Each city and township (except the City of Randolph, administers their own septic program and has special requirements for property transactions when the property is served by septic systems.  Dakota County has responsibility for septic systems in the City of Randolph and in the shoreland/floodplain areas of townships. For any questions, contact your municipal septic inspector. See a list of cities and townships  in Dakota County.

Septic systems inspected before property is sold

A compliance inspection is required before a property is sold.

Failing systems must be repaired

The seller or buyer of a failing system that is an imminent threat to public health or safety must have the system repaired or replaced within 30 days after notification from the municipality.

If winter or excessive rain conditions prevent proper sewage system replacement, the owner is required to take appropriate action, such as having the septic tank(s) pumped or using less water, to eliminate any actual or imminent threat to public health or safety.

The seller or buyer of a failing system that is not an imminent threat to public health or safety must have the sewage system upgraded to a complying sewage system within 10 months after notification from the municipality.