13.04.030 Required Use of Public Sewer System

13.04.030 Required Use of Public Sewer System.

A. General. All matters pertaining to the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater and/or industrial wastes within the Sewer Service Area shall be subject to this Section and all other Sections in this Sewer Code.

B. Connection Requirements. Within the Sewer Service Area, the following connection requirements are applicable:

a. New Development. Any applicant who proposes new residential or commercial development on any lot or parcel of real property within the boundaries of a ULID shall be required to connect the plumbing outlets from any existing and proposed buildings or structures to the public sewer system; and

b. Existing Buildings or Structures. The owner of any lot or parcel of real property within the boundaries of a ULID shall be required to connect the plumbing outlets from any existing and proposed buildings or structures to the public sewer system.

a. New Development. Any applicant who proposes new residential or commercial development on any lot or parcel of real property within a horizontal distance of 300 feet from any existing available sewers shall be required to connect the plumbing outlets from any existing and proposed buildings or structures to the public sewer system. The horizontal distance shall be measured along a straight line from the available connection point to the closest property line; and

b. Existing Buildings or Structures. The owner of any lot or parcel of real property within a horizontal distance of 300 feet from any existing available sewers and has existing residential or commercial buildings or structures that are currently served by an OSS shall be required to connect the plumbing outlets from any existing buildings or structures to the public sewer system under any of the following conditions:

(1) When the TPCHD has determined that the failure of the existing OSS cannot be repaired or replaced;

(2) When the TPCHD has determined that there is a proposed change in use of any facility, residence, or other structure that exceeds the wastewater strength or capacity of the existing OSS; or

(3) When the TPCHD has determined that the continued use of the existing OSS threatens public health.

The horizontal distance shall be measured along a straight line from the available connection point to the closest property line.

The owner of any such property connecting to the public sewer system shall be required to submit any required Sewer Facility Plan, obtain the required sewer permits, and pay all applicable fees and connection charges, except as otherwise provided in PCC 13.04.075 and 13.04.077, and take any other action required by the provisions of this Sewer Code.

C. Time and Manner of Connections and Repairs. The owner of any lot or parcel of real property required to make a connection to the public sewer system pursuant to subsection B of this Section shall make such connection within 60 days after the date of written notification of available public sewer facilities from the Director. All required connections to the public sewer system shall be made in a permanent and sanitary manner in accordance with the provisions of this Sewer Code and shall be sufficient to carry all the wastewater from all buildings or structures into the public sewer system. Each toilet, sink, stationary washstand, washing machine, dishwasher, floor drain and other type of equipment discharging wastewater shall be connected to the public sewer system.

All plumbing outlets shall be connected to the public sewer system before the completion of the construction of any buildings or structures or before any occupancy or use thereof is allowed. Upon connection to the public sewer system, the owner shall decommission any existing OSS in accordance with the TPCHD's Environmental Health Code.

Any needed repair to any public or private sewer facilities shall be made within 30 days after the date of written notification from the Director to the owner of the property served. In the event of an emergency, the Director may establish a shorter time limit for the repair to be made or, if the property owner cannot be located or does not promptly make such repairs, the Department may make the repairs under the procedure of subsection D of this Section.

D. Failure to Connect or Repair Sewer Facilities. If any required connections of or repairs to public or private sewer facilities are not completed as prescribed in subsection C of this Section, the Department may make the connections or repairs for and at the total expense of the property owner or developer provided the Department takes the following steps:

1. Notifies the property owner or developer that the connections or repairs are delinquent and informs the property owner or developer that the Department intends to make the connections or repairs;

2. Notifies the property owner or developer that the Department shall charge the property owner or developer for all costs associated with the connections or repairs; and

3. Notifies the property owner or developer that any failure to reimburse the Department for all costs shall result in the County filing a lien upon the property as provided for in PCC 13.13.045.

E. Financial Conditions. Except as otherwise provided in PCC 13.04.075 and 13.04.077, the payment of all connection charges or assessments shall be required as set forth in PCC 13.04.070 from any applicant requesting:

1. increased usage or other benefits over and above what the property was previously assessed or charged; or

2. a first-time connection to the public sewer system.

F. Affordable Housing. Any applicant requesting a waiver of connection charges and sewer permit and/or plan review application fees for a first-time connection to the public sewer system shall be required to meet the requirements for affordable housing as prescribed in Chapter 18A.65 PCC and may only be available if sufficient funds have been appropriated by the Pierce County Council to the Sewer Utility Funds to replace those charges and fees waived or refunded to the applicant.