Clearances for Title Transfer

Image of sold house

@Time of Real Property Sale 

Any person planning to transfer title of any parcel within the Town of Paradise must first obtain the proper clearance(s) issued by the town as outlined in the Paradise Municipal Code.

ONLINE PAYMENT now Available! Follow the link to apply via Accela Citizen Access - with instructions!

 

Clearance to Record (CTR) + Defensible Space Compliance Certificate - required for parcels with standing structures
The onsite staff will process a Clearance to Record request within five (5) business days from receiving both a completed CTR application and total fees ($104.22 + $71.39 = $175.61) payable to the Town of Paradise. 

The Clearance to Record a title transfer specifically clears the septic system and must be accompanied by a recent septic evaluation prior to issuance.  In order to be recent, system evaluations must be performed within twelve (12) months of closing escrow per PMC Section 13.04.090 (A).  A recent evaluation of the septic system(s) serving the property in escrow with a standing home must show the system(s) in compliance with operational provisions outlined in the Paradise Municipal Code.  

Note: A passing evaluation report is not the septic clearance! 

In the event of a failed evaluation, a conditional clearance can be issued with a separate list of requirements.  Contact onsite staff for additional information.

Defensible Space Compliance Certificate Only - for properties without a standing structure   *NEW* Requirement as of April 1, 2022.
Fire defensible space compliance is required for every parcel transferring ownership regardless if it is vacant or has a standing home.  The Town of Paradise Fire Department will inspect the subject parcel for defensible space compliance within five (5) business days of receiving the application with total fees of $71.39.  Click the Fire Department link for additional information.

Payment can be in the form of cash, check or credit card (VISA, MC, Amex).  If payment is by credit card, be ready to provide the billing address. 

"NEW" as of September 2024 - ONLINE PAYMENT OPTION Available

via Accela Citizen Access Portal.  Account registration required.
 
ATTACHMENTS

1.    Fire Defensible Space & Septic Clearance Application
2.   Fire Defensible Space Clearance Only Application
3.   Local Septic Evaluator List 

~ Only town-licensed evaluators found on the local septic evaluators list are qualified to perform evaluations within town limits (PMC) ~ Evaluation reports must be electronically submitted for the Onsite Official to review and issue a current operating permit. 

The Annual Operating Permit Fee of $33.08 is nontransferable and will need to be paid out of escrow for the current fiscal year.  Upon receipt of the aAnnual Operating Permit Fee with a copy of the newly recorded Grant Deed, a revised septic system operating permit reflecting the new owner(s) will be available upon request.   

 

Thank you for your participation in this effort to protect and enhance the public health of the Town of Paradise. 

 

NOTE:  It shall be unlawful for any person to transfer title to another person of any parcel of land in the town upon which a septic tank and disposal drainfield, also known as an on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system, have been constructed and operating without first providing evidence to the town that the septic tank and drainfield are in substantial compliance with the operational provisions of this code.  PMC Section 13.04.090.