King County Sewer Capacity Charge

In 1990, King County, Washington realizing that the ever-burgeoning population would need a larger more efficient sewage treatment system instituted a Sewer Capacity Charge for all new construction.

As Realtors, we get a lot of questions about the charge and who is supposed to pay for it. The reason  the charge was put only on new homes was because it was the new growth in the county that caused the need for the larger sewer system.  A case of government and good sense going hand in hand.

A home owner could pay the fee at one time, or have it amortized over fifteen years and have the amount added to their normal sewer bill.  Because it was a part of the monthly bill it was often forgotten as a separate charge. Sellers of homes built since 1990 often did not disclose that there was this extra charge attached to the property. A few years ago the NWMLS Forms Committee added a clause to the Purchase and Sale Agreement specifying that:

Charges and Assessments Due After Closing would either be assumed by the buyer , or would be prepaid in full by the seller at closing.

That calls attention to the Sewer Capacity Charge, as it is an assessment that is due after closing and escrow companies will handle the matter according to the choice of the parties to the agreement.

Ask your Realtor to research the sewer capacity charge on a property you might be interested in if it is less than 15 years old. Getting the seller to pay for it may save you a few thousand dollars.  The charge is $49.07 per month if paid over the 15 year term.  There is a discount if you can pay the Sewer Capacity Charge off early.  There is an online method to do so. Just follow the link above.

If you have any other questions any Lake and Company agent will be happy to help you. Just give one of us a call.