Chapter 17.12
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL

Sections:

17.12.010    Private sewer permitted – When.

17.12.020    Certain conforming private systems permissible.

17.12.030    Private systems to be discontinued when public sewer available.

17.12.040    Permit to be obtained before construction.

17.12.050    Form and contents of application – Fee.

17.12.070    General requirements.

17.12.090    Conditions for temporary connection.

17.12.010 Private sewer permitted – When.

Where a public sanitary sewer is not available within 300 feet of the property line under the provisions of RMC 17.08.040, the building sewer may be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this title and the requirements of the Benton-Franklin district health department. But, in any event, the building sewer shall be connected with either a public or private sewage disposal system. [Ord. 77; Ord. 07-04; Ord. 39-09 § 1.01].

17.12.020 Certain conforming private systems permissible.

Any property that is served by a private sewage system at the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title may legally continue to be served by such system if such system meets the standards of this title and the requirements of the Benton-Franklin district health department. [Ord. 77; Ord. 07-04; Ord. 39-09 § 1.01].

17.12.030 Private systems to be discontinued when public sewer available.

When the city engineer and/or the Benton-Franklin district health department determines that a private sewer system is defective, and if a public sewer is within 300 feet of the property line a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer within 90 days after official notice to do so, in compliance with this title. As soon as such connection is made, any septic tanks, cesspools, or similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material, subject to the approval of the city engineer. All costs and expenses incident to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner. [Ord. 77; Ord. 127; Ord. 07-04; Ord. 39-09 § 1.01].

17.12.040 Permit to be obtained before construction.

Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, the owner, his agent, or his sewer contractor shall first obtain a written private sewer permit issued by the Benton-Franklin district health department. [Ord. 77; Ord. 07-04; Ord. 39-09 § 1.01].

17.12.050 Form and contents of application – Fee.

The application for a private sewer permit shall be made on a form furnished by the Benton-Franklin district health department, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications and other information deemed necessary by the health department for enforcement of this title. [Ord. 77; Ord. 07-04; Ord. 39-09 § 1.01].

17.12.070 General requirements.

Type, capacities, layout and operation of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all requirements of the Benton-Franklin district health department. [Ord. 77; Ord. 07-04; Ord. 39-09 § 1.01].

17.12.090 Conditions for temporary connection.

The recorded owner of property that has not been assessed for sewers, and to which the privilege of temporary connection to the municipal sewage works may be granted, shall sign an approved document relieving the city of damage claims on behalf of himself, his heirs, successors, and assigns in the event that disconnection is required; such document shall be acknowledged and recorded and shall be referred to as a “release of damages.” [Ord. 77 § 3.09; Ord. 39-09 § 1.01].