Chapter 13.10
MOBILE WASH FACILITY
Sections:
13.10.010 Definitions.
A. “Mobile wash facility” shall mean any wash facility where the method of washing is mobile, is not contained in a permanent structure, and does not contain the waste water for discharge through an approved sanitary system after approved treatment.
B. “Sewer discharge permit” shall mean a permit issued by the appropriate public sanitary sewer utility which authorizes the permit holder to discharge waste water into the sanitary sewer, subject to the permit conditions. (Ord. 1146 § 1, 1993; Ord. 1136 § 2, 1993).
13.10.020 Permit required.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a mobile wash facility in the city without first having obtained from the city a business license and a sewer discharge permit for each wash location, or to operate said mobile wash facility in violation of the standards set forth in the sewer discharge permit or in this code.
B. A permit shall be valid for the calendar year in which it is obtained. The initial permit application fee and the permit renewal application fee shall each be charged.
The current fee schedule relating to this section of the Fife Municipal Code is available at Fife City Hall and at the city of Fife’s website: www.cityoffife.org. (Ord. 1783 § 1 (Exh. A), 2012; Ord. 1146 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1136 § 3, 1993).
13.10.030 Minimum standards.
All mobile wash facilities shall meet the following standards:
A. Have a defined, marked area for actual washing that is impervious to water. The marked area and surface shall be approved by the city engineer.
B. Have a method to collect the wash water. If an existing catch basin is proposed, the method to be used shall seal the catch basin to prevent waste water entering the storm system. Drain plugs are not permitted to be used. The method of collection shall be approved by the city engineer.
C. If a catch basin is dedicated to a reclaim system only, the method of cover when it is not in use shall be approved by the city engineer.
D. Provide a method of treatment (if required) of the waste prior to discharge into the sanitary sewer. The discharge shall comply with the requirements of the public sewer authority that treats the sewer. Testing of the discharge shall be undertaken twice a year at the operator’s expense to see that it is meeting these requirements, unless the city engineer requires more frequent testing. The location of the discharge into the sanitary sewer shall be approved by the city engineer.
E. Operate only during the hours and days specified on the sewer discharge permit.
F. Washing will be cosmetic (outside) only, and no engines, or chassis shall be washed.
G. A sediment trap and/or oil/water separator may be required to be used by the city engineer. (Ord. 1859 § 78, 2014; Ord. 1146 § 3, 1993; Ord. 1136 § 4, 1993).
13.10.040 Inspection.
The mobile wash operation shall be available for inspection by the city of Fife and the public sewer authority that treats the sewage generated from the facility. The city engineer may require a log be kept of maintenance of the facility, catch basin, oil/water separator or trap. (Ord. 1859 § 79, 2014; Ord. 1146 § 4, 1993; Ord. 1136 § 5, 1993).
13.10.050 Revocation.
Failure to meet the requirements of the sewage discharge permit or this code shall be grounds for revoking the permit. (Ord. 1146 § 5, 1993).
13.10.060 Exemptions.
The following uses are exempt from the requirements of this chapter:
A. Dealerships of new and used automobiles or trucks, or car rental agencies may wash the vehicles in the parking stalls of their business provided only water is used. No soaps, detergents or cleaners shall be used. If this washing is contracted out the firm doing the washing shall have a valid city of Fife business license. (Ord. 1146 § 6, 1993).