Chapter 3.03
BUILDING SEWERS, LATERAL SEWERS AND CONNECTIONS

Sections:

3.03.010    Lateral sewers.

3.03.020    Cost of lateral sewer.

3.03.030    Permit required.

3.03.040    Construction requirements.

3.03.050    Minimum size and slope.

3.03.060    Separate sewer.

3.03.070    Old building sewers.

3.03.080    Cleanouts.

3.03.090    Sewer too low.

3.03.100    Connection to public sewer.

3.03.110    Protection of excavation.

3.03.120    Maintenance of a side sewer.

3.03.130    Testing.

3.03.140    Application, contents.

3.03.150    Permit, departure.

3.03.160    Joints.

3.03.170    Maintenance of lateral sewer.

3.03.010 Lateral sewers.

Lateral sewers will be installed at the locations desired by the applicant by the District provided the location is approved by the District.

3.03.020 Cost of lateral sewer.

All costs associated with the construction or installation of a lateral sewer will be paid by the owner or applicant. If the District is to install or construct the lateral sewer, then the owner must deposit the estimated cost of such installation, as determined by the District, plus 10 percent. If the actual cost of installation or construction of the lateral sewer is greater than the amount of the deposit, the owner or applicant will be billed for the additional cost. If the cost is less than the deposit, the balance will be refunded to the applicant or owner.

3.03.030 Permit required.

In accordance with this code, no person shall construct a building sewer, lateral sewer or make a connection with any public sewer without first obtaining a permit from the District and paying all fees and connection charges as required by Master Schedule of Fees, Charges, Penalties and Recovered Costs.

3.03.040 Construction requirements.

Construction of building sewers and lateral sewers shall be in accordance with the requirements of the county of Fresno and the requirements of the District. In case of conflict, the more stringent shall apply.

3.03.050 Minimum size and slope.

The minimum size of a building sewer shall be four inches in diameter. A building sewer serving a duplex or multiple dwelling shall be not less than six inches in diameter. When more than one building sewer shall be connected to a single side sewer, the side sewer from the point of intersection of one or more building sewers to the public sewer shall be not less than six inches in diameter. Notwithstanding the minimum size and slope requirements of this section, the size and slope of all sewer lines described herein must be approved by the District prior to installation.

3.03.060 Separate sewer.

No two adjacent lots fronting on the same street shall be permitted to join in the use of the same side sewer. Every building or industrial establishment must be separately connected with a public sewer if such public sewer exists in the street upon which the property abuts or in an easement which will serve such property. Exceptions shall only be made by approval of the Board in writing. Exceptions are temporary in nature and issued in the sole discretion and determination of the Board. Exceptions may be terminated on 30 days’ notice in writing from the District.

3.03.070 Old building sewers.

Old building sewers may be used in connection with reconstruction only when they meet all requirements of the District and are approved by the District.

3.03.080 Cleanouts.

Cleanouts in building sewers shall be provided by owner or applicant as required by the District.

3.03.090 Sewer too low.

In all buildings in which any building sewer is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary wastewater carried by such building sewer shall be lifted by artificial means, approved by the District and approved by the Board, and discharged to the public sewer at the expense of the owner.

3.03.100 Connection to public sewer.

Subject to the approval of the District, the connection of the lateral sewer into the public sewer shall be made at the lateral or “Y” branch, if such lateral or “Y” branch is available at a suitable location. Where no properly located “Y” branch is available, a neat hole may be cut into the public sewer to receive the lateral sewer, with entry in the downstream direction at an angle of about 45 degrees. A wye saddle shall be used for the connection and in no case shall the pipe protrude inside the main sewer. The invert of the lateral sewer at the point of connection shall be made and the connection made secure and watertight. The connection to the public sewer shall be made in the presence of the Inspector for the District and under the supervision and direction and in accordance with the rules, regulations and ordinances of the District. Any damage to the public sewer shall be repaired at the cost of the applicant to the satisfaction of the District.

3.03.110 Protection of excavation.

All excavations for a side sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades or lights so as to protect the public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks, parkways and other property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the District and the county or any other person having jurisdiction thereover.

3.03.120 Maintenance of a side sewer.

Side sewers shall be maintained by the property owner from the building to the property line.

3.03.130 Testing.

All building sewers and lateral sewers shall be tested in the presence of the Inspector for the District by filling the line with water and inspecting for leakage. Fittings, plugs, water and labor for testing shall be furnished by the person constructing the sewer. All lines showing leakage shall be repaired or replaced at the expense of the owner of the property and shall be done at the direction and to the satisfaction of the Inspector for the District.

3.03.140 Application, contents.

In the application for a permit to construct a lateral sewer, or make a connection to any sewer, the owner of the property or owner’s representative shall describe, and shall show by a plat or diagram, the work proposed to be done, the exact location of the lateral sewer and the connection to the main sewer, and shall state the day upon which the proposed work will be commenced and any other information requested by the District.

3.03.150 Permit, departure.

When approved by the issuance of the permit, such location shall not be departed from without written permission of the Board or its authorized representative.

3.03.160 Joints.

Joint material used shall be as specified in the construction requirements or as approved by the District.

3.03.170 Maintenance of lateral sewer.

Except for sewers installed pursuant to Chapter 3.02 MCWDC and those portions of a lateral sewer located on private property which the owner of the property shall maintain up to the property line, it shall be maintained by the District. In the event that damages are caused to the lateral sewer due to the negligence of the property owner, then any repairs caused by said negligence shall be at the expense of the owner.