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/~}CASE # ~ CONSIDERATION OF REPLACING CHAPTER 8.30 OF CITY CODE (SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS) WITH MINNESOTA RULES CHAPTER 7080 BY: Steven J. Jankowski, City Engineer Background: At the May 13, 1997, Road and Bridge Committee meeting, I had advised that the City is required to bring its ordinances in conformance with Chapter 7080 by December 31, 1997. Attached to this case is a model ordinance provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The model is developed primarily for counties to adopt, but with minor modifications is quite adaptable to cities as well. You will note that each section which is shaded represents sections which are not mandatory. The major issues associated with these optional sections are as follows: Departmental responsibility. Section 2.30 assigns the responsible department for administration of the ordinance. This will be the Building Inspection Department as they currently handle this work. Currently septage is not disposed of in the City due to the availability ofseptage dumping stations. Permit requirements for systems. The rules require that a local unit of government require permits to regulate work on ISTS. Section 3.11 covers this and has an expiration date for permits that are issued. The expiration date is not required by the rule. Staff is recommending no expiration date. Section 3.20 states that permits are not required for pump repairs or baffle replacement. Staff is recommending retaining this language. Property owners doing own work. The law states that property owners may be allowed to do work on their own systems without a state license after consultation with a licensed designer, but local units of government (LUG'S) are not required to allow them to do so. There are various options available to LUG's such as requiring an approved design, prohibiting them from constructing pressurized systems or other standards. This model, in Section 3.30, sets out the option of allowing property owners to do their own work based on an approved design, no pressurized systems and requires they sign an indenmification agreement. Staff is recommending against incorporating this language. Permit application requirements. There are certain basic requirements in the rules for what has to be on a permit listed in 7080.0310 sub. 2. The listing in Section 3.40 covers the basic requirements of this section. This section also includes the requirement that lots created after January 23, 1996, must have a designated alternate septic system site. Staff is recommending that the name and address of the ISTS contractor be required. The PIN number is not necessary, as this is supplied by the City. Fees, The rules do not require that local governments charge fees for their septic permit program, but does not prohibit it. Section 3.5 and 3.51 provides for fees to be collected at the time of issuance of the permit. The City currently collects fees for issuing septic permits and this language should be retained to continue this practice.