Selling a home in the City of Santa Cruz? Here is welcome news: you no longer need a City Water Conservation Certificate at closing. That said, the rules still depend on who supplies your water and whether you have a private well. This guide shows you exactly what changed, what still applies, and how to keep your escrow on track. Let’s dive in.
What changed in Santa Cruz City
The City of Santa Cruz removed its point-of-sale Water Conservation Certificate requirement on March 11, 2022. According to the City’s Plumbing Fixture Retrofit Program page, properties served by City water no longer need that certificate at transfer. You still need to follow state disclosure rules and any other program that applies to your property or water source.
- See the City’s notice on the change: City of Santa Cruz Plumbing Fixture Retrofit Program
Who this applies to
This change applies to properties served by the City of Santa Cruz water system. If your property is in an unincorporated area or served by another water provider, local rules may still require retrofits or a certificate. Santa Cruz County’s own retrofit ordinance can apply outside the City’s service area.
- County retrofit rules: Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 7.69
- Example of another provider that still requires a certificate: City of Watsonville program
How to confirm your water purveyor
Before you assume anything is not required, confirm who supplies your water.
- Contact the City of Santa Cruz Water Department to verify service.
- Use this local tool to find your district: Water Conservation Coalition map.
- Check local disclosure resources used in Santa Cruz County escrows: SCCAR local disclosures.
What still applies under state and county rules
Even without a City certificate, state law and some county programs still matter. California SB 407 requires disclosure and, in many cases, replacement of non-water-conserving plumbing fixtures on transfer. Standard disclosure forms will cover these items.
- Read the state law text: California SB 407
If your property is in an area where the County enforces retrofit-on-resale rules, you may still need to retrofit or use a Transfer of Responsibility form that allows the buyer to complete work within a defined time period. The County also maintains plumbing retrofit guidance for various local providers.
- County retrofit ordinance: Santa Cruz County Code 7.69
- County retrofit guidance: County plumbing retrofit requirements
Other point-of-sale items to review
- Septic systems. If your property uses a septic system, County point-of-sale requirements can apply. City sewer users will not need septic inspections.
- Municipal programs. Check your escrow and City checklists for any sewer-lateral or other inspection programs that could affect closing.
If you have a private well or spring
Santa Cruz County adopted a time-of-sale program for Individual Water Systems. If your property is served by a private well or spring, you must provide a flow (yield) test and water quality testing, then submit the County’s form before closing. The program is effective September 1, 2025.
- Full details, required tests, timelines, and forms: County Rural Real Estate Sales
Typical timing is 3 to 5 weeks from scheduling to final lab results. Typical costs noted by the County include approximately 600 to 1,000 dollars for a flow test and about 340 dollars for the Title 22 lab analysis. Scope, provider, and any retesting can change total cost and timing, so plan early.
Escrow and documentation tips
Some title companies and lenders still ask for proof of compliance or a signed statement even when a city eliminates its certificate process. Ask escrow early what they will accept. In many cases, your standard transfer disclosures or a signed seller certification will satisfy operational requirements.
Quick seller checklist
- Confirm your water provider. If you are on City of Santa Cruz water, a City Water Conservation Certificate is not required at sale.
- Review state disclosure items. Disclose any non-water-conserving fixtures per SB 407 on your transfer documents.
- Check local retrofit rules. If you are outside City service or with another provider, verify whether County or provider rules still require retrofits or a certificate.
- If on a private well or spring, schedule tests. Book flow and lab testing early and file the County form before closing.
- Coordinate with escrow and title. Ask what documentation they need so you can keep the timeline smooth.
- Use a Transfer of Responsibility, if allowed. If retrofits are required, you and the buyer can use the jurisdiction’s form so the buyer completes work within the allowed window.
- Save and share records. Prior certificates or compliance records can streamline your sale.
Timing and costs at a glance
- City water sellers. No City certificate needed, which removes a prior time and cost step. Still confirm escrow documentation needs.
- Private wells. Plan 3 to 5 weeks for scheduling and lab turnaround. Expect several hundred to about one thousand dollars for testing, depending on scope.
- County retrofit areas. If retrofits apply, allow time for fixture replacements or for the buyer to complete work under a Transfer of Responsibility within the required window.
A little homework upfront will help you avoid surprises and protect your timeline. If you want a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your property and water source, connect for a quick consult with Georgia Phillips.
FAQs
Do Santa Cruz City sellers still need a Water Conservation Certificate?
- No. If your home is served by City of Santa Cruz water, the City removed the point-of-sale certificate requirement effective March 11, 2022.
How can I confirm who supplies water to my property?
- Contact the City Water Department, use the local water district map, or ask your agent and escrow to verify before you list.
What if my home is in unincorporated Santa Cruz County?
- County retrofit-on-resale rules may still apply, and some providers keep their own programs. Check the County code and your specific water purveyor.
What if my property uses a private well or spring?
- You must complete time-of-sale yield and water quality tests and submit the County form. The program is effective September 1, 2025, and testing can take several weeks.
Can the buyer assume responsibility for required retrofits?
- In many jurisdictions, yes. A Transfer of Responsibility form allows the buyer to complete work within a set timeframe after closing.
Will escrow or my lender still ask for proof of compliance?
- They might. Confirm early what they will accept, such as standard transfer disclosures or a signed seller certification.
