Jefferson County, CO
Jefferson County, Colorado septic use permits for home sales
Updated · Prepared by the Plumb Right Now editorial team
Short answer
Before selling a property whose septic system was installed more than five years earlier, a Jefferson County, Colorado owner must have an approved inspector inspect the system and pump and inspect the tank, then get a use permit from Jefferson County Public Health. The owner files Form 700 with the inspection reports and fee; the permit is valid until closing or for six months, whichever comes first.
What Jefferson County handles
Before selling a property with a septic system installed more than 5 years before the sale, the owner must have the system inspected and obtain a use permit from Jefferson County Public Health. [1]
An approved inspector inspects the system and pumps and inspects the septic tank; the owner submits Form 700 with the inspection reports and the fee. [2]
The tank inspection form (Form 702) is good for 12 months, but Forms 701 and 703 must be filed within 30 days of being prepared; the use permit is valid until closing or six months, whichever comes first. [1]
To be approved, a system needs a working tank, a working absorption or evaporation system (unless it is a non-discharging vault), and a maintenance contract or operating permit for any mechanical or higher-level treatment system. [1]
Who this affects
Septic is common in the foothills and mountain communities west of the metro area. Most homes in Lakewood and Arvada are on public sewer, so a sale there doesn't need a use permit; a slow main drain in a sewered home calls for a sewer camera inspection.
Planning around the deadlines
- Schedule the inspection early enough that Forms 701 and 703 can be filed within 30 days.
- Remember the use permit lapses at six months, so a long listing may need a new one.
- Budget for repairs: a failed tank or absorption field must be fixed before the permit is issued.
- Higher-level treatment systems need a maintenance contract or operating permit on file.
Common questions
Does every Jefferson County septic sale need a use permit?
It applies when the system was installed more than five years before the sale.
Who inspects a septic system for a Jeffco sale?
An inspector approved by Jefferson County Public Health, who also pumps and inspects the tank.
How long is a Jefferson County use permit valid?
Until closing or six months, whichever comes first.
Which form starts a Jefferson County use permit?
Form 700, submitted with the inspection reports and fee.
How long is the Jeffco septic tank inspection form good for?
Form 702 is good for 12 months; Forms 701 and 703 must be filed within 30 days.
Does a Jeffco use permit need renewing after the sale closes?
No. Once the sale is complete it doesn't need renewal.
What makes a Jefferson County septic system pass?
A working tank, a working absorption or evaporation system, and a maintenance contract for any mechanical treatment.
Is a vault system treated differently in Jefferson County?
A non-discharging vault has no absorption field, so that part of the test doesn't apply.
Do Lakewood and Arvada homes need a septic use permit?
Only if the property is on septic; most are on public sewer.
Who issues the use permit in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County Public Health, after reviewing the inspection reports.
Cities and services in Jefferson County
- Plumbing services in LakewoodLakewood's housing is older than most Denver suburbs: the median home dates to 1979 and about half predate 1980. Freeze-thaw winters, original galvani…
- Plumbing services in ArvadaArvada treats its own drinking water from two reservoirs, and about half of its homes were built before 1980. Freeze-prone winters and older supply an…
- Backflow Testing in ColoradoColorado's backflow rule (Regulation 11, section 11.39): annual testing, ABPA or ASSE certified technicians, and why each water supplier runs its own program.
- Plumbing in ColoradoStatewide code, licensing and climate for Colorado.
Sources (2)
- Jefferson County Public Health, Use Permit Program · checked 2026-10-06
- Jefferson County Public Health, How does the use permit program work? · checked 2026-10-06