The purpose of this article is to require sewer lateral and
sump pump inspections, at the time of a property transfer as provided
herein, for all properties in Bristol Township that are connected
to a sanitary sewer system, and to establish uniform requirements
for the same and to establish penalties for violations of this article.
The purpose of this article and the policy of Bristol Township
shall be to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare
of its citizens and to establish the rights and obligations of owners
of real property with respect to the transfer of real property.
The following words and phrases, as used in this article, shall
have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, unless the context
indicates a different meaning. Where a term is not defined in this
section, such term shall receive its ordinarily accepted meaning as
interpreted by the Sewer Inspection Officer of Bristol Township by
use of definitions provided for in the standards and of the regulations
and the policies and procedures of Bristol Township.
AGENT
A person who shall have charge, care or control of real property
as owner, or acting on behalf of or in the capacity of the owner,
or as executor, executrix, administrator, trustee or guardian of the
estate of the owner. Any such person representing the actual owner
shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this article to the
same extent as if that person was the owner.
OWNER
The owner of record, or any other person with the legal authority
and responsibility for the ownership and transfer of real property.
PROPERTY TRANSFER
A sale, real estate settlement, deed, foreclosure, sheriff’s
sale, tax sale or other legal action resulting in the transfer of
ownership of real property.
REAL PROPERTY
Any structure, building, or vacant land being privately or
publicly owned located in Bristol Township which is connected to a
sanitary sewer system.
SEWER INSPECTION OFFICER
An employee, agent or designated representative with the
responsibility for conducting and/or supervising the inspections required
under this article.
SEWER LATERAL INSPECTION
The video recording of the sewer lateral by closed-circuit
television (CCTV) or the use of other acceptable methods, as deemed
appropriate by Bristol Township, for the purpose of determining the
integrity of the sewer lateral or building sewer.
SEWER LATERAL or BUILDING SEWER
The pipe or conduit which extends from the end of the building
or structure to the curbline or right-of-way and generally includes
the cleanout and sewer vent and connects to the publicly owned sanitary
sewer system.
SUMP PUMP INSPECTION
Inspection of the sump pump and appurtenances by Bristol
Township for the purpose of determining any illegal connection or
harmful effect of the connection to a sanitary sewer system and/or
sewage treatment plant.
Upon completion of the sewer lateral and sump pump inspection,
the Sewer Inspection Officer shall record the identified sewer inspection
violations or Bristol Township sewer regulation violations, if any,
on a form designated for such a purpose, and provide a copy of the
form to the owner or agent. Regulation violations shall be corrected
within the time frame set by the Sewer Inspection Officer.
The sewer lateral and sump pump inspection shall not be required
of real property subject to a property transfer, if:
A. A sewer
lateral certification has been issued in the two-year period immediately
preceding the proposed date for the property transfer;
B. The real
property subject to a transfer is a condominium unit which is situated
in a building with other condominium units and not directly connected
to the sewer lateral; or
C. The property
transfer is a transfer as a result of the death of an owner to the
owner’s heirs or a surviving joint owner.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to waive any and all
other remedies available to Bristol Township, at law or in equity,
relating to violations of the ordinances, resolutions, regulations,
policies and procedures of Bristol Township, all of which remedies
are expressly retained by Bristol Township.
This article shall become effective 30 days following its adoption.