(A) This section applies to all situations where domestic, commercial, or industrial wastewater is collected, treated, or disposed of, including wastewater systems in existence prior to the effective date of this section, within the service limits of the Sierra County Regional Wastewater Treatment System, North Area, unless the chapter indicates otherwise. A map defining the current service area, accepted by resolution of the City Council is hereby made a part of this chapter. Revisions and/or updates of the service area map are included in this chapter as successors.
(B) All households/improved lots and commercial enterprises must connect to the sewer at such time as functioning collection lines are available. Connection must be completed within six months of defined availability. See division (F) below for defined availability. The six months begins following the date of the public notice of availability announcing the system is complete and ready for service.
(C) Determination of necessity. Prior to the development or improvement of any property which may cause the generation of wastewater in the service limits of the Sierra County Regional Wastewater Treatment System, North Area; the owner shall request a review by the city. The city shall provide a written response which shall establish the necessity for connection to SCRWWTS, assess the availability of sanitary sewer service in the area, as defined in division (F) below, and cite the conditions under which wastewater collection and treatment service may be provided by the SCRWWTS. The city's written response shall be obtained by the owner prior to the commencement of the design of any sanitary sewer improvements affecting the property.
(D) If a public sewer system is available, all new structures or enterprises requiring wastewater disposal shall be connected to the sewer system prior to the structure being occupied. See division (F) below for defined availability.
(E) If a public sewer system is available to a proposed subdivision, every lot in that subdivision shall be, at the property line of each lot, provided access to sewer by the developer.
(F) Availability defined. A public sewer system is available to a lot that will be or is generating wastewater or has a structure that has generated wastewater whenever the following conditions are met:
(1) For a residential lot, a sewer line or lift station exists in a public easement or right-of-way that abuts the property line of the parcel.
(2) Within areas used for commercial, industrial, or manufacturing purposes or their equivalent, a sewer line or lift station exists in a public easement or right-of-way that abuts the property line of the parcel.
(3) For proposed residential subdivisions with five or fewer lots, there exists a sewer line or lift station in a public easement or right-of-way that abuts a boundary line of the subdivision.
(4) For proposed residential subdivisions with more than five lots and for proposed subdivisions to be used for commercial, industrial, or manufacturing purposes, or its equivalent, there exists a sewer system or project (that may or may not be under construction) that abuts a boundary line of the subdivision.
(5) A map describing availability will be established by resolution of the City Council. It will be replaced from time to time, by resolution of the City Council as additional sewer lines are constructed. The map and successor maps are hereby incorporated as a part of this chapter.
(6) Grade, depth of cut, grinder pump required and any construction related issue to connect a dwelling or establishment to the sewer, does not negate the availability and the dwelling or establishment must connect and comply with this chapter.
(7) Vacant lots within the availability area are not required to connect to the sewer system until such time lot is developed or built upon, but will be subject to a stand by fee.
(8) In areas where there were group septic tanks and all lots have sewer taps, or once been served by a group septic tank; even if there is no structure currently on the lot, the presence of a sewer tap is considered sewer available. If no sewer tap is available the lot owner will be assessed a stand by fee.
(G) The city may for specified reason, at its discretion, declare a moratorium on connection(s) in any service area.
(Ord. 119, passed 5-20-2009)