A. 
A structure may only connect to an OSS when not required to connect to the city’s sewer utility pursuant to EMC § 11.35.010; provided, that an application and plans for a private disposal system have been approved by the TPCHD and supplied to the city prior to connecting to the OSS.
B. 
Private disposal systems must be located on the same lot as the building they are designed to serve except as provided within EMC §§ 16.01.120(B) and 16.01.125. No offsite septic tank, drainfield or related easements shall be permitted; provided, that the extension of this public health regulation shall not apply to single-family residences that are under order from the health department to replace a failed system, a replacement OSS is permissible under EMC 11.35.010, and there are not on-site alternatives available to do so.
C. 
Conflicting Easements. A private disposal system permit application shall provide for certification from the Pierce County auditor that overlapping or conflicting easements will not result at the time a private disposal systems drainfield easement is recorded on a parcel.
D. 
Community OSS. In order to support the growth and development of the sewer utility in accordance with the GSP, and except for the limited cases under subsection (D)(1) of this section, new and proposed community OSS’s are hereby prohibited in the city. Existing community OSS’s may continue to operate in accordance with TPCHD regulations, subject to the sewer utility connection requirements in EMC § 11.35.010.
1. 
Exceptions. Community OSS’s may be permissible, as determined by the public works director, under the following limited cases:
a. 
They are temporarily serving lots within a proposed subdivision where dry sewer lines are provided pursuant to EMC §§ 11.35.020 and 16.01.125; or
b. 
They are serving lots within a unit lot subdivision where all the unit lots being served are located within the same parent lot as the community on-site septic system.
2. 
An application and plans for a private disposal system have been approved by the Tacoma-Pierce County health department and supplied to the city; and
3. 
The owner shall be required to disconnect the property building sewer from the private disposal system, abandon the private disposal system as provided in EMC § 11.55.020, and connect to the city sewer system within 90 days after the property is fronted by a city sewer. Connection to the city sewer system shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 11.40 EMC.
(Ord. 06-271 § 1; Ord. 12-385 § 3; Ord. 14-415 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 26-0709, 5/12/2026)
When a building is disconnected from a private disposal system and connected to the city's sewer, no such connection may be made until the private disposal system first has been abandoned as required in WAC 246-272-18501.
(Ord. 06-271 § 1)
A. 
Holding tanks shall be prohibited for permanent use except when:
1. 
The TPCHD has determined that an existing private disposal system for an existing building has failed and cannot be repaired or replaced; and
2. 
The requirements of WAC 246-272-12501(3) are met; and
3. 
An available city sewer does not exist within 300 feet of the property.
B. 
A holding tank may be approved for interim use and repairs pursuant to WAC 246-272-12501.
C. 
None of the pumped wastewater shall be discharged into the city sewer system.
(Ord. 06-271 § 1; Ord. 26-0709, 5/12/2026)
Installation and use of temporary portable toilets shall be prohibited except for the following:
A. 
Construction Project. When the number of permanent sanitary facilities meeting the requirements of WAC 296-155-140(4)(b) and (c) is not available, temporary portable toilets shall be provided and maintained in conformance with WAC 296-155-140(4).
B. 
Special Events. When permanent sanitary facilities meeting the requirements of subsection (B)(2) of this section are not available, temporary portable toilets shall be provided.
1. 
Construction and Maintenance. Construction and maintenance shall be as provided in WAC 296-155-140(4).
2. 
Number of Units. The minimum number of toilets (permanent water closets and temporary portable toilets) required shall be as required for assembly places where fixture use is not limited to intermissions, as set forth in the building code(s) adopted under EMC § 15.05.030. A 50/50 distribution of the sexes shall be assumed.
3. 
Unisex. Separate toilets shall not be required for each sex.
4. 
Accessibility. The first temporary portable toilet shall be wheelchair accessible. One additional accessible temporary portable toilet shall be required for each additional 50 temporary portable toilets.
5. 
Hand Washing Facilities. Hand washing facilities shall be provided when temporary portable toilets are used as set forth in the building code(s) adopted under EMC § 15.05.030. Hand washing facilities shall provide wash water between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Hand towels shall be provided in a sanitary container and a receptacle shall be provided for used towels. Hand soap shall be provided.
6. 
Construction and Maintenance. Temporary portable toilets shall be constructed and maintained as provided in WAC 296-155-140(4).
C. 
A permit may be issued for temporary private use when the director finds that such use is necessary because of mitigating circumstances. Construction and maintenance shall be as provided in WAC 296-155-140(4).
(Ord. 06-271 § 1; Ord. 26-0709, 5/12/2026)