§ 54.003 PRIVATE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS.
   (A)   Generally. Whenever a public sanitary or combined sewer is unavailable, the building service sewer shall be connected to a private wastewater disposal system complying with the provisions of this chapter and approved by the St. Joseph County Board of Health.
(2005 Code, § 101.01)
   (B)   Permit required. Prior to commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit from the St. Joseph County Health Department and furnish the Public Works Director with a copy of the permit. If the Public Works Director determines that it is not practical or possible to connect to a public sanitary or combined sewer, then the owner may begin construction.
(2005 Code, § 101.02)
   (C)   Compliance with State Health Department. The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the Department of Public Health of the state.
(2005 Code, § 101.03)
   (D)   No permit for small lots. 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.
(2005 Code, § 101.04)
   (E)   Discharge of septic tanks in public sewers. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any public sewer or natural outlet.
(2005 Code, § 101.05)
   (F)   Public sewer connection mandatory. At such time as a public sewer becomes available to property served by a private sewage disposal system, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in compliance with this chapter at property owner’s expense. Septic tanks, cesspools and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material upon connection with the public wastewater system at property owner’s expense.
(2005 Code, § 101.06)
   (G)   Sanitary operation of private systems. The owner shall operate and maintain any private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, and at no expense to the Town.
(2005 Code, § 101.07)