Chapter 13.10
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL
Sections:
13.10.030 Permit application – Soil percolation test.
13.10.050 Compliance with chapter.
13.10.060 Depositing sewage in unsanitary manner.
13.10.080 System to comply with State health regulations.
13.10.090 Installation – Maintenance.
13.10.110 Connection to combined or sanitary sewer.
13.10.120 Building or house sewer requirements.
13.10.130 Septic tank requirements.
13.10.140 Distribution box requirements.
13.10.150 Soil absorption trench requirements.
13.10.160 Seepage pit requirements.
13.10.170 Sand filter trench requirements.
13.10.190 Compliance with order.
13.10.010 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
“Building sewer” or “house sewer” means the pipe which receives the discharge from any plumbing fixture located inside the building or house, and extending from the building or house to the place of disposal.
“Combined sewer” means a sewer receiving both surface water runoff and sewage.
“Health Department” means the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Health Department.
“Health Officer” means the Health Officer for the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Health Department or his duly authorized representative.
“Industrial waste” means any industrial liquid wastewater, garbage, or toxic substance from any industrial process.
“Master plumber” means a master plumber who is duly registered in the City.
“Private sewage disposal system” means any sewage disposal system not constructed, installed, maintained, operated, and owned by a municipality or a taxing district established for that purpose.
“Public sewer” means any sewer constructed, installed, maintained, operated, and owned by a municipality or a taxing district established for that purpose. A sewer installed for the purpose of carrying surface water runoff and subsoil drainage shall not be considered a “public sewer” under this definition.
“Sanitary sewer” means a sewer which carries sewage, and to which storm, surface, and ground waters are not intentionally admitted.
“Sewage” means any combination of industrial waste or human excrement, such as wastewater from water closets, laundries, sinks, bathing facilities, and other objectionable wastewaters.
“Sewage disposal system” means any arrangement of devices and structures used for receiving, treating, and disposing of sewage.
“Sewer” means a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.
“Storm water” means any water resulting from precipitation mixed with the accumulation of dirt, soil, and other precipitation falls or flows. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.01; 1982 Code § 51.01; 1983 Code § 5.51.01.]
13.10.020 Permit required.
A private sewage disposal permit must be issued to the master plumber representing the owner by the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Health Department before a building permit can be obtained from the Building Commissioner or his office for the construction of any residential or business building requiring a private sewage disposal system. In addition, it is necessary that a private sewage disposal permit be issued by the Health Department to the master plumber representing the owner before the commencement of construction or repair of a private sewage disposal system. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.02(a); 1982 Code § 51.02; 1983 Code § 5.51.02.]
13.10.030 Permit application – Soil percolation test.
(A) The application for a private sewage disposal permit shall be made by a master plumber who is duly registered in the City. In addition, it shall be made on a form provided by the Health Department, which shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications, and other information deemed necessary by the Health Officer.
(B) Before the application can be received by the Health Officer, it will be necessary to have a soil percolation test conducted on the ground which will be used by the private sewage disposal device. This includes both the surface of the ground and the ground below the surface to the depth of the proposed system. The soil percolation method to be employed is outlined in detail in subsection (C) of this section. Should the contour of the original ground be changed in depth to a degree that would render the original percolation test useless, it will then be mandatory to obtain another percolation test on the changed ground, and, with this new percolation result, determine the size of the system necessary. Retesting of the same areas of lots which have failed the original percolation test will be at a frequency of not less than three-month intervals.
(C) The absorbing ability of the soil is estimated by performing a percolation test on the soil in the area to be used. All of the design factors are correlated and presented in Table I below, which may be used to determine the total horizontal area to be provided in the bottom of the distribution trenches. A percolation test shall be done as follows:
(1) Two tests shall be made in separate test holes spaced uniformly over the proposed site.
(2) Dig or bore the holes with horizontal dimensions of from six to 12 inches and vertical sides to the depth of the bottom of the proposed distribution trench with a minimum of 30 inches. Holes can be bored with a six-inch diameter post-hole auger.
(3) Roughen or scratch the bottom and sides of the holes to provide a natural surface. Remove all loose material from the hole. Place about two inches of coarse sand or fine gravel in the hole to prevent bottom scouring.
(4) Fill the hole with clear water to a minimum depth of 12 inches over the gravel. By refilling if necessary, or by supplying a surplus reservoir of water with an automatic siphon, keep water in the hole for at least four hours, and preferably overnight. In sandy soils containing little or no clay, this saturation procedure is not necessary and the test can be made after the water from one filling has seeped away. (See subsection (C)(5)(c) of this section.)
(5) Percolation rate measurements should be made on the day following the saturation process, except in sandy soils.
(a) If water remains in the test hole after the saturation period, adjust the depth to six inches over the gravel. From a fixed reference point, measure the drop in water level over a 60-minute period.
(b) If no water remains in the hole after the saturation period, add clear water to a depth of about six inches over the gravel. From a fixed reference point, measure the height of the water surface at approximately 60-minute intervals over a four-hour period, refilling the hole to a depth of six inches as necessary. The drop which occurs during the final 60-minute period is used to calculate the percolation rate.
(c) In sandy soils or other soils in which the first six inches of water seep away in less than 60 minutes after saturation period, the time interval between measurements can be taken at 30 minutes and the test run over a period of one hour. The drop which occurs in the final 30-minute period is used to calculate the percolation rate.
|
Average Time for Water to Fall One Inch (Minutes) |
Without Garbage Grinder |
With Garbage Grinder |
|---|---|---|
|
15 to 29 |
205 |
250 |
|
30 to 44 |
245 |
300 |
|
45 to 60 |
275 |
330 |
|
Over 60 |
Unsuitable for shallow absorption system. Investigate for seepage pit or subsurface filter arrangement. |
|
(d) In no case should less than 300 lineal feet per residence be installed. (See EMC 13.10.150(C).)
(6) In conjunction with the percolation test, a subsoil investigation should also be made. If rock, hardpan, or any other impermeable stratum is found at a depth less than four feet, results of the percolation tests must be interpreted with caution. The case also warrants special consideration if the ground water table is less than four feet deep during any prolonged period. The water table is closest to the ground surface during late winter or early spring. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code §§ 1731.02(b), (c), 1731.12; 1982 Code § 51.03; 1983 Code § 5.51.03.]
13.10.040 Final inspection.
A permit for a private sewage disposal system shall not become final until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the Health Officer. He or his agent shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction. In any event, the applicant for the permit shall notify the Health Officer when the work is ready for final inspection and before any underground portions are covered. The inspection shall be made within 48 hours, not including Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, of receipt of notice by the Health Department. In the event the inspection is not made by the Health Department within the 48-hour period, the person or corporation requesting the inspection may cover the installation without inspection. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.02(d); 1982 Code § 51.04; 1983 Code § 5.51.04.]
13.10.050 Compliance with chapter.
Where a public sanitary or combined sewer is not available, all persons owning or leasing property shall comply with the provisions of this chapter for private sewage disposal systems. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.03; 1982 Code § 51.05; 1983 Code § 5.51.05.]
13.10.060 Depositing sewage in unsanitary manner.
No person shall place, deposit, or permit to be deposited in an unsanitary manner on public or private property within the City, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City, any industrial waste, human excrement, or sewage. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.04; 1982 Code § 51.06; 1983 Code § 5.51.06.]
13.10.070 Privies.
The construction of privies, chemical toilets, and outside toilets of any type to be used for private sewage disposal systems is prohibited. At any house or building situated within the City where there is a privy being used as a private sewage disposal device, and which was installed before the passage of this chapter, the privy must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code §§ 1731.05, 1731.07; 1982 Code § 51.07; 1983 Code § 5.51.07.]
13.10.080 System to comply with State health regulations.
At any business building situated within the City, where there is installed a sewage disposal system which is not connected to a public sewer system and no public sewer system is available, there shall be established, installed, or constructed and maintained a private sewage disposal system which shall comply with the standards of the State Board of Health as contained in Bulletin S. E. 13 of the State Board of Health or in any other manner as approved by the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Health Department. The minimum capacity of any septic tank installed shall be 1,000 gallons. Copies of Bulletin S. E. 13 are herewith incorporated by reference as part of this section and two copies are filed in the offices of the City Clerk and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Health Department for public inspection. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.06; 1982 Code § 51.08; 1983 Code § 5.51.08.]
13.10.090 Installation – Maintenance.
All private sewage disposal systems shall be installed, constructed, and maintained in an approved manner as described in this chapter. The system is designed for the sole purpose of disposing of sewage waste. At no time will waste other than sewage be allowed to discharge into any portion of the system, including all other waste such as foundation drainage, downspout drainage, or air conditioning drainage. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.08; 1982 Code § 51.09; 1983 Code § 5.51.09.]
13.10.100 Defects.
Should any defect exist or occur in any private sewage system which would cause the sewage disposal to fail to meet the requirements of this chapter and cause an unsanitary condition, the defect shall be corrected immediately by the owner or agent of the owner, or the occupant or agent of the occupant. Failure to do so shall be a violation of this chapter. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.09; 1982 Code § 51.10; 1983 Code § 5.51.10.]
13.10.110 Connection to combined or sanitary sewer.
Whenever an approved combined or sanitary sewer becomes available to the residential or business property served by a private sewage disposal system or privy situated within the City, a direct connection shall be made to the sewer, and any septic tanks, seepage pits, outhouses, privy pits, and similar sewage disposal devices and treatment facilities shall be abandoned and filled in a safe and sanitary manner. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.10; 1982 Code § 51.11; 1983 Code § 5.51.11.]
13.10.120 Building or house sewer requirements.
Pipe used for the construction of the house sewer shall be of the size recommended by the plumbing code, as adopted in EMC 15.10.010, State building rules and regulations, and shall be made of cast iron or vitrified clay. Construction of the sewer shall be such as to secure watertight joints. It shall be on a grade of not less than one-eighth-inch per foot, and the 10 feet immediately preceding the septic tank shall be not more than one-fourth-inch per foot. In addition, no 90-degree ells shall be permitted. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.13; 1982 Code § 51.12; 1983 Code § 5.51.12.]
13.10.130 Septic tank requirements.
All septic tanks installed must have a liquid capacity of 750 gallons or larger and conform to the following requirements:
(A) Design shall be such as to provide access for cleaning and adequate volume for settling and for sludge and scum storage.
(B) Location shall be such as to provide not less than the following stated distances:
(1) Property lines, 10 feet.
(2) Building or house, 10 feet.
(3) Any private water supply, 50 feet.
(C) Liquid capacity shall be based upon the number of bedrooms in the dwelling served and shall conform to Table II below. The liquid depth of any tank or compartment thereof shall not be less than four feet. A liquid depth greater than six and one-half feet shall not be considered in determining tank capacity. No tank or compartment thereof shall have an inside horizontal dimension less than 24 inches. When multi-compartment tanks are used, no compartment shall have a liquid capacity less than 125 gallons, and the first compartment of a tank of this type must contain at least 50 percent of the total liquid capacity.
|
No. of Bedrooms |
Minimum Liquid Capacity in Gallons |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Without Garbage Grinder |
With Garbage Grinder |
|
|
3 or less |
750 |
1,125 |
|
4 |
900 |
1,350 |
|
5 |
1,000 |
1,500 |
(D) Inlet and outlet connections of the tank and of each compartment thereof shall be submerged or baffled so as to obtain effective retention of scum and sludge.
(1) Scum storage volume, or space between the liquid surface and the top of the inlet and outlet devices, shall be not less than 15 percent of the required liquid capacity.
(2) The inlet baffle or submerged pipe shall extend approximately six inches below the liquid surface and above the liquid surface at least to the crown of the inlet sewer.
(3) The outlet baffle or submerged pipe and the baffles or submerged pipes between compartments shall extend below the liquid a distance of at least 12 inches. They also shall extend not less than six inches above the liquid level.
(4) There shall be at least one inch between the underside of the top of the tank and the top of the inlet and outlet pipes or baffles and partitions to provide the required ventilation of the tank and disposal field or seepage pits through the main building stack.
(5) The inlet invert shall not be less than three inches above the flow line. Where inlet tees are used, they shall be of cast iron construction.
(E) Construction of the tank shall be such as to assure its being watertight and prevent the entrance of rain water, surface drainage, or ground water. The tank shall be constructed of sound and durable material not subject to excessive corrosion or decay.
(1) Metal septic tanks shall comply with Commercial Standards 177-51, Type I or Type II, and have the capacity required by Table II above.
(2) Precast concrete septic tanks must have the approval of the State Board of Health and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Health Department.
(3) The minimum width for the inside of any tank must be three feet. Adequate access to each compartment of the tank for inspection and sludge removal shall be provided by a manhole or removable cover. If a manhole is used, it shall be located to permit access to the inlet device for inspection and cleaning. Where the top of the tank is located more than 18 inches below the finished grade, manholes shall be built up to within 18 inches of the finished grade. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.14; 1982 Code § 51.13; 1983 Code § 5.51.13.]
13.10.140 Distribution box requirements.
(A) A distribution box of sufficient size to accommodate the necessary field lateral lines shall be constructed at the head of each disposal field. Each field lateral line shall be connected separately to the distribution box and shall not be subdivided.
(B) The invert of all outlets shall be leveled and the invert of the inlet shall be at least one inch above the invert of all outlets. In no case shall outlets be located in alignment with the inlets without baffling. The installer will be required to fill the box with water and have water available for the Health Department representative at the time of the final inspection. The outlet inverts shall be from four to six inches above the floor, permitting water retention to act in lieu of a baffle for the purpose of securing equal distribution.
(C) Whenever two or more laterals are within six feet of each other, each joint of the tile must be sealed. The tile made in this situation must be of the bell and spigot type. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.15; 1982 Code § 51.14; 1983 Code § 5.51.14.]
13.10.150 Soil absorption trench requirements.
(A) Location of the disposal field should be in an unobstructed and unshaded area, and the following distances shall be the minimum distance at which the disposal field can be located from the following areas:
(1) Any private water supply, 50 feet.
(2) Streams, 25 feet.
(3) Dwellings, 10 feet.
(4) Property lines, 10 feet.
(B) When existing wells are involved or exceptionally coarse soil formations are encountered, the 50-foot distance from any water supply shall be increased in accordance with the recommendations of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Health Department. The 10-foot distance from property lines may be reduced to five feet where proper drainage conditions exist or where the Health Department deems it necessary.
(C) The minimum absorption area (the total flat area bottom of trenches) of the disposal field shall be determined from the results of actual percolation tests, as described in EMC 13.10.030(C), conducted on the site, with the required area determined from Table I in EMC 13.10.030(C). All systems shall be designed to handle the sewage waste from automatic clothes washers. In no case will less than 300 lineal feet of absorption system per single-family residence be provided.
(D) Construction of disposal trenches in filled ground is not acceptable. All trenches in the disposal field shall be the same width and the following standards shall be required:
(1) Minimum number of lines per field, two.
(2) Maximum length of individual lines, 100 feet.
(3) Preferred maximum length of individual lines, 50 feet.
(4) Minimum bottom width of trench, 18 inches.
(5) Maximum bottom width of trench, 24 inches.
(6) A 36-inch trench may be permitted on lots where the space is limited, but approval must be granted by the Health Department before construction takes place. The minimum space between trenches must be nine feet on center.
(7) Maximum depth of cover of tile lines, 18 inches.
(8) Minimum depth of aggregate in trench, 15 inches.
(9) Maximum grade of tile lines, two inches per 50 feet.
(10) Minimum space of trenches, six feet on center.
(11) Minimum aggregate under tile, eight inches.
(12) Minimum aggregate over tile, two inches.
(13) Minimum size of tile, four inches inside diameter.
(E) Pipe used for the line between the septic tank and distribution box, on all lines within 10 feet of the dwelling, under paved areas, and on all main laterals from the distribution box, shall be of vitrified clay or cast iron with watertight joints. Pipe used under driveways or other areas subject to heavy loads shall be bell and spigot cast iron with leaded joints. The sections laid in the disposal field shall not be considered in determining the effective absorptive area. Pipe used in the disposal field shall be not less than four inches in diameter. It shall be laid with one-fourth-inch open joints.
(F) Filter material shall be gravel or similar material having sufficient voids. The material may vary from one-half to two and one-half inches in size and shall be free of dust, sand, or clay. The filter material must be covered with a six-inch layer of uncompacted straw, and it shall completely encase the tile in accordance with subsection (D) of this section. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.16; 1982 Code § 51.15; 1983 Code § 5.51.15.]
13.10.160 Seepage pit requirements.
(A) The use of seepage pits is permitted with septic tanks when their use is necessary because of soil conditions or topography and when their use is acceptable to the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Health Department. The construction of seepage pits or sewage dry wells in limestone areas or in localities where wells are used as a source of individual supply is prohibited. This is to be interpreted that no seepage pit will be allowed to be constructed within 300 feet of a private water supply unless approved by the Health Department. Where seepage pits are constructed as secondary disposal units, it is necessary to provide the following:
(1) A septic tank of the size required by this chapter, and with the installation of two seepage pits connected in a series constructed as described in this chapter.
(2) All seepage pits in the series must be installed so that the sewage will overflow from the first pit into the second pit and so on, only after the first pit is entirely filled with sewage.
(3) The invert of the outlet from the pit must be at least one inch lower than the invert of the inlet tile.
(4) The pits will be connected by sealed joint bell and spigot, vitrified clay pipe which is laid on a slope of at least one-eighth-inch per lineal foot.
(B) At the discretion of the Health Department, subsection (A) of this section may be waived if the private sewage disposal system being installed includes a properly constructed sand trap as outlined herein. To fulfill this requirement, the sand trap shall be located in the private sewage disposal system between the septic tank and the seepage pit in such a manner that the outlet line from the septic tank shall connect to the inlet of the sand trap, and the outlet line from the sand trap shall connect to the inlet line of the seepage pit. Where the installation of the sand trap shall result in the waiving of subsection (A) of this section, the minimum septic tank requirements as outlined in EMC 13.10.130 shall prevail. Where the sand trap is approved for installation in a private sewage disposal system, it shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) The minimum inside dimensions shall be three feet in width, 15 feet in length and with a sand depth of 30 inches.
(2) The four sides and top of this trap shall be constructed in a manner approved by the Health Department.
(3) Each sand trap must have a top and bottom tile line. The top tile shall be located on top of the sand material and not enclosed. The bottom tile shall be located on the bottom of the trap and shall be enclosed in pea gravel.
(4) The sand used in any sand trap shall meet the same specifications as outlined in EMC 13.10.170(C).
(C) Location of seepage pits, in addition to the general provisions under subsection (A) of this section, shall be not less than the stated minimum distances from the following:
(1) Dwellings, 50 feet.
(2) Lot lines, 10 feet.
(3) Other seepage pits, 18 feet on center.
(4) Private water supply, 300 feet.
(D) Construction of all seepage pits shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) Before construction, boring results, in the presence of a Health Department representative, must disclose that a sandy soil is present.
(2) The minimum depth of a seepage pit will be 20 feet unless otherwise stated by the Health Department.
(3) The minimum bottom width of a seepage pit will be five feet in diameter and the minimum top width of a seepage pit will be six feet in diameter. In both cases this shall be interpreted as the distance between the lining material.
(4) When seepage pits are used with subsurface disposal trenches, the filter material in the trenches shall terminate at least six feet from the pit excavation, and this section of the trench shall not be excavated below the grade of the tile.
(5) Bell and spigot pipe with tight joints shall be used in connecting the tile to the pit.
(6) The lining may be brick, stone, block, or similar materials at least four inches thick, laid in cement mortar above the inlet, and dry with open vertical joints below the inlet. When necessary because of soil conditions, the annular space between the lining and the earth wall shall be filled with crushed rock or gravel. The lining of brick, stone, or similar materials must be at least six inches above the top of the inlet and laid in cement mortar. The inlets and outlets must be either ells or tees, which will direct the sewage flow downward and will prevent to a minimum sewage solids from entering the second pit. The inlet and outlet tiles must be sealed in an approved method to the lining.
(7) A reinforced concrete top at least four inches thick bearing on at least six inches of soil outside the pit, and with a watertight concrete manhole and cover or other acceptable means of closure, shall be 12 to 18 inches below the ground surface. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.17; 1982 Code § 51.16; 1983 Code § 5.51.16.]
13.10.170 Sand filter trench requirements.
(A) Use of sand filter trenches is permitted with septic tanks when their use is necessary because of soil conditions or topography, and when the use is acceptable to the Health Department. A distribution box in accordance with the requirements of EMC 13.10.140 shall be required when more than one filter trench is used. Location of sand filter trenches must conform to the requirements of EMC 13.10.150(A). The horizontal filter area required is indicated in Table III, below.
|
No. of Bedrooms |
Horizontal Area of Filter Trench (Square Feet per House) |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Without Garbage Grinder |
With Garbage Grinder |
|
|
2 |
380 |
480 |
|
3 |
570 |
720 |
|
4 |
760 |
960 |
(B) Construction of sand filter trenches must conform to the following requirements:
(1) Minimum number of trenches, two.
(2) Minimum width of trench, 36 inches.
(3) Minimum depth of filter media, 30 inches.
(4) Minimum cover on trench, 12 inches.
(5) Maximum slope of tile, three inches per 50 feet.
(C) Filter sand shall be clean and have an effective size of from three-tenths to six-tenths of one millimeter and a uniformity coefficient not greater than three and one-half.
(D) Each filter trench must have a top and bottom tile. The top tile shall be located on the top of the sand material and shall be enclosed in large gravel. The bottom tile shall be located on the bottom of the trench and shall be enclosed in pea gravel. The top of the trench must be protected with a six-inch layer of uncompacted straw before back-filling with earth.
(E) When sand filter trenches or sand filter traps discharge into a common collection tile, a four-inch cast iron observation tile must be installed somewhere between the outlet side of the filter or trap and the collection tile. The top of this observation tile must be at least three inches above finish grade and capped with a removable plug. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.18; 1982 Code § 51.17; 1983 Code § 5.51.17.]
13.10.180 Right of entry.
The Health Officer or his agent, bearing proper credentials and identification, shall be permitted to enter on all properties at the proper time for the purpose of any inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, and testing necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.19; 1982 Code § 51.18; 1983 Code § 5.51.18.]
13.10.190 Compliance with order.
After receiving an order in writing from the Health Officer, the owner, agent of the owner, occupant, or agent of the occupant of the property shall comply with the provisions of this chapter as set forth in the order and within the time limit included therein. The order shall be served on the owner or the agent of the owner. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.11; 1982 Code § 51.19; 1983 Code § 5.51.19.]
13.10.200 Right of appeal.
Any aggrieved person shall have the right to take an appeal from any decision of the Health Officer to the Vanderburgh Circuit or Superior Court. The judgment of the court shall be final and conclusive on all parties. The appeal shall be instituted by the filing of a petition before the court setting forth the relevant facts. The usual rules of civil procedure shall prevail insofar as they are applicable. [Ord. G-64-8, passed 7-6-64. 1962 Code § 1731.20; 1982 Code § 51.20; 1983 Code § 5.51.20.]