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Septic System Property Reviews
A review of your septic system may be needed for building permits, property changes, home sales, or financing. Learn more about our review services below.
Septic Clearance
A septic clearance is a health review required as part of a building permit when a property owner plans to make changes to their property, such as a home addition, storage shed, or pool.
What is reviewed:
- Whether the proposed project will interfere with the existing septic system, including the septic tank and drain field
- Whether required setback distances are maintained
- Whether the septic system has adequate capacity for additions or changes in use
- Whether an existing septic system can serve a new or replacement residence (when applicable)
How to Apply
To begin the septic clearance review, submit a Septic Clearance Permit Application to the Yakima Health District (YHD).
Steps for Approval:
This is the first step in the clearance process. YHD staff will determine if there are adequate records for the septic system, then review those records and the proposed project. This review is completed in the office within one business day of applying.
A site visit is required when septic system records are not available or are insufficient, and only the location needs to be verified. YHD staff will conduct an on-site inspection to determine the locations of septic components.
An existing system evaluation is required when septic records are not available or are insufficient, and the capacity of the septic system needs to be verified. Additional review and inspection of the septic system is needed, including uncovering system components and pumping the septic tank. Learn more about existing system evaluations below.
Existing System Evaluation
An existing system evaluation is conducted to determine the size, type, layout, and location of an existing septic system.
It is usually required when:
- There is no record of the septic system
- The system was installed before records were kept or without a permit
- A home or building is being expanded or changed and septic records are missing
- A lender or buyer needs proof that the system meets current requirements, but no record can be found
How to Apply
Submit an On-Site Sewage Permit Application to the Yakima Health District (YHD) and select "Existing System Evaluation". Once your application is received, YHD will process it and contact you if more information is needed.
Before your site evaluation, clearly mark:
- Locations of proposed improvements (e.g., buildings, pools, etc.)
- All existing and proposed wells within 100 feet of the property
- Existing utilities (water, irrigation, electrical, gas, etc.)
- Property lines and easements
- Corners of the existing septic tank
Have the tank pumped by a licensed pumper and submit a copy of the pumper’s report or receipt to YHD for review.
Contact YHD to schedule a site visit. It’s generally preferred that you or your designer/installer be on-site during the visit. At the time of the site visit, enough of the septic system must be exposed to allow YHD staff to identify its size and type.
This includes:
- The distribution box (D-box), if present
- The beginning and end of each drain field lateral, showing trench width
- For absorption beds, the four corners of the bed
You should also dig at least one test hole approximately 10 feet from the existing drain field, following the Site and Soil Evaluation guidelines.
YHD field staff will inspect the system and prepare an “as-built” record. If the system does not comply with current code requirements, an alteration may be required.
Mortgage Review (Property Transfer Inspection)
A Mortgage Review (also called a Property Transfer Inspection) is an optional service that helps verify the condition of existing water and wastewater systems, including septic systems, for real estate transactions.
Mortgage reviews are not required by law, but are commonly requested by lenders as part of the home sale or refinancing process. YHD staff review available records and may conduct an on-site inspection, depending on the property and the lender’s requirements.
How to Apply
Use the resources below to apply for and complete a Mortgage Review:
- Mortgage Review Process
- Mortgage Review Application
- Mortgage Review Checklist
- Mortgage Review Property Owners Statement
Important Update:
Starting February 1, 2027, a Property Transfer Inspection will be required for the sale of any property with a septic system. For more information about code updates, view Key Draft Rule Changes from the Washington State Department of Health.