It’s important for residents of the Town of Amherst who are considering selling or downsizing their homes to be aware of a new code related to sewer use. On June 19, the Amherst Town Board passed an amendment to its local sewer use law, requiring a time-of-sale inspection for residential properties constructed before 1975 within the town’s sanitary sewer district. The Amherst Engineering Department will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with this amendment.
To comply, properties must separate sanitary sewer flow from stormwater and groundwater flows. Homeowners should inspect downspouts and basement sump pumps to ensure they are not illegally connected to the town’s sewer lines. If connections are found, they will need to be disconnected and redirected.
The Town of Amherst enacted this amendment due to concerns about commingling flows causing issues in the sanitary sewer system, leading to sewage backup in some basements.
Here are key points to note:
- An application fee of $25 is due when submitting an application upon placing the property for sale.
- Homeowners, agents, or attorneys can call the Town of Amherst Engineering Department at 716-631-7157 (Monday through Friday, 8 am – 3 pm) to schedule an inspection with 48 hours advance notice.
- The homeowner or a responsible adult must be present during the inspection.
- A compliance certificate will be issued if the inspection is satisfactory, valid for only 180 days from the issue date.
Being aware of and adhering to these requirements is crucial for a smooth real estate transaction within the Town of Amherst.