Chapter 13.20 PRIVATE SEWER SYSTEMS

Chapter 13.20
PRIVATE SEWER SYSTEMS

Sections:

13.20.030 Use permit – Issuance criteria.

13.20.010 Restrictions.

Upon application of a building permit to construct a building, a private sewage system may be installed as defined in the California Plumbing Code, Appendix I, when the public sewer main is more than 500 feet from a property line or property corner of such property with the following provisions:

(A) No steel septic tanks are allowed;

(B) No seepage pits are allowed;

(D) No cesspools are allowed;

(E) No composting and/or chemical toilets are allowed;

(F) A use permit has been granted by the Planning Commission. (Ord. CCO-99-05, 1999; Ord. 389 § 15, 1981)

13.20.020 Use permit – Required.

A property owner requesting a building permit for construction of a building or structure must first be issued a use permit by the City for the installation of a private sewage system. The use permit and fee shall be processed per Chapter 18.29 MSMC. (Ord. CCO-11-05 § 37, 2011; Ord. CCO-99-05, 1999; Ord. 389 § 15(A), 1981)

13.20.030 Use permit – Issuance criteria.

The following criteria must be found before a use permit is issued:

(A) When the applicant’s property is more than 500 feet from a City sewer main; and

(B) When a proposed private sewage system has been designed and submitted by a licensed civil or sanitary engineer with all design criteria showing the capability of the system to dispose of the proposed waste; and

(C) When, in the opinion of the County Health Department (submitted in writing), a private sewage disposal system would be adequate and safe for the disposal of the waste discharge from the building or structure and would not be a menace to public health; and

(D) When the size of the property proposed for a private sewage system is not less than one acre in size, with the exception of preexisting legal lots; and

(E) When it is found that the proposed private sewage system meets all the requirements as set forth by the State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board for septic tanks and leach fields. (Ord. CCO-99-05, 1999; Ord. 402, 1982; Ord. 389 § 15(B), 1981)

13.20.040 Use permit – Conditions.

The following conditions for all use permits issued and granted per this chapter and this title are adopted with no exceptions:

(A) The applicant must own the property on which the entire installation will take place. Private systems are to be installed as per approved plans and in compliance with this chapter.

(B) Mandatory connection per this title to City sewer mains must be made whenever the City sewer main is available within 500 feet of the closest property line. A one-year time period is allowed for completion of this connection, and properties adjacent to the connecting property commence their time period at the same date, as if the line were extended.

(C) Mandatory connection to the City’s sewer main shall be made whenever it is determined by the County Health Department that a private sewage system is not functioning properly. This connection shall be made regardless of distance to the nearest sewer main or the usage discontinued. Connection shall be made immediately or the use discontinued. Additions, repairs, or replacement shall not be made.

(D) Connection shall be made if a mandatory requirement is imposed by the State or County Health Department.

(E) All existing septic tanks shall be pumped within six months after the passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter, unless proof can be given that they have been pumped within the prior year, and all existing and new septic tanks shall be pumped every eight years thereafter or sooner if determined necessary by the Director of Public Works. An invoice from a licensed pumper shall be submitted to the Department of Public Works indicating that the tank has been pumped and at what date.

(F) The property owner shall acknowledge and agree to all conditions of the use permit issued by the Planning Commission, before issuance of any building permit. (Ord. CCO-99-05, 1999; Ord. CCO-96-07 §§ 70 – 72, 1996; Ord. 389 § 15(C), 1981)

13.20.050 Use permit – Appeals.

Appeals on the decision of the Planning Commission pertaining to a use permit are to be processed per Chapter 18.32 MSMC. (Ord. CCO-99-05, 1999; Ord. CCO-92-07, 1992; Ord. 428, 1986)