Information for On-site Sewage Disposal System Property Transfer Inspectors (PTIs)
Licensing Requirements and Fee
During the 2021 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation creating new licensing requirements for all persons providing services for the inspection of on-site sewage disposal systems for property transfers in the State. The legislation repealed § 9-217.1 and added § 9-217.2 which required, as of July 1, 2022, any individual engaged in inspecting an on-site sewage disposal system to be licensed by the Department. In response to the legislation, the Department developed regulations under COMAR 26.04.12. These regulations detail the terms, conditions, and requirements for licensure. Specific conditions (COMAR 26.04.12.03) allow for an individual previously listed on the Department’s website to become licensed. The license is valid for a two (2) year period.
To Become a licensed property transfer inspector
Submit this application with a check to the P.O. Box listed on the application --AND--
Be on this list for previously completing an MDE-approved inspection course –OR –
Submit a certificate for completing an MDE-approved inspection course with your application.
Once the Department receives your completed application, the licensee will receive a license as well as be added to the list of Licensed Property Transfer Inspectors.
With all inspections, a Standard Inspection Form (download MS Excel) must be completed following this Guidance Document. The completed inspection form must be retained for a minimum of 5 years, and provided to MDE upon request by The Department. Any additional reports may be made for the inspector's records and/or for clients, but the MDE Standard Inspection Form must also be completed with each inspection.
Renewing a PTI license
Anyone performing property transfer inspections prior to July 1, 2022 is due to renew their license by June 30, 2024. Individuals who began offering this service after July 1, 2022 are due to renew their license 2-years from their initial application date.
To renew, submit the completed property transfer inspection application (same as above) with the $150.00 fee, and the “Renewal Application” box selected on the form.
Renewal of a license has one additional requirement than initial licensing did; the requirement of including the individual’s Social Security Number (SSN). Section 1-203 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, established a requirement that the Maryland Department of the Environment verify through the office of the Comptroller that applicants for the renewal of any license or permit have paid all undisputed taxes and unemployment insurance contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, or that applicants have provided for payment in a manner satisfactory to the responsible collection unit. This information will not be used for any purposes other than those described in this notice.
Currently approved property transfer inspection courses
MOWPA OSDS Inspection – Practices & Procedures
Board of On-site Wastewater Professionals and Registration Fee
During the 2022 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation establishing a State Board of On-Site Wastewater Professionals under Title 9, Subtitle 11A of the Environment Article. The law requires an individual who provides an on-site wastewater service to be licensed by the Board. This includes a property transfer inspection of an on-site sewage disposal system.
Until the Board is created, §9-11A-15 requires any individual who provides on-site wastewater services in the State to pay a registration fee of $150 by December 31, 2022, in order to continue providing these services. This $150 registration fee must be paid every two years thereafter until the Board is seated and sets its own licensing fees. Property transfer inspectors that have already submitted a PTI application and paid the $150 licensing fee have fulfilled this requirement and are registered with the Board.
Contact Info
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, or you would like more information, please contact the On-Site Systems Division via email at OWWP.Board@Maryland.gov or call (410) 537-3566.
Additional Information and Related Links
