The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards for the
approval, installation, and operation of onsite wastewater treatment
systems (OWTS) within the City of Rancho Cucamonga, consistent with
the appropriate California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)
standards and basin plans. The standards are adopted to prevent the
creation of health hazards and nuisance conditions and to protect
surface and groundwater quality. The city has prepared a Local Agency
Management Program (LAMP) for OWTS permitting and regulation throughout
the city, and that program has been approved by the California Regional
Water Quality Control Board for the Santa Ana Region.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases have
the following meaning:
"Accessory structures"
mean a subordinate habitable building which is incidental
and not attached to the main building or use on the same lot. If an
accessory building is attached to the main building or if the roof
is a continuation of the main building roof, the accessory building
shall be considered an addition to the main building. Includes habitable
structures with sanitary sewer plumbing facilities regardless of whether
a building permit is required, including, but not limited to, barns,
guesthouses, accessory dwelling units, garages, storage buildings/sheds,
and pool (swimming) houses/bathrooms.
"Basin plan (or water quality control plan)"
means a plan which identifies surface and ground water bodies
within each region's boundaries, and establishes for each, it's respective
beneficial uses, and water quality objectives. Basin plans are adopted
by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and State Water
Resources Control Board (SWRCB), and are approved by the Office of
Administrative Law.
"Bedrock"
means the rock, usually solid, which underlies soil or other
unconsolidated, surficial material.
"Building official"
means the building official for the City of Rancho Cucamonga
is the building and safety services director and is the officer or
other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement
of the current adopted
California Building Code, or a duly authorized
representative.
"CCR"
means California Code of Regulation (
CCR, Cal. Code Regs.)
is the codification of the general and permanent rules and regulations
(sometimes called administrative law) announced in the California
Regulatory Notice Register by California state agencies.
"Cesspool"
means an excavation in the ground receiving domestic wastewater,
designed to retain the organic matter and solids, while allowing the
liquids to seep into the soil.
"Clay"
is used to describe a soil particle, or type of soil texture:
(1) as a soil: particle—clay consists of individual rock or
mineral particles having diameters of <0.002 millimeters (mm);
(2) as a texture—clay is a soil material that is comprised of
40 percent , or more, clay particles, not more than 45 percent sand,
and not more than 40 percent silt particles using the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) soil classification system.
"Cobbles"
mean rock fragments measuring 76 mm (three inches) or larger,
using the USDA soil classification system.
"Director"
means the director of the Rancho Cucamonga building and safety
services department.
"Dispersal system"
means a type of system for final wastewater treatment and
subsurface discharge, which may include a leach field, seepage pit,
mound, subsurface drip field, or evapotranspiration and infiltration
bed.
"Domestic wastewater"
means wastewater with a measured strength less than high
strength wastewater, which is discharged from plumbing fixtures, appliances
and other household devices.
"Domestic well"
means a groundwater well that provides water for human consumption
and is not regulated by the SWRCB.
"Effluent"
means sewage, water, or other liquid (partially or completely
treated, or in its natural state), flowing out of a septic tank, aerobic
treatment unit, dispersal system, or other OWTS component.
"Electronic deliverable format (EDF)"
means the data standard adopted by the SWRCB for submittal
of groundwater quality monitoring data to the State Water Board's
Internet-accessible database system, Geotracker.
"Existing OWTS"
means an OWTS that was constructed, operating, and issued
a permit prior to the effective date of the LAMP.
"Grease interceptor"
means a passive interceptor with a rate of flow exceeding
50 gallons-per-minute located outside a building and used for separating
and collecting grease from wastewater.
"Groundwater"
means water below the land surface that is at, or above,
atmospheric pressure.
"High strength wastewater"
means wastewater, prior to septic tank or other form of OWTS
treatment component, having: (1) a 30-day average concentration of
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) greater than 300 milligrams per liter
(mg/L); and/or (2) total suspended solids (TSS) greater than 330 mg/L;
and/or (3) a fats, oil, and grease (FOG) concentration greater than
100 mg/L.
"Impaired Water Bodies/303(d) List"
means surface water bodies, or segments thereof, identified
on the Section 303(d) list pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act,
approved by the SWRCB, and the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
"Local agency"
means any subdivision of state government responsible for
permitting, installation, and regulation of OWTS within its jurisdictional
boundaries; typically a county, city, or special district.
"Local agency management program (LAMP)"
means a program for the siting, design, operation and maintenance
of OWTS, developed by a local agency, and approved by the RWQCB as
an alternate method to achieve the same policy purpose as that of
OWTS policy.
"Major repair"
means a repair for an OWTS dispersal system due to surfacing
wastewater effluent from the dispersal field and/or wastewater backed
up into plumbing fixtures because the dispersal system is not able
to percolate the design flow of wastewater associated with the structure
served, or for a septic tank as a result of compartment baffle failure,
or tank structural integrity; failure such that either wastewater
is exfiltrating, or groundwater is infiltrating.
"Mottling"
means a soil condition that: (1) results from oxidizing or
reducing minerals due to soil moisture changes from saturated to unsaturated
over time; and/or (2) is characterized by spots or blotches of different
colors or, shades of color (grays and reds), interspersed within the
dominant color as described by the USDA soil classification system;
and/or (3) may indicate historic seasonal high ground water levels.
"Mound system"
means an above ground dispersal system, having subsurface
discharge, used to enhance soil treatment, dispersal, and absorption
of effluent discharged from an OWTS treatment unit (e.g., septic tank).
"New development"
means a proposed tract, parcel, industrial, or commercial
development which has not been granted one or more of the following,
on or prior to approval of the LAMP: (1) approval, or conditional
approval, of a tentative parcel or tract map by the City of Rancho
Cucamonga; and/or (2) a conditional use permit; and/or (3) approval,
or conditional approval, from the City of Rancho Cucamonga planning
department, and/or building and safety services department.
"New OWTS"
means an OWTS permitted after the effective date of this
LAMP.
"Notice of condition"
means a site specific document that is provided to the customer
by building and safety services. It is the owner's responsibility
to ensure the document is recorded with the county recorder's office.
"OWTS"
means onsite wastewater treatment systems that use subsurface
disposal, including: individual; community collection and disposal;
and alternative collection and disposal systems. This is also referred
to as a private sewage disposal system in the current adopted California
Plumbing Code and may also be referred to in general vernacular by
the public as a "septic system." The definition of OWTS does not include
"graywater" systems pursuant to California
Health and Safety Code
§ 17922.12.
"Percolation test"
means a method of testing water absorption of the soil by
using clean water to determine the dispersal system design.
"Permit"
means a document issued by a local agency that allows the
installation, use, and/or monitoring of an OWTS.
"Projected flows"
mean wastewater flows into the OWTS determined in accordance
with any of the applicable methods for determining average daily flow
in the California Plumbing Code.
"Public water system"
means a system for the provision of water for human consumption,
through pipes or other constructed conveyances, that has 15 or more
service connections (or regularly serves at least 25 individuals daily),
at least 60 days out of the year. Per California Health and Safety
Code § 116275(h), a public water system includes any: (1)
collection, treatment storage, and distribution facilities under control
of the operator of the system that are used primarily in connection
with the system; (2) collection or pretreatment storage facilities
not under the control of the operator that are used primarily in connection
with the system; (3) water system that treats water on behalf of one
or more public water systems for the purpose of rendering it safe
for human consumption.
"Qualified professional"
means an individual licensed, or certified by a State of
California agency, to design OWTS and practice as a professional for
other associated reports, as allowed under their license or registration.
Qualified professionals include the following: (1) professional civil
engineers; (2) certified engineering geologists; (3) registered environmental
health specialists (REHSs); (4) registered geologists; and (5) geotechnical
engineers.
"Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)"
means a regional water board that regulates wastewater discharges
to surface water (rivers, ocean, etc.) and to groundwater (via land).
It also regulates storm water discharges from construction, industrial,
and municipal activities; discharges from irrigated agriculture; dredge
and several other activities with practices that could degrade water
quality.
"Replacement OWTS"
means an OWTS that, after the effective date of this LAMP,
has its treatment capacity expanded or its dispersal system replaced
or added onto.
"Sand"
means a soil particle or type of soil texture. As a: (1)
soil particle—and consists of individual rock, or mineral particles,
having diameters ranging from 0.05 to 2.0 mm; and (2) soil texture—sand
is soil that is comprised of 85 percent or more sand particles, with
the percentage of silt plus one and one-half times the percentage
of clay particles comprising less than 15 percent .
"Seepage pit, outside perimeter"
means a drilled or dug excavation five to seven feet in diameter
with a liner. It is also gravel filled (between the liner and the
soil) and receives effluent discharge for dispersal from a septic
tank or other OWTS treatment unit.
"Septage"
means septic tank sludge, in particular the partially treated
sludge stored in a septic tank or (less commonly) in a pit latrine.
It is one type of fecal sludge. Septage is a by-product from the pretreatment
of household wastewater in a septic tank where it accumulates over
time.
"Septic tank"
means a watertight, covered, receptacle designed for primary
treatment of wastewater and constructed to: (1) receive wastewater
discharged from a building; (2) separate settleable and floating solids
from liquid; (3) digest organic matter using anaerobic bacterial action;
(4) store digested solids; and/or (5) clarify wastewater for further
treatment with final subsurface discharge.
"Service provider"
means a person capable of operating, monitoring and maintaining
an OWTS in accordance with this chapter.
"Silt"
means a soil particle or type of soil texture. As a: (1)
soil particle—silt consists of individual rock, or mineral particles,
having diameters ranging from 0.05 to 0.002 mm; (2) soil texture—silt
is soil that is comprised of approximately 80 percent or more silt
particles, and not more than 12 percent clay particles using the USDA
soil classification system.
"Site"
means the location of the OWTS and/or a reserve dispersal
area, capable of disposing 100 percent of the design flow from all
the sources the OWTS is intended to serve.
"Site evaluation"
means an assessment of the characteristics of the site, sufficient
to determine its suitability for an OWTS that meets the requirements
of this LAMP.
"Soil"
means the naturally occurring body of porous mineral and
organic materials on the land surface, which is composed of: (1) unconsolidated
materials, including sand, silt, and clay sized particles; (2) varying
amounts of larger fragments and organic matter; (3) earthen material
with particles smaller than 0.08 inches (two mm) in size.
"Soil texture"
means the soil class that describes the relative amount of
sand, clay, silt, and combinations thereof.
"Supplemental treatment"
means any OWTS, or component thereof, which performs additional
wastewater treatment so the effluent meets performance requirements
prior to the discharge of effluent into the dispersal field. This
excludes septic and/or dosing tanks.
"Structure"
means a new separate stand-alone building which is separate
from the main structure and does not have a common roof line with
the main structure and which requires a plumbing permit.
"Surface water ambient monitoring program (SWAMP)"
means a unifying program created to fulfill the Legislature's
mandate for the coordination of all water quality monitoring conducted
by the state and RWQCBs. It is managed by a roundtable of monitoring
coordinators from the SWRCB and nine RWQCBs.
"Telemetric"
means the ability to automatically measure and transmit OWTS
data by wire, radio, or other means.
"Total coliform"
means a group of bacteria consisting of several genera belonging
to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which includes Escherichia coli
(E. coli) bacteria.
"Tract"
means the development of more than one lot or parcel, and/or
more than one structure discharging sewage wastes.
"USDA"
means the United States Department of Agriculture which provides
leadership regarding food, agriculture, natural resources, and related
issues.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018; Ord. No. 938 § 9, 2018)
The city is not liable or responsible for damage resulting from
the defective construction of any OWTS as herein provided, nor will
the city or any official or employee thereof be liable or responsible
by reason of any inspection authorized hereunder.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. Every
property where there is proposed a residence, place of business, or
other building or place which people occupy, or where persons congregate,
reside, or are employed, and which abuts a street or alley located
within an established sewer service district and outside such districts
where required by the RWQCB, or which property line is within 200
feet of an approved available sanitary sewer, must be connected to
the sanitary sewer in the most direct manner possible, provided a
right-of-way and any necessary approval from the sewer service provider
is first obtained.
B. On
property where an OWTS exists, and where such property abuts a street
or alley located within an established sewer service district and
outside such districts where required by the RWQCB, or which property
line is within 200 feet of an approved available sanitary sewer, connection
to the available sanitary sewer will be required at the time of system
failure or when the building is remodeled, increased in square footage
or altered in a manner as to change uninhabitable space into habitable
space provided any necessary approval from the appropriate sewer authority
is first obtained.
C. The 200-foot connection requirement in subsections
A and
B above shall increase by 100 feet for each additional dwelling unit for any development in excess of a single-family dwelling. For example, a 10 unit development will be required to connect to an available sanitary sewer if the sanitary sewer is within 1,100 feet [200 + (9 x 100 feet) = 1,100 feet] of the proposed development.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. Every
residence, place of business, or other building, or place where persons
congregate, reside, or are employed, and which cannot be connected
to a sanitary sewer, must be provided with a water flush toilet connected
to an approved OWTS.
B. Every
building, structure, or appurtenance that contains one or more waste
producing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, showers or bathtubs, clothes
washing machines, dish washing machines, animal wash pads, floor drains
or other fixture or fittings intended to drain organic or inorganic
waste material must be connected to an approved OWTS that meets the
requirements of this chapter.
C. Subject
to local zoning restrictions and planning approval, multiple buildings
on the same parcel, such as a main house and detached living unit
or two or more agricultural housing units, may be served by a common
OWTS located on that parcel, provided the OWTS is determined to have
sufficient treatment and dispersal capacity for the expected wastewater
flow from all buildings or facilities connected to the OWTS.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. Review
and approval by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
is required for OWTS in cases where: (1) the peak wastewater flow
handled by the OWTS is more than 10,000 gallons per day; (2) the OWTS
is a categorized as a community system, which serves multiple discharges
under separate ownership; (3) OWTS receiving high strength wastewater,
unless the waste stream: (i) is from a commercial food service facility
with BOD less than 900 mg/L, and (ii) has a properly functioning oil/grease
interceptor; (4) wastewater treatment plants of any kind or size;
or (5) the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board has otherwise
determined that their review and approval is necessary and appropriate
for water quality protection. OWTS that are subject to the requirements
and approval of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
are also required to obtain approval of the director in accordance
with the following:
1. The
proposed system must be designed to accommodate the waste discharge
consistent with the requirements of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality
Control Board.
2. The
director will require engineered sewerage plans to be submitted by
a registered civil engineer or a registered environmental health specialist
with experience in OWTS design before issuing a permit.
3. A
registered civil engineer, professional geologist or a registered
environmental health specialist will be required to inspect the construction
of the OWTS and, upon completion, to submit a letter of certification
to the director verifying the proper installation and operation of
the OWTS.
4. Site
evaluations, plan submittals, design and construction details, inspection,
and operation and maintenance shall be consistent with guidelines
and procedures prescribed by this chapter.
5. The
applicant must obtain a permit(s) from the director and pay a permit
fee(s) in an amount established by resolution of the city council.
Obtaining a land use permit of approval is not a substitute for an
OWTS permit issued by the building and safety services department,
nor does it guarantee issuance of an OWTS permit.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. No
person may construct, add to, repair, alter or maintain any OWTS,
sewer pipes or conduits, or any other conduits for the treatment or
discharge of sewage, impure waters, or any matter or substance offensive,
injurious, or dangerous to health so as to cause any of the following
to occur:
1. Sewage,
impure waters, or any matter or substance offensive, injurious, or
dangerous to health to empty, flow, seep, or drain onto the surface
of any land.
2. Sewage,
impure waters, or any matter or substance offensive, injurious, or
dangerous to health to empty, flow, seep, drain into, or affect any
well, spring, stream, river, lake, or other waters.
3. Result
in any condition which, in the opinion of the director, is unsafe
or dangerous, or creates a nuisance.
B. A violation
of this section is hereby declared a public nuisance.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
When a community sanitary sewer is not available and the property
improvement will generate wastewater, the property owner must obtain
an OWTS permit from the City of Rancho Cucamonga building and safety
services department. Any person, association, partnership or corporation
desiring an OWTS permit shall make an application to the City of Rancho
Cucamonga building and safety services department on a form provided
by the city. In addition to any requirements outlined in this chapter,
a lot will be deemed to support onsite wastewater disposal if the
OWTS permit applicant demonstrates the following:
A. Soils
are conducive to onsite wastewater disposal;
B. A sanitary
sewer is not available within 200 feet of the lot; an additional 100
feet shall be added per each dwelling unit proposed thereafter;
C. Enough
area is available to install an OWTS that meets property setbacks.
For new construction, 100 percent expansion area must be available;
D. OWTS
will not impact ground or surface water quality;
E. OWTS
is appropriately sized to serve the intended land use; and
F. For
new industrial or commercial development projects utilizing septic
tank-subsurface disposal systems, the wastewater flow for each one-half
acre gross area of land may not exceed that from a threebedroom, two-bathroom
single-family dwelling unit. For determining compliance with this
criterion, a flow rate of 300 gallons per day shall be considered
as the flow equivalent to that from a three-bedroom, two-bedroom single-family
dwelling unit. Exemptions will not be granted for industrial or commercial
parcels less than gross one-half acre in size.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
The OWTS permit application shall be submitted on a form provided
by the city. In accordance with the requirements of the OWTS permit
application, the OWTS permit applicant must prepare and submit the
following supplemental documents: (1) a percolation test; (2) a proposed
layout design; (3) a grading plan; (4) a building plan; (5) access
to a potable water supply; and (6) all preliminary plans required
for all necessary grading and building permits. These supplemental
documents shall be prepared as follows:
A. Percolation
test required. A percolation test is required when grading or other
soil disturbance has occurred in the proposed OWTS location or if
the applicant desires not to use the city's standard percolation rates.
The applicant shall submit a percolation test report and design as
performed by a registered civil engineer, registered geologist licensed
by the State of California Board of Professional Engineers. All percolation
testing shall be performed in accordance with section 9.28.160.
B. Layout
design required. With percolation test data and other data in hand,
the applicant must develop and submit a layout design for the proposed
building project and specific OWTS, for review by the City of Rancho
Cucamonga building and safety services department. All OWTS layout
design proposals shall demonstrate a 100 percent reserve area for
the active OWTS. The layout design must take percolation test data
into account. In some cases, additional testing will include depth
to groundwater measurements during a normal average rainfall year.
In the alternative, the applicant may use the depth to ground
water value used by the County of San Bernardino Stormwater Facility
Mapping Tool. In some cases, the City of Rancho Cucamonga building
and safety services may conclude that a conventional or alternative
OWTS cannot be safely used on the lot. Due to the potential for delays
or disapproval, City of Rancho Cucamonga building and safety services
recommends that applicants submit a layout design and obtain an approval
before incurring costs for detailed building plans and architectural
fees. The approved layout design will state whether a field check
of completed grading by the City of Rancho Cucamonga building and
safety services is required. The layout design approval shall expire
after one year from the date of issuance.
1. A
layout design drawing of the proposed building construction and OWTS
is required. This drawing should be prepared using standard engineer's
scale on 8.5″ x 11″ or 11″ x 17″ minimum
size paper. The basis for the OWTS design will be from percolation
testing data and/or conditions of approval from a recorded subdivision
map, parcel map, boundary adjustment, or certificate of compliance.
The size of the OWTS is a function of the anticipated peak sewage
flow based on the number of bedrooms, dwellings or use, and the percolation
rate of the soil on the site.
2. The
layout design must include the property drawn to the following minimum
scales: (i) single-family home or small commercial properties: one
inch = 30 feet; (ii) parcel map, subdivisions, large commercial properties:
one inch = 40 feet and must also show the proposed system, and 100
percent expansion area, including existing and potential structures,
wells, streams, contours, significant vegetation (including trees),
rock outcroppings, the location of all borings/tests, and the proposed
house pad.
3. The
proposed dwelling or development site must be located so the initial
subsurface sewage disposal system (and the required 100 percent expansion
area) functions by gravity flow, unless otherwise approved. When leach
lines or pits serve a common system for two or more units, add 30
percent more square footage to the total absorption area, if approved
by the planning department and building and safety services department.
4. The
layout design shall contain the following information: (i) site address;
(ii) owner's name, mailing address, and phone number; consultant's/contractor's
name, mailing address, and phone number; (iii) type of proposed construction
(residential vs. commercial); (iv) number of existing or proposed
bedrooms; (v) purpose of project (e.g., new dwelling, new structure,
guesthouse, an addition, etc.); (vi) specify scope of work; (vii)
vicinity map, scale, north arrow, Thomas Bros. Map coordinates; property
lines and lot dimensions; (viii) percent slope and direction of fall;
(ix) proposed OWTS design detail; (x) all known, recorded easements
on or within 20 feet of lot boundaries (open-space, utility, road,
waterline, etc.); (xi) source of potable water; location of all public
waterlines on or within 20 feet of property; (xii) location of all
wells on or within 200 feet of property; and (xiii) any soils testing
information, such as deep boring or percolation test, plotted on the
design.
5. In
preparing a layout design, the following setback requirements shall
establish minimum spacing requirements from a component to the OWTS
and to structures, property lines, easements, watercourses, wells,
or grading:
Table 19.28.090.B.3 OWTS Setback Requirements
|
---|
System Component
|
Setback
|
Minimum Distance
|
---|
Septic Tank
|
Structure
|
5 feet
|
Septic Tank
|
Property Line, including the street/public right-of-way
|
5 feet
|
Septic Tank
|
Water Well
|
100 feet
|
Septic Tank
|
Leach Lines
|
5 feet
|
Septic Tank
|
Seepage Pits
|
5 feet
|
Leach Lines
|
Structure
|
8 feet
|
Leach Lines
|
Property Line, including the street/public right-of-way
|
5 feet
|
Leach Lines
|
Water Well
|
100 feet1
|
Leach Lines
|
Leach Lines
|
10 feet center to center distance (See Table Note 6)
|
Leach Lines
|
Seepage Pits
|
5 feet
|
Leach Lines
|
Water Mains (Public)
|
25 feet or 10 feet from the edge of easement
|
Leach Lines
|
Drainage Course
|
50 feet from centerline or top of bank7
|
Leach Lines
|
Flowing Stream/Creek
|
100 feet from spillway elevation
|
Leach Lines
|
Pond or Lake
|
100 feet from the high water line
|
Leach Lines
|
Water Supply Reservoir
|
200 to 400 feet from the high water line2
|
Leach Lines
|
Aqueduct
|
5:1 setback to pipeline3
|
Leach Lines
|
Road Easements/Right-of-Way
|
5 feet from the edge of ultimate easement width4
|
Leach Lines
|
Cut Slopes
|
5:1 setback from top of cut slope5
|
Leach Lines
|
Private Utility Trenches
|
56 feet
|
Leach Lines
|
Ground Water
|
5 (vertical) feet
|
Seepage Pits
|
Structure
|
8 feet
|
Seepage Pits
|
Property Line, including the street/public right-of-way
|
8 feet
|
Seepage Pits
|
Water Well
|
150 feet1
|
Seepage Pits
|
Seepage Pits
|
12 feet from edge of excavation
|
Seepage Pits
|
Water Mains (Public)
|
25 feet or 10 feet from edge of easement
|
Seepage Pits
|
Drainage Course
|
50 feet from centerline or top of bank7
|
Seepage Pits
|
Flowing Stream/Creek
|
100 feet from edge of flow line or top of bank
|
Seepage Pits
|
Pond or Lake
|
100 feet from the spillway elevation
|
Seepage Pits
|
Water Supply Reservoir
|
200 to 400 feet from the high water line2
|
Seepage Pits
|
Aqueduct
|
5:1 setback to pipeline3
|
Seepage Pits
|
Road Easements/Right-of-Way
|
8 feet from edge of ultimate easement width4
|
Seepage Pits
|
Cut Slopes
|
5:1 setback from top of cut slope5
|
Seepage Pits
|
Private Utility Trenches
|
56 feet
|
Seepage Pits
|
Groundwater
|
10 feet (vertical)
|
Notes:
|
---|
1.
|
The minimum setback required to a public water well is 150 feet
and increases to 200 feet where the depth of the dispersal system
exceeds 10 feet in depth. The minimum setback may be increased if
site conditions show the minimum setback is insufficient to protect
groundwater supplies.
|
2.
|
Where the dispersal system is within 1,200 feet of surface water
intake point, the setback shall be 400 feet. Where the dispersal system
is greater than 1,200 feet of the surface water intake point, the
setback shall be 200 feet.
|
3.
|
Maximum setback of 100 feet. A reduction in setback to 50 feet
may be considered with engineering to demonstrate no risk of sewage
moving laterally to pipeline trench.
|
4.
|
The setback may increase if the 5:1 setback to a road cut is
greater than the minimum setback.
|
5.
|
This maximum 100-foot setback would also be applied to the top
of an eroded bank or natural slope in excess of 60%. A reduction in
setback to 50 feet may be considered with engineering to demonstrate
no risk of sewage surfacing on the face of the bank or slope.
|
6.
|
For trenches less than two feet in depth, a 5:1 setback based
on the trench depth can be used.
|
7.
|
Setback increases to a 5:1 setback if drainage is greater than
10-foot in depth.
|
8.
|
Refer to section 19.28.090 "Siting requirements" for other references.
|
C. Grading
plan review. Following layout design review, a grading plan review
may be required by the building and safety services department as
a condition of approval of the OWTS layout design. A field check may
also be required upon completion of grading.
D. Building
plan review. Plans for a new or second dwellings must be submitted
to the planning services department for processing and approval. Upon
submittal of the plans, the owner/agent shall meet with staff at the
City of Rancho Cucamonga building and safety services counter for
a verification of bedrooms and plot plan concurrence with the approved
layout. Bedrooms are used to determine the potential occupancy of
a dwelling and therefore the potential amount of wastewater that will
be generated.
Guidelines for determining the number of bedrooms:
1. Once
the living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, bathrooms, and
utility rooms have been established, all other rooms shall be considered
as potential sleeping rooms. Dens, libraries, studies, weight rooms,
sewing rooms, workshops, etc., shall be determined as bedrooms if
they do not conform to the criteria listed below.
2. All
other habitable rooms totaling at least 70 square feet in size are
to be considered bedrooms suitable for sleeping purposes, regardless
of whether or not they contain closets or have direct access to a
bathroom.
3. Rooms
that open to a living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, or
entry way, and have a single, un-obstructive opening (no doors) with
a minimum 50 percent opening of the total wall space (minimum six
feet wide) with archways or other acceptable means shall not be considered
as bedrooms, due to the lack of personal privacy presented by the
opening.
4. Rooms
that can only be accessed through another bedroom are to be considered
part of that bedroom, such as master suite and not an additional bedroom.
5. Any
cases, which will require the relocation or modification of doorways,
are to be reviewed and approved by the planning department and building
and safety services to address any structural considerations such
as load bearing walls. This is to be done prior to approval or sign-off
by the City of Rancho Cucamonga building and safety services.
E. Proof
of potable water supply required. The applicant must demonstrate the
proposed development's access to a potable water supply. A public
water supply should be confirmed with proof of a service availability
letter from the Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD), or a water
bill showing the property is served by a local water agency. The use
of any new domestic water well will require proof of potability and
be subject to reviews and approvals by all agencies involved. A copy
of the well laboratory report that indicates the absence of bacteria
and nitrate contamination of less than 10 mg/L of nitrate-N or 45
mg/L of nitrate will be necessary for proof of potability of a private
well. The date of the test cannot be more than one year old. If a
valid test does not exist, the well must be sampled by client's consultant
for bacteriological and nitrate levels. Hand-dug water wells will
not be accepted as a potable water supply.
F. The
applicant shall submit all preliminary plans and applications to the
planning services department for review prior to obtaining all necessary
grading and building permits.
G. An
OWTS installation permit will be valid for 180 days, which period
shall commence at the date of issuance. Upon the expiration of the
initial 180-day period, the property owner or contractor may request
an extension of an additional 180-day period.
H. Once
the OWTS installation permit has been obtained, the OWTS may be installed.
The OWTS shall be inspected by the city building and safety services
department before the system may be backfilled. If inspection is satisfactory,
the city shall approve a final OWTS permit. Any change in the OWTS
plans after the issuance of a permit must first be approved by the
director. Failure to obtain approval from the director will invalidate
the permit.
I. The
approval or permit cannot be transferred. Failure to obtain an OWTS
permit from the department of building and safety services is a violation
of this chapter. The director may revoke a permit or approval issued
pursuant to this chapter in case of any false statement, or misrepresentation
of fact in the application or on the plans on which the permit or
approval was based.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
Permit fees for OWTS subject to this chapter and all related
fees will be an amount established by resolution of the city council.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
No building permit may be issued for any building requiring
a sewage disposal system that is not to be connected to an approved
sanitary sewer unless the applicant has received an OWTS permit.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. No
certification of occupancy may be issued for any building that is
not connected to an approved sanitary sewer unless the applicant has
received an OWTS permit.
B. No
person may occupy or otherwise use any premises or building that has
not been connected to an approved sanitary sewer or approved OWTS.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. No
person may install, construct, alter, enlarge, reconstruct, replace,
improve, recondition or repair an OWTS pursuant to this chapter unless:
the person possesses a general engineering contractor's license (class
A) as defined in section 7056 of the
Business and Professions Code,
or a Class C-42 sanitation system contractor's license or Class C-36
plumbing contractor's license from the Contractors State License Board
of the State of California.
B. The
property owner may construct or repair an OWTS on his/her own property,
which system serves or will serve the building on the property that
is neither being offered for sale nor intended to be so offered, provided:
1. Persons hired by the owner to do the subject work must comply with section
19.28.080(A); or
2. Persons
hired by the owner must be hired as employees of the owner and the
owner must provide workman's compensation insurance, as required by
law; and
3. An
OWTS permit is first obtained.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A stamped copy of the building plans for the approved OWTS must
be kept available at the jobsite during system installation and until
the system passes final inspection by the director of building and
safety services. Inspections of each new installation must be made
to ensure compliance with all the requirements of this code. Requests
for inspection must be made at least one business day in advance of
the commencement of work. In the event the director of building and
safety services determines there has been an improper installation,
a stop-work order may be posted on the jobsite. Before any further
work is done on a posted system, clearance from the director of building
and safety services must be obtained.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. Setback
requirements. The following table provides the minimum requirements
for the installation of OWTS for either new or existing structures.
Table 19.28.150.A Setback Requirements
|
---|
Minimum Setback Required From (feet)
|
Septic Tank
|
Disposal Field
|
Seepage Pit
|
---|
Non-Public Water Supply Well 1,8
|
1008
|
1002
|
1502
|
Public Water Supply Well1
|
100
|
1502
|
200
|
Buildings or Structures3
|
5
|
8
|
8
|
Property Line, including Street Right-of-Way Line
|
5
|
5
|
8
|
Streams and Other Flowing Bodies Of Water9
|
100
|
100
|
150
|
Drainage Course
|
50
|
50
|
50
|
Lakes, Ponds, and Other Surface Water Bodies10
|
200
|
200
|
200
|
Large Trees4
|
10
|
-
|
10
|
Seepage Pits, Outside Perimeter
|
5
|
5
|
12
|
Disposal Field, on Center
|
5
|
106
|
5
|
Onsite Domestic Water Lines (Building Service Line)
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
Public Domestic Water Lines
|
25
|
25
|
25
|
Distribution Box
|
n/a
|
5
|
5
|
Ground Surface on Sloping Ground
|
n/a
|
15
|
15
|
Groundwater5
|
5
|
57
|
10
|
Notes:
|
---|
1.
|
Drainage piping will clear domestic water supply wells by not
less than 50 feet. This distance will be permitted to be reduced to
not less than 25 feet where the drainage piping is constructed of
materials approved for use within a building. If the dispersal system
does not exceed 10 feet in depth, then the horizontal sanitary setback
will be 150 feet. If the dispersal system exceeds 10 feet in depth,
then the horizontal sanitary setback will be 200 feet. If the dispersal
system exceeds 20 feet in depth, then the horizontal sanitary setback
will be 600 feet.
|
2.
|
For any system discharging 5,000 gallons per day (GPD), or more,
the required setback will be increased to 200 feet.
|
3.
|
Includes porches and steps whether covered or uncovered, breezeways,
roofed porte cocheres, roofed patios, carports, covered walls, covered
driveway, and similar structures or appurtenances.
|
4.
|
Any tree with a trunk diameter of one foot or more within five
feet of the system that will not be removed during construction.
|
5.
|
The highest known level to which groundwater is known to have
occurred rather than the level at the time when testing occurred.
|
6.
|
Plus two feet for each additional foot or depth in excess of
one foot below the bottom of the drain line.
|
7.
|
For any system utilizing alternate treatment system and sewage
holding tank (Chapter 11), this minimum separation may be reduced
to two feet with approval under the Advanced Protection Management
Program (APMP) (refer to Chapter 12: Tier 3—Advanced Protection
Management Program for Impaired Areas for more information regarding
the APMP) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).
|
8.
|
Unless regulatory or legitimate data requirements necessitate
that monitoring wells be located closer.
|
9.
|
Where the edge of the water body is the natural or levied bank
for creeks and rivers, or may be less where site conditions prevent
mitigation of wastewater to the water body.
|
10.
|
Where the edge of the water body is the high water mark for
lakes and reservoirs and the mean high tide line for tidally influenced
water bodies.
|
B. On
sites with natural slopes of 25 percent or greater, the siting and
design of the leaching system shall be performed in accordance with
recommendations prepared by a licensed professional geotechnical engineer.
C. Criteria
specified in Table 19.28.150.A must be met within the area of the
proposed system and within the 100 percent expansion area for the
proposed system. Depth of earth cover required over the dispersal
field is 12 inches. When the dispersal field cannot be installed 12
inches below the ground surface, and meet the above separation requirements,
then a supplemental treatment system will be required.
D. OWTS
located near public water systems shall be subject to increased setback
requirements, such as OWTS located with 1,200 feet of a surface water
intake.
E. Density and minimum lot size requirements. All new development requires a minimum lot size of one-half acre (21,780 square feet), average gross, per dwelling unit, including accessory structures, is required for all new developments, which do not have access to a public sewer as required under section
19.28.040 of this chapter. The public street area adjacent to the net lot area may count towards the minimum one-half acre gross lot size for OWTS.
For new development for industrial or commercial properties,
the wastewater flow for each one-half acre of land may not exceed
that from a single dwelling unit. When determining compliance with
this criterion, a flow rate of 300 gallons per day will be considered
equivalent to a single-family dwelling unit. This flow rate shall
be prorated for commercial or industrial developments with lots smaller
than one-half acre, or the equivalent of 20 fixture units.
F. Minimum
lot size exemptions.
1. The
minimum lot size requirements do not apply to existing properties
with OWTS which were installed prior to the effective date of the
ordinance codified in this chapter.
2. New
development occurring upon single-family residences with existing
septic systems that will accommodate additional wastewater flows,
caused by additional installations such as rooms, bathrooms or accessory
structures. A septic certification may be required to verify the septic
tank and disposal field capacity to accept additional wastewater flows.
3. Tracts,
parcels, and/or commercial/industrial developments which received
land use approval from the City of Rancho Cucamonga prior to August
21, 2017 are exempt from the minimum lot size requirements and shall
not be less than one-half acre per this chapter for the use of septic
tank subsurface disposal systems.
4. New
lots, which are smaller than one-half acre, may be formed by combining
through a lot merger two or more existing lots which have received
land use approval prior to the effective date of the LAMP. Individually,
these lots would be eligible for an exemption from the minimum lot
size requirement. Developments on combined lots may also qualify for
an exemption provided that the total number of units proposed for
the new parcel is equal to, or less than the total number of units
proposed for the existing parcel and/or when an alternative treatment
system is utilized. When requesting to use an alternative treatment
system, each system will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and
will require the approval of building and safety services and the
Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. Groundwater
testing procedures.
1. Test
borings in the area of an OWTS shall extend to a minimum of 15 feet
unless refusal is reached. Deeper depths may be required depending
on site-specific conditions as determined by the City of Rancho Cucamonga
building and safety services or the project qualified professional.
Site-specific conditions may include, but not be limited to, the proposed
depth of the system, local geology, soil types encountered, elevation
and terrain, features on site, evidence and/or knowledge of historic
ground water levels in the area, and the anticipated fluctuation of
the groundwater table in times of normal to above normal annual rainfall.
2. Test
borings in the area of a vertical seepage pit or horizontal seepage
pit system shall extend to at least 10 feet deeper than the bottom
of the proposed pit(s).
3. Since
groundwater does not always immediately flow into a test boring, the
City of Rancho Cucamonga building and safety services requires a minimum
of 72 hours pass before an accurate groundwater measurement is taken.
The qualified professional and/or the property owner maintain full
responsibility for protecting the public from any hazards related
to the test borings. It is recommended that all test borings that
encounter groundwater be converted to observation wells so the groundwater
conditions can be monitored over time.
4. If
the qualified professional does not wish to complete the test borings
as observation wells, they can cover the test boring, place safeguards
around the borings to prevent unauthorized access and make an appointment
for the City of Rancho Cucamonga building and safety services staff
to observe the boring at least 72 hours after the boring has been
completed.
5. During
periods of below normal average rainfall, or after periods of drought
where there has not yet been sufficient ground water recharge, the
absence of groundwater in test borings in areas where groundwater
is suspect may not mean that approval to issue a septic tank permit
can be granted. It may be necessary for the City of Rancho Cucamonga
building and safety services and the qualified professional to monitor
the test borings for a sufficient period of time to determine where
groundwater will rise to during normal to above normal rainfall.
B. Percolation
testing procedure. All percolation testing for dispersal systems except
vertical seepage pits in the City of Rancho Cucamonga shall be conducted
through the use of the following procedures. The test shall be performed
by or under the direct supervision of a California registered professional
engineer or geologist. Any deviation shall be authorized only after
receiving written approval by the City of Rancho Cucamonga building
and safety services. Percolation testing shall be required for all
new OWTS for nonresidential development and for residential development
comprising more than one dwelling unit, where a percolation report
has not previously been completed. A one-lot custom single-family
home may use the city's currently adopted California Plumbing Code,
Appendix H – Private Sewage Disposal Systems, Section H 3.0
- Area of Disposal Fields and Seepage Pits, and the included Table
H 2.1(2) – Design Criteria of Five Typical Soils for the design
of the seepage pit or the leech field.
1. Test
holes. A minimum of four test holes is required when percolation rates
are less than 60 minutes per inch (mpi). A minimum of six test holes
is required when the average percolation rate is more than 60 mpi.
Additional test holes may be necessary on a site specific basis for
reasons that include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) unacceptable
or failed tests; (b) areas of the disposal field requiring defined
limits for exclusion; (c) the disposal system is located out of a
concentrated area; and (d) soil conditions are variable or inconsistent.
All test holes shall be representative of the dispersal system installation
depth. If the proposed development site has any of the following characteristics,
test holes must be extended below the proposed dispersal system installation
depth: (i) shallow or consolidated rock or impervious soil layers;
(ii) slopes exceeding 25 percent ; or (iii) other factors as might
be determined by sound geotechnical engineering practices.
2. There
shall be a minimum of 10 feet of soil above any imperious formation
such as rock, clay, adobe, and/or water table. Fractured rock and
consolidated granites will not be considered as soil. Deep testing
may be required to ensure uniform conditions exist below the disposal
field.
3. Depending
upon the scope of grading for a project, the planning department may
require a conceptual grading plan and building and safety services
may require a grading plan. If a grading plan is required it should
be included with the percolation report submittal. A grading plan
helps building and safety services ensure testing was done at the
correct depths. Where grading is expected, include the original and
finished elevations in the grading plan. For details on how to complete
a grading plan contact the building and safety services department.
4. Percolation
testing shall be conducted by, and all accompanying reports prepared
by a qualified professional.
5. Prior
to reviewing a percolation test, building and safety services may
require a site evaluation during percolation testing to ensure proper
system design, and evaluate site location to ensure that the system
will be in compliance. For soil to be considered uniform, test results
must fall within 25 percent of the mean percolation rate. Determining
the number of percolation tests required will be based on soil conditions
and project type.
6. For
areas which are primarily sandy loam or sandy clay, a field design
of 60 square feet per 100 gallons.
7. For
areas which are primarily clay whether considerable sand or gravel,
a field design of 90 square feet per 100 gallons.
8. Percolation
rates in excess of 120 minutes per inch shall be deemed conclusive
evidence that the soil is impermeable and not suitable for an OWTS.
C. Percolation
testing reports. All testing data and required result information
shall be submitted to City of Rancho Cucamonga building and safety
services on forms approved by the city. A minimum of three copies
is required. All reports shall be signed with an original signature
and seal by the consultant who either performed or supervised the
testing. All percolation testing is to be performed by a licensed
civil engineer or geologist registered in the State of California.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. All
conventional OWTS require the use of a septic tank to allow for the
removal of solids in the wastewater prior to being discharged to the
dispersal field. Alternative OWTS also require a septic tank unless
a settling chamber is a component of the treatment unit.
B. Septic
tank requirements:
1. Septic
tanks must be certified by the International Association of Plumbing
and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
2. The
tank shall be watertight and possess two chambers.
3. Septic
tanks shall be certified by the manufacturer to allow for burial without
being water filled to allow for routine maintenance or to be used
as a holding tank as needed.
4. Septic
tanks shall be installed per the manufacturer's instructions.
5. The
bottom of the excavation for the tank shall extend into native or
compacted soils to eliminate potential settling issues.
6. Septic
tank location must take into account maintenance and pumping requirements
including vehicle access; and distance and elevation lift to pumper
truck.
7. All
tanks must have a capped tee or a 90-degree elbow fitting on the inlet
to prevent gas exchange between the tank and the house plumbing. Inlet
tees must extend at least 14 inches below the liquid level.
8. Outlet
tees must be uncapped and must extend at least 12 inches below the
liquid level.
9. The
outlet elevation shall be between two and six inches lower than the
inlet elevation to ensure proper fall without a significant loss of
volume.
10. Fall between the outlet of the septic tank and the dispersal field
shall be continuous with a minimum fall that that ensures the outlet
pipe is four inches higher than the top of the seepage pit system
or four inches above the top of the leach rock or other components
used in the dispersal system on a level system, or a distribution
box if multiple seepage pits or leach lines are constructed.
11. Septic tanks with greater than six inches of cover must have risers
to within six inches of finished grade. Risers and lids that are at
or above grade must be watertight and lockable or require tools to
be opened.
12. Septic tank risers must have a current IAPMO certification prior
to use. Concrete risers and lids must be constructed of Type V concrete
or be protected from corrosion from sewer gases. The interior diameter
of the riser shall be a minimum of 18 inches.
13. Effluent filters must be IAPMO approved if they are to be installed
as part of the outlet tee.
14. Septic tanks installed in areas of vehicular traffic must be certified
to withstand the proposed loads or have an engineered traffic slab
installed to accommodate the proposed loads.
15. Minimum tank size is 1,000 gallons for residential and 750 gallons
for nonresidential structures.
16. Septic tanks shall be sized according to anticipated wastewater flows
from the structure(s). The following standard sizes shall apply: (i)
one- to three-bedroom single-family dwelling (0 to 450 GPD) 1,000
gallons; (ii) four-bedroom single-family dwelling (450 to 600 GPD)
1,200 gallons; (iii) five- to six-bedroom single-family dwelling (601
to 900 GPD) 1,500 gallons; and (iv) flows greater than 900 GPD must
utilize the following formula to determine minimum tank sizing: 1,125
gallons + (0.75)(flow in GPD).
17. The permitted plan set shall contain a note requiring the septic
tank to be filled with water, without leakage, at the time of the
first inspection.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. Leach
line systems are limited to soils with percolation rates of 120 minutes
per inch or less. Percolation rates in excess of 120 minutes per inch
are unsuitable for the installation of an OWTS dispersal system.
1. At
least four percolation test holes at each leach field location should
be provided to represent soil types at the depth of the proposed leach
lines. At least one deep boring should extend to a depth of at least
15 feet or to impermeable material but in no case shall there be less
than five feet of unsaturated, permeable soil below the bottom of
the leach line trench. For areas of suspected high groundwater, deep
borings are recommended to be 20 feet to 25 feet to help determine
gradients during varying rainfall periods.
2. Backhoe
excavations may be required to demonstrate uniformity of soil throughout
the leach field area(s). Leach line dispersal systems are limited
to slopes of 25 percent (4:1) or less.
B. Soil
cover requirements. The maximum soil cover allowed over the top of
the infiltrative surface is 48 inches, measured from the top of the
leach rock chamber/etc. to the ground surface. The minimum cover required
over the top of the infiltrative surface is 12 inches. Soil cover
requirements must also conform to those allowed by the manufacturer
of any gravel-less/chamber design.
C. Leach
line dimensions. Leach lines are to be installed according to the
qualified professional's specifications for location, length, width,
and depth. Leach lines are to be spaced at least 10 feet apart, measured
center to center. Leach lines shall be installed with a width of no
less than 12 inches and no more than 36 inches. Regardless of trench
width or materials used, dispersal systems using leach lines shall
be designed using not less than three square feet of infiltrative
area per linear foot of trench as the infiltrative surface. No reduction
in sizing is allowed for the use of chambers. The minimum length of
leach trench for a new OWTS using leach lines as the dispersal system
shall be 200 feet regardless of the projected wastewater flows. A
100 percent reserve area shall be required for all leach line systems.
Properties that previously were required to maintain areas of 200
percent or 300 percent reserve shall now have a 100 percent reserve
area requirement in place of the previous requirement.
D. Materials
and construction considerations. Leach lines shall not be placed under
impermeable surfaces. Leach lines that are later covered by impermeable
surfaces may not be considered as viable for purposes of determining
primary and reserve area requirements. All piping and materials used
in leach line systems including gravel-less/chamber systems must have
IAPMO approval and must be approved by City of Rancho Cucamonga building
and safety services prior to installation. Leach lines that utilize
gravel shall be filled with clean, washed leach line rock to a point
at least four inches above the top of a four-inch perforated pipe
and shall have a minimum of 12 inches of gravel below the pipe. The
rock shall be graded at one to one and one-half inches in size and
shall be covered with straw, untreated building paper or a geotextile
fabric prior to backfill to prevent the infiltration of soil into
the rock. Where multiple leach lines are proposed on sloping ground,
a distribution box must be used to connect the leach lines. Leach
line trenches shall be installed with the trench bottom and materials
used being level to within two inches per 100 feet.
E. Leach
lines on steep slopes. The following requirements must be met for
the installation of leach line trenches on slopes exceeding 25 percent
(4:1) without necessitating the grading of terraces.
1. The
maximum slope allowed for leach line trenches is 40 percent (2-1/2:1
slope).
2. All
leach lines on steep slopes shall be installed in five-foot deep trenches
with 12 inches of leach rock below the leach pipe or with approved
chambers or other gravel-less system.
3. The
design of disposal systems on steep slopes requires the experience
and expertise to address conditions relative to soil, slope stability,
and subsurface conditions which require professional judgment and
technical knowledge. Designs for steep slope systems will only be
approved when submitted by a qualified professional licensed in the
State of California.
4. Testing
must provide data representative of the entire disposal area and demonstrate
that conditions are uniform below the entire disposal area. The minimum
testing required is: (i) six percolation tests at a depth equal to
the proposed trench depth; (ii) two percolation tests five feet below
the proposed trench depth; (iii) percolation testing must show rates
of 120 minutes per inch or less; and (iv) at least two soil profile
borings demonstrating uniform conditions throughout the disposal area
to a depth of 10 feet below the proposed trench depth.
5. Design
reports must include the following: (i) cross section(s) hillside
soil profile(s); (ii) detailed boring logs of all test holes and borings;
(iii) scaled layouts and profiled designs based on accurate topography;
(iv) any grading proposed on the site in the disposal area; (v) a
slope stability report or statement from a qualified professional;
(vi) any grading, proposed to create a stable work area for trench
installation, may be subject to review for conflict with building
and safety services department.
F. Leach
line system length.
Table 19.28.180 Leach Line System Length Requirements.
LEACH LINE TRENCH LENGTH (feet) BASED ON PERCOLATION TEST RATE
|
---|
Perc Rate
|
Number of Bedrooms
|
---|
MPI
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
---|
1
|
200
|
200
|
240
|
270
|
280
|
300
|
2
|
200
|
200
|
240
|
270
|
280
|
300
|
3
|
200
|
200
|
240
|
270
|
280
|
300
|
4
|
200
|
220
|
260
|
290
|
300
|
310
|
5
|
200
|
240
|
290
|
320
|
320
|
340
|
6
|
200
|
250
|
300
|
340
|
350
|
360
|
7
|
210
|
260
|
310
|
350
|
370
|
380
|
8
|
210
|
265
|
320
|
360
|
390
|
400
|
9
|
220
|
270
|
320
|
360
|
400
|
410
|
10
|
220
|
275
|
330
|
370
|
410
|
420
|
11
|
220
|
280
|
340
|
380
|
420
|
430
|
12
|
230
|
285
|
340
|
380
|
430
|
440
|
13
|
230
|
290
|
350
|
390
|
430
|
450
|
14
|
235
|
295
|
350
|
400
|
440
|
460
|
15
|
240
|
300
|
360
|
400
|
450
|
470
|
16
|
240
|
300
|
360
|
410
|
450
|
490
|
17
|
240
|
305
|
370
|
410
|
460
|
500
|
18
|
250
|
310
|
370
|
420
|
460
|
510
|
19
|
250
|
310
|
380
|
420
|
470
|
520
|
20
|
250
|
315
|
380
|
430
|
470
|
520
|
21
|
260
|
320
|
380
|
430
|
480
|
530
|
22
|
260
|
320
|
390
|
440
|
480
|
530
|
23
|
260
|
325
|
390
|
440
|
490
|
550
|
24
|
260
|
330
|
400
|
450
|
500
|
560
|
25
|
260
|
330
|
400
|
450
|
500
|
560
|
26
|
270
|
335
|
400
|
450
|
510
|
570
|
27
|
270
|
340
|
410
|
460
|
515
|
575
|
28
|
270
|
340
|
410
|
460
|
515
|
575
|
29
|
270
|
345
|
420
|
470
|
525
|
585
|
30
|
280
|
350
|
420
|
470
|
525
|
585
|
31
|
280
|
350
|
420
|
480
|
535
|
595
|
32
|
280
|
355
|
430
|
480
|
535
|
595
|
33
|
290
|
360
|
430
|
490
|
545
|
605
|
34
|
290
|
360
|
440
|
490
|
545
|
605
|
35
|
290
|
365
|
440
|
500
|
555
|
615
|
36
|
300
|
370
|
440
|
500
|
555
|
615
|
37
|
300
|
370
|
450
|
500
|
555
|
615
|
38
|
300
|
375
|
450
|
510
|
565
|
625
|
39
|
300
|
380
|
460
|
510
|
565
|
625
|
40
|
300
|
380
|
460
|
520
|
575
|
635
|
41
|
310
|
385
|
460
|
520
|
575
|
635
|
42
|
310
|
390
|
470
|
530
|
585
|
645
|
43
|
310
|
390
|
470
|
530
|
585
|
645
|
44
|
310
|
395
|
480
|
540
|
595
|
655
|
45
|
320
|
400
|
480
|
540
|
595
|
655
|
46
|
320
|
400
|
480
|
540
|
595
|
655
|
47
|
320
|
405
|
490
|
550
|
605
|
665
|
48
|
330
|
410
|
490
|
550
|
605
|
665
|
49
|
330
|
410
|
500
|
560
|
615
|
675
|
50
|
330
|
415
|
500
|
560
|
615
|
675
|
51
|
340
|
420
|
500
|
560
|
615
|
675
|
52
|
340
|
420
|
510
|
570
|
625
|
685
|
53
|
340
|
425
|
510
|
580
|
635
|
695
|
54
|
340
|
430
|
520
|
580
|
635
|
695
|
55
|
340
|
430
|
520
|
580
|
635
|
695
|
56
|
350
|
435
|
520
|
590
|
645
|
705
|
57
|
350
|
440
|
530
|
590
|
645
|
705
|
58
|
350
|
440
|
530
|
600
|
655
|
715
|
59
|
350
|
445
|
540
|
600
|
655
|
715
|
60
|
360
|
450
|
540
|
610
|
665
|
725
|
61
|
370
|
460
|
550
|
620
|
690
|
740
|
62
|
380
|
470
|
560
|
630
|
680
|
720
|
63
|
390
|
480
|
570
|
640
|
690
|
730
|
64
|
400
|
490
|
580
|
650
|
700
|
740
|
65
|
420
|
500
|
580
|
660
|
710
|
750
|
66
|
420
|
510
|
600
|
670
|
720
|
760
|
67
|
430
|
520
|
610
|
680
|
730
|
770
|
68
|
440
|
530
|
620
|
690
|
740
|
780
|
69
|
450
|
540
|
630
|
700
|
750
|
790
|
70
|
460
|
550
|
640
|
710
|
760
|
800
|
71
|
470
|
560
|
650
|
720
|
770
|
810
|
72
|
480
|
570
|
660
|
730
|
780
|
820
|
73
|
490
|
580
|
670
|
740
|
790
|
830
|
74
|
500
|
590
|
680
|
750
|
800
|
840
|
75
|
510
|
600
|
690
|
760
|
810
|
850
|
76
|
520
|
610
|
700
|
770
|
820
|
860
|
77
|
530
|
620
|
710
|
780
|
830
|
870
|
78
|
540
|
630
|
720
|
790
|
840
|
880
|
79
|
550
|
640
|
730
|
800
|
850
|
890
|
80
|
560
|
650
|
740
|
810
|
860
|
900
|
81
|
570
|
660
|
750
|
820
|
870
|
910
|
82
|
580
|
670
|
760
|
830
|
880
|
920
|
83
|
590
|
680
|
770
|
840
|
890
|
930
|
84
|
600
|
690
|
780
|
850
|
900
|
940
|
85
|
610
|
700
|
790
|
860
|
910
|
950
|
86
|
620
|
710
|
800
|
870
|
920
|
960
|
87
|
630
|
720
|
810
|
880
|
930
|
970
|
88
|
640
|
730
|
820
|
890
|
940
|
980
|
89
|
650
|
740
|
830
|
900
|
950
|
990
|
90
|
665
|
755
|
845
|
915
|
965
|
1005
|
91
|
680
|
770
|
860
|
930
|
980
|
1020
|
92
|
695
|
785
|
875
|
945
|
995
|
1035
|
93
|
710
|
800
|
890
|
960
|
1010
|
1050
|
94
|
725
|
815
|
905
|
975
|
1025
|
1065
|
95
|
740
|
830
|
920
|
990
|
1040
|
1080
|
96
|
755
|
845
|
935
|
1005
|
1055
|
1095
|
97
|
770
|
860
|
950
|
1020
|
1070
|
1110
|
98
|
785
|
875
|
965
|
1035
|
1085
|
1125
|
99
|
800
|
890
|
980
|
1050
|
1100
|
1140
|
100
|
815
|
905
|
995
|
1065
|
1115
|
1155
|
101
|
830
|
920
|
1010
|
1080
|
1130
|
1170
|
102
|
845
|
935
|
1025
|
1095
|
1145
|
1185
|
103
|
860
|
950
|
1040
|
1110
|
1160
|
1200
|
104
|
875
|
965
|
1055
|
1125
|
1175
|
1215
|
105
|
890
|
980
|
1070
|
1140
|
1190
|
1230
|
106
|
905
|
995
|
1085
|
1155
|
1205
|
1245
|
107
|
920
|
1010
|
1100
|
1170
|
1220
|
1260
|
108
|
935
|
1025
|
1115
|
1185
|
1230
|
1270
|
109
|
950
|
1040
|
1130
|
1200
|
1250
|
1290
|
110
|
965
|
1055
|
1145
|
1215
|
1265
|
1305
|
111
|
980
|
1070
|
1160
|
1230
|
1280
|
1320
|
112
|
995
|
1085
|
1175
|
1245
|
1295
|
1335
|
113
|
1010
|
1100
|
1190
|
1260
|
1310
|
1350
|
114
|
1025
|
1115
|
1205
|
1275
|
1325
|
1365
|
115
|
1040
|
1130
|
1220
|
1290
|
1340
|
1380
|
116
|
1055
|
1145
|
1235
|
1305
|
1355
|
1395
|
117
|
1070
|
1160
|
1250
|
1320
|
1370
|
1410
|
118
|
1085
|
1175
|
1265
|
1335
|
1385
|
1425
|
119
|
1100
|
1190
|
1280
|
1350
|
1390
|
1440
|
120
|
1120
|
1210
|
1300
|
1370
|
1420
|
1460
|
Note: MPI means minutes per inch. Conversion Factor example.
(1 inch of drop/ # Perc Rate) x 60 minutes per hour = 6 inches/hour.
|
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. Permitted
locations.
1. Any
lot previously approved for the use of a vertical seepage pit must
meet all current requirements found in this section to be considered
for development based on the use of a vertical seepage pit. A new
custom single-family house may use the sizing criteria for existing
lots.
2. New
lots containing two or more OWTS units, upon the recommendation and
design by a qualified professional soils engineer.
B. Percolation
test procedures for vertical seepage pit systems. All vertical seepage
pits for new construction, or for two or more lots, will require percolation
testing by a qualified professional certified to perform percolation
tests in City of Rancho Cucamonga. A waiver of testing can be considered
where adequate information exists as to soil types, depth and permeability.
Percolation testing for vertical seepage pits shall be completed per
the following guidelines:
1. A
12 to 48-inch diameter test hole shall be excavated to a depth of
at least 10 feet deeper than the proposed installation depth.
2. A
minimum 10-foot separation between the bottom of the vertical seepage
pit and the anticipated high groundwater level is required.
3. Boring
logs shall be recorded and included with all test reports indicating
soil strata depths and types and visual classification according to
the unified soil classification system along with any groundwater
encountered.
4. The
overdrill must be checked for the presence of groundwater a minimum
of 24 hours after the completion of the test boring to allow time
for groundwater to stabilize in the hole.
5. After
the groundwater reading is recorded, the test hole shall be backfilled
to a depth 10 feet above the bottom of the test hole or the groundwater
level whichever is shallower.
6. The
pit shall be filled with water to the cap depth and a continuous pre-soak
shall be maintained at the proposed cap level for a minimum eight-hour
period. In highly permeable soils when cap levels cannot be maintained
during pre-soak, the test shall be conducted at a depth no higher
than the pre-soak level which was attained. Document the pre-soak
attempt with gallons of water used. In no case shall less than 5,000
gallons of water be used within a one-hour period in the attempted
pre-soak when the cap level cannot be maintained. The depth of the
test shall be noted on the boring log and in no case shall the sidewall
of permeable soil below the cap level be less than 10 feet.
7. Upon
completion of the pre-soak period, fill the pit to cap level and determine
uniformity of soil by measuring the falling head. Distance to the
water level shall be measured at 15-minute intervals, or more frequently
if needed, until the drop stops or the pit empties. A graph of the
drop in water level shall be attached to all proposals submitted by
the qualified professional. If non-uniform rates persist, the soil
will not be considered uniform and the tests discontinued as they
will not be approved by City of Rancho Cucamonga building and safety
services.
8. If
the procedure in paragraph 4 of this subsection demonstrates uniform
soil, proceed with a two-hour static head or falling head capacity
test: (i) static head—the pit shall be filled with water to
the cap depth and the water column shall be maintained at that level
for two hours. The amount of water added to maintain this level must
be documented. The 24-hour capacity is determined by multiplying by
12. Adjustment to a four-foot diameter pit is made if a lesser size
test hole is used; (ii) falling head—the pit shall be filled
with water to the cap depth and the column of water shall be allowed
to drop for a two hour period. The distance dropped shall be measured
and the amount of water absorbed determined. This amount is multiplied
by 12 to determine the 24-hour capacity. Adjustment to a four-foot
diameter pit is made if a lesser size test hole is used.
9. The
minimum capacity for a new OWTS using vertical seepage pits as the
dispersal system shall be five times the volume of the required septic
tank or 5,000 gallons per day whichever is greater. All individual
vertical seepage pit shall have a minimum capacity of 1,667 gallons
per day.
10. Each pit must meet these minimum criteria to be acceptable. The qualified
professional may include safety factors as he or she feels the situation
warrants.
11. It shall be the responsibility of the qualified professional to maintain
all test holes or pits in a safe manner prior to backfill or capping
to prevent a hazard or accident.
C. Dimensions
and construction requirements.
1. Vertical
seepage pits shall be installed according to the qualified profession's
specifications for location, depth, and cap depth.
2. The
pit excavation shall be five, six or seven feet in diameter. Pit excavations
greater than seven feet in diameter require prior approval by the
building official.
3. The
sidewall depth below the inlet shall not be less than 14 feet.
4. The
minimum depth to the top of the infiltrative surface allowed is two
feet. This depth is also known as the cap depth. There is no maximum
cap depth but documentation must be provided to justify any cap depth
greater than five feet.
5. The
maximum slope allowed for the use of vertical seepage pits is 40 percent
(2-1/2:1 slope). Slopes that exceed 25 percent (4:1) will require
additional engineering and design detail as required to address the
risk of effluent surfacing on the slope recognizable as sewage as
well as slope stability issues. Slopes that exceed 25 percent (4:1)
will, in most cases, require a terrace design or grading to allow
for drilling access. Any grading shall be in accordance with any permit
requirements for brushing, clearing, and grading from any other agency.
6. All
pits must be filled with clean washed leach line rock to the cap depth.
The rock shall be graded at one to one and one-half inches in size
and shall be covered with straw, untreated building paper or a geotextile
fabric prior to backfill to prevent the infiltration of soil into
the rock.
7. A
four-inch Schedule 40 pipe shall be installed from the ground surface
to the bottom of each seepage pit for clean-out, pumping and verification
of the total pit depth. The pipe shall have perforations from the
cap depth to the bottom of the pit and be of solid construction from
the cap depth to the ground surface. A screw fit cap must be placed
on top of the riser to allow access.
8. Where
more than one vertical seepage pit is proposed for the primary or
reserve system, a distribution box must be used to connect the pits.
Chaining or lining the seepage pits together such that the overflow
from an upstream pit flows to a downstream pit shall not be permitted.
D. Design
criteria for replacement of existing private sewage disposal systems.
Table 19.28.190.D Design Criteria for Replacement of Existing
Private Sewage Disposal Systems
|
---|
Septic Tank Capacity (Gallons)
|
Minimum Disposal Leach Field (Area Required)
|
3 ft. A.P.* @ 12" Wide Bottom Below Leach Line
(A.P. x Length)
|
5 ft. A.P.* @ 24" Wide Bottom Below Leach Line
(A.P. x Length)
|
7 ft. A.P.* @ 36" Wide Bottom Below Leach Line
(A.P. x Length)
|
Size of Seepage Pit with Min. 4 ft. — 6 ft. Dia. Liner.
(Diameter x Depth)
(See notes: 3, 4, 5 & 6)
|
---|
|
Field Design at 60 sq. ft. / 100 gallons
(See notes: 1, 2, 3 & 6)
|
Pit design at 60 sq. ft. / 100 gallons
|
1,000
|
600
|
(2) 3' x 100'
|
(4) 5' x 55'
|
(2) 7' x 100' or (1) 7' x 200'
|
5' x 39'
|
6' x 32'
|
7' x 28'
|
1,200
|
720
|
(3) 3' x 80'
|
(4) 5' x 66'
|
(4) 7' x 52'
|
5' x 46'
|
6' x 38'
|
7' x 33'
|
1,500
|
900
|
(3) 3' x 100'
|
(3) 5' x 82'
|
(3) 7' x 70'
|
5' x 58'
|
6' x 48'
|
7' x 41'
|
|
Field Design at 90 sq. ft. / 100 gallons
(See notes: 1, 2, 3 & 6)
|
Pit design at 90 sq. ft. / 100 gallons
|
1,000
|
900
|
(3) 3' x 100'
|
(2) 5' x 100'
|
(3) 7' x 64'
|
5' x 58'
|
6' x 48'
|
7' x 41'
|
1,200
|
1,080
|
(4) 3' x 90'
|
(3) 5' x 72'
|
(3) 7' x 78'
|
5' x 69'
|
6' x 58'
|
7' x 50'
|
1,500
|
1,350
|
(5) 3' x 90'
|
(3) 5' x 90'
|
(2) 7' x 100'
|
5' x 86'
|
6' x 72'
|
7' x 62'
|
Notes: *Absorption perimeter
|
---|
1.
|
Other variations may be allowed to width and depth so as to
achieve the required leach area. Chapter 8.
|
2.
|
Trenches shall not have less than 600 sq. ft .of infiltrative
area. Chapter 8.
|
3.
|
All deviations from this handout will require a percolation
test with a designed septic system by a licensed civil engineer.
|
4.
|
Depth of the seepage pit shall be measured from the bottom of
the pit to the invert of the distribution pipe. Chapter 9.
|
5.
|
Multiple seepage pits may be used. If this is the case, the
required depth from the table above can be divided equally among the
numbers of seepage pits. In no cases the depth of seepage pits can
be less than the "minimum depth." Chapter 9.
|
E. Design
criteria for new private sewage disposal systems.
1. Five-foot
diameter pits.
SEEPAGE PIT DEPTH (feet) BASED ON PERCOLATION TEST RATE
|
---|
Perc Rate
|
Number of Bedrooms
|
---|
MPI
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
---|
1
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
2
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
3
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
4
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
5
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
20
|
22
|
6
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
22
|
22
|
23
|
7
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
22
|
24
|
24
|
8
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
25
|
9
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
26
|
10
|
17
|
18
|
21
|
24
|
26
|
27
|
11
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
24
|
27
|
27
|
12
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
24
|
27
|
28
|
13
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
25
|
27
|
29
|
14
|
17
|
19
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
29
|
15
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
25
|
29
|
30
|
16
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
26
|
29
|
31
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
24
|
26
|
29
|
32
|
18
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
29
|
32
|
19
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
20
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
21
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
31
|
34
|
22
|
17
|
20
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
23
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
35
|
24
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
32
|
36
|
25
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
32
|
36
|
26
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
32
|
36
|
27
|
17
|
22
|
26
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
28
|
17
|
22
|
26
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
29
|
17
|
22
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
37
|
30
|
18
|
22
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
37
|
31
|
18
|
22
|
27
|
31
|
34
|
38
|
32
|
18
|
23
|
27
|
31
|
34
|
38
|
33
|
18
|
23
|
27
|
31
|
35
|
39
|
34
|
18
|
23
|
28
|
31
|
35
|
39
|
35
|
18
|
23
|
28
|
32
|
35
|
39
|
36
|
19
|
24
|
28
|
32
|
35
|
39
|
37
|
19
|
24
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
39
|
38
|
19
|
24
|
29
|
32
|
36
|
40
|
39
|
19
|
24
|
29
|
32
|
36
|
40
|
40
|
19
|
24
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
40
|
41
|
20
|
25
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
40
|
42
|
20
|
25
|
30
|
34
|
37
|
41
|
43
|
20
|
25
|
30
|
34
|
37
|
41
|
44
|
20
|
25
|
31
|
34
|
38
|
42
|
45
|
20
|
25
|
31
|
34
|
38
|
42
|
46
|
20
|
25
|
31
|
34
|
38
|
42
|
47
|
20
|
26
|
31
|
35
|
39
|
42
|
48
|
21
|
26
|
31
|
35
|
39
|
42
|
49
|
21
|
26
|
32
|
36
|
39
|
43
|
50
|
21
|
26
|
32
|
36
|
39
|
43
|
51
|
22
|
27
|
32
|
36
|
39
|
43
|
52
|
22
|
27
|
32
|
36
|
40
|
44
|
53
|
22
|
27
|
32
|
37
|
40
|
44
|
54
|
22
|
27
|
33
|
37
|
40
|
44
|
55
|
22
|
27
|
33
|
37
|
40
|
44
|
56
|
22
|
28
|
33
|
38
|
41
|
45
|
57
|
22
|
28
|
34
|
38
|
41
|
45
|
58
|
22
|
28
|
34
|
38
|
42
|
46
|
59
|
22
|
28
|
34
|
38
|
42
|
46
|
60
|
23
|
29
|
34
|
39
|
42
|
46
|
61
|
24
|
29
|
35
|
39
|
44
|
47
|
62
|
24
|
30
|
36
|
40
|
43
|
46
|
63
|
25
|
31
|
36
|
41
|
44
|
46
|
64
|
25
|
31
|
37
|
41
|
45
|
47
|
65
|
27
|
32
|
37
|
42
|
45
|
48
|
66
|
27
|
32
|
38
|
43
|
46
|
48
|
67
|
27
|
33
|
39
|
43
|
46
|
49
|
68
|
28
|
34
|
39
|
44
|
47
|
50
|
69
|
29
|
34
|
40
|
45
|
48
|
50
|
70
|
29
|
35
|
41
|
45
|
48
|
51
|
71
|
30
|
36
|
41
|
46
|
49
|
52
|
72
|
31
|
36
|
42
|
46
|
50
|
52
|
73
|
31
|
37
|
43
|
47
|
50
|
53
|
74
|
32
|
38
|
43
|
48
|
51
|
54
|
75
|
32
|
38
|
44
|
48
|
52
|
54
|
76
|
33
|
39
|
45
|
49
|
52
|
55
|
77
|
34
|
39
|
45
|
50
|
53
|
55
|
78
|
34
|
40
|
46
|
50
|
54
|
56
|
79
|
35
|
41
|
46
|
51
|
54
|
57
|
80
|
36
|
41
|
47
|
52
|
55
|
57
|
81
|
36
|
42
|
48
|
52
|
55
|
58
|
82
|
37
|
43
|
48
|
53
|
56
|
59
|
83
|
38
|
43
|
49
|
54
|
57
|
59
|
84
|
38
|
44
|
50
|
54
|
57
|
60
|
85
|
39
|
45
|
50
|
55
|
58
|
61
|
86
|
39
|
45
|
51
|
55
|
59
|
61
|
87
|
40
|
46
|
52
|
56
|
59
|
62
|
88
|
41
|
46
|
52
|
57
|
60
|
62
|
89
|
41
|
47
|
53
|
57
|
61
|
63
|
90
|
42
|
48
|
54
|
58
|
61
|
64
|
91
|
43
|
49
|
55
|
59
|
62
|
65
|
92
|
44
|
50
|
56
|
60
|
63
|
66
|
93
|
45
|
51
|
57
|
61
|
64
|
67
|
94
|
46
|
52
|
58
|
62
|
65
|
68
|
95
|
47
|
53
|
59
|
63
|
66
|
69
|
96
|
48
|
54
|
60
|
64
|
67
|
70
|
97
|
49
|
55
|
61
|
65
|
68
|
71
|
98
|
50
|
56
|
61
|
66
|
69
|
72
|
99
|
51
|
57
|
62
|
67
|
70
|
73
|
100
|
52
|
58
|
63
|
68
|
71
|
74
|
101
|
53
|
59
|
64
|
69
|
72
|
75
|
102
|
54
|
60
|
65
|
70
|
73
|
75
|
103
|
55
|
61
|
66
|
71
|
74
|
76
|
104
|
56
|
61
|
67
|
72
|
75
|
77
|
105
|
57
|
62
|
68
|
73
|
76
|
78
|
106
|
58
|
63
|
69
|
74
|
77
|
79
|
107
|
59
|
64
|
70
|
75
|
78
|
80
|
108
|
60
|
65
|
71
|
75
|
78
|
81
|
109
|
61
|
66
|
72
|
76
|
80
|
82
|
110
|
61
|
67
|
73
|
77
|
81
|
83
|
111
|
62
|
68
|
74
|
78
|
82
|
84
|
112
|
63
|
69
|
75
|
79
|
82
|
85
|
113
|
64
|
70
|
76
|
80
|
83
|
86
|
114
|
65
|
71
|
77
|
81
|
84
|
87
|
115
|
66
|
72
|
78
|
82
|
85
|
88
|
116
|
67
|
73
|
79
|
83
|
86
|
89
|
117
|
68
|
74
|
80
|
84
|
87
|
90
|
118
|
69
|
75
|
81
|
85
|
88
|
91
|
119
|
70
|
76
|
82
|
86
|
89
|
92
|
120
|
71
|
77
|
83
|
87
|
90
|
93
|
Where: mpi = minutes per inch
|
Conversion Factor:
|
Example: (1 inch of drop / X MPI) x 60 minutes per hour = 6
inches/hour
|
2. Six-foot
diameter pits.
SEEPAGE PIT DEPTH (feet) BASED ON PERCOLATION TEST RATE
|
---|
Perc Rate
|
Number of Bedrooms
|
---|
MPI
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
---|
1
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
2
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
3
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
4
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
5
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
6
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
19
|
7
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
20
|
20
|
8
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
21
|
9
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
22
|
10
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
22
|
22
|
11
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
22
|
23
|
12
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
23
|
23
|
13
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
23
|
24
|
14
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
23
|
24
|
15
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
24
|
25
|
16
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
22
|
24
|
26
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
22
|
24
|
27
|
18
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
22
|
24
|
27
|
19
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
20
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
21
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
22
|
17
|
17
|
21
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
23
|
17
|
17
|
21
|
23
|
26
|
29
|
24
|
17
|
18
|
21
|
24
|
27
|
30
|
25
|
17
|
18
|
21
|
24
|
27
|
30
|
26
|
17
|
18
|
21
|
24
|
27
|
30
|
27
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
24
|
27
|
31
|
28
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
24
|
27
|
31
|
29
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
30
|
17
|
19
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
31
|
17
|
19
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
32
|
32
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
32
|
33
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
26
|
29
|
32
|
34
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
26
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
27
|
29
|
33
|
36
|
17
|
20
|
23
|
27
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
29
|
33
|
38
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
39
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
40
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
41
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
42
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
43
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
44
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
45
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
46
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
47
|
17
|
21
|
26
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
48
|
18
|
22
|
26
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
49
|
18
|
22
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
36
|
50
|
18
|
22
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
36
|
51
|
18
|
22
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
36
|
52
|
18
|
22
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
36
|
53
|
18
|
23
|
27
|
31
|
34
|
37
|
54
|
18
|
23
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
37
|
55
|
18
|
23
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
37
|
56
|
19
|
23
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
37
|
57
|
19
|
23
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
37
|
58
|
19
|
23
|
28
|
32
|
35
|
38
|
59
|
19
|
24
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
38
|
60
|
19
|
24
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
38
|
61
|
20
|
24
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
39
|
62
|
20
|
25
|
30
|
33
|
36
|
38
|
63
|
21
|
25
|
30
|
34
|
37
|
39
|
64
|
21
|
26
|
31
|
35
|
37
|
39
|
65
|
22
|
27
|
31
|
35
|
38
|
40
|
66
|
22
|
27
|
32
|
36
|
38
|
40
|
67
|
23
|
28
|
32
|
36
|
39
|
41
|
68
|
23
|
28
|
33
|
37
|
39
|
41
|
69
|
24
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
40
|
42
|
70
|
24
|
29
|
34
|
38
|
40
|
42
|
71
|
25
|
30
|
35
|
38
|
41
|
43
|
72
|
25
|
30
|
35
|
39
|
41
|
44
|
73
|
26
|
31
|
36
|
39
|
42
|
44
|
74
|
27
|
31
|
36
|
40
|
42
|
45
|
75
|
27
|
32
|
37
|
40
|
43
|
45
|
76
|
28
|
32
|
37
|
41
|
44
|
46
|
77
|
28
|
33
|
38
|
41
|
44
|
46
|
78
|
29
|
33
|
38
|
42
|
45
|
47
|
79
|
29
|
34
|
39
|
42
|
45
|
47
|
80
|
30
|
35
|
39
|
43
|
46
|
48
|
81
|
30
|
35
|
40
|
44
|
46
|
48
|
82
|
31
|
36
|
40
|
44
|
47
|
49
|
83
|
31
|
36
|
41
|
45
|
47
|
49
|
84
|
32
|
37
|
41
|
45
|
48
|
50
|
85
|
32
|
37
|
42
|
46
|
48
|
50
|
86
|
33
|
38
|
42
|
46
|
49
|
51
|
87
|
33
|
38
|
43
|
47
|
49
|
51
|
88
|
34
|
39
|
44
|
47
|
50
|
52
|
89
|
35
|
39
|
44
|
48
|
50
|
53
|
90
|
35
|
40
|
45
|
49
|
51
|
53
|
91
|
36
|
41
|
46
|
49
|
52
|
54
|
92
|
37
|
42
|
46
|
50
|
53
|
55
|
93
|
38
|
42
|
47
|
51
|
54
|
56
|
94
|
38
|
43
|
48
|
52
|
54
|
57
|
95
|
39
|
44
|
49
|
53
|
55
|
57
|
96
|
40
|
45
|
50
|
53
|
56
|
58
|
97
|
41
|
46
|
50
|
54
|
57
|
59
|
98
|
42
|
46
|
51
|
55
|
58
|
60
|
99
|
42
|
47
|
52
|
56
|
58
|
61
|
100
|
43
|
48
|
53
|
57
|
59
|
61
|
101
|
44
|
49
|
54
|
57
|
60
|
62
|
102
|
45
|
50
|
54
|
58
|
61
|
63
|
103
|
46
|
50
|
55
|
59
|
62
|
64
|
104
|
46
|
51
|
56
|
60
|
62
|
64
|
105
|
47
|
52
|
57
|
61
|
63
|
65
|
106
|
48
|
53
|
58
|
61
|
64
|
66
|
107
|
49
|
54
|
58
|
62
|
65
|
67
|
108
|
50
|
54
|
59
|
63
|
65
|
67
|
109
|
50
|
55
|
60
|
64
|
66
|
68
|
110
|
51
|
56
|
61
|
64
|
67
|
69
|
111
|
52
|
57
|
62
|
65
|
68
|
70
|
112
|
53
|
58
|
62
|
66
|
69
|
71
|
113
|
54
|
58
|
63
|
67
|
70
|
72
|
114
|
54
|
59
|
64
|
68
|
70
|
72
|
115
|
55
|
60
|
65
|
68
|
71
|
73
|
116
|
56
|
61
|
66
|
69
|
72
|
74
|
117
|
57
|
62
|
66
|
70
|
73
|
75
|
118
|
58
|
62
|
67
|
71
|
74
|
76
|
119
|
58
|
63
|
68
|
72
|
74
|
76
|
120
|
59
|
64
|
69
|
73
|
75
|
77
|
3. Seven-foot
diameter pits.
SEEPAGE PIT DEPTH (feet) BASED ON PERCOLATION TEST RATE
|
---|
Perc Rate
|
Number of Bedrooms
|
---|
MPI
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
---|
1
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
2
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
3
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
4
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
5
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
6
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
7
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
8
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
18
|
9
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
10
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
19
|
11
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
20
|
12
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
20
|
13
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
20
|
14
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
21
|
15
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
21
|
16
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
20
|
22
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
23
|
18
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
23
|
19
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
24
|
20
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
21
|
24
|
21
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
22
|
24
|
22
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
22
|
24
|
23
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
22
|
25
|
24
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
25
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
26
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
20
|
23
|
26
|
27
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
23
|
26
|
28
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
23
|
26
|
29
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
24
|
27
|
30
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
21
|
24
|
27
|
31
|
17
|
17
|
19
|
22
|
24
|
27
|
32
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
22
|
24
|
27
|
33
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
34
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
35
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
36
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
37
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
38
|
17
|
17
|
20
|
23
|
26
|
28
|
39
|
17
|
17
|
21
|
23
|
26
|
28
|
40
|
17
|
17
|
21
|
24
|
26
|
29
|
41
|
17
|
18
|
21
|
24
|
26
|
29
|
42
|
17
|
18
|
21
|
24
|
27
|
29
|
43
|
17
|
18
|
21
|
24
|
27
|
29
|
44
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
25
|
27
|
30
|
45
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
25
|
27
|
30
|
46
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
25
|
27
|
30
|
47
|
17
|
18
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
30
|
48
|
17
|
19
|
22
|
25
|
28
|
30
|
49
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
50
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
51
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
52
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
26
|
28
|
31
|
53
|
17
|
19
|
23
|
26
|
29
|
32
|
54
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
26
|
29
|
32
|
55
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
26
|
29
|
32
|
56
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
29
|
32
|
57
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
29
|
32
|
58
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
59
|
17
|
20
|
25
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
60
|
17
|
20
|
25
|
28
|
30
|
33
|
61
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
62
|
17
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
31
|
33
|
63
|
18
|
22
|
26
|
29
|
31
|
33
|
64
|
18
|
22
|
26
|
30
|
32
|
34
|
65
|
19
|
23
|
26
|
30
|
32
|
34
|
66
|
19
|
23
|
27
|
30
|
33
|
35
|
67
|
20
|
24
|
28
|
31
|
33
|
35
|
68
|
20
|
24
|
28
|
31
|
34
|
35
|
69
|
20
|
25
|
29
|
32
|
34
|
36
|
70
|
21
|
25
|
29
|
32
|
35
|
36
|
71
|
21
|
25
|
30
|
33
|
35
|
37
|
72
|
22
|
26
|
30
|
33
|
35
|
37
|
73
|
22
|
26
|
30
|
34
|
36
|
38
|
74
|
23
|
27
|
31
|
34
|
36
|
38
|
75
|
23
|
27
|
31
|
35
|
37
|
39
|
76
|
24
|
28
|
32
|
35
|
37
|
39
|
77
|
24
|
28
|
32
|
35
|
38
|
40
|
78
|
25
|
29
|
33
|
36
|
38
|
40
|
79
|
25
|
29
|
33
|
36
|
39
|
40
|
80
|
25
|
30
|
34
|
37
|
39
|
41
|
81
|
26
|
30
|
34
|
37
|
40
|
41
|
82
|
26
|
30
|
35
|
38
|
40
|
42
|
83
|
27
|
31
|
35
|
38
|
40
|
42
|
84
|
27
|
31
|
35
|
39
|
41
|
43
|
85
|
28
|
32
|
36
|
39
|
41
|
43
|
86
|
28
|
32
|
36
|
40
|
42
|
44
|
87
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
40
|
42
|
44
|
88
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
40
|
43
|
45
|
89
|
30
|
34
|
38
|
41
|
43
|
45
|
90
|
30
|
34
|
38
|
42
|
44
|
46
|
91
|
31
|
35
|
39
|
42
|
45
|
46
|
92
|
32
|
36
|
40
|
43
|
45
|
47
|
93
|
32
|
36
|
40
|
44
|
46
|
48
|
94
|
33
|
37
|
41
|
44
|
47
|
48
|
95
|
34
|
38
|
42
|
45
|
47
|
49
|
96
|
34
|
38
|
43
|
46
|
48
|
50
|
97
|
35
|
39
|
43
|
46
|
49
|
51
|
98
|
36
|
40
|
44
|
47
|
49
|
51
|
99
|
36
|
40
|
45
|
48
|
50
|
52
|
100
|
37
|
41
|
45
|
48
|
51
|
53
|
101
|
38
|
42
|
46
|
49
|
51
|
53
|
102
|
38
|
43
|
47
|
50
|
52
|
54
|
103
|
39
|
43
|
47
|
51
|
53
|
55
|
104
|
40
|
44
|
48
|
51
|
53
|
55
|
105
|
40
|
45
|
49
|
52
|
54
|
56
|
106
|
41
|
45
|
49
|
53
|
55
|
57
|
107
|
42
|
46
|
50
|
53
|
56
|
57
|
108
|
43
|
47
|
51
|
54
|
56
|
58
|
109
|
43
|
47
|
51
|
55
|
57
|
59
|
110
|
44
|
48
|
52
|
55
|
58
|
59
|
111
|
45
|
49
|
53
|
56
|
58
|
60
|
112
|
45
|
49
|
53
|
57
|
59
|
61
|
113
|
46
|
50
|
54
|
57
|
60
|
61
|
114
|
47
|
51
|
55
|
58
|
60
|
62
|
115
|
47
|
51
|
56
|
59
|
61
|
63
|
116
|
48
|
52
|
56
|
59
|
62
|
63
|
117
|
49
|
53
|
57
|
60
|
62
|
64
|
118
|
49
|
53
|
58
|
61
|
63
|
65
|
119
|
50
|
54
|
58
|
61
|
63
|
66
|
120
|
51
|
55
|
59
|
62
|
65
|
66
|
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
The use of the horizontal seepage pit systems is permitted only
where adequate area does not exist for a leach line system. All horizontal
seepage pit systems shall comply with the design and construction
requirements provided in this section.
A. Percolation test procedures for horizontal seepage pit systems. All percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with the test procedures found in section
19.28.160 (Groundwater and percolation testing requirements). In addition to the requirements of section
19.28.160, percolation tests for horizontal seepage pits must also comply with the following additional requirements:
1. The
average percolation rates shall not exceed 30 minutes per inch in
any portion of the horizontal seepage pit. Individual rates exceeding
30 minutes per inch may be considered with additional soil testing.
2. At
least four percolation test holes at each pit location should be provided
to represent soil types within the infiltrative surface area of the
seepage pit. This profile should represent the entire sidewall depth
of the pit.
3. At
least one deep boring should extend to a depth of at least 10 feet
below the bottom of the seepage pit, or to impermeable material. In
no case shall less than five feet of unsaturated permeable soil exist
below the bottom of the seepage pit.
4. Backhoe
excavations may be required to demonstrate uniformity of soil throughout
the seepage pit. This would be necessary when the pit is proposed
in an area of variable soil conditions.
5. Any
percolation tests for horizontal seepage pits, which were approved
based on testing prior to the effective date of this section, will
require additional percolation testing unless the previous testing
meets current requirements.
B. Dimensions
and construction requirements.
1. Horizontal
seepage pits are to be installed according to the qualified professional's
specifications for location, length, width, and depth.
2. Horizontal
seepage pits must be spaced 20 feet apart measured edge to edge.
3. Primary
and reserve horizontal seepage pits cannot be combined in one common
pit.
4. The
pit excavation must be at least four feet in width, but not greater
than six feet in width.
5. The
top of the infiltrative surface shall be at least two feet below the
natural grade but no more than five feet. This depth is also known
as the cap depth. Additional soil can be placed over the top of the
installed horizontal seepage pit at the discretion of the qualified
professional.
6. The
sidewall depth below the cap shall be at least six feet but cannot
exceed seven feet.
7. The
pit excavations may arc or bend under the following conditions: (i)
the maximum deflection cannot exceed a total of 45 degrees in any
direction without increasing the pit length to compensate for loss
of sidewall area; (ii) bends or arcs totaling greater than 45 degrees
may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. A correction factor will
be required, increasing the total length, due to sidewall loss; and
(iii) U-shaped and H-shaped bends will not be accepted.
8. The
maximum slope for the use of horizontal seepage pits is 25 percent
(4:1). Exceptions to this slope limit may be considered up to 50 percent
(2:1), on a case-by-case basis, where the soil and slope are uniform,
extending 100 feet beyond the seepage pit. Additional testing, and
design detail shall be required to address the risk of effluent surfacing
on the slope recognizable as sewage as well as slope stability issues.
Slopes that exceed 25 percent (4:1) will, in most cases, require a
terrace design. Any grading to create terraces should be in accordance
with any permit requirements for brushing, clearing, and grading from
any other agency.
9. The
use of concrete pit liners is allowed. If used, the concrete pit liners
shall meet the testing standards established by the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
10. All pits must be filled with clean leach line rock to the cap depth
of the horizontal pit liner. The rock should be graded at one to one
and one-half inches in size and shall be covered with straw, untreated
building paper or a geotextile fabric prior to backfill to prevent
the infiltration of soil into the rock.
11. A manifold system constructed of four-inch loop of Schedule 40 perforated
pipe shall be installed in the pit to allow for distribution of the
effluent throughout the entire pit. The manifold shall be placed one
foot from the sidewall of the horizontal seepage pit and shall run
the length and width of the pit in a rectangular pattern.
12. Where more than one horizontal seepage pit is proposed for the primary
or reserve system, a distribution box must be used to connect the
pits.
13. A hybrid system combining a horizontal seepage pit for the primary
or reserve design, and leach lines for the other system is allowed.
However, a combination of the two types of systems, used for a single
primary or reserve design, will not be considered. The system design
identified as the most difficult installation shall be installed as
the primary system. This is to be based on access, grading, or other
obstacles to install the system once the house is constructed.
14. The California Occupational Health and Safety Act (COHSA) requires
shoring for excavations exceeding five feet when persons will be working
in them. All work done installing horizontal seepage pits must comply
with COHSA for the purpose of construction and inspection.
C. Horizontal
seepage pit sizing calculations. The calculations for sizing a horizontal
seepage pit are done to provide an equivalent amount of sidewall area
in the seepage pit as found in a standard three-foot deep leach line
trench using the same percolation rate.
Seepage Pit Length = (3LL – 2wd) / 2d
|
Where:
|
3 = sq. ft. of absorptive sidewall area per lineal
foot of 3-foot deep leach line trench
|
LL = leach line length as a function of percolation
rate
|
w = seepage pit width
|
d = seepage pit sidewall depth below cap
|
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
Alternative onsite wastewater treatment systems and sewage holding
tanks may only be used with prior approval of the director of building
and safety services prior to submittal of plans for permitting purposes.
Owners of alternative treatment systems located within the city must:
A. Maintain
an operating permit;
B. Ensure
the alternative treatment system is inspected annually; and
C. Submit
quarterly water samples during the first year of use.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. Property
owners may apply to building and safety services to establish alternative
OWTS siting and operational requirements where it is determined by
building and safety services that alternative requirements will provide
equivalent level of environmental protection.
B. Variances
will not be granted in the following circumstances:
1. Where
the proposed OWTS presents a substantial likelihood of discharging
sewage, impure waters, or any matter or substance offensive, injurious,
or dangerous to health so as to cause any of the following to occur:
a. Sewage, impure waters, or any matter or substance offensive, injurious,
or dangerous to health to empty, flow, seep, or drain onto the surface
of any land.
b. Sewage, impure waters, or any matter or substance offensive, injurious,
or dangerous to health to empty, flow, seep, drain into, or affect
any well, spring, stream, river, lake, or other waters.
c. Result in any condition which is unsafe, dangerous, or creates a
nuisance.
2. Above
surface discharge. Variances will not be granted for any OWTS which
utilizes any form of effluent disposal discharging on, or above, the
post installation ground surface; this includes, but is not limited
to, sprinklers, exposed drip lines, free-surface wetlands, and ponds.
3. Sewer
availability. Variances will not be granted for any OWTS where there
is a public sewer available. The building and safety services department
may require a "Will or Will Not Serve" letter Cucamonga Valley Water
District with each new or replacement OWTS proposal to evaluate the
proximity and availability of community systems to the proposed OWTS
site. This will ensure septic systems are only installed in areas
where a sewer is unavailable. The "Will or Will Not Serve" letter
must include the following: (i) parcel number for the property where
the OWTS is being proposed; (ii) distance to the nearest available
sewer line; and (iii) whether or not the sewering entity will provide
service to the parcel. The "Will or Will Not Serve" letter must be
completed and signed by the appropriate official representing the
sewering entity and be filed with the building and safety services
department prior to submittal of the percolation report/plot plan,
or upon request once the percolation report/plot plan has been submitted.
4. Sewer
requirement. Connection to a public sewer system is required within
established sewer service districts and outside such districts when
required by the RWQCB. Developments must connect to a sewer system
when the nearest property line is within 200 feet of a sewer line.
This requirement will be increased by 100 feet for each dwelling unit
within the development.
5. Ground
slope. Variances will not be granted for slopes greater than a 30
percent incline without a slope stability report approved by a qualified
professional. Refer to natural ground slope for more information regarding
natural ground slope requirements.
6. Leaching
areas. As referenced in the current adopted California Plumbing Code,
Appendix H — Private Sewage Disposal Systems — Section
H 301.1 Leaching Chambers that comply with IAPMO PS 63 and bundled
expanded polystyrene synthetic aggregate units that comply with IAPMO
IGC 276 shall be sized using the required area calculated using Table
H 201.1(3) with a 0.70 multiplier.
7. Supplemental
treatment. OWTS utilizing supplemental treatment require periodic
monitoring or inspections. No variances will be granted for supplemental
treatments that are unable to meet this requirement.
8. Depth
to groundwater. No variance will be granted for OWTS with a depth
from the bottom of the dispersal system to groundwater less than five
feet. The exception to this will be for seepage pits which shall have
a separation no less than 10 feet.
9. Recreational
vehicle (RV) holding tanks. No variances will be granted for OWTS
dedicated to receiving significant amounts of wastes, which are dumped
from RV holding tanks.
10. Class V injection wells. United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) requirements apply to underground injections control systems
for OWTS. Subsurface disposal systems including leach fields and seepage
pits shall comply with USEPA Underground Injection Control requirements
when classified as a Class V injection well. Subsurface disposal systems
with at least one of the following characteristics are classified
as Class V wells: (i) the system has the capacity to serve 20 or more
persons per day; (ii) the system receives wastewater other than domestic
wastewater such as that generated by manufacturing, chemical processing,
industrial fluid disposal, automotive repair, or recycling; or (iii)
the system receives sewage containing biological agents (such as wastewater
from recreational vehicles or portable toilets). Disposal systems
that are classified as Class V wells must be registered with USEPA.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
Except those permitted pursuant to a valid OWTS permit issued
in conformance with the requirements of this chapter, all sewer wells,
cesspools, seepage pits, and similar excavations are hereby declared
a public nuisance and are prohibited.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. All
holding tanks are hereby declared a public nuisance and are prohibited.
Exception to this prohibition may be granted by the director of building
and safety services:
1. If
it is necessary to use a holding tank to abate a nuisance or health
hazard caused by a failing OWTS; or
2. For
a publicly-owned nonresidential facility necessary for the public
health, safety or welfare, where installation of an OWTS is not feasible
and a holding tank is determined by the director of building and safety
services to provide the safest and most acceptable method of sewage
disposal.
B. Where
exceptions are granted and holding tank(s) approved, an operating
permit issued by the director will be required, which will provide
for approval of the tank pumper, maintenance schedule, tank/sewage
level monitoring, and reporting requirements.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. All
OWTS failures resulting in effluent surfacing, wastewater surface
discharge, or wastewater back-up into plumbing fixtures, shall be
reported immediately to building and safety services, upon discovery.
B. Building
and safety services or other designated city departments will complete
an investigation within 24 hours to determine the validity of the
complaint or other notification of a failing OWTS.
C. Any
OWTS that is found to be failing shall have a notice of violation
issued to the property owner requiring action to eliminate the immediate
health hazard through pumping of the septic tank by a licensed sewage
hauler or elimination of wastewater flows to the failing OWTS. The
notice of violation will also require a repair to be completed to
the OWTS as needed within a reasonable time frame.
D. The
proposed repair shall be evaluated by building and safety services
to ensure it meets the minimum design requirements of this chapter
or is in substantial conformance to the greatest extent practicable.
E. Groundwater
separation requirements to the bottom of the dispersal system and
the highest anticipated groundwater level for repairs shall be as
follows: (i) five-foot for conventional OWTS; (ii) two-foot for alternative
OWTS with supplemental treatment; and (iii) less than two-foot separation
cannot be allowed through this LAMP and will require a waste discharge
permit through the RWQCB.
F. The
repair shall be completed under permit and inspection by building
and safety services.
G. Failure
to complete the required corrective action within the time frames
given will result in additional enforcement action which may include
condemnation of the structure for immediate health hazards.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
All OWTS within the City of Rancho Cucamonga that do not meet
the minimum design requirements of this chapter shall be deemed substandard.
Sites with substandard OWTS shall be prohibited from having future
additions or modifications to the property that would potentially
increase wastewater flow to the OWTS or decrease the amount of usable
area available for the OWTS.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. All
abandoned OWTS shall be disposed of in accordance with this section.
An OWTS Abandonment Permit must be obtained prior to the removal or
disposal of any abandoned OWTS. For the purposes of this section,
an OWTS shall be considered abandoned if it has been out of service
for more than three consecutive months.
B. Every
OWTS that has been abandoned or has been discontinued from further
use or to which no waste or waste discharge pipe from a plumbing fixture
is connected must have all remaining sewage removed from, and disposed
of by a qualified waste hauler and transported to a dispersal facility
that operates in compliance with valid permit issued by a Regional
Water Quality Control Board.
C. Upon
removal of all remaining sewage, the tank top and bottom must be crushed,
backfilled and compacted with material approved by the director or
be removed and disposed of in an approved manner.
D. Completion
of the above-described work shall require that the property owner
obtain a septic tank abandonment permit from the director.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
To the extent possible, failing OWTS must be brought into compliance
with this code. In case of any failure, malfunction or breakdown of
any OWTS, if not corrected within a time designated by the director,
the director may order or cause corrections to be made and bill the
property owner for the costs and may place a lien on the property
for the abatement costs. The director may also order the premises
to be vacated if no safe manner of abatement is possible.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
The director may provide a notice of intent to record a notice
of violation to the owner of property upon which a failing or substandard
OWTS exists. Notice will be provided to the property owner by mail
at the address shown on the latest assessment roll or at any other
address of the owner known to the director. The notice will also be
posted on the property. The notice will state that within 15 days
of the date of the notice, the property owner may request a meeting
with the director to present evidence that a violation does not exist.
If, within 15 days of the date of the notice, the property owner
does not request a meeting and the violation has not been corrected,
or if, after considering the evidence presented by the property owner
at the meeting, the director determines that a code violation in fact
exists, the director may record a notice of violation in the office
of the county recorder. Upon recording the notice, the director will
notify the owner of the action. The notice is to inform all parties
that no improvements, including building additions, can be approved
while the failing or substandard OWTS continues in operation.
At the request of any affected property owner and upon full
payment of any fees established by resolution of the city council
for recovery of associated enforcement costs and payment of any fee
for the recordation of the notice of violation, the director will
issue a notice of expungement of violation upon proof to the director
that the noticed violation has been remedied. The notice of expungement
may be recorded by the property owner at his or her expense.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)
A. Any
person aggrieved by any decision of the director with respect to the
issuance or refusal to issue a OWTS permit may, within 10 days of
the date of the decision, appeal the decision to the city manager,
or his or her designee, by filing a written notice of appeal with
the city manager.
B. The
city manager, or designee, shall thereupon fix a time and place for
hearing such appeal within 30 days of the date of said decision. The
aggrieved party shall be given notice of the time and place of the
hearing by serving the notice personally or by depositing it in the
United States Post Office in the city, certified mail, addressed to
the aggrieved party at his or her last known address.
C. The
city manager, or designee, shall have the authority to determine all
questions raised on such appeal during the hearing. No such determination
shall conflict with any substantive provision of this chapter.
D. Following
such hearing, the city manager, or designee, may reverse, modify,
or affirm the decision of the director with respect to the issuance
or refusal to issue a license. The city manager shall render a decision
within a reasonable period of time not to exceed 60 days of the conclusion
of the hearing. The decision of the city manager, or designee, shall
be final.
(Ord. No. 911 § 2, 2017; Ord. No. 936 § 2, 2018)