Spokane County Septic Property Transfer Inspection: A Seller's Checklist

Last reviewed: October 24, 2026

Who this applies to

If your property is in Spokane County and uses an on-site sewage system (a septic system), Washington's rule — WAC 246-272A-0270(1)(k) — requires an inspection by a third-party inspector authorized by the local health officer when the property is transferred, starting February 1, 2027. In Spokane County, the local health district is the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD), and it runs the process below. This checklist covers the Spokane County fringe we serve, including the Deer Park area. For the rule itself, see our guide to Washington's 2027 septic inspection rule.

The seller's checklist

1. Hire a permitted O&M provider for the inspection. The inspection must be performed by an operation-and-maintenance provider permitted by the health district, and it must be completed within the past 12 months to count for the transfer.
2. Pump the tank if the report recommends it. If the inspection finds sludge and scum levels that call for pumping, get it pumped so the report that goes to the district is clean — typical pumping runs $400–$600 (see our septic pumping cost guide).
3. Have the as-built drawing ready. The district wants the system's as-built (record) drawing, or a site plan if the as-built can't be found. SRHD usually has the original permit drawing on file if you don't.
4. The report and fee go to SRHD before closing. The provider submits the completed inspection report and the district's property-transfer fee to the Spokane Regional Health District ahead of closing — not the week of, if you can help it.
5. Know what the buyer receives. The buyer gets the inspection findings: the system's condition, whether it was pumped, and anything flagged for repair — so there are no septic surprises after the sale.

Exemptions

SRHD can exempt a transfer by application in a few situations:

• The system was permitted and operational within the past 12 months.
• The system has had an O&M inspection within the past 12 months — and if the district already has evidence of a recent compliant inspection, the health officer may remove the transfer-inspection requirement altogether.
• The system has been abandoned and the property connected to sewer.

Timing: book it when you list, not when you close

The inspection has to be recent (inside 12 months), the report has to reach SRHD before closing, and permitted providers get busy. Book the inspection early in the listing process — ideally as soon as the home goes on the market — so a recommended pumping or a missing as-built doesn't turn into a closing delay.

Outside Spokane County?

Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties are under the Northeast Tri County Health District (NETCHD). Its transfer-inspection process is separate from SRHD's — confirm the steps, forms, and fees with NETCHD directly rather than assuming Spokane County's process applies. Idaho has no statewide transfer-inspection rule, though buyers and lenders in North Idaho often ask for an inspection before closing anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions — Spokane County Transfer Inspections

Sources

• WAC 246-272A-0270 — owner responsibilities (Washington Legislature)
• Spokane Regional Health District — property transfer inspection requirement
• Spokane Regional Health District — on-site septic operations & maintenance
• Washington State Department of Health — on-site sewage systems

Septic Service by Town

Deer Park, Clayton & Springdale · Elk & Chattaroy · Colville & Kettle Falls · Chewelah & Loon Lake · Newport & Cusick · Sandpoint & Ponderay · Priest River · Bonners Ferry · Rathdrum, Athol & Spirit Lake

More guides: Washington's 2027 septic inspection rule for home sales · How much does septic pumping cost in Eastern WA & North Idaho? · How often should you pump your septic tank? · Signs your septic tank is full