Thinking about finishing a basement, adding a bath, or building an ADU in Conifer? On a private well and septic, even small changes can trigger permits and inspections. You want a smooth remodel without last‑minute surprises. In this guide, you’ll learn what Conifer homeowners need to know about permits, timelines, costs, and common pitfalls, plus a simple checklist to keep your project on track. Let’s dive in.
Why wells and septic matter in Conifer
Conifer sits in unincorporated Jefferson County, where many homes rely on a private well and an onsite wastewater treatment system, often called a septic system. When you add bedrooms, bathrooms, or a kitchen, you often increase wastewater flow, which can trigger county and state reviews. Jefferson County’s permitting guidance calls out bedroom additions, second kitchens, and basement finishes for special review on septic properties. See the county’s homeowner overview in Inside the Home.
Who regulates your remodel
- Jefferson County Public Health oversees septic permits, inspections, and records. Start here to confirm your system’s design and capacity: Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems.
- The Colorado Division of Water Resources issues permits for new or replacement wells and licenses well drillers and pump installers. Learn the process at Well Permitting.
When permits are triggered
- Adding a bedroom. The septic permit often limits bedroom count. If you exceed that, the county may require an evaluation and upgrade.
- Adding or moving a bathroom or kitchen. New plumbing increases flow and can change your permit status, especially with ADUs or second kitchens.
- Changing use or selling. Sales with older septic systems require a county Use Permit inspection. Short‑term rental or occupancy changes may also prompt review.
- Building near septic components. Avoid building over the tank or leach field and keep heavy equipment off these areas.
For examples and submittal tips, review Jefferson County’s Inside the Home guidance.
Key setbacks on your lot
Colorado’s OWTS rules set minimum distances between wells, tanks, and leach fields. A commonly applied standard is a 100 foot minimum horizontal separation between a private well and the soil treatment area. Reductions are limited and require approvals. See the state rule in Regulation 43 setbacks.
Well permits and timing
If you need a new or replacement well, you must obtain a state permit before drilling. Complete applications can take several weeks to process, with published timelines that may extend up to about 49 days for review. Build this window into your remodel schedule and use licensed drillers. Start with DWR’s Well Permitting.
Septic capacity and bedrooms
Your septic system was designed for a specific flow, usually tied to the number of bedrooms. If your remodel increases bedrooms or adds plumbing that boosts flow beyond the permitted design, the county may require a permit revision, repair, or replacement. Confirm your current permit details and as‑built records before you design.
Inspections when you sell
Selling a home with septic in Conifer typically requires a county Use Permit inspection if the system was installed more than five years before the sale. Plan several weeks for inspection, processing, and any repairs. Review requirements on the county’s Use Permit Program page.
Some areas and permit types also require well water test results for bacteria and nitrate using a state‑certified lab. Check Jefferson County’s Mandatory Well Water Testing policy to see what applies to your property.
Costs to expect
- Routine septic pumping and inspection. Many homes pump every 3 to 5 years. National guides often show pumping in the low hundreds and inspections in a similar range. See context from The Spruce cost guide.
- Septic repair or replacement. Minor fixes can be hundreds to a few thousand. Full system or drainfield replacement in Colorado commonly ranges from about 7,000 to 35,000 or more depending on soils, access, and design. See broad ranges in this Colorado septic cost summary.
- Well drilling or replacement. Typical residential wells often run roughly 3,500 to 18,000 depending on depth, diameter, pump, and site access. See ranges in HomeGuide’s well cost overview.
- Permit and inspection fees. County septic fees and state well permit fees are separate. Budget for design, soil work, and any engineering.
Hire the right pros
Use Jefferson County‑approved septic contractors for design, installation, and pumping. Confirm active credentials and insurance. For wells, hire a state‑licensed driller who will handle the permit, registration, and well log. Keep copies of all records with your property file.
Homeowner checklist
- Pull your septic records and as‑built drawing. Note tank and leach field locations.
- Confirm your permitted bedroom count and design flow.
- If you plan a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen, talk with Jefferson County Planning, Building Safety, and Public Health early.
- If a new or deeper well is likely, contact a licensed driller and plan for permitting and lead times.
- Mark septic components before construction and keep heavy equipment off these areas.
- If the system needs changes, order a soil and site evaluation and get a septic design.
- If selling, schedule the Use Permit inspection early to avoid closing delays.
Avoid common pitfalls
- Starting design before you verify septic capacity and setbacks.
- Assuming you can build over a tank or leach field.
- Waiting on well permits until the last minute.
- Adding a bedroom in a basement without accounting for the septic permit.
- Forgetting water testing requirements tied to septic permits or sale.
Ready to plan a remodel or sale around well and septic timelines? Reach out to the local team at Lifestyle International Realty Colorado for a friendly strategy session tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Do bedroom additions require a septic upgrade in Conifer?
- Not always, but any increase in bedrooms or wastewater flow triggers county review, and an upgrade may be required if the existing system is undersized.
How long do Colorado well permits take to process?
- Complete applications can take several weeks, and published guidance notes reviews may take up to about 49 days.
What is the minimum distance between a well and leach field?
- A commonly applied standard is 100 feet of horizontal separation, with reductions only under limited, approved conditions.
Do I need water testing when dealing with septic permits or a sale?
- In some areas and situations Jefferson County requires bacteria and nitrate test results from a state‑certified lab, especially for certain permits and transactions.
What must I do before selling a home on septic in Conifer?
- Schedule a county Use Permit inspection if the system is older than five years and allow time for any required repairs or paperwork.
How much should I budget for a new septic or well?
- Broad ranges are common: septic replacements can run roughly 7,000 to 35,000 or more, and residential wells often range from about 3,500 to 18,000 depending on site conditions.
