§ 53.03. PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS.

(A) Definitions. Terms as used in this section have the same meanings as those ascribed to the terms as defined in § 53.01.

(1985 Code, § 4-1-1)

(B) Connection to private system in absence of public sewer. Where a public sanitary or combined sewer is not available under the provision of this chapter, the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this section.

(1985 Code, § 4-1-2)

(C) Construction permit required; fee; inspection of work. Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the Superintendent. The application for the permit shall be made on a form furnished by the city, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications, and other information as are deemed necessary by the Superintendent. A permit and inspection fee of $25 shall be paid to the city at the time the application is filed. A permit for a private sewage disposal system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the Superintendent. He or she shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction and, in any event, the applicant for the permit shall notify the Superintendent when the work is ready for final inspection, and before any underground portions are covered. The inspection shall be made within 24 hours of the receipt of notice by the Superintendent.

(1985 Code, § 4-1-3)

(D) Design and layout requirements. The type, capacities, location, and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the State Board of Health. No permit shall be issued for any private sewage disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities unless written approval by the county Health Officer or authorized assistant is filed with the Superintendent. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any natural outlet.

(1985 Code, § 4-1-4)

(E) Abandonment of private system. At such time as a public sewer becomes available to a property served by a private sewage disposal system as provided in this chapter, a direct connection of the building sewer shall be made to the public sewer within 60 days in compliance with this chapter, and any septic tanks, cesspools, and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned, cleaned of sludge, and filled with clean bank-run gravel or dirt.

(1985 Code, § 4-1-5)

(F) Maintenance of private system. The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the city.

(1985 Code, § 4-1-6)

(G) Additional powers of Health Officer. No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed to interfere with any additional requirements that may be imposed by the Health Officer.

(1985 Code, § 4-1-7)

(H) Violations; notice to abate. Any person found to be violating any provision of this chapter shall be served by the City Council with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a reasonable time limit for the satisfactory correction thereof. The offender shall, within the period of time stated in the notice, permanently cease all violations. For the purposes of administering this section, the Superintendent, the Inspector, or a police officer shall promptly submit to the City Council a report of any person or activity which they believe to be in violation of this chapter, including a statement of the facts and circumstances necessary to substantiate the allegation. The City Council shall direct the Superintendent, Inspector, or police officer, within 48 hours following the expiration of the compliance period stated in the notice, to inspect or otherwise investigate the matter to determine that the violation has been corrected and has ceased.

(1985 Code, § 4-1-8)

(I) Penal liability. If the City Council finds that any person has continued any violation beyond the time limit provided for in the notice, the City Council shall issue or cause to be issued and served upon the violator a citation for violation of this chapter. Any violator on conviction thereof shall be fined in an amount as set forth in § 10.99. Each day in which any such violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. In addition, any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall become liable to the city for any expense, loss, or damage occasioned the city by reason of the violation.

(1985 Code, § 4-1-9)

(Ord. 5-1973, passed 11-13-1973; Ord. 9-1984, passed - -1984; Ord. 12-1984, passed - -1984) Penalty, see § 10.99