Septic Located Under Addition

[Gulf Coast]

I will be appraising a house (rural area) where for whatever reason, an addition was built over the septic field. This is an in-house loan and not Fannie Mae. What type of disclaimers would you guys/gals put into this one?

 

[RSW]

Does it meet local code?

 

[Gulf Coast]

Does it meet local code?

Not sure, but there's a good disclaimer to put in...

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

That stinks!

 

[RSW]

That stinks!

That's funny!

 

[RSW]

Not sure, but there's a good disclaimer to put in...

I would be concerned with the possible health department issue. There is no way they would approve a septic system or addition like that.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

over the septic field

over the leach FIELD? or the Septic TANK?

In either case I certainly would flag it as a big fat obsolescence and adjust the cost of building a new system.

 

[Non Sequitur]

Not sure, but there's a good disclaimer to put in...

Why do you need a disclaimer? Report the facts. And I would follow Terrel's advise, there's no way that is acceptable in any part of the country.

 

[TxArmadillo]

Does it meet local code?

This is the correct question to be answered.

Septics are common and frequent here and is one of the few building permits that are required. Most septic permits are issued by a municipality's Health Department so you may need to check with them directly for the requirements and/or restrictions.

As a HO with a septic system, I would think that you'd be unable to build ANYTHING anywhere near your septic tank or leach field that would interfere with its normal operation or the ability to service the holding tank. The result of such interference might create a health hazard both above ground and/or with local ground water.

I'd love to have a circular drive in my front yard but my leach field is there. No-Go on pouring concrete or even having a compacted gravel driveway over the leach field (per my County).

EDIT: Forgot to add: The only other building permit in my local municipality is called a Driveway permit. This is the check-and-balance of the septic permit I mentioned above. The County must approve the location of your driveway (hence the permit) to insure that it doesn't impact utility right-of-way or potentially impact your installed septic system.

 

[Non Sequitur]

This is the correct question to be answered.

An addition built over a septic field is a non starter, I don't have to look for the code. Unless you're in a bizarre world where this is common/legal, and you could find three comps with additions built over septic fields proving market acceptance and reaction, it's very simple; follow Terrel's advise.