Certified Septic Inspectors in Arizona

Is a septic inspection required in Arizona?

Arizona requires a septic inspection at every transfer of ownership, statewide. Under Arizona Administrative Code R18-9-A316 (statewide since July 1, 2006), the seller of any property served by a conventional septic tank system or an alternative on-site system must retain a qualified inspector to perform a transfer-of-ownership inspection within six months before the property transfer. The inspector must hold current training from a course recognized by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) - ADEQ recognizes the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) inspection training and points sellers to NAWT's database of current certificate holders, the professionals listed in this register - and must also hold an Arizona occupational license or licensed service vehicle listed in R18-9-A316(B)(3) (registered engineer, sanitarian, contractor, wastewater treatment plant operator, or licensed septage hauler vehicle). The inspector completes a Report of Inspection (ROI) for the seller, the seller gives the buyer the ROI and the system's permit and maintenance records, and the buyer files a Notice of Transfer (NOT) with a $50 fee within 15 calendar days after the transfer. NOTs are filed with ADEQ or, for systems permitted by a delegated county on or after January 1, 2001, with that county; Pima County processes its own NOTs.

Governing rule: A.A.C. R18-9-A316 (transfer-of-ownership inspections). Source: A.A.C. R18-9-A316 (transfer-of-ownership inspections); ADEQ NOT program; NAWT technician directory.