Chapter 13.102
SERVICE EXTENSION
REVIEW PROCESS (SERP)
Sections:
13.102.020 Applicability and process.
13.102.040 Development exempt from municipal connection.
13.102.050 Land divisions (new lots).
13.102.060 Individual lot development (pre-existing lot).
13.102.070 Individual lot development (new lot).
13.102.090 Nonmunicipal utilities.
13.102.100 Connection and design standards.
13.102.130 Utility connection and user fees.
13.102.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the service extension review process (SERP) is to ensure that adequate public facilities for potable water and wastewater treatment are provided in an efficient and coordinated manner within the city of Sequim. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.020 Applicability and process.
The SERP contains the requirements for the provision of municipal and nonmunicipal sewer and water utilities within the city. All development which requires a city land use permit or Clallam County approval of sewage disposal and/or city review of water supply utilities shall comply with the provisions of this SERP. The city of Sequim shall provide the public reference information (e.g., flowcharts) and amend development application procedures as necessary to facilitate the SERP. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.030 Definitions.
“Accessory dwelling unit” means a separate dwelling unit within a single family dwelling or a separate structure associated with a single family dwelling which is incidental and subordinate to the primary use of the property.
“Administrator” means the director of the city of Sequim public works department or his/her designee.
“Available municipal utility,” “sewer utility,” “water utility” means an existing municipal sewer and/or water utility main located within 200 feet of a property line or approved dryline utility, as measured along the public right-of-way or any public easement granted to municipal utilities, at the time of receipt by the city of Sequim of a complete application. Privately-owned utility connections to a municipal sewer and/or water public utility main are not considered available municipal utilities.
“Community on-site sewage disposal system” means an on-site sewage disposal system as defined under Chapter 246-272 WAC, that serves two or more dwelling units.
“Connection” means the physical linking or “hook-up” of municipal sewer and/or water services to a subject use or property. Connection includes all buildings, habitable structures, plumbing outlets, and domestic water lines requiring municipal sewer and/or water services.
“Development,” for the purposes of the SERP, means any activity located within the city of Sequim which requires a permit or approval of existing or new sewage disposal and/or water supply utilities from the city including, but not limited to, land divisions, building permits, and on-site sewage permits.
“Dryline utilities” include any of a number of methods of installing utilities at the time of development for connection to a municipal distribution system at a later time.
“Duplex” means two dwelling units having a common roof.
“Dwelling unit” means any building or any portion thereof which is intended or designed to be used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied for living purposes having independent living facilities for one family including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, sanitation and including accessory structures and improvements.
“Existing municipal utility” means an installed municipal water or sewer main located in the public right-of-way or public utility easement that is available for connection.
“Final plat” means as set forth under SMC Title 17.
“Group home” means a facility licensed by the state which is located in a single building utilized for the full-time shelter and care of a group of unrelated people.
“Land divisions” means any applications for division of land which is subject to the SMC Title 17 and/or Title 18, including a subdivision, planned unit development, binding site plan, minor subdivision, or major subdivision.
“Lot,” “parcel,” or “tract” shall be an ownership of land in which the boundary is defined by a deed recorded in the county auditor’s office and assigned a tax parcel number by the county assessor; or a lot which has been defined by a survey recorded pursuant to Washington State surveying or platting laws and is assigned a tax parcel number by the county assessor;
“Municipal services or utilities” means sewer and water services provided by the city of Sequim. For the purposes of the SERP, municipal water services may also include the Evergreen Public Utility District water system or other public water systems that have entered into an urban growth area service agreement with the city of Sequim.
“Multiple-family dwelling” means a building containing two or more dwelling units. For the purposes of this SERP, a group home is considered to be a multiple-family dwelling when it is occupied by 13 or more residents, including resident staff.
“Nonmunicipal utilities” means sewer and water services not defined as municipal services or utilities. Nonmunicipal utilities include on-site sewage systems, community on-site sewage systems, individual water supply wells, and public water systems.
“Planned municipal utilities” are those future municipal sewer and water utilities identified and mapped in the current version of the city of Sequim wastewater and water service plans.
“Pre-existing lot” means any lot, parcel or tract established prior to the effective date of the SERP, April 13, 1998.
“Public water system” means as defined and referenced under WAC 246-290-020.
“Residential use,” for the purposes of the SERP, shall mean single-family, multifamily, and accessory dwelling units.
“SERP” means the Service Extension Review Process (SERP) jointly adopted by the city of Sequim and Clallam County for the provision of sewage disposal and water within the unincorporated Sequim urban growth area and within the city of Sequim.
“Single-family dwelling” means a dwelling unit detached from any other dwelling unit and intended for occupation by one family and including accessory improvements and uses. This definition includes manufactured homes such as mobile homes, modular homes and other homes manufactured in components or as one complete dwelling unit. For the purposes of this SERP, a group home is considered to be a single-family dwelling when it is occupied by 12 or fewer residents, including resident staff.
“STEP system” means a septic tank effluent pump (STEP) system consisting of a tank or tanks for settling and digesting wastewater solids and a pressure piping system for conveying the supernatant liquid into the municipal sewer system. STEP systems permit only sanitary wastewater to be discharged into the tank. Roof drains and other stormwater sources shall be strictly excluded.
“Utilities,” for the purpose of the SERP, means private and municipal water and sewage disposal systems located within the city. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.040 Development exempt from municipal connection.
Connection to municipal water and/or sewer utilities shall not be required for the types of development listed below; provided, that such development is otherwise consistent with the provisions of the SERP and all other applicable city and state regulations. Development exempt from municipal service connection may request municipal services to comply with city and state requirements for sewage disposal and potable water. The city shall consider connection to municipal services to comply with public health and sanitation requirements.
A. Development not requiring approval of water supply and sewage disposal systems.
B. One individual, detached single-family or duplex residential dwelling on a lot that is one acre or greater.
C. Any development that was connected to and served by a nonmunicipal utility prior to the effective date.
D. Nonmunicipal water utilities that are used solely for agricultural or nonhuman consumption.
E. Any development issued an applicable and valid building permit prior to the effective date; provided, that the permit remains applicable and valid pursuant to the Sequim Municipal Code; provided further, that this exemption does not apply to any lot required to be served by a municipal utility as a condition of preliminary or final plat or plan approval pursuant to the SMC Title 17 or Title 18.
F. Any development on a pre-existing lot that will be served by a public water system where such service was approved for such development as a condition of final plat approval shall not be required to connect to municipal water services.
G. Any development on a pre-existing lot that will be served by a community on-site sewage system where such service was approved for such development as a condition of final plat approval shall not be required to connect to municipal sewer services.
H. Accessory dwelling units on lots one acre or larger, except where the primary residential use on the lot is connected or required to connect to municipal utilities under the SERP.
I. Home enterprises and home based businesses permitted under the Sequim Municipal Code that do not require potable water and sewage disposal beyond what could be normally expected of a single-family residence, except where the primary residential use on the property is connected or required to connect to municipal utilities under the SERP.
J. Any expansion, remodeling, or reconstruction activity of an existing structure or use that does not involve drilling of a new well or cause wastewater flows to exceed the treatment or disposal capability of the existing on-site sewage system.
K. Development on pre-existing lots of record approved for connection to nonmunicipal utilities for a period of five years from the date of final plat approval. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.050 Land divisions (new lots).
The city of Sequim agrees to process and condition applications for land divisions that are accepted as complete on or after the effective date as follows:
A. Nonresidential Lot. Any lot where the planned use of the lot is for a commercial, industrial, or other nonresidential use shall be connected to municipal sewer and water utilities prior to final plat approval. A note shall be placed on the face of the plat that indicates what municipal services are provided and that all future development requiring such services shall be required to connect to such services prior to development approval.
B. Multifamily Residential Lot. Any lot where the planned use of the lot is for a multifamily dwelling shall be connected to municipal sewer and water utilities prior to final plat approval. A note shall be placed on the face of the plat that indicates what municipal services are provided and that all future development requiring such services shall be required to connect to such services prior to development approval.
C. Single-Family Residential Lot Less than One-Half Acre. Any lot less than one-half acre where the planned use of the lot is for a single-family dwelling shall be connected to municipal sewer and water utilities prior to final plat approval. A note shall be placed on the face of the plat that indicates what municipal services are provided and that all future development requiring such services shall be required to connect to such services prior to development approval.
D. Single-Family Residential Lot Between One-Half and One Acre. Any lot between one-half acre and one acre where the planned use of the lot is for a single-family dwelling shall be connected to municipal sewer and water utilities prior to final plat approval. Land divisions that are not located within 200 feet of an available municipal utility, may be approved without connection to municipal utilities provided that all of the following criteria are met prior to final plat approval:
1. The county health official determines that the use of non-municipal utilities complies with all county and state requirements pertaining to sewage disposal and potable water.
2. Nonmunicipal utilities are otherwise provided consistent with the SERP.
3. A dry sanitary sewer main and water main is installed within the land division and side line sewer and water mains are provided to any lot between one-half acre and one acre. Common utility facilities associated with a public water system or community on-site sewage system shall be allowed in lieu of dryline utilities where such facilities meet the same design requirements for municipal utilities.
4. Any lot less than one acre shall connect to municipal utilities within one year of notification by the city of Sequim that an existing municipal sewer and/or water utility is determined to be available as defined in subsection (D)(3) of this section. A note shall be placed on the face of the plat that cites which lots are subject to connection and which states the requirements for future connection when municipal services become available. Connection shall not be required where water services are provided by a public water system that is otherwise consistent with the SERP.
E. Single-Family Residential Lot One Acre or Greater. Any lot that is one acre or greater where the planned use of the lot is for a single-family dwelling must obtain approval from the county health officer that the lot has met all state and county requirements pertaining to sewage disposal and potable water. Connection to municipal utilities is not required. Lots connected to municipal services shall be considered to comply with all state and county requirements pertaining to sewage disposal and potable water.
1. Any lot not connected to municipal utilities shall demonstrate that adequate accommodations have been provided for the future provision of municipal utilities. Accommodations for the future provision of municipal utilities may be demonstrated by one or more of the following methods:
a. Extension of municipal services to the property line;
b. Provision of dryline utilities; and/or
c. Provision of municipal utility easements and rights-of-way.
2. Notice shall be recorded on the face of the plat as follows:
All lots [or specify individual lot numbers] shown on this [specify land division type (e.g., short plat)] have not been required to connect to [specify applicable municipal utilities]. Future development or subdivision of this property may require the provision of municipal sanitary sewer and/or domestic water services. For information on municipal utility connection standards, contact the City of Sequim for lots located within the city limits.
(Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.060 Individual lot development (pre-existing lot).
A. Unless exempted under SMC 13.102.040, connection to municipal services consistent with this section is required for the following types of development on a pre-existing lot of record:
1. Nonresidential development;
2. Multifamily residential development consisting of a total of three or more dwelling units; and
3. Single-family and associated accessory dwelling unit (if applicable) and duplex residential development on lots less than one acre.
B. Available Municipal Utility. Where the municipal utility is an available municipal utility, connection to such utility shall be required prior to final approval of the development by the city of Sequim.
C. Municipal Utility Not Available. Where the municipal utility is not available, the provision for connection shall be met by either:
1. Extension of and connection to municipal utilities prior to final approval of the development by the city of Sequim; or
2. Installation of nonmunicipal utilities that are otherwise consistent with the provisions of the SERP; provided, that connection shall be required within one year of notification by the city of Sequim that an existing municipal sewer and/or water utility is determined to be available as defined in SMC 13.102.030. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.070 Individual lot development (new lot).
Development on any lot created after the effective date shall provide for connection to available municipal utilities as conditioned at the time the lot was legally established, or as otherwise required under the SERP. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.080 STEP systems.
Existing or new development required to connect to a municipal sewer utility, may be permitted to establish a septic tank effluent pump (STEP) wastewater system in lieu of conventional connection where consistent with the other provisions of the SERP and the below standards:
A. The STEP system shall consist of a tank or tanks for settling and digesting wastewater solids, and a pressure piping system for conveying the supernatant liquid into the city of Sequim sewer system.
B. The STEP system shall only allow sanitary wastewater to be discharged into the tank. Roof drains and other stormwater sources shall be prohibited.
C. Property owners will be responsible for the maintenance of all laterals and side (or building) sewer lines associated with STEP systems. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.090 Nonmunicipal utilities.
Nonmunicipal utilities shall comply with all applicable state and local regulations. In addition, nonmunicipal utilities shall meet the following requirements:
A. Existing public water systems and/or community on-site sewage disposal systems shall not be allowed to expand their services to lots less than one acre unless such connection was approved prior to the effective date of the SERP by Clallam County and/or through an urban growth area service area agreement between the service provider and the city of Sequim, and such connection is otherwise consistent with the SERP.
B. Extension of services by existent public water systems and/or community on-site sewage disposal systems will be reviewed to ensure that all applicable state and local regulations have been met, and that no extension of a nonmunicipal service by an existing non-municipal utility creates an “unservable” condition within the city or within the Sequim urban growth area.
C. Nonmunicipal sewage utilities allowed to serve development not otherwise exempted from connection under the SERP agreement shall be designed and installed to be able to connect in the future to municipal sewer utflities. This may include drylining utilities for future connection or the provision of a STEP system.
D. New, nonmunicipal utilities shall not be located within 200 feet of the property boundary of a designated municipal wellfield area as identified on the current wellfield area map of the municipal provider.
E. Nonmunicipal utilities that provide service to more than 15 connections that propose to extend services shall enter into an service agreement with the city of Sequim. The service agreement shall be consistent with the guidelines and policies for such agreements under the Clallam County county-wide planning policies, dated June 30, 1992, as amended.
F. Accessory dwelling units must be connected to the same sewer and water utility as the primary residential unit on lots that are less than one acre in size.
G. Single-family and duplex residential development established after the effective date of the SERP on lots which are one acre or greater shall provide for connection to municipal utilities consistent with this SERP when such lots are redivided pursuant to SMC Title 17 or Title 18 to less than one acre.
H. Development served by a failing non-municipal sewage system shall connect to an existing municipal sewer utility in accordance with the Clallam County Health Rules, C.C.H.R. 4.040 and WAC 246-272-07001, as amended. The determination of whether an on-site sewage system is failing shall be made by the county based on the definition of failure, as amended, under the State On-Site Sewage System Rules, Chapter 246-272 WAC. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.100 Connection and design standards.
All facilities intended to be connected to a municipal utility, including dryline utilities and STEP systems, shall be designed, installed, connected, and inspected as required by the municipal service provider. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.110 Waivers.
The administrator reserves the right to waive connection requirements to municipal services for lots created prior to the effective date of the SERP which are encumbered by topographic, environmental, and/or significant technical limitations associated with the provision of services which would require the construction of facilities which are disproportionate in size and capacity to the proposed scale of development. Waivers shall not be granted in cases where failure to provide municipal utilities would have a probable adverse environmental impact.
The administrator shall only grant waivers based on adoption of appropriate findings and conclusions. Examples of circumstances supporting the granting of a waiver may include, but shall not be limited to, the unavoidable crossing of environmentally sensitive areas such as a wetland, or the provision of services in an area containing significant topographic variations which would require major improvements such as a municipal lift station with an ultimate service area of less than 10 connections, and/or connections which would require extensive revisions to existing infrastructure. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.120 Administration.
The public works director, as part of the development review process, shall determine whether extension of municipal services is required subject to the SERP. Where connection to municipal sewer and water services is required, the written determination shall include a statement for service commitment from the city of Sequim. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)
13.102.130 Utility connection and user fees.
Utility connection and user fees shall be established by the appropriate municipal provider. (Ord. 98-021 § 1)