A. 
For purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
“ADEC”
means the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
“BOD” (denoting “biochemical oxygen demand”)
means the quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five days at 20 degrees Celsius, expressed in parts per million by weight.
“Building”
means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
“CBS”
means the city and borough of Sitka.
“CBS sewer service line”
means that portion of a sewer service line that extends from the sewer main to the property line. See graphical representation at the end of this section.
“CBSS”
means the city and borough of Sitka standard specifications.
“Combined sewer”
means a sewer receiving both surface or roof runoff and sewage.
“Garbage”
means solid wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage and sale of produce.
“Industrial wastes”
means the liquid wastes from industrial processes, as distinct from sanitary sewage.
“Natural outlet”
means any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface water or groundwater.
“Owner”
means one who holds a lawful title to the property.
“Owner’s sewer service line”
means the sewer service line, including clean-out, extending from the property line to the plumbing of the building being served. See graphical representation at the end of this section.
“Person”
means any individual, firm, company, corporation, partnership, association, society or group.
“pH”
means the logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution.
“Public sewer system”
means the sewer system owned and operated by the CBS.
“Sanitary sewage treatment plant”
means any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.
“Sanitary sewage works”
means all facilities for collecting, pumping, treating and disposing of sewage.
“Sanitary sewer”
means a sewer system that carries sewage and to which storm, surface, and ground waters are not lawfully admitted.
“Sanitary sewer mains” and “mains”
means the pipe laid for the purposes of carrying sewage discharged from service lines.
“Sewage”
means a combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions and industrial establishments.
“Sewer service line”
means the entire sewer service line connecting the sewer main with the plumbing systems of buildings being served. See graphical representation at the end of this section.
“Storm sewer” or “storm drain”
means a sewer that carries storm and surface or roof waters and drainage, but excludes sewage and polluted industrial wastes.
“Suspended solids”
means solids that either float on the surface of, or are in suspension in, water, sewage or other liquids, and which are removable by laboratory filtering.
B. 
Graphical representation of:
•
Owner’s Sewer Service Line.
•
CBS Sewer Service Line.
•
Sewer Service Line.
(S.G.C. 15.04.010; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
It is unlawful for any person to place, deposit or permit to be deposited in an unsanitary manner upon public or private property within the CBS, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the CBS, any human or animal excretion, garbage or other objectionable waste.
B. 
It is unlawful to discharge into any natural outlet within the CBS, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the CBS, any sanitary sewage, industrial waste or other polluted water, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with subsequent provisions of this chapter and applicable state laws.
C. 
Except as provided in this chapter, it is unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, septic tank, cesspool or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage.
(S.G.C. 15.04.020; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
In the best interest of the health and welfare of the residents of the CBS, the owner of all houses, buildings or other structures designated or used for human occupancy, employment, recreation or other purpose, situated within the CBS, and abutting on any street, alley or right-of-way in which there is located a sanitary sewer of the CBS, is required, at his/her expense, to connect all toilet and wastewater facilities directly with the proper public sewer system in accordance with the provisions of this chapter within 90 days after installation; provided, that said public sewer system is within 200 feet of the property line.
(S.G.C. 15.04.030; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of SGC § 15.05.030, the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this chapter and other regulatory provisions, including ADEC regulations.
B. 
Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit from the CBS building department. The application for such permit shall be made in writing and supplemented by any plans, specifications, ADEC permits, ADEC certificate to construct, and other information as is deemed necessary by the CBS.
C. 
A private sewage disposal system shall not be operated until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the CBS, and the owner has provided the CBS with a copy of the ADEC certificate to operate. The agent of the CBS shall be allowed to inspect the construction, and no underground portions shall be covered until such inspection.
(S.G.C. 15.04.040; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all requirements and recommendations of the ADEC. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any public sewer or natural outlet unless specifically permitted by the ADEC and the CBS.
(S.G.C. 15.04.050; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
At such time as a public sewer becomes available to a property served by a private sewage disposal system, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in compliance with SGC § 15.05.030, and any septic tanks, cesspools and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned by removal or filled with suitable material as required by the ADEC.
(S.G.C. 15.04.060; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the CBS, and all such private sewage facilities, as herein provided, shall be the responsibility of the user or owner of the private sewage disposal system, and the CBS is in no way responsible for any maintenance or repair, or stoppage or breakage, nor for any damages resulting therefrom, in such private sewage disposal systems.
(S.G.C. 15.04.070; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connection with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the public works department.
B. 
When making a sewer connection under a public works department permit, the contractor making the connection shall notify the public works department when the connection is ready for inspection. The connection shall be made under the supervision of the environmental superintendent or his designee.
C. 
Swing ties of the connection between the sewer service line and the sewer main and at the junction between the owner’s sewer service line and the CBS sewer service line shall be provided as detailed on the connection permit form.
(S.G.C. 15.04.090; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
At the time the applicant files for a connection permit where no service previously existed; or, if the applicant is filing for a change in service connection, or size, or to serve a new structure, the applicant shall submit with the application the service connection charge in accordance with SGC § 15.05.320. This charge is to cover the costs to the CBS of locating the stub-out from the sewer main (if available), inspection of the sewer service line, administrative costs, and permit fees. Upon approval of the connection, the property owner may proceed in accordance with the provisions in SGC § 15.05.130.
B. 
The connection of a sewer service line to a sanitary sewer main located in the state highway right-of-way may be subject to state utility permit fees. Said fees shall be paid by the property owner.
(S.G.C. 15.04.100; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005; Ord. 14-20 § 4, 2014; Ord. 15-10 § 4, 2015; Ord. 16-25 § 4, 2016; Ord. 17-21 § 4, 2017; Ord. 18-27 § 4, 2018; Ord. 23-07 § 4, 2023; Ord. 24-12 § 4, 2024; Ord. 25-08 § 4, 2025)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there is hereby established a Special Connection Fee District for Sawmill Creek Road Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2. The boundaries of the district described in the previous sentence are shown in the attached map. Property owners in the district described in this section desiring to connect shall pay a connection fee for each direct or indirect connection to the city and borough system. A direct connection is a connection that is made in the Sawmill Creek Road right-of-way, and an indirect connection is a connection that is made through further subdivision in the future or through multiple connections outside of the right-of-way. For the first three years after the city and borough notifies the property owner by certified letter that Sawmill Creek Road Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2 is complete, the connection fee is $6,000. The fee will increase by three percent each year after the first three years. To promote connection, the city and borough will finance at two and one-half percent interest the connection fee if the connection is performed no later than one year after the city and borough notifies the property owner by certified letter that Sawmill Creek Road Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2 is complete. In addition, financing will be available for connection fees assessed as part of the building permit process for new construction. The term shall be 20 years at a fixed interest rate equivalent to the prime rate less two and one-half percent, or three percent, whichever is greater. To avoid mandatory connection, the wastewater treatment systems must be certified by an engineer licensed to practice in the state of Alaska or the system must have been installed within the last 10 years and the owner can provide a copy of the original ADEC Certificate to Operate for the system. The 10-year time period will commence from the date of the certified letter the public works office sends stating the sewer project is complete. The certification must be completed within six months of municipal sewer system completion. The certification format shall be approved by ADEC and shall be sealed and signed by the licensed engineer. The certification shall indicate that the system is functioning properly and is not adversely impacting public health. The certification shall include documentation of regular maintenance, including pumping. All active utility accounts in the Sawmill Creek Road Sanitary Sewer Project Phase 2 will be required to pay the standard wastewater treatment monthly utility bill beginning one year after receipt of the certified letter stating the sewer project is complete.
(S.G.C. 15.04.105; Ord. 05-26 § 4, 2005)
A. 
The property owner is responsible for all costs for installation of a sewer service line. Installation of the owner’s sewer service line (from the structure to the property line) may be performed by the property owner or by a private contractor.
Only a licensed contractor qualified to install sanitary sewer collection systems and approved by the public works director shall perform the installation of the CBS sewer service line (from the sanitary sewer main to the property line). All installations shall be made according to the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the state of Alaska and the CBS and as shown on the applicable standard details of the CBSS.
The property owner shall obtain a permit from the CBS prior to installation.
Forty-eight hours’ notice shall be given to the environmental superintendent prior to commencing work. CBS inspectors will be available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inspections requested and granted outside of normal business hours shall be reimbursed on a time and expenses basis, with billings at current CBS rates. If the property owner contracts to install the service, prior to commencing any work the contractor shall furnish:
1. 
Contractor’s license (state of Alaska);
2. 
Proof of workers’ compensation insurance, if required by law;
3. 
Other proof of capability to perform such work as required by the public works director.
(S.G.C. 15.04.110; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
All materials, supplies, equipment and personnel required for the installation of a sewer service line (from the sanitary sewer main to the structure) shall be provided by the applicant’s contractor. Materials shall conform to the standards outlined in the CBSS. All work performed must be done in accordance with all applicable safety laws and regulations.
B. 
The contractor shall be responsible for any repair and maintenance on the sewer connection for a period of one year from the date of installation.
C. 
The contractor shall be responsible for all damage to streets, sidewalks, and other structures affected by construction.
(S.G.C. 15.04.120; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
All work shall be performed per the CBSS.
B. 
A separate sewer connection shall be provided for every building. Exceptions will be allowed only by special permission granted by the public works director for good cause shown.
C. 
Old building sewers or portions thereof may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, on inspection and test, to meet all requirements of this chapter.
(S.G.C. 15.04.130; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
Any excavation made by a contractor in a public right-of-way or immediately adjacent thereto shall be protected and guarded by adequate barricades and marked with warning lights from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise and other times when visibility problems may exist. Such barricades and warning devices shall be placed in number and location as required by the State Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and as may be required by the public works director or designee. The protection of the public from the danger of such excavation shall be the responsibility of the contractor, and the contractor shall be liable for any damage caused by his failure to properly protect and guard such excavation as herein required. If the contractor fails to protect and properly guard such excavation as herein required, the CBS may protect and properly guard such excavation and charge the costs thereof to the contractor, who shall upon receiving written notice of the amount of charge promptly pay the same to the CBS.
(S.G.C. 15.04.140; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any storm water, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff or cooling water into any sanitary sewer.
B. 
Discharge of industrial process water into any sanitary sewer will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved in writing by the environmental superintendent.
C. 
Storm water and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated as storm sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the public works director.
(S.G.C. 15.04.150; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
Except as provided in this chapter, no person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following discharge waters or wastes to any public sewer:
A. 
Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
B. 
Any water or waste that may contain more than 100 parts per million, by weight, of fat, oil or grease.
C. 
Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil or other flammable or other explosive liquid, solid or gas.
D. 
Any garbage that has not been properly shredded (to one-sixteenth-inch particle size).
E. 
Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, syringe needles, wood, paunch manure or any other solid or viscous substance capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers or other interference with the proper operation of the sewage works.
F. 
Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5 or higher than 9 or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment and personnel of the sewage works.
G. 
Any waters or wastes containing a toxic or poisonous substance in sufficient quantity to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, or constitute a hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant.
H. 
Any waters or wastes containing suspended solids of such character and quantity that unusual attention or expense is required to handle such materials at the sewage treatment plant.
I. 
Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance capable of creating a public nuisance.
J. 
Water used for heat exchange in a heat pump or other heat exchange equipment.
(S.G.C. 15.04.160; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the environmental superintendent and/or building official, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amount or any flammable wastes, sand and other harmful ingredients.
B. 
All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the environmental superintendent and/or building official and be located so as to be easily cleaned and inspected.
C. 
Where installed, all grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be maintained by the owner, at his expense, in continuously efficient operation.
D. 
The CBS reserves the right to inspect interceptors with notice to owner.
(S.G.C. 15.04.170; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
Where necessary, in the opinion of the environmental superintendent, the owner shall provide, at his expense, such preliminary treatment as may be necessary. Plans, specifications and any other pertinent information relating to proposed preliminary treatment facilities shall be submitted for the approval of the environmental superintendent.
Examples of wastewater characteristics requiring treatment prior to discharge into public sewers:
A. 
Having a five-day biochemical oxygen demand greater than 300 parts per million by weight;
B. 
Containing more than 350 parts per million by weight of suspended solids;
C. 
Containing any quantity of substances having the characteristics described in SGC § 15.05.160(E); or
D. 
Having an average daily flow greater than one percent of the average daily sewage flow of the CBS; shall be subject to the review and approval of the public works director.
(S.G.C. 15.04.180; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of waters and wastes referred to in SGC § 15.05.180 shall be determined by standard methods. In the event that no control manhole or sampling location has been required, the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer will be used for the tests.
B. 
When required by the environmental superintendent, the owner of any property served by a sewer connection carrying industrial waste shall install at his expense a control manhole or suitable sampling location, and same shall be maintained by him and accessible at all times.
(S.G.C. 15.04.200; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
Industrial waste discharge. No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the CBS and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or characteristic may be accepted by the CBS for treatment, subject to payment from the industrial concern. Characteristics of industrial wastewaters may dictate that the CBS cannot accept such wastewater due to the CBS’s current treatment process and/or without approved pretreatment of wastewater prior to introduction into the public sewer system.
B. 
Municipal sanitary sewer appurtenances on private property. No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the CBS and specific customers.
(S.G.C. 15.04.210; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
The CBS sewer service line becomes the property of the CBS upon final acceptance by the public works department. The CBS is responsible for paying all maintenance costs associated with the CBS sewer service line, except when an obstruction is located in the CBS sewer service line. The owner of the premises being served shall reimburse the CBS for its actual cost of maintenance and repairs, and inspection costs associated with an obstruction. The public works director or designee may authorize the owner of the premises served to hire a licensed bonded contractor to perform the work and repair to the CBS sewer service line and remove the obstruction, provided such work is performed to the satisfaction of the CBS.
(S.G.C. 15.04.220; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
Owner’s sewer service line shall be installed, maintained, and repaired by the owner of the premises served. Any obstructions within the owner’s sewer service line are the responsibility of the owner.
(S.G.C. 15.04.230; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
The CBS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claim or action due to or arising from any suspension of operation, breakage, unavoidable accident or injury of any kind occurring to, or caused by, the sewer mains by an act of God, beyond the CBS’s control, or caused by the elements, strikes, riots or a terrorist.
(S.G.C. 15.04.240; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
No unauthorized person shall maliciously, willfully or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or equipment which is part of the CBS sewage works. Any person violating this provision shall be subject to immediate arrest under charge of disorderly conduct.
(S.G.C. 15.04.250; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
Every person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and penalties assessed as prescribed in SGC Title 1.
(S.G.C. 15.04.260; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005; Ord. 10-37 § 4, 2010)
The public works director, building official, environmental superintendent and other duly authorized employees of the CBS shall be permitted to enter upon all properties for the purposes of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(S.G.C. 15.04.270; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
The CBS may refuse to connect or may discontinue service for violation of any provisions of this chapter, or for failure to pay charges for service when due, or for violation of rate schedules or contract provisions. The discontinuance of service for any of these causes does not release the customer from an obligation to pay for services received or charges specified in any existing contract.
(S.G.C. 15.04.280; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
The CBS may refuse sewer service or place flow and volume restrictions, and may discontinue service to any premises where excessive flows by one customer will result in inadequate service to others.
(S.G.C. 15.04.290; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
Notices from the CBS to the customer will normally be given by public service announcement through local media. Where conditions warrant and in emergencies, the CBS may notify either by telephone, messenger, or written door hanger notice.
B. 
Notices from customers to the CBS may be given by the customer or his authorized representative, orally or in writing, at the CBS public works department, or to an agent of the CBS duly authorized to receive notices or complaints.
(S.G.C. 15.04.300; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
Any person who is dissatisfied with the action of the public works director, under this chapter, in denying a permit or granting a permit where conditions are imposed or in modifying a permit or with any other order by which such person may be affected, may, within 10 days from the notice of such action, appeal to the CBS administrator by giving notice thereof to the CBS municipal clerk. An applicant for a permit shall not be in fault of his duty to apply for or amend a permit during the period in which an appeal made pursuant to this section is pending. In the event of such appeal, the public works director shall present to the CBS administrator a written report setting forth the reason or reasons for any order affecting the persons appealing. Any person who is dissatisfied with the appeal decision of the CBS administrator, may, within 10 days from the notice of such action, appeal to the CBS assembly by giving notice thereof to the CBS municipal clerk. An applicant for a permit shall not be in fault of his duty to apply for or amend a permit during the period in which an appeal made pursuant to this section is pending. In the event of such appeal, the CBS administrator shall present to the CBS assembly a written report setting forth the reason or reasons for any order affecting the persons appealing.
B. 
The CBS assembly shall have full power to review any action or order issued by the CBS administrator under this chapter, and the determination of the CBS assembly shall be final.
(S.G.C. 15.04.310; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005)
A. 
Base rate: $88.03 per unit per month.
Unit Description
Unit
Residential/Dwelling Unit(1)
1.0(2)
Commercial (General, Miscellaneous)(3)
1.0
Clubs and lodges without bar or restaurant
 
Garages, service stations
 
Offices including medical (10 or less employees)
 
Shops and stores without food processing
 
Commercial Specifics(3) (1 Minimum) Plus
Per Each
 
Bar, lounge, restaurant, snack bar
seat or stool
0.05
Barber, beauty shop (one station = 1.0)
station
0.6
Bowling alley
lane
1.0
Church
10 seats
0.1
Office/office space
over 10 employees
0.2
Hospital
bed
0.8
Meat market
 
3.0
Supermarket, grocery store with food process
 
8.0
Rest home
bed
0.2
Hotel, motel(4)
room
0.3
Dormitory, boardinghouse(4)
bed or room
0.3
RV park(4)(6)
RV space
0.3
Bed and breakfast(4)
room
0.15
Commercial laundry
wet machine
8.0
Launderette
wet machine
1.0
Schools, college, day care(5)
10 students
0.4
Theater
10 seats
0.2
Car wash (no minimum)
stall
2.0
Notes:
(1)
Including apartments and trailers, per each. (Apartments shall be assessed as if on a separate meter.)
(2)
Base rate.
(3)
Business in homes shall be assessed for the additional appropriate commercial rate.
(4)
Hotel, motel, B&B may count rooms only. Dormitory or boardinghouse must count beds or rooms. RV parks count RV spaces with utility hookups.
(5)
Approximate enrollment – may be reviewed annually.
(6)
RV parks have all mobile units able to be underway on the road with a minimal amount of time and not require special permits to drive on the road. Underway can be under its own power, pulled by a vehicle or in the bed of a pickup. Rental rates are based on the day and utilities are included.
B. 
Sewer service in conjunction with metered water.
1. 
General sewer service in conjunction with metered water. Minimum charge: one times the unmetered sewer base plus $4.74 per 1,000 metered gallons.
Note: Special provisions may be made for facilities such as fish processors, which do not discharge all wastewater into the municipal sewer system. These facilities may be assessed on their equivalent employee loads, such as with offices, dormitories, etc.
a. 
The charge for any establishment not herein designated will be either:
i. 
As metered if a meter has been installed; or
ii. 
The minimum charge as outlined for sewer service, if a meter has not been installed; or
iii. 
As determined administratively by the public works director.
b. 
A commercial enterprise consisting of more than one facility shall be charged the sum of the applicable rates for each facility.
c. 
Partial charges for services are prorated based on a 30-day month.
2. 
Gary Paxton Industrial Park. Treated wastewater, metered: minimum charge of $174.02 per month.
a. 
Treated wastewater, metered: $5.20 per 1,000 gallons water use.
C. 
Connection fee. Eight hundred fifty-three dollars per connection.
(S.G.C. 15.04.320; Ord. 05-15 § 4(B), 2005; Ord. 06-20 § 4, 2006; Ord. 10-15 § 4, 2010; Ord. 11-26 § 4, 2011; Ord. 12-37 § 4, 2012; Ord. 13-30 § 4, 2013; Ord. 14-20 § 4, 2014; Ord. 15-10 § 4, 2015; Ord. 15-46 § 4, 2015; Ord. 16-25 § 4, 2016; Ord. 17-21 § 4, 2017; Ord. 18-27 § 4, 2018; Ord. 19-20S § 4, 2019; Ord. 20-20 § 4, 2020; Ord. 21-10 § 4, 2021; Ord. 22-11 § 4, 2022; Ord. 23-07 § 4, 2023; Ord. 24-12 § 4, 2024; Ord. 25-08 § 4, 2025)