4-6-040 SANITARY SEWER STANDARDS:

A. CONNECTION TO CITY SEWER REQUIRED:

The owner of each house, building or property used for human occupancy, employment, recreation or other purpose, situated within the City and abutting on any street, alley or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located a public sanitary or combined sewer of the City which said public sewer is within three hundred thirty feet (330') of the property line and which has been determined to be a health hazard by the City or the Seattle-King County Health Department, or its successor agencies, or which has participated and been included in a local improvement district, is hereby required at the owner’s expense to install suitable toilet facilities therein and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, within ninety (90) days after the date of official notice to do so.

1. Exception for Connection to Private Sewage System: Where a public sanitary or combined sewer is not available under the provisions of this Chapter, the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this Section. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

B. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SEWER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES:

Any facility improvements identified by the current adopted long-range wastewater management plan (comprehensive sewer system plan) that are not installed or in the process of being installed must be constructed by the property owner(s) or developer(s) desiring service. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

C. SERVICE OUTSIDE OF CITY:

1. Sewer service to properties outside the City’s corporate limits will not be permitted except under the following conditions:

a. Public Entity: The applicant is a municipal or quasi-municipal corporation including a school, hospital or fire district, County of King or similar public entity; or

b. Necessary Service: Service is necessary to convert from a failed or failing septic system or the area has been defined by the Seattle-King County Health Department as a health concern area; or

c. Vested Service: Those properties for which the City has granted a valid sewer availability certificate prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this subsection and the project has a current vested right to build; or

d. In the City’s Sewer Service Area, Existing Legal Lot(s) Desiring to Construct One Single-Family Residence or Connect One Existing Single-Family Residence: The Administration may approve the connection of one existing single-family residence on an existing legal lot.

2. Potential Annexation Area: The owner(s) of property in Renton’s Potential Annexation Area shall, prior to connecting to the sewer, execute a covenant running with the land by which the owners, their heirs, successors, or assigns are obligated to affirmatively support any legal and constitutional method of annexation.

3. Rates: The rates to such special users shall be as stipulated in RMC 8-5-15. (Ord. 4467, 8-22-1994; Amd. Ord. 4677, 8-4-1997; Ord. 4907, 6-4-2001; Ord. 4969, 6-3-2002; Ord. 4981, 8-5-2002; Ord. 5002, 2-10-2003; Ord. 5123, 1-3-2005; Ord. 5391, 6-16-2008)

D. USE OF SEPTIC TANKS, PRIVIES OR CESSPOOLS:

Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage. (Ord. 2173, 8-16-1965)

E. PERMIT REQUIRED FOR CONNECTION TO CITY SEWER:

No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connections with or openings into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the Development Services Division.

1. Connection Approval Options: Permission to make connection to the public sewer shall consist of either:

a. A developer extension agreement, wherein permission is granted to make an extension to a public sewer, or

b. A building sewer permit, wherein permission is granted to make a connection from private property to a public sewer. A building sewer permit shall include permission to construct a side sewer whenever it is required to complete connection.

2. Permit Classes: There shall be three (3) classes of building sewer permits:

a. For residential service;

b. For commercial service; and

c. For industrial service. (Ord. 3832, 8-13-1984)

3. Submittal Requirements and Application Fees: In each case the owner or his duly authorized agent or representative shall make application in writing on a special form furnished by the City for said purposes. The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the Development Services Division. The permit and inspection fees shall be as listed in RMC 4-1-180.

F. PUBLIC SEWER STANDARDS:

1. Costs and Damages: All costs and expense incident to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner or applicant of the premises in question. The owner shall indemnify the City against any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the installation of the building sewer. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-1956)

2. Standards: Public sewers shall conform to the latest standards of the City, as adopted by City Code, and to the “Recommended Standards for Sewage Works” of the Great Lakes-Upper Mississippi River Board of State Sanitary Engineers, and are subject to review by the Department of Ecology of the State of Washington. All public sewer extensions shall conform to the standards and be consistent with the City comprehensive sewer system plan. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

3. Public Sewer Pipe Materials: The public sewer shall be ductile iron, AWWA C151, with Type II push-on or Type III mechanical joints, together with cement mortar lining three thirty seconds inch (3/32”) in accordance with AWWA C104, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe ASTM D3034, or concrete nonreinforced ASTM C14 Class 2, or concrete reinforced ASTM C76; rubber gaskets for concrete pipe shall meet ASTM C443 standards; rubber gasket for PVC pipe shall meet ASTM 1869 standards. However, when public sewers are installed in filled or unstable ground, in areas with high groundwater levels, or in areas where the potential for infiltration occurs, they may be required to be either ductile iron or PVC plastic pipe. Exact pipe material shall be as determined by the wastewater utility. Minimum size shall be eight inches (8") diameter. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

4. Repealed by Ord. 4999. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-1956; Amd. Ord. 2847, 5-6-1974)

5. Manhole Requirements:

a. Where Required: Manholes shall be installed at the end of each line, at all changes of grade, size or alignment, at distances no greater than four hundred feet (400') for fifteen inch (15") diameter sewers or smaller. Greater spacing may be permitted in larger sewers. Manholes shall be a minimum of forty eight inches (48") in diameter, shall be precast concrete or cast in place concrete, with steel reinforcement; steps shall be placed at one foot (1') spacing, conforming to current safety regulations. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

b. Covers: The manhole covers shall be twenty four inches (24") in diameter cast iron frame and covers.

c. Connections: All connections to the manhole shall match the existing inverts or have a drop connection in accordance with the current City standards. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

d. Manhole Requirements for Industrial Wastes: When required by the Utilities Engineer, the owner of any property served by a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be accessibly and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the Utilities Engineer. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his expense, and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all times. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-1956; Amd. Ord. 2847, 5-6-1974)

6. Lift Station Standards: All lift stations that are to be turned over for public maintenance as well as private lift stations for commercial or multi-family building sewers shall have alarm and standby emergency operation systems, and meet or exceed Department of Ecology specifications as detailed in “Criteria for Sewage Works Design”. All private single-family lift stations shall meet or exceed the current City standards for that type of facility.

7. Supervision Required: All persons or local improvement districts desiring to install sanitary sewer mains, as an extension of Renton’s sewer system, must extend said mains under the supervision of the wastewater utility. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

8. Public Sewer Extension Requires Developer Agreement: Extensions to the public sewer may be permitted by developer extension agreements. (Ord. 3055, 8-9-1976)

G. PRIVATE (BUILDING) SEWER STANDARDS:

1. Independent Sewer Required for Every Building: A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building, except where one building stands at the rear of another on an interior lot and no private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, court, yard, or driveway, the building sewer from the front building may be extended to the rear building and the whole considered as one building sewer. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-1956)

2. Private Sewer Pipe Materials: The building sewer shall be ductile iron pipe class 50, PVC plastic pipe ASTM spec. D3034 or equal, or other suitable material approved by the Utilities Engineer. Joints shall be tight and waterproof. Any part of the building sewer that is located within ten feet (10') of a water service pipe shall be constructed of ductile iron pipe with push-on rubber gasket joints. If installed in filled or unstable ground, the building sewer shall be of ductile iron pipe with push-on rubber gasketed joints. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

3. Size and Slope: The size and slope of the building sewer shall be subject to the approval of the Utilities Engineer. The standard minimum sizes and slopes are:

a. Four inches (4") at a two percent (2%) slope (one-quarter inch (1/4”) per foot) for single family or duplex residential, or

b. Six inches (6") at a two percent (2%) slope (one-quarter inch (1/4”) per foot) for multi-family, commercial or industrial.

c. In no event shall the diameter of the side sewer stub be less than six inches (6").

4. Special Allowance for Lesser Slope: The utility may allow, under certain circumstances, a six inch (6") side sewer to be laid at no less than one percent (1%) (one-eighth inch (1/8”) per foot). A grade release holding the City harmless for the flatter slope will be required.

5. Pipe Location, Elevation, Etc.: Whenever possible, the building sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the basement floor. No building sewer shall be laid parallel to or within three feet (3') of any bearing wall, which might thereby be weakened. The depth shall be sufficient to afford protection from frost. The building sewer shall be laid at uniform grade and in straight alignment insofar as possible. Changes in direction shall be made with proper fittings per City standards. The wastewater utility may allow, at its discretion, the installation of a six inch (6") building sewer properly curved not to exceed one-half (1/2) of manufacturer’s specifications. In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such drain shall be lifted by approved artificial means and discharged to the building sewer.

6. Trenching Standards: All excavations required for the installation of a building sewer shall be open trench work unless otherwise approved by the Utilities Engineer. Pipe laying and backfill shall be performed in accordance with ASTM spec. C12-19 and APWA spec. Sec. 60 except that no backfill shall be placed until the work has been inspected.

7. Joints and Connections: All joints and connections shall be made gastight and watertight, and installed in accordance with APWA spec. 62-3.98A. Concrete pipe joints shall conform with ASTM C-443. Ductile iron pipe push-on joints shall conform with ANSI A-21.11. PVC pipe joints shall conform with ASTM D2680. Other jointing materials and methods may be used only by written approval of the Utilities Engineer.

8. Grease, Oil and Sand Interceptors:

a. When Required: Grease, oil and sand interceptors or other approved methodology shall be provided when, in the opinion of the Utilities Engineer, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand and other harmful ingredients; except that such interceptors shall not be required for private living quarters or dwelling units. Grease and oil interceptors shall be required on all restaurants, garages and gas station premises and shall be so situated as to intercept only the sources of grease and oil wastes but excluding domestic or human wastes.

b. Type, Capacity and Location: All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the Utilities Engineer, and shall be located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.

c. Construction Materials and Standards: Grease and oil interceptors shall be constructed of impervious materials capable of withstanding abrupt and extreme changes in temperature. They shall be of substantial construction, watertight and equipped with easily removable covers which, when bolted in place, shall be gastight and watertight.

d. Maintenance Required: Where installed, all grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be maintained by the owner, at his expense, in continuously efficient operation at all times. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

9. Inspection: The applicant for the building sewer permit shall notify the Utilities Engineer when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-1956; Amd. Ord. 2847, 5-6-1974).

10. Precautions While Building: All excavations for building sewer installation shall be guarded with barricades and lights and such other precautions as are reasonably adequate to protect the public from accident and injury.

11. Restoration of Public Property Required: Streets, sidewalks, parkways and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the City.

12. Surety Bond Required: A surety bond in an amount deemed sufficient and determined by the Utilities Engineer, but in no event less than five hundred dollars ($500.00), shall be furnished and deposited with the City to indemnify the City against any loss, damage, liability in connection with such sewer work. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-1956; Amd. Ord. 2847, 5-6-1974)

13. Use of Old Sewers: Old building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, on examination and tests by the Utilities Engineer, to meet all requirements of this Chapter. (Ord. 4999, 1-13-2003)

H. CONNECTION OF PRIVATE (BUILDING) SEWER TO PUBLIC SEWER:

1. Location: The connection of the building sewer into the public sewer shall be made at a side sewer stub, if such a stub is available at a suitable location and is found upon examination and tests by the utility to meet all standards and specifications of the City. If no stubs are suitably located or if the existing stub(s) are found not to meet all standards and specifications, the property owners shall, at their expense, have a new side sewer stub installed.

2. Permit and Supervision by Utility Required: All such connections shall be made under permit issued by the utility and per City standards and specifications. The connection shall be made under the supervision of the Utilities Engineer or his representative. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-1992)

I. PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL STANDARDS:

1. Permit Required: Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the Utilities Engineer. The application for such permit shall be made on a form furnished by the City, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications and other information deemed necessary by the Utilities Engineer. A permit and inspection fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be paid to the Finance Director at the time the application is filed. (Ord. 2801, 9-24-1973; Amd. Ord. 2845, 4-15-1974; Ord. 5547, 8-9-2010; Ord. 5654, 2-13-2012)

2. Inspection and Approval by Utilities Engineer: A permit for a private sewage disposal system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the Utilities Engineer. He shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction and, in any event, the applicant for the permit shall notify the Utilities Engineer when the work is ready for final inspection, and before any underground portions are covered. The inspection shall be made within forty eight (48) hours of the receipt of notice by the Utilities Engineer whenever possible.

3. Standards and Tests: The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the Seattle-King County Health Department. Field tests and a site survey shall be made before any permit is issued for any private sewage disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities. (Ord. 2801, 9-24-1973, Amd. Ord. 2847, 5-6-1974)

4. Maintenance Requirements and Discharge Prohibitions: The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the City. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any public sewer or natural outlet.

5. Additional Requirements of Health Officer: No statement contained in this Chapter shall be construed to interfere with any additional requirements that may be imposed by the Health Officer. (Ord. 2801, 9-24-1973)

6. Standards for Abandoning Private Sewage Disposal Facilities: After connection to the sewerage system, all septic tanks, cesspools and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material; provided, however, the owner of the subject premises may suitably clean the septic tank to utilize same and any adjoining drain fields system for the proper disposal of stormwaters. (Ord. 4472, 9-12-1994)

J. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS THAT APPLY WITHIN ZONES 1 AND 2 OF AN AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA:

1. Zone 1 Requirements:

a. Wastewater Disposal – Zone 1:

i. New developments (residential and nonresidential) shall, as a condition of the building permit, be required to connect to a central sanitary sewer system prior to occupancy.

ii. Existing developments (residential and nonresidential) may be required to connect to a central sewer system as a requirement of any building permit issued after the effective date of this Section (May 1, 1993) for the property.

iii. All existing developments (residential and nonresidential) which are within three hundred thirty feet (330') of an existing gravity sanitary sewer with capacity shall be required to connect within two (2) years of the passage of this Section (September 14, 1994). All existing developments (residential and nonresidential) which are located within three hundred thirty feet (330') of a new gravity sanitary sewer line with capacity shall be required to connect within two (2) years of the availability of the new sewer line.

b. Additional Zone 1 Requirements: For properties located in Zone 1 of an aquifer protection area, additional requirements pertaining to sewers are specified in the following sections of the Renton Municipal Code: RMC 4-3-050C8d(i), Prohibited Activities – Aquifer Protection Areas, Zone 1; RMC 4-3-050C1a, Aquifer Protection Areas – Compliance with Regulations; RMC 4-3-050H6a, Pipeline Requirements – Zone 1; and RMC 4-4-030C7, Construction Activity Standards – Zones 1 and 2.

2. Zone 2 Requirements:

a. Wastewater Disposal – Zone 2:

i. New developments (residential and nonresidential) shall, as a condition of the building permit, be required to connect to a central sanitary sewer system prior to occupancy. New single family residential development on existing lots may use an on-site sewage disposal system in lieu of connection to a central sanitary sewer system when the Wastewater Utility has determined that, according to its codes and policies, a central sanitary sewer is unavailable. Approval of the use of an on-site sewage disposal system for such development shall be conditional upon the signing of a covenant running with the land to connect to a central sanitary sewer within two (2) years of its availability as determined by the Wastewater Utility, according to its codes and policies.

ii. Sanitary sewers shall be constructed in accordance with prevailing American Public Works Association (APWA) standards with respect to minimum allowable infiltration and exfiltration.

b. Additional Zone 2 Requirements: For properties located in Zone 2 of an aquifer protection area, additional requirements pertaining to sewers are specified in the following sections of the Renton Municipal Code: RMC 4-3-050C1a, Aquifer Protection Areas – Compliance with Regulations; RMC 4-3-050H6b, Pipeline Requirements – Zone 2; RMC 4-4-030C7, Construction Activity Standards – Zones 1 and 2; and RMC 4-3-050D2b, Potential to Degrade Groundwater. (Ord. 4367, 9-14-1992; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000)