§ 51.14. PRIVATE SEWER SYSTEMS.

(A) Where a public sanitary or combined sewer is not available, pursuant to Chapter 52, the building service sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this chapter. For the purpose of this chapter, the private sewage disposal system referred to herewith shall be a septic system.

(‘89 Code, § 101.01)

(B) Prior to commencement of construction of a septic system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit from the city. The applicant shall make application on a sewer permit form furnished by the city and obtainable in the office of the City Engineer. The applicant for a permit shall supply plans, specifications and additional information as deemed necessary by the City Engineer, and these shall be attached to the application. Requirements for construction of private sewage disposal systems are contained in the city’s manual entitled A Manual on Sewer Construction, as referenced in § 51.63.

(‘89 Code, § 101.02)

(C) A permit and inspection fee of $50 shall be paid to the Clerk-Treasurer at the time the application is filed. The permit and inspection fee shall be allocated to the Sewer Improvement Fund.

(‘89 Code, § 101.03)

(D) A soil percolation test shall be required prior to issuance of a permit for septic tank installation. The test may be performed by the Sewer Superintendent or his or her representative, or may be contracted with a registered engineer or land surveyor whose stamp shall be affixed to the data sheet(s). The purpose of the percolation test is to determine the soil absorption rate and size of the absorption trench necessary. A minimum of three test holes shall be required, each spaced a minimum of 50 feet from other test holes and within the area designated for the installation of the disposal field. Test results with absorption rates greater than 60 minutes per inch shall not be acceptable.

(‘89 Code, § 101.04)

(E) A fee of $25 for the soil percolation test performed by the Sewer Department representative shall be paid to the Clerk-Treasurer at the time the sewer application is filed. The soil percolation test fee shall be allocated to the Sewer Improvement Fund.

(‘89 Code, § 101.05)

(F) In the event that the soil percolation test proves that the proposed absorption field contains unsuitable soils, the permit application shall be denied. The permit shall be voided and the permit and inspection fee of $50 shall be refunded to the applicant.

(‘89 Code, § 101.06)

(G) A permit for a septic system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the Sewer Superintendent.

(‘89 Code, § 101.07)

(H) The Sewer Superintendent shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction. The permit holder shall notify the Superintendent when the work is ready for final inspection and before any underground portions are covered. The final inspection shall be made within 48 hours of the receipt of the notice by the Superintendent.

(‘89 Code, § 101.08)

(I) The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with recommendations of the State Department of Environmental Management.

(‘89 Code, § 101.09)

(J) No permit shall be issued for any private sewage disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities where the area of the lot is less than 16,000 square feet.

(‘89 Code, § 101.10)

(K) No septic tank shall be permitted to discharge to any public sewer or watercourse.

(‘89 Code, § 101.11)

(L) At the time that a public sewer becomes available to property served by a private sewage disposal system, pursuant to Chapter 52, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in compliance with this chapter.

(‘89 Code, § 101.12)

(M) Septic tanks, cesspools and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material upon connection with the public sewer system.

(‘89 Code, § 101.13)

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

(‘89 Code, § 101.14)

(O) No person shall uncover, alter or disturb any portion of an existing private sewage disposal system without first obtaining a written permit from the Office of the City Engineer. Permit and inspection fees as outlined in division (C) above shall apply.

(‘89 Code, § 101.15) Penalty, see § 10.99