Alternative septic system Operating Permit renewal at change of ownership
San Mateo County Environmental Health · Septic · Before close
Triggered by: Change in property ownership, for any parcel served by an Alternative OWTS
"Operating Permits are non-transferable. Operating Permits must also be renewed at the time of change in property ownership." Renewal requires payment of the applicable fees and submission of the results of required system inspection and monitoring — so the transfer triggers an actual inspection, not just paperwork.
Certificate
Renewed Operating Permit
Issued by
San Mateo County Environmental Health, Water Protection & Land Use
Cost
Set by the County fee schedule; confirm current amount
Fuel mitigation compliance before close — every parcel, any hazard zone
Woodside Fire Protection District · Defensible space · Before close
Triggered by: Close of any real estate transaction within the Fire District, for any improved parcel
Ordinance No. 24-01 § 8(a): "Prior to the close of any Real Estate Transaction within the Fire District, the seller of any Improved Parcel must obtain documentation from the Fire Code Official that the property is in compliance with the fuel mitigation requirements of this Ordinance and provide that documentation to the buyer at or before the close of escrow." The District applies this to its ENTIRE area "regardless of fire hazard severity zone" — broader than AB 38, which only reaches High and Very High zones.
Certificate
WFPD defensible space / fuel mitigation inspection report
Issued by
Woodside Fire Protection District — (650) 851-1594
Cost
$498.03, which includes up to two inspections. Pay before scheduling; bring the receipt to the inspection.
Turnaround
Report emailed after the visit; the inspection must be scheduled, so allow lead time
Triggered by: Sale of any real property containing a water heater
The seller must certify to the prospective purchaser that the water heater is braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement from earthquake motion.
Certificate
Seller certification (commonly satisfied on the C.A.R. Water Heater and Smoke Detector Statement of Compliance, form WHSD)
Issued by
Seller certifies; no agency sign-off required
Cost
No government fee; bracing kit and labor typically $30-$300
Triggered by: Every single-family dwelling which is sold
The dwelling must have an operable smoke alarm, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Seller certifies compliance.
Triggered by: Standing obligation on single-family homes built on or before January 1, 1994, plus disclosure on sale or transfer
All non-compliant plumbing fixtures had to be replaced with water-conserving fixtures by January 1, 2017 — this deadline applies whether or not the property is being sold or altered. On sale or transfer, the seller must disclose to the buyer the requirement and whether the property complies.
Certificate
Written disclosure to the buyer; some jurisdictions use a Certificate of Compliance form
Issued by
Seller discloses; no state agency sign-off
Cost
No state fee; fixture replacement typically $50-$600
State of California / local fire authority · Defensible space · Can defer past close
Triggered by: Sale of a property located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
The seller must provide the buyer with documentation that the property is in compliance with defensible space requirements under Public Resources Code § 4291. If the seller does not have that documentation, the seller and buyer must enter into a written agreement under which the BUYER obtains compliance documentation within one year of close of escrow.
Certificate
Defensible space compliance documentation / inspection report from the local fire authority
Issued by
Local fire department or CAL FIRE
Cost
Varies by fire authority. Santa Rosa Fire Department charges $183 for a requested inspection.
Turnaround
Varies; request inspections early — fire departments are not obligated to inspect