Septic Systems
Septic Pumping
A Septic Pumping Permit must be filled out and submitted to the City each time a septic tank is pumped. The permits are available for purchase at City Hall. Please use the Septic Tank Pumping Permit Application Sample (PDF) to guide you in filling out the Septic permit application found in the list of permit applications.
Sewage System Rules
The City is responsible for administering Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080, which governs Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS). The City currently has approximately 4,200 of these systems within the community. Owners of these systems must check for leaks using visual evidence and measure or remove specific accumulations at least once every three (3) years. The rules specify the terms under which specific material shall be removed. Owners may contact their sewage handler to determine when these accumulations must be removed. Please contact the building division if you require additional information.
Point of Sale Inspection Requirements
Ramsey City Code mandates that any transfer of property requires a “Compliance Inspection” for all properties with Individual Sewage Treatment systems (ISTS). This notice is a summary of the requirements for a compliance inspection, along with some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this section of the City Code.
Ramsey City Code Sec: 113-20(h)(4) Sale or transfer of property (point of sale inspection):
- A Compliance Inspection shall be performed by a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Certified inspector on the existing septic system. MPCA requires the results of the inspection to be reported on its approved form.
- A Certificate of Compliance shall be provided by the seller to the buyer at or before the closing. A copy of the compliance inspection must also be submitted to the City of Ramsey Building Division within 15 days.
- Winter closings: If the sale occurs between November 1 and April 30, and the inspection cannot be completed, the property transfer may occur with an agreement between the seller and the buyer that a compliance inspection will be completed by June 1 of the following year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the city require a homeowner to have their septic system inspected prior to selling their home?
A: All septic systems have limitations on how long they can provide proper treatment of effluent to the system. Age of the system, how it was originally designed, the occupant’s use of the system and how well it was maintained can all affect the quality of the treatment process. A compliance inspection will help reveal the system’s current condition and whether proper treatment is occurring. Improper or inadequate treatment of effluent significantly impacts the community’s available water supply. This is one of the main reasons Ramsey needs to evaluate the condition of existing septic systems.
Q: What is the inspector looking for during this inspection?
A: MPCA rules 7080.1500 define compliance criteria. The inspector will check the condition of the existing tank(s) and drainfield.
Q: Who can do the compliance inspection?
A: A MPCA-licensed septic inspector must perform the inspection. View the full list of licensed inspectors. City inspectors cannot provide these inspections.
Q: What happens if the compliance inspection states the system is non-compliant?
A: When an inspector submits a “non-compliant” report, several State, County and City regulations can be applied. In most cases, City Code requires the system to be brought into compliance within 12 months.
Q: What if I recently had a compliance inspection? Do I need to have another inspection performed?
A: Yes. The Code requires a compliance inspection to be performed each time there is a sale or transfer of property.
Q: I recently had my septic system pumped; do I still need to have a compliance inspection?
A: Yes. While regular maintenance/pumping is necessary, only the tank is inspected. A compliance inspection is a thorough inspection of the entire system, including the drainfield.
Contact the City for a pumping permit at Email Us.
New and Repair Septic System Requirements
- Design
- Pump and Alarm Verification Form (PDF)
- Septic As-Built Form (PDF)
- Tank Manufacturer’s Form
- Pumping Permit (if it is an existing system)
- Tank Abandonment Form
- Electrical Permit (if applicable)
Related Links
The City has prepared several resources to help owners maintain their systems:
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