Waterfront property transfers now require septic evaluations

Starting September 1, 2024, buyers of waterfront property with septic systems in the protected shoreland will be required to have a professional septic system evaluation conducted by a state-licensed evaluator in advance of the sale. Reducing wastewater pollution helps reduce risks to public health and reduce the risk of other negative impacts, such as cyanobacteria blooms. The requirement was part of House Bill 1113, which was signed into law in July. The evaluation will need to be conducted by a state-licensed septic system evaluator or, when applicable, a state-permitted septic system designer.

Septic systems within the protected shoreland that are determined to be in failure will need to be replaced. To learn about the changes, reporting requirements and exceptions, please read the “Transfers of Waterfront Properties with Septic Systems in the Protected Shoreland”  fact sheet.

You may also view a recording of Land Resources Management Program Manager Phil Trowbridge discussing the new requirements.