Sewer Assessment Districts
City of Franklin - Sewer Assessment District Information
Over the past several years, an increasing number of septic systems have failed within the city limits of Franklin, its Urban Growth Boundary, and portions of unincorporated Williamson County. The City of Franklin has actively taken steps to assist these residents by extending sanitary sewer service into the affected area. Extending the main sewer line is typically financed though the creation of a Sewer Assessment District.
A Sewer Assessment District allows property owners within the defined area to reimburse the city over time, usually 20 years, for all expenses related to extending the sanitary sewer line. The portion of the assessment allocated to individual property owners is based on each property’s appraised value, with all property owners paying their portion of the total project cost. Payment of the assessment is the responsibility of the current property owner. Remaining balances are not transferable and must be satisfied before the property can be sold.
The WCAR Government Affairs Committee held several REALTOR® Issues sessions over the past month to provide our membership with detailed information about Sewer Assessment Districts, including:
~ What is a sewer assessment district?
~ Types of sanitary sewer systems- gravity versus pressurized
~ Responsibilities of property owners within a Sewer Assessment District
~ Estimated costs
~ Status and construction timeline for approved Sewer Assessment Districts
~ Where are future Sewer Assessment Districts possible?
Click on Sewer Assessment Districts to view the full presentation given by City staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are property owners within a Sewer Assessment District required to connect to the sanitary sewer system?
A: No! There is no requirement for property owners with properly-functioning septic systems to connect to sewer. However, any
resident choosing not to connect will still be responsible for:
~ Paying their portion of the assessment (based on appraised value)
~ The $35-estimated monthly service charge
~ An existing septic system must be inspected every three (3) years by either the City or an approved contractor. The
inspection process has not been finalized. Click HERE for additional information on connection requirements.
Q: At what point should I disclose the fact a home is located within a Sewer Assessment District?
A: Several scenarios are listed below:
~ Before Approval of a Sewer Assessment District- No disclosure is recommended until a Sewer Assessment District has
been officially approved by the City of Franklin or other governing body.
~ Upon Approval of a Sewer Assessment District- Disclosure is recommended once a Sewer Assessment District is
approved by either the City of Franklin or other governing body. However, individual properties cannot be assessed until the
project is completed and final costs have been determined. Agents can obtain the estimated cost of the assessment for
individual properties by contacting the City’s Customer Service Department at (615) 794-4572. Estimates are typically within
10% of the actual assessment.
~ After individual properties are assessed- Agents should disclose any unpaid balance of the assessment, in addition to
whether or not the current property owner has connected to sewer. Property owners always have the option to pay their
assessment in full. If the full balance is not paid up-front, the City will place a lien on the property and monthly payments will
be included on the owner's water bill.
Payment of the assessment is the ultimate responsibility of the seller. The lien on the property must be satisfied before
ownership can be transferred. However, the terms for paying any unpaid balance are negotiable.
These items should be noted accordingly in the following documents:
~ Purchase and Sale Agreement (F9)
4.C.Closing, Prorations, Special Assessments and Warranties Transferred (line #151)
~ Tennessee Residential Property Condition Disclosure Form (F16)
Waste Disposal (Line #92)
Q: How can I determine whether a specific property is served by sanitary sewer or a septic system?
A: Determining whether a property is served by sanitary sewer or a septic system cannot always be determined though a visual
or home inspection. Agents experiencing difficulty with this issue should click HERE and follow the outlined steps.
Q: Which contractors are approved to work on septic systems in Williamson County?
A: All contractors who install, inspect, and/or service septic systems within Williamson County must be approved by the
Williamson County Department of Sewage Disposal Management. Click HERE to view the list of approved contractors.
Q: What general advice can I provide clients regarding proper maintenance of their septic system?
A: 1. Inspect and pump the system frequently
2. Use water efficiently
3. Monitor what goes down your toilets and drains
Q: Are additives recommended for proper septic system maintenance?
A: The use of additives can be part of your regular maintenance plan but should never replace having the system inspected or
pumped on a regular basis.
Q: What are the common symptoms of a failing septic system?
A: 1. Pooling water or muddy soil around the septic system or in the basement
2. Toilet or sinks that back up when flushing or doing laundry
3. Strips of bright green grass over the drainfield lines
Click on the links below for additional information on septic system maintenance.
Helpful Maintenance Tips (Dos and Don’ts)
Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems (produced by the EPA)
For additional information or questions regarding Sewer Assessment Districts, contact David Pair (WCAR Governmental Affairs Director) via Email or phone (771-6845).