Closing delays in Addison often come down to one avoidable step: sewer compliance and permit release. If you are selling, you want a smooth path to your transfer stamp so the title company can close on time. If you are buying, you want confidence that the home is compliant and clear of open permits. This guide gives you a simple 2–3 week plan, the inspection focus areas, and a checklist to keep everyone aligned. Let’s dive in.
Sewer compliance and permit release explained
A sewer compliance inspection confirms your home’s private plumbing meets local and state standards. Inspectors look for illegal connections, working fixtures, accessible cleanouts, and no cross-connections or leaks. A common focus is making sure sump pumps, footing drains, and downspouts are not tied to the sanitary sewer.
A permit release is the village’s confirmation that no permits remain open, or that any corrective permits were finalized and passed. The transfer stamp or written clearance shows there are no unpaid utilities or unresolved violations. Title companies often require this before closing or recording.
Who does what in the process
- Seller: order the inspection, provide access, correct violations, close open permits, and pay final water and sewer bills.
- Buyer: confirm compliance will be cleared before closing. You usually do not need to attend inspections.
- Listing and buyer’s agents: coordinate scheduling, communicate timelines to the title company, and track clearances.
- Title company: requests the transfer stamp, tracks final billing, and confirms permit release.
- Village departments: Building Division for permits and inspections, Public Works or Water Billing for final reads and account clearance, and sometimes Code Enforcement or Plumbing Inspection.
A 2–3 week timeline to pass and get cleared
21–14 days before closing
- Contact the Village of Addison to confirm current sewer inspection steps, fees, and earliest appointment. Provide the address, owner name, and closing date.
- Submit any inspection request forms the village requires.
- Identify any open permits and start the closure process. Arrange final inspections now.
- If you suspect issues like a sump tied to sanitary or missing cleanouts, line up a licensed plumber for quick corrections.
14–10 days before closing
- Complete the sewer compliance inspection. If corrections are needed, get written estimates and schedule repairs.
- Request a final water meter read date from Water Billing. Ask how you can pay and how long payment takes to post to the account.
- Confirm whether the village issues the transfer stamp based on proof of payment or only after the account shows a zero balance.
10–3 days before closing
- Finish repairs and request any needed reinspection.
- Obtain written permit release or confirmation that all permits are closed.
- Pay the final water and sewer bill. Provide proof of payment to the village and title company. Ask when the payment will be reflected.
3–0 days before closing
- Confirm with the title company that the village issued the transfer stamp or written clearance.
- If there is a delay, discuss escrow holdback or conditional funding options with the title company. This is handled case by case.
Timing realities
Municipal processing can add several business days. Payment posting, inspection calendars, and document issuance times vary. Build in buffer time so you are not waiting on paperwork on closing day.
What inspectors look for
Common scope items
- Accessible cleanouts and visible sewer lateral in good condition.
- No sump pumps, foundation drains, or downspouts connected to the sanitary sewer.
- Floor drains routed correctly and no cross-connections to potable water.
- Required backflow prevention devices where applicable.
- No visible leaks, improper venting, or missing traps.
- No unpermitted plumbing work.
Frequent causes of failure
- Sump pump discharge into sanitary sewer. Remedy: reroute to grade or storm system per code with a dedicated discharge line.
- Downspouts tied to sanitary sewer. Remedy: reroute to grade or storm sewer and add splash blocks or underground discharge as allowed.
- Missing or inaccessible cleanouts. Remedy: install or expose cleanouts and ensure access.
- Open or unpermitted plumbing work. Remedy: apply for permits, complete work, and pass final inspections.
- Cracked or leaking lateral. Remedy: repair or replace the lateral as required and schedule reinspection.
Reinspection process
If inspectors note defects, you will receive a list of required corrections. A reinspection may be required and may include a fee. Scheduling and fees vary, so verify details with the Village of Addison.
Permit releases and required documents
A permit release confirms no open permits remain or that corrective permits were finalized. Be ready to provide:
- A completed sewer compliance inspection report showing a pass or the corrections completed.
- Proof of payment for final water and sewer charges and any outstanding utilities.
- Written confirmation that all permits are closed, including final inspection sign-offs.
- Any title company request forms the village requires for transfer stamp issuance.
If a permit cannot be closed before closing, discuss options early. You may complete the work pre-closing, escrow funds with the title company, or request a conditional release if the village allows it.
Final water billing and transfer stamp
To avoid last-minute surprises, schedule a final meter read and request the final bill well before closing. Ask how to pay, how long payment takes to post, and whether the village issues the stamp after proof of payment or only when the account shows zero.
Payments made too close to closing may not post in time. Provide receipts to your title company and ask the village to send written confirmation of the stamp or clearance directly to the title team.
Practical checklist you can print
Immediate, 21–14 days before closing
- Confirm inspection requirements, forms, and scheduling with the Village of Addison.
- Submit the sewer inspection request and request a final meter read date.
- Identify and start closing any open permits.
- Line up a licensed plumber for potential corrections.
Within 14–7 days before closing
- Complete the sewer inspection.
- If needed, schedule repairs and request a reinspection date.
- Request the final water and sewer bill and choose your payment method.
Within 7–3 days before closing
- Provide proof of final payments and closed permits to the village and title company.
- Confirm transfer stamp issuance or the expected date with the village and title company.
- If issuance is at risk, discuss escrow or delayed funding options.
Day of closing
- Verify the title company has the transfer stamp or written clearance.
- Keep digital copies of receipts and sign-offs ready to email if needed.
Common problems and how to avoid them
- Short notice for inspection or reinspection. Book early and build in buffer days.
- Sump pumps or downspouts tied to sanitary. Have a plumber check and correct these immediately.
- Open permits discovered late. Ask the village for a permit status check early and schedule finals now.
- Final water payment not posting in time. Submit payment a few business days before closing and share proof promptly.
If an inspection reveals major repairs, get estimates right away. Decide if work can be completed before closing or if an escrow holdback is needed. Align the plan with the buyer, seller, and title company as soon as possible.
Addison contacts and fee reminders
Fees and processes can change. Confirm inspection fees, reinspection fees, permit costs, and office hours directly with the Village of Addison Building Division and Public Works or Water Billing. Request written copies of your passed inspection report, permit release, and transfer stamp or clearance for your records.
Ready to keep your closing on track?
You deserve a clear plan, steady communication, and advocate-level guidance from contract to keys. If you want help coordinating timelines, confirming compliance steps, and keeping everyone aligned before closing, connect with The Jerry Cox Group. We bring a service-first approach so you can move forward with confidence.
FAQs
What is Addison’s sewer compliance inspection for sellers?
- It verifies private plumbing meets municipal and state standards, with a focus on no illegal ties to the sanitary sewer, accessible cleanouts, and no leaks or cross-connections.
How long does the permit release and transfer stamp take in Addison?
- Plan for 2–3 weeks. Inspections, repairs, payment posting, and document issuance can each take several business days depending on village scheduling and processing.
What if my sump pump is tied to the sanitary sewer in Addison?
- You will likely need to reroute the discharge to grade or the storm system per code, then request reinspection to pass compliance.
What if an open permit cannot be closed before my Addison closing?
- Options may include completing work pre-closing, escrowing funds with the title company, or seeking a conditional release if the village allows it.
Do buyers need to attend Addison’s sewer compliance inspection?
- Usually no. Buyers should confirm that the seller will provide clearance before closing and that the title company will receive the documentation.
How do I request a final water meter read and bill in Addison?
- Contact Water Billing to schedule the final meter read and ask about payment methods and posting times so the transfer stamp can be issued on time.
