01-27-1992 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo January 17, 1992 Page 2 In Subd. 4 (B) under "Jurisdiction" a provision was added requiring that all septic tanks no longer in use be pumped out and filled with native soil. This eliminates the potential of abandoned septic tanks collapsing. A new Subd. 4 (C) was added to specifically prohibit surface discharge. Pre-existing Sections C through P were then relettered as D through G. Subd. 4 (F) and (G), "Building Permit Applications" and "Subdivision Application", are revised by more specifically detailing the soil testing requirements for each application. A major change is that alto avaluation will be required for all lots being created which are BO longer further subdividable under the current code. This will now require testing (but not necessarily a system design) for new lots created in the 5 acre zone. The code is also clarified to require that a system design be submitted as part of the subdivision site evaluation process for any new lot less than 5 acres in area. Given the relatively more sensitive or marginal lands remaining for development in the City, this will help to ensure that appropriate development occurs. Subd. 5 has been completely redesigned. This section formerly referred to the "Orono Design Manual* for all construction and system design specifications. Since the MPCA's Regulations Chapter 7080 will now be referenced instead of the Design Manual, this section will contain those Orono requirements which historically have been more strict or more detailed and "municipality-specific" than the Chapter 7080 Regulations. Our requirements are more strict in site evaluation procedures and reporting requirements, setbacks, pump station requirements, site limitations for mound systems and trench drainfields, and construction procedures. A significant point of dmpmrture between the Chapter 7080 standards and our previous code is the allowed ground slope for mound systems. The State continues to eapaBd the upper limits of slope on which mound systems can be expected to function adequately. This expansion is based on what staff feels is inadequate research. Orono's current Code limits mound construction to €% or flatter slopes, with the exception that elopes up to 12% may be considered where virtually no other possibilities are available and soil conditions are thoroughly investigated and found appropriate. The State would allow mounds on slopes in excess of 12%, which we have found to be prone to failure in Orono's typical clay loam soils. The proposed ordinance revision limits mounds to 6% slopes unless a variance is allowed by staff based on acceptable justification. Subd. 5 revises the system conformity classifications to be consistent with Chapter 7080. While our current code since 1978 has classified systems as conforming, substandard, or non-conf ormlng/f ai1Ing, the City inspection reports have always carried a four category system