Chapter 13.04 SEWER SYSTEM

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the discharge or deposit and discharge of all wastes in, upon, or affecting the city and the design, construction, alteration, use and maintenance of public sewers and house laterals, industrial connection sewers, sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping plants, industrial liquid waste pretreatment plants, dairy screen chambers, sand and grease interceptors and appurtenances; the issuance of permits and the collection of fees therefor; and the inspection of construction.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all sanitary sewers and appurtenances thereto, lying within streets or easements dedicated to the city and which are under the sole jurisdiction of the city.

Design engineers shall reference the city’s sewer design manual for the design and construction of sewer collection system infrastructure. (Ord. 1868 § 1, 2024; prior code § 5-4.102)

13.04.030 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:

“Boiler blow-off” means the condensed steam or hot water from a boiler when “blown off” to remove scale and slime or “blow-down” for cleaning and repair.

“Cesspool” means a lined excavation in the ground which receives the discharge of a drainage system, or part thereof, so designed as to retain the organic matter and solids discharging therein, but permitting the liquids to seep through the bottom and sides and constructed pursuant to the provisions of applicable laws.

“Chief engineer” means the chief engineer of the county sanitation district or the county flood control district, or his authorized deputy, agent, or representative. The district referred to shall be that one stipulated by the context.

“Chimney” means a vertical section of a house lateral extending either from a vertical tee on the main line or from a long radius one-quarter bend set vertically at the curb or property line and, in either case, suitably reinforced with concrete.

“City engineer” means the city engineer of the city, or his authorized deputy, agent, representative or inspector.

“Conductor” or “roof leader” means any piping which carries stormwater or rainwater from any roof, building, yard, or court. The term “downspout” is usually applied to the vertical portion.

“Dairy wastes” means the waste liquids incident to the operation of a dairy, including wash water from the milking barn, milk house, bottle washing equipment and similar devices.

“Domestic sewage” means the water-borne wastes derived from ordinary living processes and of such character as to permit satisfactory disposal, without special treatment, into the public sewer or by means of a private sewage disposal system.

“Effluent” means the liquid flowing out of any treatment plant or facility constructed and operated for the partial or complete treatment of sewage or liquid industrial wastes.

“Frontage” means the frontage as used by the city engineer in determining the benefits for local improvements in assessment proceedings.

“Health officer” means the health officer of the city, or his authorized deputy, agent, representative or inspector.

“House lateral” means that part of the horizontal piping beginning at the property line or sewer right-of-way line and extending to its connection with the main line sewer through which sewage is discharged.

“Industrial building” means any building, structure or works which is used, or which is designed to be used, for the manufacture, processing, or distribution of materials, equipment, supplies, food or commodities of any description, or which is used, or designed to be used, as a school, sanitarium, hospital, penal institution, or charitable institution, together with all appurtenances thereto and the surrounding premises under the same ownership or control.

“Industrial connection sewer” means that part of the horizontal piping beginning at the property line or sewer right-of-way line and extending to its connection with the main line sewer through which liquid industrial wastes are discharged.

“Industrial liquid waste” means any and all liquid or water-borne wastes from industrial or commercial processes or operations, except domestic sewage.

“Industrial waste” means any and all waste substances, liquid or solid, except domestic sewage and shall include, among other things, radioactive wastes and explosive, noxious, or toxic gases when present in the sewerage system.

“Industrial waste treatment facility” means any works or devices for the treatment, storage or control of industrial wastes within a site prior to disposal.

“Inspector” means the authorized inspector, deputy, agent or representative of the city engineer.

“Interceptor” means a device designed and installed so as to separate and retain deleterious, hazardous or undesirable matter from wastes.

“Licensed contractor” means a contractor having a valid license issued pursuant to Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code of the state, which license includes the activities listed on a permit applied for.

“Lot” means any piece or parcel of land bounded, defined, or shown upon a plat or deed recorded in the office of the county recorder which conforms to the boundaries of such lot as shown upon such recorded map, plat, or deed; or any parcel of land split or set aside from any such lot in conformity with applicable laws; provided, however, in the event any building or structure covers more area than a lot as defined in this chapter, the term “lot” shall include all such pieces or parcels of land upon which the building or structure is wholly or partly located, together with the yards, courts and other unoccupied spaces legally required for the building or structure.

“Main line sewer” means any public sewer in a dedicated right-of-way in which changes in alignment and grade occur only at manholes, or where angle points or curves between manholes have been approved by the city engineer. Such sewers are generally eight inches or more in diameter.

“Permittee” means the person to whom a permit has been issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

“Person” means an individual human being, a firm, partnership, or corporation, his or their heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, officers or agents, the city and any municipal or quasi-municipal governmental agency, or district or officers thereof.

“Pollution of underground or surface waters” means affecting such waters in a manner which, if allowed to continue, would render them unfit for human or animal use or toxic to vegetation to an extent adversely affecting plant growth or curtailing crop yield.

“Public sewer” means a main line sanitary sewer, dedicated to public use.

“Radioactive material” means any material composed of or containing chemical elements which spontaneously change their atomic structure by the emission of alpha or beta particles or gamma rays or any other particles or rays or forms of energy.

“Rainwater diversion system” means any device designed to prevent the entry of storm water into the public sewer system or other waste disposal or treatment systems and to redirect storm flows to appropriate areas.

“Saddle” or “wye saddle” means a short pipe fitting with a shoulder at one end to allow the application of the fitting to a hole tapped in the main line sewer so that the short pipe shall form a forty-five degree angle from the main line sewer pipe. “Tee saddle” means a short pipe fitting with a shoulder at one end to allow the application of the fitting to a hole tapped in the main line sewer so that the short pipe shall form a ninety degree angle from the main line sewer pipe.

“Seepage pit” means a line excavation in the ground which receives the discharge of a septic tank, so designed as to permit the effluent from the septic tank to seep through its bottom and sides.

“Sewage” means any water-borne or liquid wastes, except stormwater, groundwater, or roof or yard drainage and shall include domestic sewage and industrial liquid wastes.

“Sewage pumping plant” means any works or device used to raise sewage from a lower to a higher level or to overcome friction in a pipeline.

“Sewage treatment plant” means any works or device for treating sewage, except any industrial waste treatment facility or private sewage disposal system.

“Street property line” means a building line when one has been established by law, otherwise the street property line itself.

“Tapping” means the forming of a tee or wye branch connection to a main line sewer by installing a tee or wye saddle after the sewer is in place.

“Tee” or “T” means a fitting for a branch on which the spur joins the barrel of the pipe at an angle of approximately ninety degrees.

“Trunk sewer” means a sewer under the jurisdiction of a public entity other than the city.

“Wye” or “Y” means a fitting for a branch on which the spur joins the barrel of the pipe at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees. (Prior code § 5-4.201)

13.04.040 Enforcement of provisions.

The city engineer shall enforce all the provisions of this chapter and for such purpose shall have the powers of a peace officer. Such powers shall not limit or otherwise affect the powers and duties of the health officer. (Prior code § 5-4.301)

13.04.050 Minimum standards.

Treatment plants and facilities shall be designed so as to produce an effect which will not pollute underground or surface waters, create a nuisance, or menace the public peace, health or safety. The city engineer shall consult with the health officers and officials of industrial and public agencies and from time to time promulgate standards which may vary according to location, topography, physical conditions and other pertinent factors. (Prior code § 5-4.302)

13.04.060 Notices.

Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, any notice required to be given by the city engineer under this chapter shall be in writing and served in the manner provided in the Code of Civil Procedure of the state for the service of process, or by registered mail. If served by mail, the notice shall be sent to the last address known to the city engineer. When the address is unknown, service may be made as provided in this section upon the owner of record of the property. (Prior code § 5-4.303)

13.04.070 Time limits.

Any time limit provided for in this chapter may be extended by mutual consent of the officer or department concerned and the permittee, applicant, or other person affected. (Prior code § 5-4.304)

13.04.080 Identification of employees.

The city engineer shall provide means of identification of inspectors and sewer maintenance men which shall identify them as such. Inspectors and sewer maintenance men shall identify themselves upon request when entering upon the work of any contractor or property owner for any inspection work required by this chapter. (Prior code § 5-4.305)

13.04.090 Maintenance inspections.

The city engineer may inspect, as often as he deems necessary, every main line sewer, sewage pumping plant, sewage treatment plant, industrial liquid waste pre-treatment plant, industrial connection sewer, interceptor, dairy screen chamber, dilution basin, neutralization basin, or other similar appurtenances to ascertain whether such facilities are maintained and operated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. All persons shall permit the city engineer to have access to all such facilities at all reasonable times. (Prior code § 5-4.306)

13.04.100 Access requirements.

No object, whether a permanent structure or a temporary structure, or any object which is difficult of removal, shall be placed in such a position as to interfere with the ready and easy access to any facility described in Section 13.04.090. Any such obstruction, upon request of the city engineer, shall be immediately removed by the violator at no expense to the city and shall not be replaced. (Prior code § 5-4.307)

13.04.110 Interference with right of entry of city engineer.

No person in the city shall, during reasonable hours, refuse, resist or attempt to resist the entrance of the city engineer into any building, factory, plant, yard, field, or other place, or portions thereof, in the performance of his duty within the power conferred upon him by law or by this chapter. (Prior code § 5-4.308)

13.04.120 Maintenance of plants, interceptors and other facilities.

The requirements contained in this chapter covering the maintenance of sanitary sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping plants, industrial liquid waste pre-treatment plants, dairy screen chambers, interceptors, or other appurtenances shall apply to all such facilities now existing or hereafter constructed. All such facilities shall be maintained by the owners thereof in a safe and sanitary condition and all devices or safeguards which are required by this chapter for the operation of such facilities shall be maintained in good working order.

The provisions of this section shall not be construed as permitting the removal or nonmaintenance of any devices or safeguards or existing facilities unless authorized in writing by the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.309)

13.04.130 Maintenance of house laterals and house sewers.

All house laterals, industrial connection sewers and appurtenances thereto now existing or hereafter constructed shall be maintained by the owner of the property served in a safe and sanitary condition, and all devices or safeguards which are required by this chapter for the operation thereof shall be maintained in good working order. (Prior code § 5-4.310)

13.04.140 Record of fees.

The city engineer shall keep in proper books a permanent and accurate account of all fees received under this chapter, giving the names and addresses of the persons on whose accounts the same were paid, the date and amount thereof, and the number of permits granted, if any, which books shall be open to public inspection. The city engineer shall pay all fees received by him into the city treasury and take treasurer’s receipts therefor. (Prior code § 5-4.401)

13.04.150 Permits exempt from fee.

The provisions of this chapter shall not require the payment of any fee when the collection of such fee is prohibited by Section 6103 of the Government Code of the state or by any other statute. (Prior code § 5-4.402)

13.04.160 Estimated valuations.

Whenever the fees required by this chapter are based on valuations, the city engineer shall determine the estimated valuation in all cases, and for such purposes he shall be guided by approved estimating practices. (Prior code § 5-4.403)

13.04.170 Refunds.

In the event any person shall have paid a fee for plan checking, for processing a sewer easement, to tap a public sewer, or for the processing of reimbursement documents and maps and no work or processing has been done on these functions, such person, upon presentation to the city engineer of a request therefor in writing, shall be entitled to a refund in an amount equal to eighty percent of the fee actually paid. In the event any person shall have paid a fee for inspection and record plans and subsequently shall request and receive permission to revise the work so as to appreciably reduce the amount thereof, he shall be entitled to a refund of a portion of the original fee. Such portion shall be the difference between the original amount of the fee and a new amount to be determined from the revised valuation or total footage of main line and house lateral sewers, or both. The city engineer shall satisfy himself as to the right of such person to such refund and each such refund shall be paid as provided by law for the payment of claims against the city. (Prior code § 5-4.404)

13.04.180 Educational duties of city engineer.

The city engineer may perform educational work and may cooperate with civic organizations, industries, water companies and public agencies whenever in the opinion of the city engineer such work and cooperation are essential to the development of standards or procedures which will prevent creation of a public nuisance or a menace to the public health or safety or the pollution of underground or surface waters. (Prior code § 5-4.405)

13.04.190 Joint action with other public agencies.

The city engineer may contact, confer and negotiate with officials of any public agency and may recommend to the council a contract by which the city and one or more public agencies may jointly exercise any powers pertinent to the enforcement of this chapter and any similar statute, ordinance, rule or regulation of such public agencies common to all. The city engineer may also recommend to the council a contract between the city and county or any city within the county. (Prior code § 5-4.406)

13.04.200 Conditions existing prior to issuance of permits.

If appears from the application for any permit required by this chapter that the work to be performed thereunder is to be done according to the provisions of this chapter, the city engineer, upon receipt of the fees required, shall issue such permit. (Prior code § 5-4.407)

13.04.210 Certificate of final inspection.

When it appears to the satisfaction of the city engineer that all work done under the permit has been constructed according to, and meets the requirements of, all the applicable provisions of this chapter, and that all fees have been paid, the city engineer, if requested, shall cause to be issued to the permittee constructing such work a certificate of final inspection. The certificate shall recite that such work as is covered by the permit has been constructed according to this chapter and that such work is in an approved condition. (Prior code § 5-4.408)

13.04.220 Sewer permit required.

No person, other than persons specifically excepted by this chapter, shall commence or do, or cause to be done, construct, or cause to be constructed, use, or cause to be used, or alter, or cause to be altered, any public sewer, main line sewer, house lateral, sewage pumping plant, or other similar appurtenance in the city without first obtaining a sewer permit from the city engineer so to do. (Prior code § 5-4.501)

13.04.230 Exemptions from permit.

The provisions of this chapter requiring permits shall not apply to the county sanitation district, its chief engineer, or to contractors constructing public sewers and appurtenances under contracts awarded and entered into under proceedings had or taken pursuant to any of the special procedure statutes of the state providing for the construction of sewers and the assessing of the expenses thereof against the lands benefitted thereby, or under contracts between the contractor and the city. (Prior code § 5-4.502)

13.04.240 Permits not transferable.

Permits issued pursuant to this chapter shall not be transferable from one person to another person or from one location to another location. (Prior code § 5-4.503)

13.04.250 Sewer permit – Application.

Any person requiring a sewer permit shall make written application to the city engineer.

The city engineer shall provide printed application forms for the permits provided for by this chapter, indicating thereon the information to be furnished by the applicant. The city engineer may require, in addition to the information furnished by the printed form, any additional information from the applicant which will enable the city engineer to determine that the proposed work or use complies with the provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 5-4.504)

13.04.260 Tapping public sewers.

When in the opinion of the city engineer it shall be necessary to connect a house lateral to a public sewer at a point where no connection facility has been provided, application for a public sewer tap shall be submitted and a fee for tapping the public sewer shall be paid by the applicant before the permit shall be issued for the construction of the house lateral. All tappings of public sewers, except trunk sewers, shall be performed by a licensed contractor.

Exception: Tapping of public sewers as required on sewer plans approved by the city engineer shall be constructed by a licensed contractor. (Prior code § 5-4.505)

13.04.270 Sewers in city streets.

Before granting any sewer permit for the construction, installation, repair or removal of any sewer, or appurtenance thereto, which will necessitate any excavation or fill in, upon, or under any city street, except state highways, the city engineer shall first require the applicant to obtain a permit from the superintendent of streets. (Prior code § 5-4.506)

13.04.280 Sewers in state highways.

The encroachment permit for construction of a sewer, or appurtenance thereto, under private contract, within or under any state highway shall be obtained by the sewer contractor. The contractor shall be required by the Division of Highways of the state to provide bonds to defray the cost of any damage to highways which may subsequently result from sewer construction for such periods of time as will permit the city to annex the areas benefitted by the sewers to existing sewer maintenance districts, or to form new sewer maintenance districts, and have money available to assume the liability for repairing any damages to state highways.

The city engineer shall notify the Division of Highways in writing when money is available in the districts. Upon receipt of such notification, the Division of Highways shall release the contractor from his bond, void his permit, and issue the permit to the city engineer. The sewer maintenance district thereupon shall assume the liability for defraying the costs of any damages to the highways which may subsequently result from the sewer construction.

The encroachment permit shall be obtained by the city engineer for the construction of any sewer or appurtenances within or under any state highways for contracts awarded or entered into under proceedings had or taken by the city pursuant to any of the special procedure statutes of the state providing for such construction and the assessing of property benefitted thereby to pay for such costs, or under contracts between the contractor and the council. (Prior code § 5-4.507)

13.04.290 Main line sewers.

Before granting a permit for the construction of any main line sewer or industrial connection sewer, with or without house laterals, the city engineer shall check and approve the plans therefor as to their compliance with city, state and other governmental laws and as to conformity with the standards of design set forth in this chapter. (Prior code § 5-4.508)

13.04.300 Pumping and treatment plants.

Before granting a permit for the construction of any sewage pumping plant or sewage treatment plant, the city engineer shall check and approve the plans, or required modification thereof, as to their compliance with city, state and other governmental laws and shall require that the facilities be adequate in every respect for the use intended. (Prior code § 5-4.509)

13.04.310 Connecting cesspools and septic tanks.

A person shall not connect, or cause to be connected, any cesspool seepage pit or septic tank to any main line sewer or to any house lateral leading thereto. (Prior code § 5-4.601)

13.04.320 Laying pipe.

All pipe shall be laid upgrade on an unyielding foundation, true to line and grade and with a uniform bearing under the full length of the barrel of the pipe. Bell and spigot pipe shall be laid with sockets upgrade. Suitable excavations shall be made to receive the bells or collars of the pipe. All adjustments to bring the pipe to line and grade shall be made by scraping away or thoroughly tamping suitable fill material under the body of the pipe and not by wedging or blocking. (Prior code § 5-4.602)

13.04.330 Placing vitrified clay pipe.

Vitrified clay piping shall not be placed closer than two feet to the exterior wall of any building or closer than twelve inches to the surface of the ground at any point in its course. (Prior code § 5-4.603)

13.04.340 Excavations.

All excavations shall have sufficient width to allow proper workmanship and permit adequate inspection and shall be supported in the manner set forth in the rules, orders, and regulations prescribed by the Industrial Accident Commission of the state. Sheet piling and other timbers shall be withdrawn in such a manner as to prevent caving of the walls of the excavation or disturbance of the sewer. (Prior code § 5-4.604)

13.04.350 Excavation tunnels.

Excavation tunnels shall be allowed at the approval and discretion of the city engineer. (Ord. 1868 § 2, 2024; prior code § 5-4.605)

13.04.360 Wet and soft soil.

Before laying any sewer pipe in an excavation in soft, wet or spongy soil, sufficient gravel, crushed rock or other suitable base material to stabilize the subgrade shall be placed in the bottom of the trench. (Prior code § 5-4.606)

13.04.370 High ground water.

No person shall begin the work of house lateral construction in an area having a subsurface water level above the level of the sewer until he shall have sufficient pumping equipment available on the job to keep up the excavation unwatered. The city engineer may require adequate proof of the sufficiency of such equipment before granting a permit. (Prior code § 5-4.607)

13.04.380 Avoidance of trees.

When any portion of the sewer line, other than cast iron soil pipe, is located within ten feet of any tree or hedge, the joints of the pipe shall be entirely encased in four inches of Class “A” concrete or 1:2 mortar. (Prior code § 5-4.608)

13.04.390 Sewers under other structures.

When a house lateral constructed of any type pipe other than cast iron is located under existing or proposed steam or electric railway tracks, existing or proposed manholes, storm drains, or other sewers or large conduits, it shall be encased in Class “B” concrete as shown on the Standard Plans on file in the office of the city engineer. Pipe laid inside a steel casing jacked under such structures need not be encased. (Prior code § 5-4.609)

13.04.400 Disturbing pipes.

A person shall not walk upon or disturb the pipe in any manner after the joints have been made. (Prior code § 5-4.610)

13.04.410 Disposal of excavated materials.

Materials excavated in streets and roadways shall be laid alongside the excavations and kept trimmed so as to cause as little inconvenience as possible to public travel. Free access shall be provided to all fire hydrants, water gates, meters and private drives, and means shall be provided whereby storm and waste water can flow in the gutters uninterruptedly. All material excavated in streets and roadways, not required for backfilling, shall be immediately removed and disposed of by the permittee. (Prior code § 5-4.611)

13.04.420 Pipe joints.

All cast iron pipe joins shall be caulked and jointed with pig lead or other approved joint material to the satisfaction of the city engineer. All clay pipe joints shall be made with approved joint materials to the satisfaction of the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.612)

13.04.430 Tapping public sewer – Inspection preparation.

Whenever an application for the tapping of the public sewer has been approved and the required fee paid, the applicant shall provide the excavation exposing the public sewer sufficiently for the city engineer to make inspection of the “Y” or “T” saddle constructed by a licensed contractor. (Prior code § 5-4.613)

13.04.440 “Y” and “T” saddles.

The “Y” and “T” saddles shall be installed by cutting a hole in the main line sewer pipe and fitting the saddle snugly in place with heavy (twelve gauge) galvanized, asphalt painted iron wire bound around the main line pipe and the flange of the saddle. The “Y” saddle shall be placed in the side of the main line pipe with the “Y” branch upward at approximately forty-five degrees from the horizontal and so pointed as to direct the flow from the house lateral downstream in the sewer. The “T” saddle shall be placed in the top of the main line sewer pipe. “T” saddles shall be used only for construction of chimney pipe. (Prior code § 5-4.614)

13.04.450 Concrete around saddle.

After the saddle is in place, an embedment of not less than six inches of Portland cement concrete shall be placed under and around the main line sewer pipe saddle. The inside of the joint between pipe and saddle shall be pointed 1:2 cement mortar. (Prior code § 5-4.615)

13.04.460 Sewers to be watertight.

Every sewer constructed under the provisions of this chapter shall be constructed in such a manner as to withstand, when filled with water, a pressure of not less than two pounds per square inch without leaking at any point and shall be tested in accordance with the standard specifications for sanitary sewers. (Prior code § 5-4.616)

13.04.470 Inspection required.

All work done under the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to inspection by and shall meet the approval of the city engineer; provided, however, approval by the city engineer shall not relieve the permittee or any other person from complying with all of the applicable provisions of other laws.

No provisions of this chapter shall supersede, affect, or modify in any way the provisions of other laws excepting only those cases where the provisions contained in this chapter are more stringent. (Prior code § 5-4.701)

13.04.480 Notice of inspection readiness.

Immediately after the work is ready for inspection, and at least twenty-four hours before inspection is to be made, the permittee shall in writing request such inspection by the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.702)

13.04.490 Work shall be uncovered and convenient.

At the time of the inspection the permittee shall have all work uncovered and convenient for the city engineer’s examination, shall give the city engineer every facility to make a thorough examination, and shall apply water pressure tests as provided in this chapter. (Prior code § 5-4.703)

13.04.500 Removal of obstruction before inspection.

If any pipes are enclosed or covered in any way so as to tend to obstruct a thorough inspection of the sewer construction or installation and the city engineer notifies the permittee to remove such obstructions, the city engineer need not inspect the work until such obstructions are removed. (Prior code § 5-4.704)

13.04.510 Correction of defective work.

Within ten days after the city engineer notifies the permittee that any work is defective, either in its construction or material, the permittee shall reconstruct or remove such work and make it conform to the provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 5-4.705)

13.04.520 Testing labor and materials.

The permittee shall furnish all labor, tools and materials necessary for all tests and the permittee or his representative shall be present at the job site at the time the inspection is made. (Prior code § 5-4.706)

13.04.530 Materials and construction to comply with standard specifications.

All material used in any work done under the provisions of this chapter shall be new, first-class material and shall conform to, and the manner of construction shall meet, all the requirements prescribed by this chapter or by the specifications for public sewers, designated as city standard “Specifications-Materials-Vitrified Clay Pipe,” “Specifications-Construction-Sanitary Sewers,” and “Manholes,” as well as city standard drawings applicable thereto, on file in the office of the city engineer and adopted as the standard specifications for the construction, installation and alteration of both main line sewers and house laterals. All such work shall be approved by the city engineer before a certificate of final inspection shall be issued. The city engineer may order tests of any material at the expense of the permittee to determine whether such material meets such specifications. (Prior code § 5-4.707)

13.04.540 Facilities connected prior to inspection.

In the event a sewer, industrial connection sewer, interceptor, treatment facility, or other similar appurtenance is placed in use and fails to pass inspection, the permittee shall have ten days in which to make the construction conform to the requirements of this chapter. Failure to do so shall constitute a violation of this chapter. (Prior code § 5-4.708)

13.04.550 Removal and damage to sewers.

An unauthorized person shall not remove, or cause to be removed, or injure, or cause to be injured, any portion of any public sewer, any appurtenance thereto, or pumping plants in connection therewith. (Prior code § 5-4.801)

13.04.560 Opening manholes.

An unauthorized persons hall not open or enter, or cause to be opened or entered, for any purpose whatsoever any manhole in any public sewer. (Prior code § 5-4.802)

13.04.570 Dumping cesspool effluent.

The city engineer may permit operators of cesspool pump trucks who hold a valid certificate of registration issued by the health officer to dispose of cesspool effluent which does not contain harmful concentrations of industrial liquid wastes, oils, greases or other deleterious substances into certain designated manholes. No person shall dump cesspool effluent in any manhole other than those designated by the city engineer. The city engineer may refuse to accept the cesspool effluent if it fails to meet the requirements of this section. (Prior code § 5-4.803)

13.04.580 Cleaning manholes.

When cesspool effluent is dumped into a specified manhole under permission from the city engineer, it shall be discharged through a pipe or hose in a manner such that none of the effluent shall be left adhering to the sides or shelf of the manhole. If any such effluent is inadvertently allowed to adhere to the sides or shelf of the manhole, the manhole shall be thoroughly cleaned with clear water. (Prior code § 5-4.804)

13.04.590 Reconnections of industrial connection sewers.

Whenever an industrial connection sewer has been disconnected from the public sewer by the city engineer for failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter, reconnection shall be made only upon issuance of a permit as provided in this chapter. Before such permit shall be issued, the applicant shall reimburse the city for the cost of the disconnection made and the city engineer may require the installation of a manhole for the purpose of measuring the flow or for making periodic tests of the wastes from such connection. (Prior code § 5-4.805)

13.04.600 Reimbursement for repairs and maintenance.

Whenever an industrial sewer connection permittee, by reason of violation of Section 13.08.100, or any other person, by reason of violation of Section 13.04.550, causes obstruction, damage or destruction of a public sewer, or any appurtenances thereto, or pumping plants in connection therewith, he shall reimburse the city, or city sewer maintenance district if formed in which damage occurred, for the cost of flushing, cleaning, repairing and reconstruction of such sewer made necessary by such violation within thirty days after the city engineer shall render an invoice for the same. The amount when paid shall be deposited into the fund of the maintenance district. (Prior code § 5-4.806)

13.04.610 Design standards – Main line sewers.

New main line sewers shall conform to the requirements of this chapter unless otherwise specifically excepted. (Prior code § 5-4.901)

13.04.620 Design standards – Sewage treatment plants and pumping plants.

New sewage treatment plants and sewage pumping plants shall conform to the requirements of this chapter unless otherwise specifically excepted. (Prior code § 5-4.902)

13.04.630 Design standards – House laterals.

New house laterals shall conform to the requirements of this chapter unless otherwise covered by other laws, rules or regulations of the city applicable thereto. (Prior code § 5-4.903)

13.04.640 Design standards – Sewer service for large parcels.

When a lot or parcel of land is of sufficient size that the zoning regulations of the city (see Title 18 of this code) do not prohibit its division into smaller parcels, each of such possible parcels into which such lot or parcel of land legally may be divided, upon which one or more buildings containing plumbing facilities are or may be located, shall be considered as a separate parcel of land. Separate house laterals shall be constructed to the main line sewer from each of such parcels except as to variances permitted under Section 13.04.820 and except when the lot or parcel of land is occupied by an industrial building. If the main line sewer does not extend to a point from which such parcels of land can be served, the property owner shall construct a main line sewer so that such parcels may adequately be served. (Prior code § 5-4.904)

13.04.650 Design standards – Conformance of plans with standards of design.

All plans required under the provisions of this chapter for the construction of main line sewers and house laterals shall conform to the standards of design prescribed by this chapter. Plans required for all other sewer construction or installations under the provisions of this chapter shall conform to the standards of design on file in the office of the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.905)

13.04.660 Design standards – Main line sewers – Size.

A. Main line sewer pipe shall have an inside diameter of not less than eight inches and shall have sufficient capacity to carry sewage from the area tributary thereto when computed based on the methodology outlined in the city’s most recent sewer master plan.

B. The city engineer shall determine the classifications set forth in this section and shall approve any modification thereof. (Ord. 1868 § 3, 2024; prior code § 5-4.906)

13.04.670 Design standards – Main line sewers – Velocity.

A main line sewer shall be designed to provide a minimum velocity as required in the city’s design manual. Any exception to this requirement may be had only upon approval by the city engineer. (Ord. 1868 § 4, 2024; prior code § 5-4.907)

13.04.680 Design standards – Main line sewers – Grades.

The slope of the sewers shall be shown on the plans in feet of fall per one hundred feet of horizontal distance expressed as a percentage. Slopes used expressed in percentages shall be divisible, without remainder, by four in the hundredth column. For example, 0.36% complies with this section. (Prior code § 5-4.908)

13.04.690 Design standards – Main line sewers – Depth.

The standard depth for main line sewers in residential districts shall be six feet and in business districts shall be sufficient to provide a house lateral depth of ten and one-half feet for areas where no ground water is present. Standard minimum depth for six-inch house laterals shall be five feet in residential districts and ten and one-half feet in business or apartment house districts, respectively, below the curb grade or center line street or alley grade at the property line.

Where ground water is present, the depth for residential main line sewers shall be sufficient to provide for a house lateral with a minimum depth of at least five feet below the curb grade or center line street or alley grade at the property line.

Exceptions to the above minima may be made only on approval by the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.909)

13.04.700 Design standards – Manhole structures.

Manhole structures shall be placed in the main line sewer at all changes of alignment and gradient. The maximum distance between structures shall be no more than three hundred fifty feet.

All structures shall be designed according to the standard drawings for structures on file in the office of the city engineer.

Exceptions to the above requirements may be made only on approval of the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.910)

13.04.710 Design standards – Location of sewers in streets.

Main line sewers shall be located not more than five feet from the center lines of streets or alleys except on major highways where separate sewers shall be located in the roadway six feet from either curb line. Exceptions to these standard locations may be made only upon approval of the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.911)

13.04.720 Design standards – Location of end structures.

End structures shall be located ten feet upgrade from the downgrade lot line of the last lot served unless greater length is necessary to serve the property. (Prior code § 5-4.912)

13.04.730 Design standards – House laterals – Service.

House lateral services shall meet the requirements of the city’s design manual. Any exception to this requirement may be had only upon approval by the city engineer. (Ord. 1868 § 5, 2024; prior code § 5-4.913)

13.04.740 Design standards – Pipe strength.

Pipes used for sewers shall be:

A. Standard strength for sewers not more than ten feet in depth from the surface to invert;

B. Extra strength for sewers more than ten feet and not more than twenty feet in depth;

C. Standard strength reinforced with concrete cradle or concrete encasement for sewers more than twenty feet in depth;

D. Standard strength encased in concrete or placed inside of steel pipe backfilled with sand for sewers under railways; and

E. Reinforced as required by the city engineer for sewers under large conduits or other structures. (Prior code § 5-4.914)

13.04.750 Design standards – Substructures.

All substructures which will be encountered in the construction or which will be installed as part of the improvement shall be shown and designated on the plan. Large substructures which require special treatment in the design of the sewer shall also be shown in the profile. The permittee shall submit to the city engineer a statement from each utility company having substructures in the affected area certifying that the location and size of such structures, as shown on the plans, are the same as shown upon their records. (Prior code § 5-4.915)

13.04.760 Design standards – Soil conditions.

Soil conditions, particularly in areas known to have high ground water tables, rock, or filled ground, shall be prospected and the results shown on the profile, if required by the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.916)

13.04.770 Design standards – Bench marks.

Design drawings shall use the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) as the vertical control datum. All elevations shown on drawings shall be based on NAVD 88. (Ord. 1868 § 6, 2024; prior code § 5-4.917)

13.04.780 Design standards – Connecting sewers in undedicated streets.

A person shall not connect, or cause to be connected, any sewer which has been, or may hereafter be, constructed in any way unless:

A. Such sewer has been laid under the supervision of and to the satisfaction of the city engineer or the chief engineer of the county sanitation district in which such sewer is located and in accordance with all the provisions of this chapter; and

B. If dedication of such way is required, such way has been dedicated and the council has accepted such dedication. (Prior code § 5-4.918)

13.04.790 Design standards – Kind and size of pipe.

All pipe material and size shall meet the requirements in the city’s design manual. (Ord. 1868 § 7, 2024; prior code § 5-4.919)

13.04.800 Design standards – Alignment and grade of house laterals.

The alignment and grade of a house lateral shall be straight from the public sewer to the street property line and shall have a fall of not less than one foot in fifty feet towards the public sewer, except where otherwise permitted by the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.920)

13.04.810 Design standards – Depth of house laterals.

Where laid within the limits of public thoroughfare, no house lateral shall be laid less than five feet below the established grade of the same, or below the surface where no grade is established, except by special permission in writing from the city engineer. (Prior code § 5-4.921)

13.04.820 Design standards – Exceptions to provisions.

If a literal compliance with any engineering requirement of this chapter is impossible or impractical because of peculiar conditions in no way the fault of the person requesting an exception, and the purposes of this chapter may be accomplished and the public safety secured by an alternate construction or procedure, and the city engineer so finds, he may grant an exception permitting such alternate construction or procedure. (Prior code § 5-4.922)

13.04.830 Design standards – Dedications of sewers to the city.

A. Before plans for the construction of any public main line sewer are approved by the city engineer, the person causing such plans to be prepared shall present on forms provided by the city engineer the following:

1. An “Offer of Dedication” signed and acknowledged by all persons sharing the cost of such sewer; and

2. A “Letter of Participation” describing the property of the persons who participated in such cost.

B. When the construction of the sewer has been completed and accepted by the council, the sewer shall become a public sewer.

C. No sewer shall be accepted for dedication by the city unless such sewer has been constructed in conformity with the requirements of this chapter. (Prior code § 5-4.923)