The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Application.
A written request on specified documents and providing specified required information as to the design and ownership of the individual sewage disposal system.
Individual sewage disposal system.
A sewage disposal system, other than a public or community system, which receives either human excreta or liquid waste or both, from one premises. This shall apply to all household or designated commercial liquid waste. Included within the scope of this definition are septic tank-soil absorption systems, privies, and chemical-type toilets, and such other types as may be prescribed in regulations by the health officer.
Permit.
A written permit issued by the health officer, permitting the construction of an individual sewage disposal system under this article.
Person.
Any institution, public or private corporation, individual, partnership, or other entity.
(1984 Code, sec. 9-9-1; 1993 Code, sec. 51.30; 2006 Code, sec. 82-81; Ordinance 42, sec. I, adopted 2/12/74)
Whoever violates any provision of this article for which no penalty is otherwise provided shall be subject to the penalty provision set forth in section 1.01.009.
(1993 Code, sec. 51.99(a); 2006 Code, sec. 82-183(a))
(a) 
This article shall apply to all individual sewage disposal systems within the legal boundaries of the city, and to all properties, homes, or other establishments serviced by the city water system.
(b) 
This article and the penalty set forth in section 22.09.002 shall apply in totality to all individual sewage disposal systems completed or renovated after the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived.
(c) 
All existing and proposed systems shall meet the minimum health and nuisance criteria established in this article and as interpreted by the health officer.
(d) 
It is not the intent of this article to require the enlargement or replacement of all existing systems. However, failing or inadequate systems shall be improved in a manner acceptable to the health officer. Such improvements shall require the issuance of a valid permit.
(1984 Code, sec. 9-9-2; 1993 Code, sec. 51.31; 2006 Code, sec. 82-82; Ordinance 42, sec. II, adopted 2/12/74)
(a) 
The health officer of the city, in order to protect the health and safety of the resident population and of the general public, is authorized and directed, after public hearing, to promulgate and amend from time to time regulations establishing minimum standards governing the design, construction, installation, and operation of individual sewage disposal systems. Such regulations shall establish such minimum standards as, in the judgment of the health officer, will ensure that the wastes discharged to various individual sewage disposal systems:
(1) 
Do not contaminate any drinking water supply, wells or transmission facilities.
(2) 
Are not accessible to insects, rodents or other possible carriers of disease which may come into contact with food or drinking water.
(3) 
Do not pollute or contaminate in any way the waters of any stream, pond or lake.
(4) 
Are not a health hazard by being accessible to the public.
(5) 
Do not give rise to a nuisance due to odor, unsightly appearance or other unsanitary conditions.
(6) 
Will not violate any local, state or federal laws or regulations governing water pollution or sewage disposal.
(b) 
The health officer is authorized to promulgate such additional regulations as are necessary in his judgment to carry out the provisions of this article. Specifically, section 22.09.007 shall be amended by such additional regulations so as to guarantee the construction of high-quality individual sewage disposal systems.
(1984 Code, sec. 9-9-3; 1993 Code, sec. 51.32; 2006 Code, sec. 82-83; Ordinance 42, sec. III, adopted 2/12/74)
(a) 
Required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter, or extend individual sewage disposal systems within the city unless he holds a valid permit issued by the health officer in the name of such person for the specific construction, alteration, or extension proposed. The permit to install an individual sewage disposal system shall be in addition to any required building permits, and shall be applied for at least 30 days before the anticipated start of construction.
(b) 
Issuance.
All applications for permits shall be made to the health officer, who shall issue a permit upon compliance by the applicant with the provisions of this article and any regulations adopted hereunder.
(c) 
Denial when public system is available.
The health officer shall refuse to grant a permit for the construction of an individual sewage disposal system where public or community sewage systems are reasonably available.
(d) 
Application.
Applications for permits shall be in writing, shall be signed by the applicant, and shall include the following:
(1) 
Name and address of the applicant.
(2) 
Lot and block number of property on which construction, alteration or extension is proposed.
(3) 
Complete plan of the proposed disposal facility, with substantiating data, if necessary, attesting to its compliance with the minimum standards of the health officer.
(4) 
Such further information as may be required by the health officer to substantiate that the proposed construction, alteration, or extension complies with regulations promulgated by the health officer.
(e) 
Plans and additional information.
A complete plan for the purpose of obtaining a permit to be issued by the health officer shall include:
(1) 
The number, location and size of all sewage disposal facilities to be constructed, altered, or extended.
(2) 
The location of water supplies, water supply piping, existing sewage disposal facilities, buildings or dwellings and adjacent lot lines.
(3) 
Plans of the proposed sewage disposal facilities to be constructed, altered, or extended.
(4) 
The results of a percolation test performed in accordance with the regulations established by the health officer.
(f) 
Hearing on denial.
Any person whose application for a permit under this article has been denied may request and shall be granted a hearing on the matter before the health officer within 30 days after receipt of the request.
(g) 
Fee.
Application for an individual sewage disposal system permit shall include all required forms, plans, and percolation test results. The application fee per system shall be in accordance with the adopted fee schedule in appendix A of this code and this amount shall accompany the application.
(1984 Code, sec. 9-9-4; 1993 Code, sec. 51.33; 2006 Code, sec. 82-84; Ordinance 42, sec. IV, adopted 2/12/74; Ordinance adopting 2015 Code)
(a) 
The health officer is hereby authorized and directed to make such inspections as are necessary to determine satisfactory compliance with this article and the regulations promulgated hereunder.
(b) 
It shall be the duty of the owner or occupant of a property to give the health officer free access to the property at reasonable times for the purpose of making such inspections as are necessary to determine compliance with the requirements of this article and regulations promulgated hereunder.
(1984 Code, sec. 9-9-5; 1993 Code, sec. 51.34; 2006 Code, sec. 82-85; Ordinance 42, sec. V, adopted 2/12/74)
(a) 
General standards.
Tanks shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or of metal properly treated with a noncorrosive agent both inside and outside. Non-reinforced concrete shall not be accepted. Other impervious materials may be used with the approval of the health officer. The minimum distance from any portion of the system to wells, water lines, foundations, streams or other objects shall be as established by the health officer.
(b) 
Minimum tank size; influent and effluent pipes.
(1) 
Residential systems shall have a minimum working capacity of 600 gallons for a two-bedroom residence and 200 gallons for each additional bedroom. Where the tank is to serve the following fixtures, the minimum capacity shall be increased by the following quantity per bedroom:
 
Gallons
Washing machine
50
Dishwasher
25
Garbage grinder or disposal
25
Total sinks or water closets in excess of one per bedroom
25, each
(2) 
Minimum size of commercial, apartment, or industrial systems shall be four times the maximum daily water usage, or as otherwise determined by the health officer.
(3) 
If the plant consists of more than one compartment, no compartment shall have a working capacity of less than 250 gallons. The septic tank shall be watertight, and shall be located not less than five feet from any foundation.
(4) 
Influent (inlet) and effluent (outlet) pipes shall be constructed so that the sewage influent and effluent is introduced and withdrawn from the tank at a depth of at least six inches below the water level. Baffle walls may be used in lieu of influent and effluent tees or quarter bends and the baffle walls must extend from six inches below the top of the tank to a depth of at least six inches below the water level. The effluent pipe shall be at least one pipe diameter less than the influent pipe. Influent and effluent pipes must be built so that the water line is at least eight inches from the ceiling of the septic tanks. Suitable manholes or removal covers shall be provided for each compartment to allow for cleaning.
(c) 
Lateral system.
(1) 
From the tank effluent to the distribution lateral system there shall be not less than eight feet of solid pipe, minimum four-inch diameter.
(2) 
The lateral system shall consist of not less than 250 square feet of filter trench per bedroom. It shall be constructed with open joint pipe of a type approved by the health officer. Where the tank is to serve the following fixtures, the total minimum length shall be increased by the following quantity per bedroom:
 
Square Feet
Washing machine
40
Dishwasher
30
Garbage grinder or disposal
30
Total sinks or water closets in excess of one per bedroom
20, each
(3) 
Where a percolation test series has been performed by a registered professional engineer, a certified testing laboratory, or a registered sanitarian, the required area of lateral system may be adjusted downward from the minimum standard established in subsection (c)(2) of this section. The adjustment schedule shall be on file with the health officer.
(4) 
This lateral system shall be laid in a filter trench filled with gravel or washed rock. The filter trench shall be at least 24 inches wide, but no more than 36 inches wide. The trench depth shall be no less than 27 inches deep, nor more than 36 inches deep. There shall be at least eight inches of gravel or washed rock underneath the drainpipe and the trench is to be filled at least three inches over the top of the pipe with this same material. The top of each open joint of pipe shall be covered with a strip of tarpaper or building paper. On top of the gravel or washed rock shall be a two-inch layer of hay or straw or other material suitable as a protective covering for the porous filler around the pipe and not less than ten inches of soil. The lateral lines shall be in no case less than 12 feet apart and laid at zero grade, and not less than ten feet from any property line. Systems to be laid on lots with other than zero grade shall be so noted in the permit application.
(5) 
No portion of the lateral system shall be laid under a driveway, street, or similar access road without the express written approval of the health officer.
(6) 
Before any tank and system is covered up, the person installing the system shall notify the health officer, who shall then inspect the system. Inspection shall be made when tanks are in place, all connections completed and top gravel [is placed] and a two-inch layer of hay or straw or other suitable material is placed over top gravel.
(7) 
All individual disposal systems shall be graded over such that water will not pool at any portion thereon. Drainage shall be away from the structure being serviced.
(8) 
The size of lateral systems for structures other than single-family dwellings shall be determined by the health officer.
(d) 
Maintenance.
(1) 
The owner of the individual sewage disposal system shall provide all required service to keep that system operable and in compliance with the provisions of this article at all times.
(2) 
Required service shall include, but shall not be limited to, periodic tank cleaning, replacement of defective tanks or laterals and extension of inadequate lateral systems.
(e) 
Amendment and enforcement of regulations.
The health officer shall amend and enforce these provisions as required in order to protect the health of the community. The health officer shall also make available such application forms as are required to secure an individual sewage disposal system permit.
(1984 Code, sec. 9-9-6; 1993 Code, sec. 51.35; 2006 Code, sec. 82-86; Ordinance 42, sec. VII, adopted 2/12/74)