All new development must connect to the public sewer system unless an exception or special provision in this section has been met.
A.
Residential Development. A private wastewater disposal system may be installed in conjunction with the construction of an individual detached single-family dwelling unit, duplex, triplex, fourplex, co-living housing with up to four co-living units, or attached or detached accessory dwelling unit, when the following are met:
1.
The public sanitary sewer is over 200 feet from the closest property line of a lot of record (as measured along centerline of right-of-way or easement from end of sewer main to intersection of right-of-way centerline and extension of the nearest property line); and
2.
The city engineer has determined that the connection is impractical due to construction infeasibility based on engineering best practices; and
3.
The Tacoma-Pierce County health department has issued a permit for the private wastewater disposal system; and
4.
There is a maximum of one existing or proposed accessory dwelling unit on the lot. A second accessory dwelling unit is prohibited from connecting to a private wastewater disposal system.
B.
Limits on Use of Private Wastewater Disposal Systems. Where a private wastewater disposal system predates the enactment of this section or has been permitted pursuant to subsection B of this section, the private wastewater disposal system may be used so long as it is functioning properly; provided, that:
1.
When a gravity public sewer main with a side sewer connection has been installed in any street, alley, or right-of-way abutting the property line, the property must connect to the public sewer at the time of sale or substantial improvement as defined in BLMC § 16.20.030; and
2.
When a public sewer main has been installed to or across the property line, the property must connect to the public sewer if the private wastewater disposal system fails or requires replacement; and
3.
If a property is not connected to the public sewer at the time a connection is required under this section, the city shall levy penalties in an amount equivalent to such charges that would be levied if said property were connected, pursuant to RCW 35.67.190; and
4.
There is a maximum of one existing or proposed accessory dwelling unit on the lot. A second accessory dwelling unit is prohibited from connecting to a private wastewater disposal system.
C.
Special Conditions for Eastown Subarea. Properties within the Eastown subarea that are within the area served by Lift Station 23 may continue to use existing private wastewater disposal systems for existing or changed uses and may install new private wastewater disposal systems in conjunction with changes of use or new construction. The Tacoma-Pierce County health department must issue a permit for all private wastewater disposal systems. Applicants for development approvals or permits, including but not limited to site plan approvals, building permits, tenant improvements, and certificates of occupancy, shall, at the time of permitting, execute an agreement with the city containing the following provisions:
1.
A covenant, which shall run with the land and bind future owners of the property, to connect to public sewer service within one year of when sewer service becomes available. For purposes of this section, sewer service is available when an active public sewer main reaches the property line or is within 250 feet of the property line; and
2.
An agreement that system development charges and related charges, latecomer fees, and monthly sewer fees shall be due at the time public sewer service becomes available, and that unpaid charges will become a lien on the property; and
3.
An agreement to install public sewer infrastructure required by then current Bonney Lake Municipal Code, including dry lines located in a public sewer easement, at the time of temporary septic system construction; and
4.
An agreement that if future construction increases the sewer capacity required by the property, additional system development charges shall be paid; and
5.
A requirement to decommission the private wastewater disposal system at the time of sewer connection.
D.
Land Divisions. Land divisions of four or fewer lots may install new private wastewater disposal systems on each individual lot; provided, that the Tacoma-Pierce County health department issues a permit for all private wastewater disposal systems and complies with the following:
1.
The applicant shall prepare civil plans, which must be approved by the city, for the sewer extension that would have been required to serve the land division; provided that:
2.
Community septic systems shall not be utilized or accepted by the city.
3.
Place the following notices on the face of the final land division:
a.
Property owners shall be required to connect to the public sewer service when the property is sold and/or the septic system fails, if the sewer services is available at that time.
b.
Property owners shall be responsible for system development charges, related charges, and latecomer fees at the time connection is made to the public sewer service. Any unpaid charges will become a lien on the property.
c.
Property owners shall decommission the private wastewater disposal system at their own expense at the time of sewer connection.
E.
Sewer Grinder Pumps.
1.
New connections to city-owned or city-maintained sewer grinder pumps are prohibited.
2.
A maximum of two connections are permitted to each city-owned or city-maintained sewer grinder pump.
3.
In the event that a city-owned or city-maintained sewer grinder pump needs to be upgraded or upsized, the property owner is solely responsible for the cost of the improvements.
4.
There is no limitation on the number of new connections or the total number of connections to a privately owned or maintained sewer grinder pump; provided, that the sewer grinder pump and the connection thereto is adequately sized and is consistent with the manufacturer’s specifications.
(Ord. 1453 § 3, 2013; Ord. 1477 § 5, 2014; Ord. 1560 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1590 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1599 § 1, 2018; Ord. 1640 § 1, 2020; Ord. 1714 § 10, 2024; Ord. 1737 § 10, 6/10/2025; Ord. 1745, 12/9/2025)