No person shall install or construct an individual sewage treatment system within the city.
(A) Discharge prohibited. Except as otherwise expressly authorized in this chapter, no ponds, water fountains, water from any roof, surface, ground water sump pump, swimming pool or other natural precipitation shall be discharged into the sanitary sewer system. Dwellings and other buildings and structures which require, because of infiltration of water into basements, crawl spaces and the like, a sump pump discharge system shall have a permanently installed discharge line which shall not at any time discharge water into a sanitary sewer system. A permanent installation shall be one which provides for year round discharge capability to either the outside of the dwelling, building or structure, or is connected to a storm sewer or discharge through the curb and gutter to the street. Within the home or business, the sump pump discharge pipe shall consist of a rigid discharge line, without valves or quick connections that would alter the path of discharge. However, if the line is directly connected to a storm sewer line or catch basin, a check valve and an air gap are required.
(B) Inspections. Property owners shall allow an employee of the city or a designated representative of the city to inspect the buildings to confirm that there is no sump pump or other prohibited discharge into the sanitary sewer system. The city may periodically re-inspect any building or premises to determine compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(C) Removal of connections. Any property owner who previously made any connection or installation in violation of this chapter shall immediately remove the connection or correct such an installation. If not removed or corrected within 30 calendar days after notice of the violation has been delivered personally or by certified mail to the owner, the city may impose a surcharge in the amount provided herein. Such a surcharge may also be imposed upon any property owner, after a 30-calendar day notice has been delivered, and if the owner refuses to allow his or her property to be inspected. The owner of a building or premises found to be not in conformance with this chapter during periodic re-inspections may be subjected to a surcharge as provided herein.
(D) Foundation drain tile.
(1) Future homes and businesses. Ground water from foundation drain tile for future homes and businesses shall not discharge to the sanitary sewer system. The ground water shall flow through the tile and drain to a sump basket and shall then be pumped and discharged to the exterior of the structure with the use of a sump pump.
(2) Existing homes and businesses. Some existing homes and businesses may have been constructed with ground water from foundation drain tile discharging to the sanitary sewer. If the connection of the foundation drain tile to the sanitary sewer pipe is on the exterior of the home, the connection will be considered grandfathered and disconnection will not be required. If the connection of the foundation drain tile to the sanitary sewer pipe system is on the interior of the home or business, the connection is considered “not in compliance” and the owner is required to correct the improper connection. Any connection considered “not in compliance” shall abide by the sections contained in this chapter.
(E) Surcharge.
(1) A surcharge of $100 per month is hereby imposed on every sewer bill to property owners for the following conditions:
(a) Systems are not in compliance with this chapter; and
(b) Property owner’s refusal of property inspection.
(2) The surcharge may continue until the condition is resolved.
(F) Assessing unpaid balance. If the surcharge is not received by the city, the city reserves the right to assess the unpaid balance against the property.
(2001 Code, § 3.30) Penalty, see § 10.99