Certain words and phrases in this chapter, unless otherwise clearly indicated by their context, mean as follows:
A. 
"Approved"
means approved in writing by the city engineer or authorized city representative.
B. 
"Repair"
means the replacement, addition, or alteration of a septic tank, distribution box, tight line, or other appurtenances to an existing individual sewage disposal system, and including any replacement, addition, or alteration to a subsurface disposal field where at least a portion of the original subsurface disposal field is used. In those instances where no portion of the existing drainfield or septic system is to be used, it will be considered the same as a new system and will require a design.
C. 
"Resident owner or intended resident owner"
means a person who constructs not more than one residence in any one year for his own occupancy.
D. 
"Sanitary drainage system"
means the piping which conveys sewage from plumbing fixtures to a public sewer or private sewage disposal system.
E. 
"Sewage"
means any liquid or liquid-borne waste from the ordinary living processes, or liquid or liquid-borne waste which contains animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution, or liquid or liquid-borne waste which may contain chemical in solution, and which may be lawfully discharged into a public sanitary sewer.
F. 
"Sewage disposal system"
means sanitary drainage systems, septic tanks, leaching pits, surface and subsurface leaching filter beds, and appurtenances; or other approved facilities for the disposal of sewage by means other than through a public sewer.
(Ord. 703 § 1(A), 1979)
This chapter shall not apply to any work on a sewage disposal system for which a permit had been issued by the city and which permit was valid and existing at the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, but any such work shall be subject to applicable resolutions existing at the time such permit was issued.
(Ord. 703 § 1(B), 1979)
A. 
It is unlawful to construct, install, repair or alter a sewage disposal system without a sewage disposal system permit. Such permit shall be posted on the building or premises where the work permitted is being done, before the work is begun, and unless revoked, shall not be removed until such work has been finally approved by the building inspector.
B. 
There shall be a fee as established by city resolution for a sewage disposal system permit.
C. 
Application for a sewage disposal system permit shall be made to the city engineer through the utility clerk, who may deny the application if in his judgment the physical features of property on which it is proposed to locate the sewage disposal system, or the design of the proposed sewage disposal system, are not adequate for safe operation of such system.
D. 
Application for a sewage disposal system permit shall be supported by the following:
1. 
A completely dimensioned plot plan, drawn to scale, showing direction of surface drainage, approximate slope, and other topographical features relevant to the design and installation of an adequate and efficient sewage disposal system;
2. 
Construction plans and specifications;
3. 
A log of soil formation and ground water level as determined by test holes in the proposed disposal field;
4. 
A statement of absorption characteristics of the soil as determined by percolation tests made in the proposed disposal field;
5. 
Such other information as the city engineer may require.
Subdivisions 1 through 4 are not applicable when application is made for a sewage disposal permit for repairs to an existing system.
E. 
Sewage disposal system permits shall expire one year from date of issue.
(Ord. 703 § 1(C), 1979; Ord. 1180 § 2, 1992; Ord. 1375 § 24, 1998)
Sewage disposal systems shall be located on the same lot as the buildings they are designed to serve, or, if an easement therefor is obtained and recorded, on other property if approved by the director of public health.
(Ord. 703 § 1(E), 1979)
A. 
Sewage disposal systems shall be designed by a sewage disposal systems designer, certificated as provided in this chapter, or by a sanitary or civil engineer licensed by the state, except that a resident owner, or intended resident owner may personally design a system for his own single-family residence; provided, he designs not more than one system in any one calendar year. The fee for plan review of the design shall be $35.00, which is included in the fee set in PMC § 14.29.060(B).
B. 
All design of on-site sewage disposal systems shall be in accordance with King County Rules and Regulations No. III and IV relating to on-site sewage disposal systems, the same being incorporated in this chapter by reference.
C. 
After the plumbing stub-out has been installed and prior to the installation of the sewage disposal system, the designer shall inspect the site to determine compatibility with his original design criteria. Before an installation permit will be issued, the city building inspector shall be notified by the designer that the preinstallation inspection is acceptable. In the event the sewage disposal system must be installed prior to construction of the building, waiver of the plumbing stub-out requirement may be made.
(Ord. 703 § 1(F), 1979)
A. 
Any work done on a sewage disposal system, and any material used, may be inspected by the city building inspector at any reasonable time, and if he finds that any work done, or material used, is not in accordance with this chapter or with the rules and regulations of the city adopted pursuant to the ordinance codified in this chapter, he may revoke the permit for the work, or he may notify the owner or installer to make such changes in the work as he specifies and if such changes are not made within a reasonable time, the city building inspector shall then revoke the permit and it shall be unlawful to use such sewage disposal system.
B. 
When the work of constructing or installing a sewage disposal system has been otherwise completed, it shall be left open and uncovered. The owner shall be notified, and he shall cause an inspection of such work and such system to be made by a designer. When the work of repairing a sewage disposal system has been completed under a waiver of design as provided for in PMC § 14.49.060(D), it shall be left open and uncovered. The owner shall be notified, and he shall call for an inspection of such work and such system to be made by the city building inspector.
C. 
If upon inspection by him following work on a sewage disposal system, a designer finds that such work or system is not in accordance with this chapter, he shall so notify the owner, who shall cause such changes in the work as are specified by the designer, and shall then again notify a designer that such work is ready for inspection.
D. 
When, upon inspection by him following work on a sewage disposal system, a designer finds that such work and system are in accordance with this chapter, he shall so certify to the city building inspector and shall submit to the city building inspector with such certification, a detailed "as-built" drawing of such system.
(Ord. 703 § 1(G), 1979)
A. 
Within a reasonable time after receipt of certification by a designer that work done on a private sewage disposal system and such system are in accordance with this chapter, the city building inspector shall approve or disapprove thereof.
B. 
If the city building inspector disapproves such work or system, he shall so notify the owner, stating his reasons for such disapproval, and it is then unlawful to use such system.
C. 
If the city building inspector finally approves such work and such system, he shall so notify the owner, and then such work shall be covered, and such system may be used.
(Ord. 703 § 1(H), 1979)
Sewage disposal systems shall be maintained in accordance with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the city adopted pursuant to the ordinance codified in this chapter, and no sewage disposal system shall be used which directly or indirectly discharges upon the surface of the ground or into any waters within the city unless the contents of such system have been subject to approved purification and bactericidal treatment.
(Ord. 703 § 1(I), 1979)
The chief of police or the superintendent is authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the same. Violation of the terms of this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in PMC § 1.16.010.
(Ord. 703 § 1(J), 1979)