Chapter 18.20
SEPTIC TANKS
Sections:
18.20.000 Regulations.
18.20.010 Definitions.
18.20.020 Designer's certificate.
18.20.040 Permits.
18.20.050 Where systems required.
10.20.060 Location.
18.20.070 Standards.
18.20.080 Maintenance.
18.20.000 Regulations.
The public works director shall establish reasonable rules and regulations for the location, construction, repair and maintenance of sewage disposal systems based upon accepted local, regional and state standards and recommendations.
18.20.010 Definitions.
A. Sanitary Drainage System. The piping which conveys sewage from plumbing fixtures to a public sewer or private sewage system.
B. Sewage. Any liquid or liquid-borne waste from ordinary living processes, or liquid or liquid-borne waste which contains animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution, or liquid or liquid-borne waste which may contain chemical or solution, and which may be lawfully discharged into a public sanitary sewer.
C. Sewage Disposal System. Sanitary drainage systems, septic tanks, grease traps, leaching pits, surface and subsurface leaching filter beds, and appurtenances; or other approved facilities for the disposal of sewage by means other than through a public sewer.
18.20.020 Designer's certificate.
No person shall design sewage disposal systems without a sewage disposal system designer's certificate of competency issued by Snohomish County, or a state of Washington license as a registered civil engineer or sanitarian.
18.20.040 Permits.
A. Required. No person shall construct, install or modify sewage disposal systems without a current city permit. The permit shall be posted on the building or premises where the work permitted is being done, and unless revoked, shall not be removed until such work has been finally approved by the public works director.
B. Fee. The fee for a sewage disposal system permit shall be as set in Chapter 15.00 ECDC.
C. Approval Criteria. The public works director shall only approve an application if in his judgment the physical features of property on which it is proposed to locate the sewage disposal system, or the design of the proposed sewage disposal system, are adequate for sale and effective operation of the system.
D. Additional Materials. Application for a sewage disposal system permit shall be supported by the following:
1. A completely dimensioned plot plan, drawn to scale, showing direction of surface drainage, approximate slope, and other topographical features relevant to the design and installation of an adequate and efficient sewage disposal system;
2. Construction plans and specifications;
3. A log of soil formation and ground water level as determined by test holes in the proposed disposal field;
4. A statement of absorption characteristics of the soil as determined by percolation tests made in the proposed disposal field.
E. Term. Permits shall expire one year from date of issue.
18.20.050 Where systems required.
Every plumbing fixture and every sanitary drainage system not connected to a public sewer, or not required by law to be connected to a public sewer, shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system.
10.20.060 Location.
Sewage disposal systems shall be located on the same lot as the building they are designed to serve, or, if an easement is obtained and recorded with the Snohomish County auditor, on adjoining property if approved by the public works director.
18.20.070 Standards.
A. Designer. Sewage disposal systems shall be designed by a sewage disposal system designer, certificated as provided in this chapter, or by a sanitary or civil engineer licensed by the state of Washington.
B. Design Standards. Design of sewage disposal systems shall be such as to accommodate all sewage from the buildings and premises to be served, and in accordance with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the public works director adopted pursuant to this chapter. The type of system shall be determined by location, soil porosity, ground water level and other relevant conditions.
C. Construction Standards. Construction, installation or alteration of sewage disposal systems shall be such as to accommodate all sewage from the buildings and premises to be served, and in accordance with this chapter and the rules and regulations of the public works director adopted pursuant to this chapter. No downspout or footing drain shall be directly or indirectly connected to a sewage disposal system. Sewage disposal systems shall be so constructed and installed that surface water or ground water will not interfere with the operation of such system.
18.20.080 Maintenance.
Sewage disposal systems shall be maintained in accordance with this chapter and the adopted rules and regulations of the public works director. No sewage disposal system shall be used which directly or indirectly discharges upon the surface of the ground or into any waters within the county unless the contents of such system have been subjected to approved purification and bactericidal treatment.