Chapter 11.55
PRIVATE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Sections:
11.55.010 Private disposal systems permitted – Permit required.
11.55.030 Operation and maintenance.
11.55.040 Connecting discharge line to sewer system prohibited.
11.55.060 Privies and cesspools prohibited.
11.55.070 Temporary portable toilets.
11.55.010 Private disposal systems permitted – Permit required.
A. The owner of a Phase II or III property may connect an existing or new building to an on-site sanitary sewage disposal system; provided, that an application and plans for a private disposal system have been approved by the Tacoma-Pierce County health department and supplied to the city.
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 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 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. The owner of a Phase I property that is not fronted by a city sewer may connect an existing or new building to a private disposal system; provided, that:
1. A utility local improvement district has not been formed for the purpose of providing sanitary sewer service to the property upon which the building is to be located; and
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. 14-415 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 12-385 § 3; Ord. 06-271 § 1).
11.55.020 Abandonment.
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).
11.55.030 Operation and maintenance.
The owner shall operate and maintain the private disposal system in compliance with Tacoma-Pierce County health department regulations (see WAC 246-272-15501). (Ord. 06-271 § 1).
11.55.040 Connecting discharge line to sewer system prohibited.
Connecting a septic tank or drain field discharge line to the sewer system is prohibited. (Ord. 06-271 § 1).
11.55.050 Holding tanks.
A. Holding tanks shall be prohibited for permanent use except when:
1. The Tacoma-Pierce County health department 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. A city sewer does not front the property; or
4. The property is not a Phase I 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).
11.55.060 Privies and cesspools prohibited.
It is unlawful to construct, maintain or discharge wastewater into any privy, privy vault, or cesspool. (Ord. 06-271 § 1).
11.55.070 Temporary portable toilets.
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 Table 2902.1 of the IBC. 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 Table 2902.1 of the IBC. 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).