Chapter 14.20 SEWER CONNECTIONS

This chapter is declared to be an exercise of the police power of the state and of the city, to promote the public health, safety and welfare, and its provisions shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of that purpose. (1958 code § 9.04.010)

14.20.020 Definitions.

Words and phrases used in this chapter, unless the same are contrary to or inconsistent with the context, shall be defined as set forth in the following subsections:

1. “BOD (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 milligrams per liter.

2. “City engineer” includes an authorized representative.

3. “Cover” means the depth of the material lying between the top of the sewer or drain and the finished grade immediately above it.

4. “Downspout” means the leader or pipe aboveground which is installed to conduct water from the roof gutter.

5. “Drain” means any conductor of liquids.

6. “Garbage” means all animal and vegetable refuse from kitchen and household waste that has been prepared for or has resulted from preparation of food or drink to be consumed on the premises or for consumption off the premises when served by caterers.

7. “Health officer” means the officer responsible for public health or his authorized representative.

8. “House drain” means the cast iron pipe used for conveying sewerage from the building to a point two and one-half feet outside the foundation wall, and if there is no foundation wall, to a point two and one-half feet beyond the outer line of any footings, pilings, building supports or porch under which it may run, whether such drain consists of one line extending from the building or of two or more such lines.

9. “Industrial waste” means any liquid, solid or gaseous substance or form of energy, or combination thereof, resulting from any process of industry, manufacturing, food processing, business, trade or research, including the development, recovery or processing of natural resources.

10. “Inside parking strip” means that portion of the street area lying between a public sidewalk location and the property line.

11. “Licensed side sewer contractor” means a bonded and licensed person approved by the city engineer as qualified and competent to do work incidental to the construction and/or repair of side sewers under a permit issued under this chapter.

12. “Natural outlet” means any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake, sound, or other body of surface water.

13. “Outside parking strip” means that portion of a street area lying between a public sidewalk location and the curb location.

14. “Permit card” means a card issued in conjunction with any permit, and such card shall be posted on the premises and shall be readily and safely accessible to the city engineer.

15. “Person” means any individual, firm, company, group, association, society or corporation.

16. “pH” means the logarithm to the base 10 of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration in grams per liter of solution.

17. “Properly shredded garbage” means garbage that has been shredded to such degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than three-eighths inch in any dimension.

18. “Public area” or “public place” means any space dedicated to or acquired by the city for the use of the general public.

19. “Public sewer” means a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have equal rights, and which is controlled by public authority.

20. “Sanitary sewer” means any pipe, conduit or other structure, outlet or drain designed to carry sanitary sewage or sanitary sewage and industrial wastes, and to which storm, surface and groundwaters are not intentionally admitted.

21. “Sewage” means a combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions, industrial establishments, etc., together with such ground, surface and stormwaters as may be present.

22. “Sewage treatment plant” means any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.

23. “Sewage works” means all the facilities for collecting, pumping, treating and disposing of sewage.

24. “Sewer” means a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.

25. “Sewer plat” means a plat issued by the city engineer in conjunction with any permit, and the plat shall serve as his record of all matters pertaining to such permit.

26. “Sidewalk” means the walkway in the public area lying parallel or generally parallel to the roadway. If the walk is not yet paved, all measurements shall be based on location and elevation established by the city engineer.

27. “Standard plans and specifications” means those rules, regulations and amendments thereto issued by the city engineer pursuant to RMC 14.20.730.

28. “Storm sewer” means a sewer which carries storm and surface waters and drainage, but excludes sewage and polluted industrial wastes.

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

30. “Watercourse” means a channel in which a natural flow of water occurs or has occurred, either continuously or intermittently. (1958 code §§ 9.04.020 – 9.04.170)

14.20.030 Connection to public sewer – Required.

The owner or occupant of any lands or premises shall connect all buildings, ditches, watercourses and waste pipes located thereon and used as a receptacle or drainage, with the nearest accessible public sewer whenever there is a public sewer within 200 feet thereof. The city engineer shall prescribe the manner in which such connections shall be made. (1958 code § 9.04.175)

14.20.040 Discharging sewer to public area prohibited.

No drain or sewer shall be constructed so as to discharge upon the surface of any public area. (1958 code § 9.04.180)

14.20.050 Connection to public sewer – Notice.

Whenever any land, buildings or premises is required to be connected with a public sewer or otherwise drained, as provided in RMC 14.20.030, the health officer shall serve upon the owner, agent or occupant of such lands, buildings or premises a notice in writing, specifying the time within which such connection must be made, which time shall not be more than 60 days from the date of delivery of the notice. (1958 code § 9.04.185)

14.20.060 Connection to public sewer – Work done by city when.

If such owner, agent or occupant fails and neglects or refuses to connect such lands, buildings or premises with the public sewer within the specified time, the health officer shall notify the city engineer, whereupon the city engineer may make such connection, and the cost thereof shall be charged to the owner, agent or occupant, and a bill showing the amount thereof mailed or delivered to him or posted upon the premises, whereupon the amount shall immediately be paid to the city clerk/treasurer. (1958 code § 9.04.190)

14.20.070 Building sewer permits – Required – Classes and fees.

A. There shall be two classes of building permits:

1. For residential and commercial service; and

2. For service to establishments producing industrial wastes.

B. The owner or his agent shall make application on a special form furnished by the city. The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications or other information considered pertinent in the city engineer’s judgement. A permit and inspection fee of $50.00 shall be paid to the city clerk/treasurer at the time the application is filed. No permit shall be issued until all connection charges have been paid. (Ord. 1715 § 1, 2006; 1958 code § 9.04.210)

14.20.080 Connection permit – Required.

It is unlawful to make any connection with any public or private sewer, drain or natural outlet without complying with all of the provisions of this chapter in relation thereto, and having a permit to do so from the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.205)

14.20.090 Connection permit – Application.

Application for the permit required by RMC 14.20.080 shall be filed with the city engineer, stating the name of the owner, the correct address and legal description of the property to be served, dimensions and locations of any buildings on the property, and the whole course of the drain from the public sewer or other outlet to its connection with the building or property to be served. The application shall be submitted to the city engineer for approval, who may change or modify the same and designate the manner and place in which such sewers shall be connected with the public sewer, may also specify the material, size and grade of such sewer, and shall endorse his approval upon the application if the same is acceptable to him. The city engineer will require the permittee to furnish him plans pertaining to the application and issuance of the permit. (1958 code § 9.04.215)

14.20.100 Connection permit – Issuance of sewer plat.

Upon approval of the application, the city engineer shall issue for his records a sewer plat, showing the size and location of the public sewer, the point of connection, the location of any buildings on the lot, and such other information as may be available and required. (1958 code § 9.04.220)

14.20.110 Record of connections to be kept.

The city engineer shall prepare and keep on file in his office all cards and records of sewer connections, showing the information obtained in the course of inspection of completed work done under the permit. (1958 code § 9.04.225)

14.20.120 Connection permit – City officers to ascertain possession.

It shall be the duty of any police officer and of the health officer finding any person breaking ground for the purpose of making connection with a public or private sewer or drain to ascertain if such person has a permit therefor and, if not, to immediately report the fact to the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.230)

14.20.130 Work inside property lines – Permit required.

It is unlawful to construct, extend, relay, repair or to make connection to any sewer or drain inside the property line without obtaining a permit from the city engineer as provided in RMC 14.20.080. The city engineer may issue such permit to the owner or occupant of any property to construct, extend, relay, repair or make connection to any private sewer or drain inside the property lines, provided such owner or occupant shall comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter; except that he need not employ a licensed side sewer contractor to do the work. Should the owner or occupant employ a licensed side sewer contractor to do the work, such contractor shall take the permit in his own name, and the owner, occupant or other person shall lay no pipe on the contractor’s permit. (1958 code § 9.04.235)

14.20.140 Scope of permit – Limitations.

Upon approval of the application and issuance of the permit, it is unlawful to alter or to do any other work than as provided for in the permit. (1958 code § 9.04.245)

14.20.150 Scope of permit – Approval required for additional work.

When a permit has been issued for a side sewer or drain as herein provided, no work other than that covered by the permit shall be done without the approval of the city engineer; and he may, if he deems the additional work of sufficient consequence, require a new permit to cover the same. (1958 code § 9.04.250)

14.20.160 Temporary connections – Permit required.

The city engineer may, upon application containing such information as is required by him, issue a permit for a temporary connection to a public sewer, side sewer, drain or natural outlet. Such permit may be revoked by the city engineer at any time, upon 30 days’ notice posted upon the premises and directed to the owner or occupant of the premises; and in the event the side sewer or drains are not disconnected at the expiration of the 30 days, the city engineer may disconnect the same and charge the cost thereof to the owner or occupant, and such costs shall be immediately payable to the city clerk/treasurer following a written notice of the amount thereof given to such owner or posted on the premises. Such temporary permit shall be issued only upon the applicant recording with the county auditor an acceptable instrument agreeing to save the city harmless from all damages resulting to the city by reason of such temporary connection or disconnection, and exhibiting to the city engineer the recording number thereof. (1958 code § 9.04.255)

14.20.170 Permit – Card to be posted.

The permit card required by this chapter must at all times during the performance of the work, and until the completion thereof and approval by the city engineer, be posted in some conspicuous place at or near the work, and must be readily and safely accessible to the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.290)

14.20.180 Permit – Period of validity – Renewals.

No permit issued under this chapter shall be valid for a longer period than 90 days, unless extended or renewed by the applicant prior to expiration. Failure to renew the permit prior to expiration thereof shall require the payment of a new permit fee. (1958 code § 9.04.260)

14.20.190 Side sewer contractor – License requirements.

It is unlawful to make any connection to any public sewer or to lay, repair, alter or connect any private drain or sewer in any public area except by a holder of a side sewer contractor’s license issued under provisions of any applicable licensing ordinances of the city, and unless such licensee has filed a bond under the provisions of such ordinance, such bond to be in the amount of $2,500. (1958 code § 9.04.195)

14.20.200 Side sewer contractor – Work restrictions.

No licensed side sewer contractor shall break, alter or tamper with any public sewer, except that he may connect to a “Y” or “T” which exists for that purpose, under the supervision of the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.200)

14.20.220 Fees – Four-inch sewer connections.

The connection charge for sewer service is $1,500 and must be paid in full before service is provided. A connection charge includes a capital investment recovery of $500.00 and installation charge of $1,000 (for a four-inch connection). (Ord. 1882 § 6, 2018)

14.20.230 Fees – Items of cost covered.

The connection charge called for in RMC 14.20.220 covers the capital investment, cost of labor and materials required to stub out a four-inch line from the sewer main to the owner’s property line for a distance of no greater than 50 feet. The capital investment recovery fee of the connection charge shall apply to additional sewer connections that are connected directly to a customer owned sewer line. (Ord. 1836 § 2, 2015)

14.20.240 Fees – Sewer connections larger than four inches.

The connection charge is $1,700 and must be paid in full before service is provided. The total charge shall be based on the actual cost of the installation, plus a 25 percent overhead cost of not less than a total of $1,200, plus the capital investment recovery charge of $500.00, for a minimum total of $1,700. The capital investment recovery fee of the connection charge shall apply to additional sewer connections that are connected directly to a customer owned sewer line. (Ord. 1882 § 7, 2018)

14.20.250 Fees – For extra work.

Charges for making connections under cement or asphaltic pavement or sidewalks shall be made at the actual cost of labor and materials, and may be paid in the same manner described in RMC 14.20.220. (1958 code § 9.04.285)

14.20.270 Standard plans and specifications.

All material and workmanship in connection with the installation of any side sewer and connection with a public sewer shall be as required by the “Standard Plans and Specifications of the City of Raymond,” except as to modifications or changes approved by the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.410)

14.20.280 Openings in pavement – Size.

Whenever it becomes necessary to disturb pavement in connection with any work authorized under this chapter, the opening shall be not less than two feet by seven feet or more than two and one-half feet by eight feet, provided the city engineer may specify a different size of opening and additional cuts to be made when needed to ensure a proper backfill. (1958 code § 9.04.415)

14.20.290 Excavations in public areas.

No excavation shall be made in any public area except at the times and in the manner prescribed by the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.420)

14.20.300 Protection of excavations.

It is unlawful to leave unguarded any excavation made in connection with the construction or repair of any side sewer or private drain within four feet of any public place, or to fail to maintain the lateral support of any public place in connection with the construction, alteration or repair of any side sewer or drain. (1958 code § 9.04.240)

14.20.310 Backfill under pavement.

All backfill of excavations and tunnels under concrete or asphalt surfacing and the restoration of these surfaces in public areas shall be done by the contractor under the supervision of the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.425)

14.20.320 Excavating without permission or damaging sewer system prohibited.

It is unlawful to break, damage, destroy, deface, alter or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or equipment which is part of the sewer system of the city, or, without authority from the city engineer, to break, damage, destroy or deface any public walk, curb or pavement, or to make openings or excavations in a public area for the purpose of connection to any public or private sewer. (1958 code § 9.04.430)

14.20.330 Inspection – Trenches to be left open.

No trench shall be filled, nor any sewer covered, until the work shall have been inspected and approved by the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.315)

14.20.340 Inspection – Notice to city.

Any person performing work under permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall notify the city engineer when the work will be ready for inspection, and shall specify in such notification the location of the premises by address and the file number of the permit. (1958 code § 9.04.295)

14.20.350 Inspection – Forty-eight-hour notice required when.

On any calls for inspection, 48 hours’ notice plus Saturday, Sunday and holidays may be required by the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.300)

14.20.360 Inspection – Contractor or representative to be present.

In the case of a licensed side sewer contractor, either the contractor or a competent representative shall be on the premises, whenever so directed to meet the inspector. (1958 code § 9.04.310)

14.20.370 Inspection – Notice of defects found.

If the city engineer finds the work or material used is not in accordance with this chapter, he shall notify the person doing the work, and also the owner of the premises, by posting a written notice on the permit card, and such posted notice shall be all the notice that is required to be given of the defects in the work or material found in such inspection. (1958 code § 9.04.305)

14.20.380 Guarding of excavations.

Any excavation made by any licensed sewer contractor in any public place, or immediately adjacent thereto, shall be protected and guarded by fencing or covering and by proper lights. The protection of the public from the danger of such excavation shall be the responsibility of the side sewer contractor, and said contractor shall be liable on his bond for any damage caused by his failure to properly protect and guard such excavation as herein required. If the contractor fails to properly protect and guard such excavation as herein required, the city engineer may properly protect and guard such excavation and charge the cost thereof to the side sewer contractor who shall, upon receiving written notice of the amount of such charge or by the posting of a notice of the amount of such charge at the location of the excavation, immediately pay the same to the city clerk/treasurer. (1958 code § 9.04.435)

14.20.390 Restoration of surface.

All streets, sidewalks, parking strips and other public areas, except as mentioned in RMC 14.20.270 through 14.20.290 and 14.20.310, disturbed or altered in the course of any side sewer or drainage work shall be restored by the licensed sewer contractor to the original surface condition, as approved by the city engineer; and in the event of the failure of the contractor to so restore the area, the city engineer may make such restoration and charge the cost thereof to the side sewer contractor who shall, upon receiving written notice of the amount thereof, or upon posting of such notice on the area, make immediate payment thereof to the city clerk/treasurer. (1958 code § 9.04.440)

14.20.410 Building sewers – Tee and riser location.

The first fitting at the connection with the public sewer and the building sewer shall be a PVC tee and riser furnished by the owner. The tee branch shall extend vertically to within one foot of finished ground surface, and shall be sealed with an approved cap or plug. This riser shall be used for inserting a test plug for testing the building sewer and as an auxiliary cleanout. Backfilling around the riser shall be done in such a manner so as not to damage the pipe. (Ord. 1526 § 1(C) 1992; 1958 code § 9.04.365)

14.20.420 Building sewers – Alignment.

The building sewer shall be laid at uniform grade and in straight alignment insofar as is possible. Changes in direction shall be made only with curved pipe no greater than 45-degree long radius bends. No 45-degree or 90-degree short-radius elbows shall be used. (1958 code § 9.04.370)

14.20.430 House drain – Elevation – Backwater valve required when.

Whenever a situation exists involving an unusual danger of backups, the city engineer may prescribe a minimum elevation at which the house drain may be discharged into the public sewer. Drains or sewers below such minimum elevation shall be lifted by artificial means or, if approved by the city engineer, a backwater sewage valve may be installed. The effective operation of the backwater sewage valve shall be the responsibility of the owner of the sewer or drain. Approval of a backwater sewage valve shall be made only upon the applicant’s recording with the county auditor an acceptable instrument agreeing to save the city harmless from all damage resulting therefrom, and exhibiting to the city engineer his or their recording number thereof. (1958 code § 9.04.350)

14.20.440 Discharge by pumping required when.

In any building, structure or premises in which a house drain or other drainage is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, the same shall be lifted by artificial means and discharged into the public sewer. (1958 code § 9.04.345)

14.20.450 Joints and connections gastight and watertight.

All points and connections shall be made gastight and watertight. (1958 code § 9.04.375)

14.20.460 Side sewers – Location, grade, size and cover.

A. All side sewers:

1. Shall be laid on a not less than two percent grade (one-quarter inch per foot) and not more than 100 percent grade (12 inches per foot);

2. Shall be continuous grade from the house drain to the sewer connection at the property line;

3. Shall be not less than 30 inches from any foundation wall of any buildings, and if there is no foundation wall, not less than 30 inches from the outer line of any footings, pilings or building supports;

4. Shall have not less than 60 inches of cover at the curb line or in a public alley, 30 inches of cover at the property line, and 18 inches of cover on the private property.

B. No side sewer which is laid generally parallel to the curbline shall have less than 48 inches of cover between the curb or curbline and the sidewalk or sidewalk line, or less than 30 inches of cover between the sidewalk or sidewalk line and the property line. All cover measurements shall be based on the established grade or on existing improvements, or shall be approved by the city engineer.

C. No side sewer shall be less than six inches in diameter in public areas except as otherwise specified in the standard plans and specifications of the city of Raymond. Not more than one building shall be connected to a side sewer except by permission of the city engineer. Any one single-family residence shall be connected with not less than four-inch diameter pipe, and any multiple dwelling, industrial or commercial building or group of two single-family residences shall be connected with not less than six-inch diameter pipe. (1958 code § 9.04.380)

14.20.470 Side sewers – Use of existing installation.

The use of an existing side sewer may be permitted when approved by the city engineer as conforming to all requirements of this chapter for a new or converted building or new installation replacing an old one. (1958 code § 9.04.340)

14.20.480 Side sewers – Easements – Required when.

Before any side sewer may be located on any building site other than that owned by the owner of the side sewer, the owner of the side sewer shall secure from the owner of such building site a written easement, duly acknowledged, covering and granting the right to occupy such property for such purpose, and such written easement shall be recorded by the owner of the sewer in the office of the county auditor. (1958 code § 9.04.390)

14.20.490 Side sewers – Easements – As condition of permit.

Before the city engineer issues a permit authorizing the laying of a side sewer on any building site other than the one served by it, the owner of the sewer shall secure from the building site owner and record with the auditor the sewer easement herein referred to, and shall exhibit to the city engineer the recording number thereof. (1958 code § 9.04.395)

14.20.500 Side sewers – Connection to another side sewer – Permission required.

Where a side sewer is to be connected in a public area to a side sewer which is owned by another and does not involve an easement, written permission for such connection shall be obtained from the owner of such side sewer, and shall be filed with the city engineer before any permit authorizing such connection is issued. (1958 code § 9.04.400)

14.20.510 Side sewers – Special permit required when – Indemnification of city.

Where physical conditions render compliance with the foregoing provisions impracticable, the city engineer may issue a special permit for installation of a side sewer requiring compliance with such provisions insofar as is reasonably possible, and such permit shall be issued only upon the condition that the permittee shall record with the county auditor an instrument acceptable to the city engineer, agreeing to save harmless and indemnify the city from any damage or injury resulting from such installation. (1958 code § 9.04.405)

14.20.520 Side sewers – Costs borne by owner or occupant.

All costs and expenses incidental to the installation, connection and maintenance of a side sewer shall be borne by the owner or occupant of the premises served by the side sewer. (1958 code § 9.04.335)

14.20.530 Completion of work – Time limitation.

All work within the limits of any public area shall be carried on to completion with due diligence, and if any excavation is left open beyond a time reasonably necessary to fill the same, the city engineer may cause the same to be backfilled and the public area restored forthwith, and any cost incurred in such work shall be charged to the side sewer contractor in charge of such work, and shall be immediately payable to the city clerk/treasurer by the contractor upon written notification of the amount thereof given to the contractor or posted at the location. (1958 code § 9.04.320)

14.20.540 Completion of work – Performed by city when – Costs.

If any work done under a permit granted is not done in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the plans and specifications as approved by the city engineer, and if the contractor or person doing the work refuses to properly construct and complete such work, notice of such failure or refusal shall be given to the owner or occupant of the property for whom the work is being done, and the city engineer may cause the work to be completed and the sewer connected in the proper manner, and the cost of such work and any materials necessary therefor shall be charged to the owner or contractor, and be payable by the owner or contractor immediately upon the city engineer’s giving written notice of the amount thereof or posting a notice thereof on the premises. (1958 code § 9.04.325)

14.20.550 Repair or reconstruction of sewer – Notice – Costs.

When any side sewer is constructed, laid, connected or repaired, and does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, or where it is determined by the health officer or the city engineer that a side sewer, drain, ditch or natural watercourse is obstructed, broken or inadequate, or is a menace to health, or threatens to cause damage to public or private property, the health officer shall give notice to the owner, agent or occupant of the property in which such condition exists, and if he refuses to reconstruct, relay, reconnect, repair or remove the obstruction of the side sewer, drain, ditch or natural watercourse within the time specified in the notice, the health officer shall so notify the city engineer, and the city engineer may perform such work as may be necessary to comply with this chapter, and the cost of such work so done shall be charged to the property owner or occupant, and shall become immediately payable to the city clerk/treasurer upon written notice of such amount being given to the property owner or occupant, or posted upon the premises. (1958 code § 9.04.330)

14.20.560 Stormwater and other unpolluted water – Discharge to sanitary sewer prohibited.

No one shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, cooling water or unpolluted industrial process water to any sewer which is built solely for sanitary sewage. (1958 code § 9.04.445)

14.20.570 Stormwater and other unpolluted water – Discharge to storm sewer or natural outlet required.

Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated storm sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the city engineer. Industrial cooling water or unpolluted process water may be discharged, upon approval of the city engineer, to a storm sewer or natural outlet. (1958 code § 9.04.450)

14.20.590 Standards for measurement, tests and analysis.

All measurements, tests and analysis of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which reference is made in this chapter shall be determined in accordance with the standards prescribed in “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Sewage,” published jointly by the American Health Association and the American Water Works Association. (1958 code § 9.04.495)

14.20.600 Discharge of certain wastes prohibited.

It is unlawful to discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes in any public sewer, drain, ditch or natural outlet:

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

B. Any water or waste which contains more than 100 parts per million by weight of fat, oil or grease;

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

D. Any garbage that has not been properly shredded;

E. Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, hair, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastic, 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 sewage works;

F. Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than five and five-tenths, or higher than eight and five-tenths, or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment or personnel of the sewage 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, animals, fish or fowl, or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant;

H. Any waters or waste containing suspended solids of unusual character and concentration requiring special attention or expense in handling such materials at the sewer treatment plant, or create any hazard in receiving waters, or constitute a hazard to humans, animals, fish or fowl;

I. Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance capable of creating a public nuisance;

J. Any waters or wastes containing more than 300 parts per million by weight BOD. (Ord. 1411 § 1, 1984; 1958 code § 9.04.460)

14.20.610 Grease, oil and sand interceptors – Required when.

No grease, oil, sand, liquid or waste containing grease or flammable material or other harmful ingredients in excessive amounts shall be discharged into any public sewer without the installation of interceptors, which shall be of a type and capacity approved by the city engineer, and shall be so located as to be readily accessible for cleaning and inspection. (1958 code § 9.04.465)

14.20.620 Grease, oil and sand interceptors – Maintenance.

When any interceptors are installed for private use, they shall be maintained by the owner at his expense, and in continuously efficient operation at all times. (1958 code § 9.04.470)

14.20.630 Preliminary treatment – Installation and expense.

Whenever preliminary treatment is necessary to reduce BOD to 300 parts per million by weight, or to reduce the objectionable characteristics or constituents, or the quality of substances, materials, water or waste prohibited in RMC 14.20.600, such preliminary treatment shall be at the sole expense of the owner and shall be installed when the city engineer determines that the owner is in violation of the standards prescribed. (Ord. 1411 § 1, 1984; 1958 code § 9.04.475)

14.20.640 Preliminary treatment – Plans and specifications.

All plans and specifications and any other pertinent information relating to proposed preliminary treatment activities shall be submitted for the approval of the city engineer; and no construction of such facilities shall be commenced until such approval is noted on the plan. (1958 code § 9.04.480)

14.20.650 Preliminary treatment – Maintenance of facilities.

Where preliminary treatment facilities are installed and used, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and efficient operation by the owner at his own expense. (1958 code § 9.04.485)

14.20.660 Control manholes.

In any property served by a side sewer carrying industrial wastes, when requited by the city engineer, the owner or occupant shall install a control manhole in the side sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole shall be necessarily accessible and safely located, and shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the plans approved by the city engineer. Such manhole shall be installed and maintained by the owner or occupant at his sole expense. (1958 code § 9.04.490)

14.20.670 Unusual wastes – Special agreement required.

The city engineer shall make recommendations to the city council in regard to entering into any agreement whereby any waste of unusual character may be accepted by the city or treatment before entry into the public sewer, the payment for such treatment to be such as is fixed by the city council. (1958 code § 9.04.500)

14.20.680 Drainage of parking lots and service station areas.

All hard surfaces or graded areas such as parking lots and service station yards shall be drained in such manner as will protect adjacent public and private property from damage, and such drainage shall enter the storm sewer or ether outlet by way of an interceptor of such design as is approved by the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.505)

14.20.690 Discontinued privies and septic tanks – Disinfection and filling.

All vaults or privies shall be disinfected and filled with fresh earth, and all septic tanks, cesspools and similar installations shall be disinfected and filled with fresh earth at the time of the discontinuance of the use thereof. (1958 code § 9.04.385)

14.20.700 Trees – Species prohibited near sewers.

It is unlawful to plant within 30 feet of any public or private sewer any willow, poplar, cottonwood, soft maple, gum tree, or any other tree or shrub whose roots are likely to enter and obstruct the flow of the sewers. (1958 code § 9.04.510)

14.20.710 Trees – Removal authorized when – Notice.

The city engineer is authorized to remove any trees or shrubs from any public street, or the roots of any trees or shrubs which extend into any public street, when such trees or shrubs or the roots thereof are obstructing or are liable to obstruct any public or private sewer or drainage. Before making any such removal, the city engineer shall give 10 days’ notice, in writing, to the owner or occupant of the abutting property or the property on which such trees or shrubs are growing, requiring such owner or occupant to remove the same. If the written notice cannot be given such owner or occupant, the notice may be posted on the premises or in the street at the location of the trees or shrubs requiring such removal. If the owner or occupant fails or refuses to remove the trees or shrubs and roots within the time specified, the city engineer is authorized to do so, and the cost of removal thereof shall be charged to the owner or occupant, and upon giving such written notice of the amount thereof to the owner or occupant or by posting such notice at the location of the trees or shrubs, the cost thereof shall be immediately payable to the city clerk/treasurer by such owner or occupant. (1958 code § 9.04.515)

14.20.720 Right of entry for inspection and enforcement.

The city engineer or other city officials or employees of the city, bearing proper credentials and identifications, shall be permitted to enter upon any and all premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing of sewers and sewage waste, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; and it is unlawful for any person to prevent or attempt to prevent any such entrance, or obstruct or interfere with any such officer or employee while so engaged. (1958 code § 9.04.520)

14.20.721 Defective side sewers.

If, upon inspection by the city of a side sewer connected to the city’s sanitary sewer system, it is determined that the side sewer is defective and permitting the inflow or infiltration of groundwater, the following steps will be taken:

A. The property owner will be notified of the deficiency and charged in accordance with RMC 14.24.020.

B. Upon termination of city utility services and vacation of a residence with a defective side sewer, the city will sever the side sewer from the sanitary sewer system. Before water or sewer service is resumed, the defective side sewer must be replaced. The property owner will be notified of the above in writing. If the side sewer is replaced within two years of the date of service termination, the sewer connection fee will not be charged upon the installation and reconnection of the new side sewer. (Ord. 1458 § 1, 1988)

14.20.730 Rules and regulations – City engineer authority – Public availability.

The city engineer may make rules and regulations, and amend the same from time to time, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, as he shall deem necessary and convenient to carry out the provisions of this chapter. Such rules and regulations shall be known as and are herein referred to as “The Standard Plans and Specifications of the City of Raymond.” Such rules, regulations and amendments thereto shall be in writing, signed by the city engineer, and become effective 10 days after filing with the city clerk/treasurer. Copies of all current rules and regulations shall be at all times available in the office of the city engineer. (1958 code § 9.04.525)

14.20.740 Rules and regulations – Public objections – Hearing.

In the event any person desires to object to any proposed rules, regulations or amendments as filed with the city clerk/treasurer, he shall, before the expiration of the 10-day period, file a written notice of objection with the city clerk/treasurer, and leave a copy thereof with the city engineer’s office. Filing of such notice of objection shall stay the effective date of the proposed rule, regulation or amendment pending hearing on the objection before the city council at their next regular meeting. Such hearing may be continued to a future meeting, but the decision to so continue shall be within the sole discretion of the city council. (1958 code § 9.04.530)

14.20.750 Violation – Liability for damages.

Whoever violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall, in addition to any penalties provided for such violation, be liable for any expenses, losses or damages occasioned thereby to the city. (1958 code § 9.04.540)

14.20.760 Violation – Penalty.

Violation of or failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall subject the offender to a maximum fine of $300.00, or imprisonment for 90 days, or both; and each day that any violation or failure to comply exists shall constitute a separate offense. (1958 code § 9.04.545)