01-27-1992 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo January 17, 1992 Page 3 which provides two levels of "substandard" systems. The new definitions of "code system", "conforming system", and "non-conforming system", are consistent with Chapter 7080 and will perhaps be less confusing to property owners in attempting to understand the meanings of the inspection reports. In Snbd. 6, "System Operation, Use and Maintenance", the only change is to revise the threshold at which sludge buildup requires tank pumpout, to be consistent with Chapter 7080 Regulations. Subd* 7 (D), "Special Provisions for Lake Minnetonka Islands", is slightly reorganized for clarity. The non-conformity standards are tightened up to require that non-conforming systems and illegally constructed or located outhouses be made conforming within one year of notification of that non-conformity, but in any case no later than two years after the ordinance is adopted. Our current code had a five year grace period for resolving non-conforming systems, which ended in 1988. Most problem systems Identified under the previous code interpretations were resolved by that date. The more restrictive standards of Chapter 7080 and the new Shoreland Regulations will likely result in additional Big Island systems becoming non- conforming. In general. Big Island systems receive minimal use and have not in the past been a problem of high priority. Snbd* 8 discusses the inspection program and its funding. To be consistent with past practice, and in light of the slowly but steadily increasing number of existing systems to be inspected, Sabd. 8 (B) has been revised to require that "code" and "conforming" systems be inspected by the City at least once every two years. The new definition for "conforming system" and our old definition of "substandard system" are equivalent. Our past code suggested that fully conforming (or "code") systems be inspected every two years, and substandard systems be inspected yearly. Given the history of the program and the nature of the Inspection process, staff feels that inspecting half of the existing systems each year is a reasonable and realistic; program goal, ind will allow for the necessary followup to ensure completion of repairs as well as inspection of new systems. The language regarding collection of the annual service charge was changed slightly to revise the due date and delinquent accounts process to match the current Finance Department practices. A "Severability" clause was added in Subd. 10 as boilerplate. Throughout the code, based on consistency with Chapter 7080 wording, the word "septic" has been replaced with "sewage" in the appropriate places in the code. Also, certain other wording changes to clarify a meaning have occured but were not discussed where they do not change the effect of the code.