Septic permits questions - urgent please help

[Charlotte Dunford]

I am doing due diligence for an older mobile home park. I have been contacting the county health department for permits on the septic system. However, the official who is in charge of this seemed to not have the permits or the permits were issued way before their time (the park was built in the 80s). When I pushed to ask if the sewage system is legal, they would say that it is legal and they will keep it legal as long as the septic system is maintained and kept in good working order. They said they would find the permits some how (not sure if they could find the really old ones). But I don’t think I can wait that long as I only have 30 days to do due diligence. I then asked for an official letter stating that the park is legal and will remain legal as long as the septic systems are kept in good order. Should I cancel the deal because I cannot obtain the permits even though the officials keep saying the sewage system is legal as long as I maintain it? Thoughts?

Can the septic system be grandfathered too?

[Account Closed]

@Jingwen Dunford wow, a Mobil home park is a big deal! Ok, I didn’t see where the Mobil home park is located which could make a huge deal on how code and permitting is viewed. The town I’m flipping in, in TN right now has only had code for about 6 years, so everything before that is grandfathered, and you shouldn’t assume otherwise. The inspectors are gods of their own world and are the final say in local areas, and can make decisions outside of code, and you do best to keep a good relationship with them and not draw much attention to your building or Mobil park’s problems. It sounds like you have heard enough and things are fine, however I have heard some of the mobil home investors say they won’t touch a park with a septic system due to city abilities to outlaw them on parks. But again if your buying out of state, in a less progressive area strict things like that are not likely to happen often. As for utilities, you will have electric costs to pump the well and frequent cleaning costs on the septic system to keep it maintained. You would do well to get an inspection report on the septic system before closing escrow.