How can King County’s Regulations of On-Site Sewage (OSS) impact the closing process?
When a property served by a septic system is being sold or transferred, the seller must record
a Notice of On-site Sewage System Operation and Maintenance Requirements (OSSM) at the King County Recorder’s Office. This is a document that acknowledges the property is served by a septic system and describes the owner’s responsibilities for maintaining the system.
King County requires the sellers of all properties with septic systems to have them inspected by a King County licensed On-Site system Maintainer (OSM). The inspection must be given to both the buyer and the Public Health Department before the transfer of title.
A transaction may be delayed until the following steps are completed:
- Verification from the County Health Department that they have received, reviewed and approved the OSS report and have received their fee prior to closing.
• The buyer must sign the form 22U (buyer’s declaration of receipt) prior to closing.
• Escrow needs to be provided with evidence that the form 22U has been recorded. It must be recorded prior to the transfer.
• The On-site Sewage System Property Title Transfer fee is $184.90, submitted to Public Health with the Property Title Transfer Inspection Reports. Escrow can facilitate this process.
• There is also a $40 OSS Operation & Maintenance program fee paid by the buyer or transferee at time of sale.
If you need more detailed information please contact the King County Public Health Department at 206-296-4600 or visit the website http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/environmental-health/piping/onsite-sewage-systems/property-sales-transfers.aspx