(A) Activities not requiring an SSTS permit. An SSTS permit is not required for minor repairs or replacements of system components that do not alter the original function of the system; change the treatment capacity of the system; change the location of the system; or otherwise change the original system design, layout, or function. Examples are, but not limited to, pumps, baffles, and effluent filters.
(B) Activities requiring an SSTS permit. An SSTS permit shall be obtained by the property owner or an agent of the property owner from the city prior to the installation, construction, replacement, modification, alteration, or capacity expansion including the use of advanced treatment components of an SSTS. It is unlawful for any person to construct, install, modify or replace an SSTS without the appropriate permit from the SSTS including repair or replacement of components that will alter the original function of the system, change the treatment capacity of the system, change the location of the system, or otherwise change the original system's design, layout, or function. The issuing of any permit, variance, or conditional use under the provisions of this subchapter shall not absolve the applicant of responsibility to obtain any other required permit.
(C) Permit requirements. SSTS Permit applications shall be made on forms provided by the city and signed by the applicant or applicant's agent, and must include the following information and documentation:
(1) Applicant name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address;
(2) Property identification number, property address and legal description of property location;
(3) Site evaluation report, which shall be made on forms provided by Crow Wing County;
(4) Design report, which shall be made on forms provided by Crow Wing County;
(5) A management plan, as defined by Minn. Rules Part 7082.0600; and
(6) Any additional information that may be required by the city to assure compliance with this subchapter.
(D) Application review and response. The city shall review a permit application and supporting documents according to § 154.009.
(E) Appeal. The applicant may appeal any decision of the city in accordance with Ch. 154 of this code.
(F) Permit expiration. An SSTS permit for a new SSTS is valid for a period of no more than two years from its date of issue. An SSTS permit for the replacement of SSTS failing to protect groundwater is valid for ten months. An SSTS permit for the replacement of SSTS that are imminent threats to public health is valid for ten months. Satisfactory completion of construction shall be determined by as-built drawings and a signed certification that the construction and installation of the system was completed in reasonable conformance with the approved design documents by a qualified employee of the city or a licensed inspection business, which is authorized by the city and independent of the owner and the SSTS installer.
(G) Transferability. An SSTS permit may be transferred to a new owner provided there are no proposed changes to the SSTS design.
(H) Suspension or revocation. The city may suspend or revoke an SSTS permit issued under this section for any false statements, misrepresentations of facts on which the SSTS permit was issued, or unauthorized changes to the system design that alter the original function of the system, change the treatment capacity of the system, change the location of the system, or otherwise change the original system design, layout, or function. A notice of suspension or revocation and the reasons for the suspension or revocation shall be conveyed in writing to the permit holder. If suspended or revoked, installation or modification of a treatment system may not commence or continue until a valid SSTS permit is obtained.
(I) (I) SSTS assessment requirements. For those SSTS without a management plan or operating permit according to the provisions of this subchapter, the following provisions apply:
(1) The owner of an ISTS or the owner's agent shall regularly, but in no case less frequently than every three years, assess whether sewage tanks leak below the designed operating depth and whether sewage tank tops, riser joints, and riser connections leak through visual evidence of major defects and measure or remove the accumulations of scum, grease, and other floating materials at the top of each septic tank and compartment, along with the sludge, which consists of the solids denser than water.
(2) All solids and liquids must be removed by pumping from all tanks or compartments in which the top of the sludge layer is less than 12 inches from the bottom of the outlet baffle or transfer hole or whenever the bottom of the scum layer is less than three inches above the bottom of the outlet baffle or transfer hole. Total sludge and scum volume must not be greater than 25%of the tank's liquid capacity. Removal of accumulated sludge, scum, and liquids from septic tanks and pump tanks must be through the maintenance hole. The removal of solids from any location other than the maintenance hole is not a compliant method of solids removal from a sewage tank, and this method does not fulfill the solids removal requirement of this division or a management plan. Liquid and solids removal from clean-out pipes is allowed for holding tanks.
(Ord. 2015-03, passed 3- -2015)