheduling the Inspection
The Environmental Health Specialist schedules on a first-come-first-served basis. Generally, an inspection must be requested 8 hours in advance via application and fee submittal. As other inspections may already be scheduled, this advance notice helps to eliminate scheduling conflicts. The Environment Division's office hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The applicant or a representative of the property must be available to provide access to the house so that the Environmental Health Specialist can examine all interior drain lines and water fixtures to ensure correct plumbing to the private sewage treatment system. Also, the Environmental Health Specialist can explain how the treatment system works and how to properly maintain it.
A resale inspection can usually be completed in one and one-half hours. The report of the results is usually available within 48 hours.
What If a Problem is Found
At the time of the inspection, the Environmental Health Specialist will explain their findings and a report will be sent to the applicant as soon as it is completed. If there are any repairs that need to be made, a proper permit must be issued by JCDHE and all repairs must be completed in compliance with the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code. Any work that is done to the private sewage treatment system must be done by a JCDHE-licensed installer.
Buyer/Seller Requirements
The requirements for buyers and sellers of residential property served by a private sewage treatment system are outlined in the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code.
Buyers may order and pay for a resale inspection on the property. A recording fee for the System Use Permit is included with the application fee. If the buyer DOES purchase the property, the System Use Permit will be mailed to the address provided on the application.
Sellers may order and pay for a resale inspection on their property. The buyer of the property will still be responsible for paying a recording fee and obtaining a System Use Permit once the property ownership has transferred.
New Owners
If a person purchases a property served by a private sewage treatment system located in an area covered by the Code, they must apply for a System Use Permit within 60 days.
Upon payment of the appropriate fee and scheduling a licensed disposal contractor to pump the tank, the treatment system will be inspected by an Environmental Health Specialist. Once approved, a System Use Permit will be issued to the new property owner once the sale transaction is final. Appropriate fees can be found on the Forms and Fees page