The purpose of this chapter is to specify some of the City's
requirements relating to sewer construction.
(Ord. 95-16)
The developer shall be required to grade an access road to maintain
any public sewers constructed within easements and may be required
to dedicate additional access easements to maintain the public sewers.
All of the sewer utility holes must be accessible by vehicle. In order
to be accepted into the City's publicly maintained sewer system, all
new sewer mains shall be constructed only within maintained roadways
that have all-weather surfacing.
When a sewer main is constructed as part of a public right-of-way
improvement plan, the developer is required to install sewer lateral
connections to the property line for each developed, unconnected lot
that could be served by that sewer main. This is to limit the construction
on newly improved public roadways. In addition, the developer is required
to show all the lateral locations on the improvement plan installed
by the developer.
(Ord. 2002-05)
The expense of construction, installation, replacement, and
maintenance of the sewer laterals are solely the responsibility of
the applicant. Sewer lateral work in the public right-of-way requires
a City permit.
(Ord. 2002-05)
Separate sewer laterals are required for each single-family
dwelling, and condominium. However, a separate sewer lateral is not
required for an approved accessory unit to a single-family dwelling,
on the same lot. Every separate residential building or other building
on one lot connected to the sewer main shall be separately and independently
connected with the City sewer system. The exception to this rule,
is the situation where there is a building in the rear of a lot without
access to any other available sewer main. In this case, it may be
connected with the sewer of the building in the front of the same
lot. All condominiums shall have separate connections, unless a homeowner's
association is formed to manage and maintain the private sewer lateral.
(Ord. 2002-05)
Private sewage discharge pumps may be permitted only if it can
be determined that no other alternatives exists or that an unnecessary
hardship is thereby created. Sewer pump proposals will require the
applicants to have a civil engineer review the alternatives and submit
their finds to the City Engineer for review. If the sewer pump is
permitted, the property owner will assume all liability and responsibility
associated with the maintenance and operation of the sewage pump.
(Ord. 2002-05)
No person shall make connection of roof downspouts, exterior
foundation drains or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater
to a building drain which in turn is connected directly or indirectly
to a public sewer.
All excavations for building sewer installation shall be adequately
guarded with barricades, lights, and signage so as to protect the
public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks, parkways, sewer easements
and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall
be restored in a timely manner, to the satisfaction of the City.
Sewer utility easements shall be obtained for all sewer main
extensions, except for sewer mains to be located within a public street.
Under no circumstances shall any structure be placed over or around
any sewer main or extension, or within a City utility easement, unless
an encroachment permit has been granted by the City Engineer.
Inspection of all sewer construction shall be made by personnel
of the City or its authorized representative as deemed necessary by
the City Engineer. Sewer construction shall include, but not be limited
to sewers, pump stations, treatment plants, pretreatment facilities,
food establishment facilities, or other facilities which discharge
grease and oils that may cause blockages. Inspections may be made
to determine that such facilities are being adequately maintained
and operated and meet the provisions of this Code. Sewer facilities
under construction shall be inspected periodically or as deemed necessary
by the City Engineer to assure that construction conforms to the intent
of the approved plans and specifications, City design standards and
other applicable codes. No person shall bury or backfill new sewers
or laterals until inspected by personnel of the City or its authorized
representative. No person shall interfere with or delay entrance by
an authorized City inspector attempting to inspect any sewer construction.
Any person who shall do or cause to be done work provided for
in this chapter shall be liable for any damage to any sewer or to
any public street or to any other public property.
A sewer construction permit must be issued before the material sewer connection can be made to the public sewer system. Prior to a sewer connection permit being issued the property must be within the jurisdiction of the City's sewer system, and the wastewater discharge permit fees paid, as well as all other required sewer fees. In cases of sewer lateral installation in a new subdivision or on a public sewer main extension under construction, the issuance of wastewater discharge permits may be deferred until prior to issuance of any building permits. Right-of-way construction permits are required when sewer construction permits are issued for work in the public right-of-way. The cost of all soils and material testing, as well as the cost of any necessary special inspection, shall be directly borne by the applicant/developer. The applicant shall provide security guaranteeing proper completion of the work conforming to Section
23.36.130D of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code. A sewer construction permit shall be valid for a length of time not to exceed one year from the date of issuance.
(Ord. 97-04)
The City Engineer may authorize exceptions to requirements and
standards contained in this chapter subsequent to issuing a finding
of practicality and substantial consistency with the intent of this
Code to the City Manager. The City Engineer may impose conditions
on any exception necessary to preserve the intent of this Code.
(Ord. 2002-05; Ord. 2017-07)
Cleanout caps or plugs are required on all cleanouts installed
on sewer laterals and on all access points to the lateral. The cleanout
above-ground access points shall be closed and water tight. (UPC707.1)
(Ord. 97-04)