HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 0599 - Individual Sewer Disposal System C ty af Tukwila
Washington
Cover page to Ordinance 599
The full text of the ordinance follows this cover page.
AN ORDINANCE relating to and regulating individual
sewage waste disposal systems, requiring certificate
of competency for designers and commercial installers,
requiring permits for installation and repairs,
establishing rules and regulations pertaining to the
design and installation and prescribing fees and
fixing penalties.
Ordinance 599 was amended or repealed by the
following ordinances.
AMENDED BY: REPEALED BY:
2314 §1
c se i LA 44
*TO El
CIT M N
/006
OF TUKW
WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. 67
AN ORDINANCE relating to and regulating individual
sewage waste disposal systems, requiring certificate
of competency for designers and commercial installers,
requiring permits for installation and repairs,
establishing rules and regulations pertaining to the
design and installation and prescribing fees and
fixing penalties.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON DO
ORDAIN as follows:
Section 1. The regulations and provisions of Resolution No. 22873
of King County, Washington, three copies of Which are on file in the
office of the City Clerk, i hereby adopted as an ordinance of the
City of Tukwila, and such regulations and provisions, asmodified,
are hereby incorporated herein and shall be in full force and effect
within the corporate limits of the City of Tukwila.
Section 2. All references in the aforesaid resolution to "King
County" shall be construed to mean "The City of Tukwila
Section 3. All references in the aforesaid resolution to
resolution" shall be construed to include said Resolution No. 22873,
and all applicable ordinances of the City of Tukwila.
Section 4. All references in the aforesaid resolution to the
word "Director" shall be construedAo mean "Health Officer of the City
of Tukwila or his authorized representative
Section 5. All references in the aforesaid resolution to "County
Commissioners" shall be construed to mean "City Council of the City
of Tukwila
Section 6. There shall be deleted from said Resolution No. 22873
the following numbered sections thereof; Section 14, 15, 16 and 17.
Section 7. There shall be substituted for Section 2 of said
resolution the following in its entirely:
"The Health Officer may adopt rules and regulations consistent
with this resolution and he may enter any building or premises
at any reasonable time to perform any of the duties imposed on
him by this resolution. Violation of any of the provisions of
this resolution or any provision of any resolution of King
County hereby adopted by reference or any rule or regulation
promulgated thereunder shall be a misdemeanor and any person
found guilty thereof shall be punished by fine of not more
than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment for a
period not exceeding ninety (90) days or both. It shall be
a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof
during which any violation of any of such provisions is committed,
continued, or permitted."
Section 8. There shall be substituted for Section 5 of said
resolution the following in its entirety:
Existing Licenses:
(a) Any person licensed by King County (not meaning City of
Tukwila) under this Resolution No. 22873 shall, without payment
of additional fee, be licensed to the same effect in the City
of Tukwila.
(b) All fees charged under this resolution shall be collected
by the Health Officer and paid by him to the Seattle -King County
Department of Public Health (and not the City Treasurer) in
consideration of the services rendered by employees of King County
(and not the City) under this resolution.
(c) This resolution (ordinance) shall be enforced by the
City of Tukwila, or upon complaint of the Health Officer.
Section 9. All sewage disposal permits issued by King County
under the authorization of King County Resolution No. 22873 prior to
the effective date of this ordinance shall be considered in full force
and effect as if issued by the City of Tukwila, provided that all fees
required by King County Resolution No. 22873 have been paid to King
County or the City of Tukwila.
Section 10. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase,
or word of this ordinance, or of any resolution of King County hereby
adopted by reference, is for any reason held to be invalid or uncon-
stitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remain-
ing portions thereof.
Section 11. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon
its passage, signing and publication.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Tukwila, Washington
this 17th day of November 19 69
,A,t6,
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
0e..1_
City Clerk City `Attorney
Published Record Chronicle November 21, 1969.
SEATTLE -KING COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION
OF SEWAGE WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Revised January. 1964
Resolution Number 22873
Ordinance Number 90181
SECTION 1. BUILDING SEWER.
A. Pipe used for construction for a building sewer beyond the building plumbing
shall be a minimum of four inches inside diameter and of cast -iron, vitrified
clay, concrete, bituminized -fibre or plastic which complies with the current
U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Standards for the particular pipe
involved or of asbestos cement approved by the Seattle -King County Department
of Public Health.
B. Construction of the building sewer line shall be such as to secure water tight
joints and it shall be on a grade of not less than 1/8 inch per foot.
C. No 90 degree ells shall be.permitted in the building sewer line and all 45
degree ells shall have accessible cleanouts.
D. Building sewers of 4 inch diameter shall have cleanouts installed at intervals
of not more than 50 feet and sewers of 6 inch diameter and larger shall have
cleanouts installed at intervals of not more than 100 feet.
SECTION 2. SEPTIC TANK.
A. Before septic tanks or grease traps may be manufactured, constructed or sold on
a commercial basis for installation in areas under the jurisdiction of the
department, plots must be submitted and approved by the Director of Public
Health. Such plans shall show all dimensions, reinforcing, structural details
and other pertinent data as may be required. Approval may not be construed or
used in any manner to imply indorsement of a product by the department. Upon
approval by the Director the plans will be assigned an official number.
B. No pre -cast septic tank shall be installed on a commercial basis except those
which have been clearly and legibly marked on the upper surface of the lid
showing the number assigned by the Director.
C. No metal septic tanks shall be manufactured or sold for installation or
installed in areas under the jurisdiction of the department except those which
comply with the current Commercial Standards of the U.S. Department of Commerce
and carry the label of Underwriters Laboratories.
D. Liquid Capacity; Septic tanks installed for single family residential use in
areas under the jurisdiction of the department, whet! ?r they are installed
singly, in series or in a divided system, must be designed according to waste
Page -2-
load and in no case shall have a total capacity of less than 750 gallons except
by written permission of the Director of Public Health.
E. No septic tank or septic tank compartment may be installed in areas under the
jurisdiction of this department which has less than 250 gallons liquid capacity.
1. When the anticipated daily waste load is more than 500 gallons, but not
more than 1,500 gallons, the minimum liquid capacity of the tank shall be
one and one -half times the anticipated load.
2. When the anticipated daily waste load is more than 1,500 gallons the mini-
mum liquid capacity of the tank shall be 75 per cent of the anticipated
load plus 1125 gallons.
3. The liquid depth of any tank or compartment thereof shall be not less than
four feet nor shall a liquid depth greater than seventy -two inches be con-
sidered in determining septic tank capacity.
4. Septic tanks with a liquid capacity of more than 1,000 gallons shall have
at least 2 compartments.
5. When multi compartment tanks or two or more tanks in series are used, the
primary compartment or tank shall not have a liquid capacity of less than
500 gallons or less than twou of total liquid capacity, whichever
is greater.
6. The minimum liquid capacity of a tank receiving intermittent use shall be
determined from the maximum expected daily waste load.
F. Construction: No septic tank may be manufactured or sold for installation, or
installed in areas under the jurisdiction of the department which does not
comply with the following standards:
1. Septic tanks shall be constructed of sound and durable material not
subject to excessive corrosion or deterioration and shall be watertight
and constructed to prevent the entrance of rain water, surface drainage
or ground water.
2. Septic tanks must be provided with a manhole (minimum dimension 18 inches)
or removable cover for each compartment for septic tank inspection and
sludge removal, the inlet and outlet devices shall have removable covers or
properly placed manholes with a minimum diameter of six inches, and the
manhole cover or inlet and outlet covers shall have adequate handles.
3. In each septic tank or septic tank compartment, the inlet baffle or sub-
merged pipe shall extend approximately six inches below the liquid surface
and above the liquid surface at least to the crown of the inlet sewer.
4. In each septic tank or septic tank compartment, the outlet baffle or sub-
merged pipe shall extend below the liquid level a distance approximately
equal to 28% of the liquid depth, and these baffles or pipes shall extend
at least 6 inches above the liquid level to provide for scum storage.
Page -3-
5. Septic tanks shall have at least one inch between the under side of the top
of the tank and top of inlet and outlet pipe or baffles to allow the re-
quired ventilation of the tank and disposal field through the main
building vent stacks.
6. The invert of the inlet pipe in each septic tank or septic tank compartment
must be at least two inches above the outlet invert.
C. Location of Septic Tank.
1. No septic tank shall be located closer than five .feet to a building line or
property line.
2. No septic tank shall be located under paving unless the manhole and inspec-
tion holes are extended up through the paving and the manhole is equipped
with a locking type cover.
3. No septic tank manhole.shall be located more than 24 inches below the
finished grade.
4. No septic tank or other receptacle for human excrement shall be constructed,
maintained, or used which directly or indirectly discharges upon the sur-
face of the ground, or into any waters of the state either directly or
indirectly, unless the contents of such sewage waste disposal system or
receptacle for human excrement are subjected to some recognized treatment
approved by the Seattle -King County Department of Public Health.
SECTION 3. DI7 IBUTION OF EFFLUENT.
A. No sea�.ce waste disposal system shall be constructed or installed does
not p•: IP. at the head of each disposal field of 100 feet or more in total
lengf -h a distribution box of sufficient size to accommodate the field
lateral ?._.o.es.
B. No dis`rib:ition box shall be manufactured, sold-or installed lihich is not con
struc d of durable, watertight materials and which is not equipped with an
adequate cover.
C. No distribution box shall .be installed which..does not provide equal. flow of
effluent to all outlets.
D. No distribution box shall be constructed or installed wherein the inlet invert
is less than one inch above the level of the outlet inverts, nor shall the out-
let inverts be less than two inches above the floor of the distribution.box.
E. No distribution box. shall be installed which does not provide at least one
standard length of four inch bell tile from each outlet.
F. No pump, siphon or other-effluent lifting or dosing device shall be installed
which is not approved by the Seattle-King-County Department of Public Health.
SECTION 4. SUBSURFACE DISPOSAL FIELD.
A. No subsurface field of 100 feet or more in total length shall.be installed
unless each field Lateral, line is- co inected rep. rately to a- distribution --box
Page '4-
nor any lines be subdivided unless the effluent is forced into the lines by
means of pumps or other devices which have been individually approved in
writing by the Director.
B. No disposal field shell be constructed unless there has first been actual
percolation tests conducted on the site and in a manner as described elsewhere
to determine the required length of tile field.
C. No disposal field of more than 500 feet in total length shall be installed
which is not a part of a dosing type system.
D. No disposal field of more than 1,000 feet in total length shall be installed
which is not provided with two dosing devices, each serving one -half of the
disposal field.
E. No system of effluent distribution using pumps or other dosing devices shall
be permitted which does not limitethe dosage at each pumping interval to a
maximum of 75% and a minima of 60% of the capacity of the draintile, nor shall
such dosages exceed a time interval of ten minutes.
F. No disposal field shall be installed in which all trenches are not of the same
approximate length.
G No disposal field shall be installed or located which does not comply with
the following standards.
1. Minimum distance from building foundations shall be not less than ten feet.
2, Minimum distance from property lines shall be not less than five feet.
3. Minimum distance from lakes, rivers, creeks, streams or wells shall not
be less than one hundred feet.
4. Minimum distance from public bathing areas shall be 100 feet on either
salt or fresh water.
5. Minimum distance from salt water shall be fifty feet.
6. Maximum length of individual lines shall not exceed 100 feet unless
effluent is forced into the lines by means of siphoning or pumping
devices.
7. Minimum bottom width of trenches shall be 24 inches. Trench width in
excess of 24 inches may not be used in computation of absorption area
except by permission of the Director.
8. Minimum depth of not less than one foot of permeable soil below bottom
of trench.
NOTE: A stream is considered to be any open flow of water in channels, trenches
or ditches which discharges to a creek, river, lake or other State waters
and which has a ._oontinnaus flow during the summer months from .June through
August inclusive
Page -5-
9. Minimum grade of the bottom of drainfield trenches and tile lines shall
not be less than 2 inches per 100 feet.
10. Maximum grade of the bottom of drainfield trenches and tile lines shall not
exceed six inches per 100 feet.
11. Maximum depth of cover over tile lines including the two inches of filter
material shall not exceed 24 inches except by special permission of the
Director.
12. Minimum depth of cover over filter material shall be not less than six
inches.
13. Minimum depth of filter material under tile lines shall be not less than
six inches.
14. Minimum distance from interceptor drains, footing drains, cut banks or open
ditches shall not be less than 10 feet.
15. The amount of filter material over tile lines shall be not less than two
inches.
16. Filter material shall be washed gravel size 3/8 inch to 3 inches.
17. Minimum distance between tile lines shall be not less than six feet except
that whenever average percolation rates exceed 10 minfinch,.the minimum
distance between tile lines shall be eight feet.
18. .Minimum .diameter of disposal tile shall be not less than four inches.
19. .Minimum width of open joints between lengths of tiles shall be not less
than 1/4 inch, nor -more than 1/2 inch.
H. No disposal field shall be installed unless all open joints are protected, on
top, by strips of asphalt treated building paper at least ten inches long and
three inches wide.
I. No disposal field shall be- installed unless all bends in the tile line have one
tight joint at each end of the bend.
J. No disposal field shall be installed unless grade boards, securely staked in
the bottom of the trench, shall be provided for all tile lines.
K. No disposal field shall be installed which requires a change in grade and earth
cover unless terracing is effected by the construction of a suitable brick
or concrete drop box or by use of bell tile with cemented joints. Such instal-
lation shall have an earth dam 24 inches thick preceding terracing.
L. No disposal system shall be installed unless the pipe lines between the septic
tank and the distribution box, under paved areas, on all main laterals from
distribution box, and within ten feet of any building, shall be constructed of
vitrified -clay, concrete, plastic, bituminized- fibre, or cast -iron pipe laid
with -water tight joints .which. complies with current standards of the U.S.
Page -6-
Department of Commerce, or asbestos- cement approved by Seattle -King County
Department of Public Health.
M. No disposal field shall be installed which, after installation of the gravel
over the tile, is not then covered with newspapers, shavings or other suitable
material before backfilling.
N. No disposal field shall be constructed, maintained, or used which directly or
indirectly discharges upon the surface of the ground, or into any waters of
the State either directly or indirectly unless the effluent from such disposal
field is subjected to some recognized treatment approved by the Seattle -King
County Department of Public Health.
0. No disposal field shall be installed under driveways, roadways, paved areas or
under areas subject to vehicular traffic except by permission of the Director.
SECTION 5. AS -BUILT PLANS.
Whenever a designer or engineer is notified by an installer or owner that a system
is completely installed, the designer shall immediately notify the Health Depart-
ment. A completely scaled and dimensioned as -built plan of the approved sewage
disposal system shall be prepared in triplicate by the designer of the system on
forms provided by the Director. These forms shall then be signed by the designer
and within ten days all three copies shall be forwarded with one copy of the
Sewage Disposal Permit to the Director of Public Health. Whenever a designer or
engineer disapproves a system, he shall immediately notify the Health Department
in writing or by calling the district sanitarian or supervisor involved.
The following plan details will be required:
1. Location of the essential components of the sewage disposal system in-
cluding all plumbing stub outlets, closed -joint tile between building
and septic tank, septic tank, closed -joint tile between septic tank and
distribution box, distribution box, and all open -joint drainfield tile
lines. The length of each individual open -joint tile line shall be shown
as well as the total number of lineal feet of open -joint tile. The loca-
tion of any unusual construction features such as drops (in the drainfield
lines) must be clearly indicated and distances between any open -joint tile
lines and the edges of any cuts, banks, terraces, foundations, property
lines, lakes, streams, wells, driveways, waterlines, walks or fills shall
be given in feet.
2. Location, size, shape, and placement of the building on the building site
showing its relation to the sewage disposal system and to any easements,
underground oil storage ta grater service supply lines, and property
lines.
3. Location, direction of flow, and discharge point of all ground or surface
water interception drains.
4. Orientation of drawing with north direction by arrow.
5. Clearly indicated scale. Recommended scale is one inch equals twenty feet.
Scales utilizing ratios in exress of one inch equals thirty feet are not
acceptable.
Page -7-
6. The relative elevations of the plumbing stub outlet, the outlet invert of
the septic tank, the outlet inverts of the distribution box, and the
finished ground grade of the drainfield area may be required at the dis-
cretion of the Director of Public Health.
SECTION 6. PERCOLATION TEST AND SOIL LOG INSTRUCTIONS.
REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Soil Log:
1. A log of the soils must be.submitted which will show soil types encountered
in the drainfield at least one foot below the level of the bottom of the
proposed drainfield trench or a minimum of four feet below the final grade,
whichever is deeper. The log must describe soil type and depth of each
type. Classification may be in general terms such as loose sand, cemented
sand, sandy silt, silt clay, silt, clay hardpan, claypan, rock, etc.
2. Soil logs for single family residences must be made from two or more test.
holes located in representative parts of the drainfield area and must be
separated by at least 20 feet. The size of the hole is relatively un-
important, but should be of sufficient diameter for the observer to obtain
representative samples from the soil profile and determine color, texture,
structure, and, in addition, elevation of water table if it is encountered.
Drainfield areas Larger than for single family residences must have at
least one soil log for'every 1,500 square feet and in no case shall there
be less than two soil logs.
3. Requirements, for approval include a minimum depth in the drainfield of four
feet of permeable soil overlying any impermeable layer, any cemented layer,
or overlying the ground water table, or the elevation of ground water
during the wet season. Where conditions permit this minimum depth may
be attained with the use of a fill* material having a percolation rate
after placement on the lot not to exceed the average percolation rate of
the original soil. Provided, that in no case shall a system be designed
wherein the field tile is located in the fill material.
Percolation Test:
4. Number and Location of Tests: A minimum of three percolation tests, and
more if needed, to reveal representative conditions, shall be made in
separate test holes spaced uniformly over the proposed drainfield site.
Drainfield areas larger than for single family residences must have at
least one percolation test on every 1,500 square feet and in no case shall
there be less than 3 percolation tests. Percolation tests shall be run
in the existing undisturbed soil in the actual drainfield area.
5. Type of Test Hole: Dig or bore the holes with horizontal dimensions of
from 4 to 12 inches, and vertical sides to the depth of the proposed
absorption trench. Holes may be bored with a 4 -inch auger if desired.
For the purpose of these regulations, soil placed on a lot which is then
planted with vegetation and allowed to stabilize for a minimum of one year,
shall not be considered fill material.
Page 8
6. Preparation of the Test Hole: Carefully scratch the bottom and.sides of
the hole with a knife blade or sharp pointed instrument in order to
remove any smeared soil surfaces.and to.prouide a natural soil interface
into which water may percolate. Remove all loose _material from the hole.
Add two inches of coarse wa.shed_sand or.fine.gravel to protect the bottom
from scouring and sediment.
7. Saturation and Swelling of the Soil: Fill the hole with clear water to a
minimum depth of 12 inches over the gravel. Keep water in the hole, by
re- filling if necessary, for at least four hours and preferably overnight.
If soil, other than loose sand, has a dry appearance when hole is initi-
ally dug, soil must be allowed to swell overnight after the soaking
period to permit it to approach the condition it will be in when system
is operating. If soil was initially wet to saturation, proceed as in
Item 8 after the four hours of soaking.
8. Percolation Rate Measurement: After saturating the soil and permitting it
to swell adjust depth of water in the test hole to 6 inches over the
gravel. From a fixed reference point, measure the drop in water level
over a 30 minute period, refilling 6 inches over the gravel if necessary.
This drop in 30 minutes is used to calculate the percolation rate (time
required in minutes for water to fall one inch).
*NOTE: Adjust water to at least 12" and let drain immediately before start-
ing perc test.
Page -9-
9. Percolation Rate and Required Absorption Area for Single Family Dwellings,.*
Average Percolation Lineal Feet of
Rate in Min /Inch 2 Foot Wide Trench
2 or less 130
3 150
4 175
5 190
6 210
7 230
8 240
9 250
10 265
11 280
12 300
13 325
14 350
15 375
When the average percolation rate exceeds 15 minmites per inch, special
permission must be obtained from the Director of Public Health before
property may be developed with the use of a septic tank system.
10. Percolation Rate and Required Absorption Area for Commercial Buildings.
A. Obtain daily flow estimate by one of the following methods:
1. Determine average water meter readings from similar establish-
ments and add a minimum safety factor of 25 percent.
2. Use the figures given in the table on the fallowing page
(Page 10). Then refer to table on Page 11 for rate of sewage
application in gal /sq. ft. /day.
*.Attached to these rules and regulations is a table of suggested lot sizes
which are related to required length of drainfield. The suggested lot area
will normally allow room _for ...expansion_ _o f drat of i e A in_ case of_ fa i 1 ure -or
increase of sewage. load.
Page 10
Gallons per
Type of Establishment Person per day
Multiple Family Dwellings (Requires a minimum of 130
lineal feet of drainfield trench or equivalent) 100
Factories, Office Buildings, etc. (add 100 gallons /day
for each utility sink per shift) 35
Restaurants (estimate patrons per day and add number of
employees) 15
Cocktail Lounges (add number of patrons per day to total
for restaurant) 3
Taverns 10
Mobile Home Parks (figure minimum of 4 persons per lot) 100 (independent)
Mobile Home Parks (figure minimum of 4 persons per lot) 50 (dependent)
Resort Camps (night and day) with limited plumbing 50
Luxury Camps 100
Work or Constructions Camps 75
Day Camps (no meals served) 15
Day Schools without cafeterias, gymnasiums or showers 15
Day Schools with cafeterias, but no gymnasiums or showers 20
Day Schools with cafeterias, gymnasiums and showers 30
Boarding Schools 100
Hospitals 250
*Swimming Pools and Bathhouses (Sanitary facilities only) 15
Clubhouses (per resident member) 100
Clubhouses (per non resident member with kitchen) 100
Clubhouses (per non resident member without kitchen) 50
Motels (figure 2 persons per bed space) 50
Drive -In Theaters (per car space) 15
Theaters (per auditorium seat) 5
Airports (per passenger) 5
**Self- Service Laundries (gallons per wash; i.e., per customer) 50
Retail Stores (per toilet room for customer use) 400
Retail Stores (per employee per shift add 100 gallons /day
for each utility sink) 35
Service Stations (per vehicle served) 10
When pool filters are backwashed by water pressure, provide a separate settling
tank with a capacity equal to the volume of water used in each backwashing
cycle. After a minimum holding period of 72 hours to allow settling of solids,
the effluent should be disposed of in a standard subsurface disposal system
which is a minimum of 1 -1/3 times the capacity of the settling tank.
Must be figures on basis of maximum 24 hour usage.
NOTE: In lieu of the figures in the above table, actual water consumption
figures from at least three similar establishments may be used pro-
vided the names and addresses of these establishments are included
in the design criteria.
Page -11-
B. For Commercial Buildings, use the following table.
Maximum rate of sewage application
Percolation Rate (Time in min- (gallons per square foot of
utes for Water to fall one inch) absorption area per dav)
2 or less 3.5 NOTE: A minimum of 200
square feet of absorption
3 A.. 2.9 area is required in all
commercial systems with
4 2.5 trench widths greater than
24 inches excluded from
5 2.2 computation of the total
absorption except by
10 1.6 special permission of the
Director.
15 1.3
(See Item 9 for percolation rates over 15 minutes per inch)
SECTION 7. SEWAGE COLLECTION SYSTEMS FOR TRAILER PARKS.
A. No wet vented system shall be installed which does not have terminal and relief
vents of at least 4 inches in diameter which extend at least 10 feet above
ground level and are firmly supported.
B. No wet vented system shall be installed which does not have a terminal vent at
the upper end of each wet vented system and relief vents provided at intervals
of not mare than 100 feet.
C. No individually vented system shall be installed which does not have individual
vents which extend at least 10 feet above ground level and are firmly supported.
D. No vent shall be installed which is not at least 10 feet from any property line.
E. No sewage collection system shall be installed which does not provide a trap
on the sewer lateral at each trailer collection and constructed in such a
manner as to maintain the sewer connection in an odor -free condition.
F. Minimum sewer pipe sizes for sewage collection systems are as follows:
Maximum No. Trailers Maximum No. Trailers Size of
Individual Vents Wet Vents Pipe
30 10 4 inch
100 50 6 inch
400 requires special design 8 inch
RESOLUTION NO. 22873
A Resolution relating to and regulating sewage disposal systems, providing for
Certificates of Competency for Sewage Disposal System Designers and Sewage Disposal
System Installers, requiring permits, defining offenses and providing penalties.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF KING, STATE
OF WASHINGTON:
Section 1. Definitions: Certain words and phrases used in this ordi-
nance, unless otherwise clearly indicated by their context, shall mean as follows:
APPROVED. Approved in writing by the Director of Public Health for King
County.
SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM. The piping which conveys sewage from plumbing
fixtures to a public sewer or private sewage disposal system.
SEWAGE. Any liquid or liquid borne waste from the ordinary living pro-
cesses, or liquid or liquid borne waste which contains animal or vegetable matter
in suspension or solution, or liquid or liquid borne waste which may contain
chemical in solution," and which may be lawfully discharged into a public sanitary
sewer.
SEW/-GE DISPOSAL SYSTEM Sanitary drainage systems, septic tanks,
leaching pits, surface and sub surface leaching filter beds, and appurtenances;
or other approved facilities for the disposal of sewage by means other than through
a public sewer.
Section 2. Enforcement: The Director of Public Health shall enforce
this resolution; he may adopt rules and regulations consistent with this resolu-
tion, and he may enter any building or premises at any reasonable time to perform
any of the duties imposed on him by this resolution.
Section 3. ,Retroactivity: This resolution shall not apply to any work
on a sewage disposal system for which a permit had been issued by the Director of
Public Health, and which permit was valid and existing at the time of adoption of
this resolution, but any such work shall be subject to applicable resolutions
existing at the time such permit was issued.
Section 4. Designers Certificate:
1. It is unlawful to engage in business as a Sewage Disposal System
Designer without e Sewage Disposal System Designers Certificate of Competency, as
provided for in this resolution, or a State of Washington Sanitary or Civil
Engineers license.
2. The fee for a Sewage Disposal System Designers Certificate of Com-
petency shall be Twenty -Five Dollars (525.00) per year.
3. Application for a Sewage Disposal System Designers Certificate of
Competency shall be made to the Director of Public Health, who may examine the
2
applicant, and may deny the application if, in his judgment, the applicant is not
qualified to design sewage disposal systems.
4. The Director of Public Health may suspend or revoke any. Sewage
Disposal System Designers Certificate of Competency if, after a hearing, he shall
find incompetency, negligence, misrepresentation, or failure to comply with this
resolution or the rules and regulations of the Director of Public Health adopted
pursuant to this resolution.
5. Sewage Disposal System Designers Certificates of Competency shall
expire Decnber 31 of each year.
Section 5. Installers Certificate:
1. It is unlawful to engage in business as a Sewage Disposal System
Installer without a Sewage Disposal System Installers Certificate of Competency.
2. The fee for a Sewage Disposal System Installers Certificate of Com-
petency shall be Seventy -Five Dollars ($75.00) per year.
3. Prior to the issuance of a commercial installers Certificate of
Competency, the applicant must provide a surety bond approved as to form by the
King County Prosecuting Attorney in the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000)
running to King County, Washington, executed by a surety company authorized to
do business in the State of Washington. The bond shall be conditioned that the
holder of the Certificate of Competency and his agents in performing w&rk governed
by the resolution shall exercise all reasonable care and skill and shall -fully
comply with all provisions of this resolution to sewage disposal.
4. Application for a Sewage Disposal System Installers Certificate of
Competency be made to the Director of Public Health, who may examine the
applicant, and may deny the application if in his judgment the applicant is not
qualified to__install sewage disposal systems.
5. The Director of Public Health may suspend or revoke any Sewage
Disposal System Installers. Certificate of Competency if, after a hearing, he-shall
find incompetency, negligence, misrepresentation, or failure to comply with this
ordinance or the rules and regulations of the Director of Public Health adopted
pursuant to this ordinance.
6. Sewage Disposal System Installers Certificates of Competency shall
expire December 31 of each year.
Section 6. Permits:
1. It is unlawful to construct, install or alter a sewage disposal
system without a sewage disposal system.permit. Such permit shall be posted on the
building or premises where the work permitted is being done, and unless revoked,
shall not be removed until such work has been finally approved by the Director
of Public Health,
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2. The fee for a sewage disposal system permit shall be Six Dollars
($6.00) for such system serving a single family residence, or Twelve Dollars
($12.00) for any other such system.
3. Application for a sewage disposal system permit shall be made to
the Director of Public Health, who may deny the application if in his judgment
the physical features of property on which it is proposed to locate the sewage
disposal system, or the design of the proposed sewage disposal system, are not
adequate for safe operation of such system.
4. Application for a sewage disposal system permit shall be supported
by the following:
(a) A completely dimensioned plot plan, drawn to scale, showing
direction of surface drainage, approximate slope, and other
topographical features relevant to the design and installa-
tion of an adequate and efficient sewage disposal system.
(b) Construction plans and specifications.
(c) A log of soil formation and ground water level as determined
by test holes in the proposed disposal field.
(d) A statement of absorption characteristics of the soil as de-
termined by percolation tests made in the proposed disposal
field.
(e) Such other information as the Director of Public Health may
require.
Provided, however, that Paragraph 4, Items (a), (b), (c), and (d), are
not applicable when application is made for a sewage disposal permit for repairs
to an existing system.
5. Sewage disposal system permits shall expire one year from date of
issue.
Section 7. Where Reauired: Every plumbing fixture and every sanitary
drainage system not connected to a public sewer, or not required by law to be con-
nected to a public sewer, shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system.
Section 8. location: Sewage Disposal systems shall be located on the
same lot as the buildings they are designed to serve, or, if an easement therefor
is obtained and recorded, on adjoining property if approved by the Director of
Public Health.
Section 9. Design:
1. Sewage disposal systems shall be designed by a Sewage Disposal System
Designer, certificated as provided in this resolution, or by a Sanitary or Civil
Engineer licensed by the State of Washington, except that a resident, or intended
resident owner may personally design a system for his own single family residence.
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2. Design of sewage disposal systems shall be such as to accommodate all
sewage from the buildings and premises to be served, and in accordance with this
resolution and the rules and regulations of the Director of Public Health adopted
pursuant to this resolution. The type of system shall be determined by location,
soil porosity, ground water level and other relevant conditions.
Section 10. Installation. and A1te g
1. Sewage disposal systems shall be constructed, installed or altered
only by a Sewage Disposal System Installer, certificated as provided in this reso-
lution, except that a resident, or intended resident owner may personally construct,
install or alter a system for his own single family residence.
2. Construction, installation or alteration of sewage disposal systems
shall be such as to accommodate all sewage from the buildings and premises to be
served, and in accordance with this resolution and the rules and regulations of
the Director of Public Health adopted pursuant to this resolution. No downspout
or footing drain shall be directly or indirectly connected to a sewage disposal
system, and sewage disposal systems shall be so constructed and installed that
surface water or ground water will not interfere with the operation of such system.
,Section 1l. InA2ection:
1. Any work done on a sewage disposal system, and any material used, may
be inspected by the Director of Public Health at any reasonable time, and if he
shall find that any work done, or material used, is not in accordance with this
resolution or with the rules and. regulations of the Director of Public Health
adopted pursuant to this resolution he may revoke the permit for the work, or he may
notify the owner or Installer to make such changes in the work as he shall specify,
and if such changes are not made within a reasonable time, the Director of Public
Health shall then revoke the permit and it shall be unlawful to use such sewage
disposal system.
2. When the work of constructing, installing or altering a sewage dis-
posal system has been otherwise completed, it shall be left open and uncovered, and
the owner shall be notified and he shall cause an inspection of such work and such
system to be made by a designer.
3. If upon inspection by him following work on a sewage disposal system,
a designer shall find that such work or system is not in accordance with this reso-
lution, he shall so notify the owner who shall cause such changes in the work as
are specified by the designer, and shall then again notify a designer that such
work is ready for inspection.
4. When upon inspection by him following work on a sewage disposal system,
a designer shall find that such work and system are in accordance with this resolu-
tion, he shall so certify to the Director of Public Health, and shall submit to the
Director of Public Health with such cp +Ification, a detailed "as- built" drawing of
such system.
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Section 12. _A0oxov
1. Within a reasonable time after receipt of certification by a designer
that work done on a private sewage disposal system, and such system, is in accord
ance with this resolution, the Director of Public Health shall approve or disapprove
thereof.
2. If the Director of Public Health shall disapprove such work or system,
he shall so notify the owner, stating his reasons for such disapproval, and it shall
then be unlawful to use such system.
3. If the Director of Public Health shall_ finally approve such work and
such system, he shall so notify the owner, and then such work shall be covered, and
such system may be used.
motion 13. Maintenance: Sewage disposal systems shall be maintained in
accordance with this resolution and the rules and regulations of the Director of
Public Health adopted pursuant to this resolution, and no sewage disposal system
shall be used which directly or indirectly discharges upon the surface of the ground
or into any waters within the County unless the contents of such system have been
subjected to approved purification and bactericidal. treatment.
S„gction 14, Penalty: Anyone violating or failing to comply with this
resolution, or any lawful rule of the Director of Public Health pursuant thereto,
upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Three Hundred
Dollars ($300.00), or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or by both
such fine and imprisonment, and each day that anyone shall continue to violate or
fail to comply with this resolution shall be a separate offense.
Section 15. Severabilit: Should any part of this resolution be de-
clared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not
affect the validity of the remainder.
„Section l Repeal: Resolution No. 1.6801 relating to sewage disposal
systems, as last amended by Resolutions No. 16992 and No. 19439, is hereby repealed.
Section 17. Effective Date: This Resolution shall be in full force and
effect on and after same day. Passed this 17th day of July, 1961.
BOARD OF COUNTY CO MiISSIONERS
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON
/s/ Howard Odell
Howard Odell, Chairman
/s/ Ed Munro
Ed Munro
`,Scott Wallace
ATTEST:
Robert A. Morris, Clerk of the Board
B /s/ Ralph R. Stender
Deputy
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