Home-sale septic inspections in Snohomish County, Washington
Snohomish County: Before a sale, the seller must get a report of property transfer from the Health Department. A recent check of the system backs that report. Snohomish County Board of Health Code, Ordinance No. BOH26-02, Chapter 5.60 · checked 2026-09-23
Does Snohomish County require a septic inspection before a sale?
Before a sale, the seller must get a report of property transfer from the Health Department. A recent check of the system backs that report.
Applies to a sale of a home with a septic system, starting November 1, 2026.
The county reviews the seller's inspection report first. It can ask for repairs before it issues the report. It also checks that a record drawing is on file. State law asks only for a check at the sale. That state rule starts later.
Snohomish County Board of Health Code, Ordinance No. BOH26-02, Chapter 5.60 · checked 2026-09-23
Who may inspect a septic system in Snohomish County?
The Health Department checks a new or repaired system before it is covered. A certified expert checks a system already in use.
Snohomish County Health Department — Septic Permit Steps · checked 2026-09-23
Sources
Each figure on this page has a government source and a checked-on date.
- Snohomish County Health Department — Septic Permitting
- Snohomish County Health Department — Septic
- Snohomish County Board of Health Code § 5.11.020, Site Identification and Preparation
- Snohomish County Board of Health Code § 5.55.060, OSS Contractor Certification
- Snohomish County Board of Health Code § 1.40.090, On-Site Sewage Dispersal Systems
- Snohomish County Health Department — Septic Application Turnaround Times
- Snohomish County Health Department — Septic Permit Steps
- Snohomish County Health Department — As-Built Records
- Snohomish County Board of Health Code, Ordinance No. BOH26-02, Chapter 5.60
- Washington Administrative Code § 246-272A-0232
- Washington Administrative Code § 246-272A-0210
- USDA NRCS Soil Data Access (SSURGO)
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here before you spend money on it. Call the Snohomish County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, on 425-339-5250.