Time of Transfer Information

Iowa's Time of Transfer Inspection Program

Iowa's Time of Transfer Septic System Inspection Law (SF261) was passed by the Iowa Legislature in April of 2008 and took effect July 1, 2009. The new law requires that every home/building served by a septic system have that septic system inspected prior to the sale or deed transfer for any home/building. The purpose of the law is to eliminate sub-standard or polluting septic systems.

A sub-standard septic system is one that has no treatment (secondary treatment) following the septic tank or has a secondary treatment system that has failed. These sub-standard septic systems pose an environmental and public health hazard and require repair. If you have a septic system with a septic tank AND a secondary treatment system such as a seepage (leach) field, sand filter or other approved device and it is not creating a public health or environmental hazard, it does not have to meet current code. All inspections must be conducted by an inspector that has been certified by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

• List of Certified Time of Transfer Inspectors (PDF)
• FAQ - Septic System Inspections (PDF)
• FAQ - Groundwater Hazard Statement (PDF)
• Time of Transfer Inspection Exemptions (PDF)
• Chapter 69 of the Iowa Administrative Code

Forms

• 542-0192 Binding agreement for a weather delayed inspection (PDF)
• 542-0062 Binding agreement for demolition (PDF)
• 542-0064 Binding agreement for a future installation (PDF)
• 542-0960 Groundwater Hazard Statement (PDF)
• 542-0960a Groundwater Hazard Statement, Attachment #1 (PDF)
• Groundwater Hazard Statement - Instructions (PDF)