Chapter 13.21
PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS

Sections:

13.21.010    Restrictions.

13.21.020    Use permit – Requirements.

13.21.030    Use permit – Conditions.

13.21.040    Use permit – Appeals.

13.21.010 Restrictions.

When the public water main is more than 500 feet from a property line or property corner of property for which the owner has applied for a building permit, a private water system as defined in the Plumbing Code may be installed, providing a use permit is first granted by the Planning Commission. (Ord. CCO-99-05, 1999)

13.21.020 Use permit – Requirements.

The criteria for issuance of a use permit are as follows:

(A) A property owner requesting a building permit for construction of a building or structure must first be issued a use permit by the City for the installation of a private water system.

(B) The following criteria must be met before a use permit is issued:

(1) The applicant’s property is determined to be more than 500 feet from a City water main; and

(2) The proposed private water system has been designed and submitted by a licensed civil or sanitary engineer with design criteria showing the capability of the system to meet County health requirements for a domestic well; and

(3) The County Health Department has submitted in writing an opinion that the private water system would be adequate and safe for all domestic use; and

(4) The size of the property proposed for a private water system is not less than one acre in size. (Ord. CCO-99-05, 1999)

13.21.030 Use permit – Conditions.

The following conditions for all use permits issued and granted per this chapter are adopted with no exceptions:

(A) The applicant owns the property on which the entire installation will take place. Private systems are to be installed as per approved plans and items per this title.

(B) Mandatory connection to City water lines per this title shall be made whenever the City water main is available within 500 feet of the closest property line of the owner’s property. A one-year time period is allowed for completion of this connection, and properties adjacent to the connecting property commence their time period at the same date, as if the line were extended. This connection may be waived if a use permit is issued by the Planning Commission.

(C) Mandatory connection to the City’s water main shall be made whenever it is determined by the Public Health Department that the private water system is not functioning properly and/or is contaminated.

(D) Connection shall be made if a mandatory requirement is imposed by the State or County Health Department.

(E) If connection to a City main is made, that any existing well be disconnected from the domestic plumbing of the buildings, structures and premises. Permanent disconnection shall be made and no cross-connection between the City system and private system shall be allowed. Any existing well systems, if cross-connected, shall immediately be permanently disconnected.

(F) The property owner shall acknowledge and agree to all conditions of the use permit issued by the Planning Commission, before issuance of any building permit. (Ord. CCO-99-05, 1999; Ord. CCO-92-07, 1992; Ord. 428, 1986)

13.21.040 Use permit – Appeals.

Appeals on the decision of the Planning Commission pertaining to a use permit are to be processed per Chapter 18.32 MSMC. (Ord. CCO-99-05, 1999; Ord. CCO-92-07, 1992; Ord. 428, 1986)