Chapter 13.20 SEWERS

The city has determined that a sanitary sewer utility and associated regulations will promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Auburn and avoid the creation of public nuisances that would occur without such utility and regulations. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.010 Definitions.

Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of the terms used in this chapter shall be as follows:

A. “Assessment” means a financial burden placed upon a property for benefits received, directly or indirectly. An assessment is typically applied to property through a local improvement district and is collected by the city finance department; however, it can be established for collection upon use of the defined benefit.

B. “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 centigrade expressed in parts per million by weight.

C. “Building sewer” means that part of the lowest horizontal piping of the building sewer system which receives the discharge from wastewater pipes inside the building footprint and conveys it to the side sewer at five feet outside of the building footprint. Building sewers are private sewers and are not part of the public system.

D. “Charge in lieu of assessment” means a charge made by the city on property which has not previously participated in the cost of a public sewer line directly serving the property.

E. “City of Auburn design and construction standards” means the requirements adopted under Chapter 12.04 ACC for storm drainage, sanitary sewer, street, and water design and construction.

F. “Commercial” means, for the purposes of this chapter, multiple dwelling units (as defined hereinafter) or businesses engaged in the manufacturing and/or sale of a commodity or commodities, or rendering of a service such as, but not limited to, hotels, motels, hospitals, industrial complexes, schools and colleges, convalescent homes, nursing homes, and retirement homes.

G. “Deduct meter” means an approved city water meter that is located upon a private water service serving a non-single-family residential development for the purpose of monitoring water consumption that does not enter into the sanitary sewer system. A deduct meter is not an irrigation meter, and shall not be used as such.

H. “Dwelling unit” means one or more rooms designed for or occupied by one family for living or sleeping purposes and containing kitchen facilities for use solely by one family.

I. “F.O.G. (FOG)” means fats, oils, and grease.

J. “FOG control plan” means a document, signed by the business owner, outlining FOG issues within the facility and how they are to be addressed.

K. “Grease trap” means an indoor hydromechanical grease interceptor, typically with a holding capacity of 55 gallons or less, designed for the purpose of removing and preventing fats, oils, and grease from entering the sanitary sewer system. Such traps are typically compact under-the-sink units that are near food preparation areas.

L. “Grease interceptor” means an outdoor gravity grease interceptor, typically with a holding capacity of 500 gallons or more, designed for the purpose of removing and preventing fats, oils, and grease from entering the sanitary sewer collection system. These devices are often below-ground units in outside areas and are built as two- or three-chamber baffled tanks.

M. “Irrigation meter” means an approved city water meter connected to a public water service to determine the amount of water being used for landscape watering.

N. “LID” or “local improvement district” means a method of assisting benefiting properties in financing needed capital improvements through formation of special assessment districts.

O. “Multiple dwelling units” means, for this chapter, two or more residential units connected to a single water service.

P. “Natural outlet” means any outlet (conveyance) into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake, or other body of surface or groundwater.

Q. “Nonpolar FOG” means FOG of animal or vegetable origin.

R. “Oil/water separator” means a pretreatment device, either coalescing plate or API separator, that prevents oil from being discharged into the sewer system.

S. “pH” means the measurement of acidity or alkalinity of sewage and is measured as the logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen-ion concentration in gram atoms per liter of solution.

T. “Polar FOG” means FOG of mineral origin.

U. “Premises” means property, including improvements, utilized under one ownership and/or under a single entity control with respect to the use of sewer services and the responsibility for payment thereof.

V. “Private sewer” means a sewage conveyance facility which is owned, operated and controlled by the property owner.

W. “Public sewer” means a sewage conveyance facility which is owned, operated and controlled by a public authority.

X. “Residential customer equivalent (RCE)” means the term used by King County’s department of natural resources, wastewater treatment division, to define the capacity that is required by new development within the sanitary sewer system. Single-family homes are established as one RCE. RCEs for non-single-family homes and multifamily dwellings shall be calculated using King County guidelines. Multifamily residential units with individual water meters shall be classified as one RCE per family unit.

Y. “Sanitary sewer” means a wastewater conveyance facility to which storm, surface, and groundwater are excluded.

Z. “Septage” means the mixture of solid wastes, scum, sludge, and liquids pumped from the septic tanks, pump chambers, holding tanks, and other on-site sewer system components.

AA. “Sewage” means residential, business, industrial, and institutional wastewater.

AB. “Sewer” means a facility for conveying sewage.

AC. “Sewerage” means all facilities for collecting, transporting, pumping, treating, and disposing of sewage.

AD. “Sewer meter” is a city-approved device used to measure sewage that enters the sanitary sewer system.

AE. “Side sewer” means the extension from the building sewer to the connector on the public sewer mainline. Side sewer may be a public or private sewer.

AF. “Single-family residential” means, for this chapter, any isolated/detached building designed exclusively for occupancy of one family.

AG. “Storm drain” means a wastewater conveyance facility for storm, surface, and groundwater.

AH. “Suspended solids” means solids that float on the surface of, or are in suspension in, water, sewage, or other liquids, and which are removable by laboratory filtering.

AI. “UPC” means the Uniform Plumbing Code, including amendments, as adopted by the city.

AJ. “Utility” means, for this chapter, the city of Auburn sewer utility or sewer division.

AK. “Watercourse” means a channel, either natural or manmade, in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently. (Ord. 6152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 5934 § 1, 2005; Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5381 § 1, 2000; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5222 § 1 (Exh. B), 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.020 Sewer utility created.

The sewer section of the maintenance and operations division of the public works department is established. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5222 § 1 (Exh. B), 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.040 Sewer system responsibility.

The city shall be responsible for the maintenance and operation of the public sewer system within public rights-of-way and easements. The responsibility for the maintenance and operation of the nonpublic sewer system within private property shall be the property owner’s. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5381 § 1, 2000; Ord. 5222 § 1 (Exh. B), 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.042 Utility administration authority.

The city’s sewer utility shall be administered by the city public works department in such a manner as the city council shall provide. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.044 Authority to establish rates and charges.

A. The city shall establish, by ordinance, rate classifications, service charges, inspection and permit fees, application and connection fees, and such other fees and charges necessary and sufficient in the opinion of the city council to pay for the following:

1. The costs associated with the development, adoption and implementation of a comprehensive sanitary sewer utility master plan;

2. The costs, including debt service and related financing expenses, of the construction and reconstruction of sanitary sewer facilities necessary and required for the handling of sewage that benefit the service area but not presently in existence;

3. The operation, repair, maintenance, improvement, replacement and reconstruction of sewer utility facilities that benefit the service area which presently exists;

4. The costs of monitoring, inspection, enforcement, and administration of the utility including, but not limited to, industrial discharge surveillance, private maintenance inspection, construction inspection, and other activities which are reasonably required for the proper and adequate implementation of the city’s sanitary sewer policies.

B. The rates and charges to be paid and collected pursuant hereto shall not be used for general or other governmental or proprietary purposes of the city except to pay for the equitable share of the costs of accounting, management, and government thereof incurred on behalf of the utility. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.048 Sanitary sewer utility fund.

The city council creates and establishes a special fund to be known and designated as the sanitary sewer utility fund. All utility service charges collected shall be deposited in this fund for the purpose of paying all or any part of the cost and expense for planning, administering, constructing, acquiring, maintaining, operating, and improving utility facilities. Moneys in this fund shall be assigned to a specific account within the utility as designated by the city council. The department of finance shall maintain a separate record of accounts showing the receipts and disbursements of each and every account assigned to this fund. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.050 Developer extension agreement – Required – Manual adopted.

Repealed by Ord. 5791. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.060 Connection – Required.

A. The owner of lands located within Auburn’s service area that makes application for a short plat or preliminary plat shall extend the public sewer system to serve their land, provided the city permits such connection. The public sewer system extension shall be in accordance with the city of Auburn design and construction standards.

B. The owner of lands located within Auburn’s service area and within 200 feet of a public sewer main, undertaking new residential or nonresidential construction, shall connect to the public sewer system when the city permits such connection.

C. For existing development within Auburn’s service area which is within 200 feet of a public sewer main where an on-site system is operating, connection to the public sewer is required when the city permits such connection and when:

1. Repair, modification or replacement of the system is necessary, or the existing on-site septic system has failed and a new system conforming to the county health authority cannot be designed and installed; or

2. At such time that additional construction which in any way affects the on-site sewage system is proposed.

D. The distance calculated in subsections B and C of this section shall be calculated along the shortest route in road rights-of-way and easements consistent with the comprehensive planning and sewer extension practices of the city, from the existing public sewer system to the nearest point of lands or premises to be served.

E. Every building sewer not connected to a public sewer, or not required by law to be connected to a public sewer, shall be connected to an on-site sewage system.

The ordinance codified in this section is passed pursuant to the last paragraph of RCW 35.67.190. (Ord. 5934 § 2, 2005; Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.070 Compulsory connections.

If any owner fails through neglect or refusal to connect lands, buildings or other premises with the Auburn public sewer as required by ACC 13.20.060, or fails through neglect or refusal to do other work specified or ordered to be done as provided by this chapter within the time specified, a monthly rate shall be charged in accordance with the rate structure identified in ACC 13.20.440, regardless of hookup to the available sewer. At such time as an owner’s septic tank, drainfield or other private sewage disposal system becomes inoperable in accordance with the provisions of the county health authority, and is refused a permit to make it operable, then the building served by the failed system shall be required to connect to an available public sewer in order to be habitable. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.075 Sewer service – Effective date.

Sewer service charges shall start from the day water meter serving the property is installed by the city. In cases where the property is not served water by the city of Auburn water utility, sewer service charges shall start from the day the sewer permit is finalized by the city. At the time that sewer service charges begin, service charges for storm drainage shall also begin, if applicable. (Ord. 6034 § 5, 2006.)

13.20.077 Sewer service charge proration.

Upon suspension of water service in accordance with ACC 13.06.315, sewer service may be suspended and the sewer base rate may be prorated on a daily basis from the end of the last billing period to the date the water service is turned off. Upon restoration of water service, the sewer base rate may be prorated from the date the water service is turned on to the beginning of the next billing period on a daily basis. Customers not receiving water service from the city of Auburn may have the sewer base rate prorated retroactively upon water service restoration and submission of sufficient documentation. Service charges for storm drainage shall not be suspended or prorated. (Ord. 6126 § 1, 2007.)

13.20.080 Private system – Allowed when.

A private sewer system or sewage disposal system may be installed as allowed by and in accordance with the provisions of the county health authority. The allowance of a private sewage disposal system will take into consideration city water resource protection efforts and possible impacts to city drinking water sources. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.090 Private system – Requirements.

The type, capacity, location, layout, and design of a private sewage system, if required, shall comply with the recommendations and regulations of the county health authority. Each private sewage system shall be designed by a registered professional civil engineer or certified sewage system designer. No sewage shall be permitted to discharge to any natural outlet or to the ground surface. The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times and at no expense to the city. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.095 Private system – Abandonment upon public system availability.

A. Any party permanently removing a septic tank, seepage pit, cesspool, wastewater tank or other on-site sewage system from service shall within 30 days connect to the public sewer system; and:

1. Have the septage removed by a hauler approved by the county health authority; and

2. Remove or destroy the lid; and

3. Fill the void created with compacted soil; and

4. Report the abandonment to the county health authority on a form obtained from the appropriate health officer. A copy of the abandonment form shall also be distributed to the city prior to close out of the required side sewer connection permit.

B. Whenever a public sewer becomes available to a lot/parcel served by a private sewer disposal system not in compliance with ACC 13.20.090, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in compliance with this chapter. Any private sewage facilities not approved for connection to the public system shall be abandoned as noted in subsection A of this section. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.098 Sewer extension policy.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4776 § 1, 1995.)

13.20.100 Disturbing public sewer and streets.

No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connection with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer. No unauthorized person shall open, alter or disturb the streets or alleys or other public ways or easements of the city for the purposes of making connection with the public sewer system or repairing and maintaining a side sewer located within the public right-of-way or easement. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5381 § 1, 2000; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.110 Sewage or waste treatment required.

It is unlawful to discharge to any natural outlet within the city or in any area within the jurisdiction of the city any sanitary sewage, industrial waste or other polluted waters except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with subsequent provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.115 Objectionable waste deposit prohibition.

It is unlawful for any person to place, deposit, or permit to be deposited, in an unsanitary manner on public or private property within the city, or in any area within the jurisdiction of the city, any human or animal excrement, or other objectionable waste. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.120 Trees or shrubs obstructing sewers prohibited.

It is unlawful to allow to grow any tree or shrub whose roots obstruct public or private sewers. Wherever such plantings are shown to be obstructing public sewers they shall be removed or otherwise remedied from obstructing said sewer, at the expense of the property on which the planting grows. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.130 Storm drainage discharge restrictions.

The city adopts a policy of separation of storm and sanitary sewer wastes. No surface water, groundwater or storm drainage shall be discharged into the sanitary sewer system. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.140 Prohibited discharges designated.

None of the following described waters or wastes shall be discharged into the public sanitary sewer:

A. Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than 150 degrees Fahrenheit;

B. Polar and nonpolar FOG in amounts that exceed King County wastewater division standards, cause a visible sheen on the discharge or in the public sewer system; build-up of grease in any public sewer facility or which accumulations either alone or in combination with other discharges cause obstructions of the public sewer system;

C. Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil, or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid, or gas;

D. Food waste or animal parts, including food-grinder waste, that cannot pass through a one-quarter-inch sieve;

E. Any ashes, cinders, sand, gravel, mud, straw, grass, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, 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 sewerage works;

F. Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5 or higher than 9.0, or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment and personnel of the sewerage works;

G. Any waters or wastes containing a toxic or poisonous substance in sufficient quantity to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals, or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the treatment plant;

H. Any water 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. (Ord. 6152 § 2, 2008; Ord. 5934 § 3, 2005; Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.150 FOG pretreatment required – When.

Repealed by Ord. 6152. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.154 FOG pretreatment facilities – Installation and maintenance.

Repealed by Ord. 6152. (Ord. 5934 § 4, 2005; Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.156 Sand and grit pretreatment system required – When.

Sanitary sewer customers that discharge amounts of sand and/or grit that damage, affect the hydraulic efficiency of, or increase maintenance requirements of the public sanitary sewer system shall be required, upon notification from the city, to install a sand and/or grit removal device. Installation shall be completed within six months from notification unless otherwise agreed upon by the city. Continued maintenance of the device shall be the responsibility of the property owner. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.158 Sand and grit pretreatment system – Installation and maintenance.

All sand and grit removal facilities shall be installed, maintained, and operated by the discharger at his own expense. The facilities shall be kept in continuous operation at all times and shall be maintained to provide efficient operation. Dischargers may not use high volume flushing to push sand and grit from their facilities into the public sewer system. A service contractor qualified to perform cleaning is required for cleaning and removing of the particles that have settled out of the service line. All material removed shall be disposed of in accordance with all city, county, state, and federal regulations. (Ord. 5934 § 5, 2005; Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.160 Preliminary waste treatment – Required.

The standards and policies of the King County wastewater treatment division shall determine the need and extent for pretreatment. The city may choose to invoke any of these standards or policies on its own initiative as appropriate to protect the city sewer system from undue damage. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.170 Preliminary waste treatment – Facilities approval and maintenance.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.180 Industrial waste arrangements.

No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed as preventing any special agreement between the city and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted to the system by the city, subject to payment therefor by the industrial concern. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.182 Discharger responsible for damages.

If discharges from a building sewer result in damage to or partial or complete blockage of the building sewer, side sewer, or adversely affects transmission capabilities of the public sewer, or requires excessive maintenance by the city, the discharger responsible shall be liable for said damage and financially responsible for any and all necessary repairs or other corrective actions necessary to restore the public sewer system to full and normal operation. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.184 Deduct meters.

Commercial and industrial sites that use water in a fashion that prevents it from entering the sanitary sewer system may request a permit from the city that will allow them to install a city deduct meter on their private on-site water line to measure the amount of water that is not being discharged to the sanitary sewer system. These meters shall be located in areas approved by the city. The establishment of a deduct meter requires the following:

A. Written authorization filed with the city allowing the city to own, operate and maintain said deduct meter, together with the ability to verify site conditions for permitting the use of a deduct meter.

B. City approval of location for the installation of deduct meter.

C. Written explanation of where water passing through the deduct meter goes and how the water is used.

D. A site can have only one deduct meter per domestic water meter unless approved by the city.

Deduct meters shall be owned, operated, and maintained by the city, placed upon private property within a utility easement, and may not be used for irrigation purposes. If the above requirements are not met, or the deduct meter is being used in a manner that has not been approved by the city, then the sewer bill shall be calculated based on total water volume utilized as measured by the water meter. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.186 Sewer meters.

Sanitary sewer meters monitor, measure, record and totalize the flow of wastewater into the sanitary sewer system. This information is then used to generate a sewage bill for the site. Installation of sanitary sewer meters is discouraged by the city; however, the city engineer may determine that a sewer meter is the only appropriate device that will allow for the accurate measurement of waste water being sent into the public sewer system. Sites where a sewer meter may be allowed or required include, but are not limited to, facilities where the water source is not metered or facilities where industrial processes remove a significant amount of metered water from the waste stream. If allowed or required, then the meter shall be installed and operated pursuant to the following conditions:

A. Sewer meters shall be owned, operated and maintained by the property owner.

B. Sewer meters shall be selected and installed consistent with city of Auburn design standards.

C. Sewer meters shall continually totalize the flow passing through the meter and display the meter reading in ccf (one ccf equals 100 cubic feet).

D. The owner shall provide the city access to read the sewer meter, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

E. A side sewer repair permit shall be obtained for the installation, replacement, or modification of sewer meters.

F. The property owner shall have the sewer meter calibrated once per calendar year by the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized representative at the owner’s expense. A copy of the calibration report shall be furnished to the city public works department on or before December 31st of that year.

G. Regardless of whether the city has previously allowed or required the installation and use of a sewer meter, the city shall, after giving the property owner 30 working days’ notice and opportunity to cure the defect, bill the property owner for sewage based on metered water usage for the property for any of the following reasons:

1. The owner fails to submit a calibration report.

2. The calibration report indicates that the meter cannot be calibrated, and will not accurately measure flow.

3. The city becomes aware that the meter is malfunctioning, or unexplained anomalies in the meter readings are identified.

If the source of the wastewater is not metered potable water (e.g., contaminated groundwater), the city may, after providing 15 working days’ notice of its intent to do so, elect to use previous years’ and/or months’ readings as a basis for sewer charges. The city shall add an additional 50 percent surcharge until such time as the owner provides a fully functional calibrated meter.

H. If a meter is found to be inoperative or inaccurate, the property owner must repair or replace the defective meter within 30 days of being notified of the problem.

If the property owner fails to comply with these conditions, the city may charge the owner for all expenses incurred in restoring compliance including, but not limited to, staff time, legal expenses, consultant costs, and the cost of repairs and equipment calibration. In cases where the city acts unilaterally to obtain compliance, a monthly surcharge of 10 percent will be added to the bill until such time as the finance director determines is necessary. The city may revoke the right to use a sewage meter at any time and the sewer bill shall be calculated based on total water volume utilized as measured by the water meter. At the finance director’s discretion, in cases of continued noncompliance, the city may also revoke the right to discharge to the sewer system. (Ord. 6331 § 1, 2010; Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.190 Permits – Required.

No person shall connect to the public sewer system without first obtaining a written permit from the city. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.200 Permits – Application – Inspection – Fee.

An application for any side sewer permit shall be made with the city, which the applicant shall supplement with plans, specifications or other information as deemed necessary by the city. A permit application and inspection fee shall be charged in accordance with the city of Auburn fee schedule. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.210 Permits for additional work.

When a permit has been issued for a private sewer or drain as provided in this chapter, no additional work shall be undertaken without the approval of the city and a new permit must be issued at the regular charge for such permit covering all such additional work. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.220 Permits – Posting.

The permits issued by the city, required under the terms of this chapter, must be posted in a conspicuous place at the work site. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.230 Side sewer repair or replacement – Permit required.

It is unlawful for any person to repair, replace, or reconnect to the public sewer mainline any side sewer without first obtaining a permit to do so from the city. The fee for such permit shall be charged in accordance with the city of Auburn fee schedule. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5381 § 1, 2000; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.240 Septic tank site application and installation – Permit required.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.250 Septic tank waste removal or repair.

It is unlawful for any person to carry on or engage in the business of pumping out the contents of septic tanks, cesspools, grease traps, seepage pits, vault privies, portable toilets and other receptacles of human sewage or to transport over the highways or to dispose of the contents of said facilities unless the pumper business operator, and in addition, each employee of the business who engages in pumping activities, holds a valid certificate of competency and each vehicle has an annual inspection tab issued by the county department of public health. All liquids and solids removed from the septic tank system shall be disposed of as prescribed by law. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.260 Permits – Term.

All permits issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be valid for a period of 180 days after the date of application approval. Permits may be extended one time by the city, for a period of 60 days, if an extension is applied for prior to the expiration of the time originally limited in the permit. If the time extension is not requested prior to the expiration of the time originally limited in the permit, an additional fee equal to one-half the original permit shall be charged if a time extension is granted. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.270 Public sewers – Design and construction standards.

All mainline sewers shall be constructed in accordance with the city’s design and construction standards.

The public works department is authorized and directed to require off-site public sanitary sewer improvements necessitated by new development. Such mitigating improvements shall be made in addition to any other requirements of the city for on-site improvements.

All sanitary sewer system extensions shall be designed using sound engineering practices, to serve to the extent possible adjacent and upstream properties and to comply with the intent of adopted comprehensive plan. Within this intent, all public sanitary sewer extensions shall be extended to and across the full width of the property to be served. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 5162 § 1, 1998; Ord. 4258 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.280 Building side sewer – Requirements.

A separate and independent side sewer shall be provided for each building for connection to the public sewer system; provided, that where feasible this requirement may be waived on submission of alternate plans approved by and thereafter constructed under the supervision of the city. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5381 § 1, 2000; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 2, 1987.)

13.20.290 Building sewer – Control manhole requirements.

When required by the city, the owner of any property conveying wastes from industrial and/or commercial property into the public sanitary sewer system shall install a suitable control manhole in the side sewer to facilitate observation, sampling, and measurement of said wastewater. Such manhole shall be in conformance with the requirements of the King County industrial waste program. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.300 Connections to public sewers – Standards.

Construction shall conform to the city of Auburn design and construction standards. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.305 Excavation protection.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.310 Side sewer requirements.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 5162 § 1, 1998; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.320 Side sewer – Tapping fees.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.330 Side sewers – Restoration of public property.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.340 Side sewer contractor’s license required – Fees – Term.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.350 Side sewer contractor’s bond.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.360 Side sewer contractor’s insurance.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.370 Side sewer contractor responsibilities.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.380 Sewage conveyance and disposal service charge.

Billing rates and charges for sewage conveyance and disposal services shall be as outlined in ACC 13.20.440. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.390 Sewage conveyance and disposal service charge – Payment dates – Payment delinquency.

Payment for sewerage conveyance and disposal service charges shall be due and payable to the finance department office 15 days after the billing date appearing on the bill, and shall be delinquent as identified in ACC 13.06.300. A late charge as listed in ACC 13.06.511 will be assessed if the account is delinquent. (Ord. 6099 § 1, 2007; Ord. 6034 § 2, 2006; Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.400 Payback agreement.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4761 § 1, 1995; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.410 Charge in lieu of assessment – Method of computation.

Property that has not previously paid for sewer lines abutting their property may be connected to the abutting sewer line; provided, that all such property shall pay a charge in lieu of assessment. The city will determine the charge in lieu of assessment amount based on the property’s proportional share of the calculated cost for the sewer line. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4479 § 1, 1990; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.415 Oversizing.

When it is deemed necessary by the city to install conveyance lines larger than are required to serve adjacent properties, the city may, pursuant to a written agreement between the city and the developer negotiated in advance to any work, compensate the developer for the difference in cost of the oversizing, if the extension is economically feasible for the city. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004.)

13.20.420 Trunkage connection charge – Method of computation.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.430 Sewer availability charges for private systems.

Repealed by Ord. 5004. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.435 Sewer rate exemptions.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.440 Rates and charges.

A. Sewer Rates. The monthly sewer charge to city of Auburn sanitary sewer customers consists of two separate fees. Auburn sanitary sewer utility imposes a charge to maintain, expand and operate the utility’s sewer conveyance facilities, and King County imposes a separate fee for the service King County provides. No charge shall be imposed by the city on the amount charged by King County, which amount the city shall pass directly on to the customer as the cost of the service that King County is providing.

Effective as of February 1, 2010, Auburn’s portion of the monthly sewer rates shall be as follows:


Single-family residential rate inside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$12.15

Single-family residential rate outside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$18.22

Commercial rate inside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$12.15
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$1.23

Commercial rate outside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$18.22
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$1.84

Effective as of January 1, 2011, Auburn’s portion of the monthly sewer rates shall be as follows:


Single-family residential rate inside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$13.36

Single-family residential rate outside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$20.04

Commercial rate inside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$13.36
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$1.35

Commercial rate outside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$20.04
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$2.02

Effective as of January 1, 2012, Auburn’s portion of the monthly sewer rates shall be as follows:


Single-family residential rate inside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$14.70

Single-family residential rate outside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$22.05

Commercial rate inside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$14.70
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$1.48

Commercial rate outside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$22.05
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$2.23

Effective as of January 1, 2013, Auburn’s portion of the monthly sewer rates shall be as follows:


Single-family residential rate inside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$16.17

Single-family residential rate outside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$24.25

Commercial rate inside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$16.17
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$1.63

Commercial rate outside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$24.25
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$2.45

Effective as of January 1, 2014, Auburn’s portion of the monthly sewer rates shall be as follows:


Single-family residential rate inside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$17.78

Single-family residential rate outside city limits per month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$26.68

Commercial rate inside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$17.78
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$1.80

Commercial rate outside city limits per month for the first 750 cubic feet of water used each month:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$26.68
Plus for each additional 100 cubic feet thereafter:
City of Auburn monthly rate	$2.70

The rates beginning the first full billing cycle after January 1, 2003, reflect a 50 percent surcharge for single-family and commercial rates outside city limits.

Commercial accounts will be allowed to average winter water consumption for the billing dates falling between December through May to determine the summer sewer rates for the billing dates falling between July and October. Said allowance shall be upon application and with appropriate justification that additional summer usage does not enter the sewer system. The months of November through June shall be billed per water used, at the rates noted above.

Commercial accounts without city water service shall be charged at the rate as noted above for inside-the-city or outside-the-city commercial customers. The customer shall have installed an approved city water meter or other acceptable means of recording water use, by applying for a permit under ACC 13.06.050, which shall be read by the city to determine sewage charges on commercial private water systems.

Commercial accounts that have industrial use of domestic water, and which water is not discharged into the sanitary sewer system, may request a deduct meter for the water that is not discharged to the sewer system. Sewer rates will not be applied to the water usage that is not discharged to the sanitary sewer system.

Irrigation meters shall not be billed for sanitary sewer service.

B. Permit Fees. Permit fees for side sewer repair, replacement, inspection, or tapping side sewers shall be as shown in the city of Auburn fee schedule. (Ord. 6286 § 2, 2010; Ord. 6034 § 3, 2006; Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5819 § 2, 2004; Ord. 5713 § 2, 2002; Ord. 5314 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 5124 § 2, 1998; Ord. 5004 § 1, 1997; Ord. 4827 § 2, 1996; Ord. 4719 § 2, 1994; Ord. 4694 § 2, 1994; Ord. 4657 § 2, 1994; Ord. 4599 § 2, 1992; Ord. 4529 § 2, 1991; Ord. 4472 § 2, 1990; Ord. 4395 § 2, 1989; Ord. 4321 § 2, 1988; Ord. 4258 § 4, 1987.)

13.20.450 Charges constitute lien.

All charges for sewer connections, service and repairs, and all service charges provided in this chapter, or as may be hereafter amended together with penalties and interest thereon, shall be a lien upon the property with which such connections are made or to which such sewage service is rendered. Except for general taxes and local special assessments, said lien shall be superior to all other liens and encumbrances. Enforcement of such lien or liens shall be in the manner provided by law. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.460 Water cutoff for lien enforcement.

As an additional and concurrent method of enforcing the lien of the city for sewage charges, at the end of 40 days after the billing date for sewage charges, the property where such services are provided shall be subject to a cutoff of the water service until such time as all charges, plus interest at the maximum amount as allowed by law on the unpaid delinquent amount, penalties, and the turn-on charge equal to an amount as specified in ACC 13.06.511 have been paid. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5302 § 1, 1999; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.470 Work inspection readiness notice.

Any person performing work under permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall notify the city official, identified on the face of the permit, when the work will be ready for inspection and shall specify in such notice the location of the premises and the permit number. If the inspector finds that the work or the material is not in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, he shall notify the person doing the work and the owner of the premises by posting a written notice upon the premises, and such notice shall be all that is required to be given of the defects of the work or material found in such inspection. A copy of such notice shall be kept on file with the city. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.480 Work reinspection fee.

If by reason of noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter a second inspection is necessary, a charge of one and one-half times the original inspection fee shall be collected prior to the second inspection but in any case not less than one hour’s time. Notification for the second inspection shall be the same as identified in ACC 13.20.470. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.490 Work – Diligent completion required.

Repealed by Ord. 5852. (Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.500 Access for inspections.

The city shall have access, subject to the provisions of Chapter 1.20 ACC, to all buildings and premises served by the sewer system for the purpose of inspecting pipes and fixtures. Inspection shall include verification of the manner in which domestic water is being used, and the satisfactory compliance with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 5934 § 6, 2005; Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.510 Inadequate systems – Action to effect compliance.

When any side sewer or private sewage system is constructed, connected or repaired and does not comply with the provision of this chapter, and is a menace to health or is liable to cause damage to public or private property, the city shall give notice thereof to the owner, agent or occupant of the property in which such condition exists. Should the owner, agent or occupant fail to remedy the condition within the time specified in the notice, the city may perform such work as may be necessary to comply with this chapter. The cost of such work shall be collected from the person responsible for the condition or the amount thereof shall become a lien upon the property and shall be collected in the manner provided by law. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.520 Violator’s liabilities.

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall become liable to the city for any expenses, loss or damage actioned by the city by reason of such violation. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

13.20.530 Violation – Penalty.

Any violation of this chapter may be enforced pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1.25 ACC. (Ord. 5852 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5212 § 1 (Exh. I), 1999; Ord. 4502 § 11, 1991; Ord. 4241 § 2, 1987.)

For statutory provisions on city sewerage systems, see Ch. 35.67 RCW; for provisions authorizing cities to charge for connections to the city sewerage system, see RCW 35.92.025; for provisions on sewerage systems in code cities, see RCW 35A.21.150.