What are USDA well and septic distance requirements in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama?

What are USDA well and septic distance requirements in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama?

When dealing with rural areas, it is critical to understand how the USDA well and septic distance requirements can affect USDA loans in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, or Alabama. 

In today’s video, I will break down the USDA loan well and septic distance requirements and explain minimum property eligibility for USDA Rural Home Loans.

However, don’t forget to download our USDA Blueprint for Success. This FREE guide is designed to help walk you through the USDA process step-by-step and is great for both Realtors and homebuyers alike!

What are USDA well and septic distance requirements?

As an approved lender under the USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program,

USDA minimum property requirements for well and septic distance measurements follow HUD Handbook 4000.1 guidelines.

HUD Handbook 4000.1 minimum distance requirements between wells and sources of pollution for Existing Construction* are as follows: 

• A well must be a minimum of 10 feet from the property line.
• A well must be a minimum of 50 feet from septic tank.
• A well must be a minimum of 100 feet from the drain field.
  • However, this distance may be reduced to 75 feet if allowed by the local authority.
• If the property is adjacent to a residential property then local well distance requirements prevail.
• If the property is adjacent to non-residential property or roadway, then there needs to be a well separation distance of at least 10 feet from the property line.
• The distance requirements of the local authority will prevail if greater than what is stated in the HUD Handbook.

*Remember that this guidance is for existing properties only and different requirement will apply to new construction.

Preparing for USDA Well and Septic Distance Requirements

Generally, USDA well and septic distance requirements are not customarily measured until after the sales contract is received.  With that being said, it is critical to let us know of any upfront concerns so we can provide timely advice to help keep the transaction on track.

Don’t let USDA well and septic distance requirements overwhelm you… because we are here to help! While these properties may involve extra steps, our expertise is here to assist with opening the door to homeownership!

Just call or email if you have any qualifying questions, want to discuss a new scenario, or would just like to take advantage of our free 2^nd opinion service which is great for those existing transactions.

800-806-9836 Ext. 280
SeanS@MPLX.org

I want everyone to make it a great day, and look forward to seeing you right here for the next tip of the week!

P.S. – You can download our “USDA Blueprint for Success” by CLICKING HERE.