Septic tank pumping in Cascade-Chipita Park, CO

What El Paso County's septic rules mean for homes in Cascade-Chipita Park.

What septic rule is specific to Cascade-Chipita Park and Green Mountain Falls?

An open soil profile pit inspection. Under El Paso County's Chapter 8, properties in the Highway 24 West ZIP codes 80809 and 80819 must have one when the proposed system design does not account for high rock content.

The rule is in section 8.4.G.2.a(1) of the regulations (effective July 11, 2026; retrieved 2026-10-20).

El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) has applied a version of this rule since January 1, 2022. Its OWTS page says profile pits for any site along the Highway 24 West corridor must stay open for site inspection before a septic permit is issued. The 2026 update also lists open profile pit requirements for certain ZIP codes among the soil changes.

Does the profile pit rule affect routine septic pumping?

No. It applies when EPCPH receives an application for an installation, modification or major repair permit, because that is when the county does its site evaluation (section 8.4.G). Routine pumping needs no permit.

It does need a licensed systems cleaner, who must remove the sludge and scum and check the outlet tees, baffles and effluent screen (section 8.4.F.2). See septic tank pumping.

What should mountain-area owners plan for when a system needs replacing?

More site work before a permit is issued. On rocky sites in 80809 and 80819, the design either has to use high-rock-content parameters, or EPCPH has to inspect an open soil profile pit (Chapter 8, section 8.4.G.2.a(1)).

The application must also come from a licensed OWTS installer, which EPCPH has required since January 1, 2024. The county's permit fees are on the warning signs and repairs page.