Introduction of Ordinance
2026-19
Updates to Encinitas
Municipal Code Title 18
Sanitary Sewer
Ashlee Stratakis, Finance Manager
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
UTILITIES
Agenda
Staff Presentation
• Discussion & Questions
• Open Public Hearing
• Hear Public Comment
• Close Public Hearing
• Consider Ordinance No. 2026-19
2 Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
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Notice of Public Hearing
• Posted at City Hall
• Published in The Coast News
• Prop 218 notice not required
– No direct impact on ratepayers
3 Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
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Background
• Utilities Department created in 2022
– Wastewater Division moved from Public Works to Utilities • Last Major Update to Title 18 in 2002
• Recommended updates based on review by staff and attorneys:
– Some authority given to Director of Utilities (formerly the Public Works Director), though overall authority assigned to City Engineer – Reflects current practices and ensures compliance with applicable regulations
• Public Workshop held August 12, 2026 4
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
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Process
• Review summary of
proposed changes
5 Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
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6 Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
Chapter Description
18.01 General Provisions
18.04 General Sewer Regulations
18.08 Sewer Service Charges
18.10 Sewer Capacity Fee
18.12 Sewer Construction Reimbursement Fee
18.16 Sewer Construction Requirements
18.20 Cost Recovery for Protective Sewer Services
18.24 Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment
UTILITIES
Major Changes
Authority updated to Director of Utilities where appropriate/applicable Extensive language added on violation, penalties, and due process Sewer service charges and capacity fees split into two chapters Updated language on administration of sewer service charges Revised Sewer Reimbursement Connection Fee chapter to include new process
Sewer Construction Requirements aligned with Engineering Design Manual
Industrial Pretreatment better aligned with partner agency requirements 7 Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
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8 Ch. 18.01: General Provisions
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
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Updates
• Defines scope of governance/administration and legal
authority
• Expands definitions and updates terminology
• Overall Title Authority given to City Engineer
• Details response to code violation including misdemeanor liability, civil recovery; explains notices and procedures • Adds list of remedies: injunctive relief, cost recovery, etc. 9 Ch. 18.01: General Provisions
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10 Ch. 18.04:
General Sewer Regulations
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
UTILITIES
11 Ch. 18.04: General Sewer
Regulations
Updates
• Clarifies owner responsibility for private lateral
maintenance/corrections
• Updates to prohibited discharges
–Reference to EWA Pre-treatment Ordinance added
• Violations and penalties moved to Ch. 18.01
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12 Ch. 18.08:
Sewer Service Charges
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
UTILITIES
13 Ch. 18.08: Sewer Service Charges
Updates
• Split into two chapters (Capacity Fees moved to Ch. 18.10) • Language added describing use of revenue
• Defers to ordinance/resolution for rates and calculations • Revises authority to Director of Utilities to adjust charges and expands on process for appealing charges
• Allows City to charge fees for submeter use
• Sets deadlines for payment and penalties for delinquency
UTILITIES
14 Ch. 18.10:
Sewer Capacity Fee
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
UTILITIES
15 Ch. 18.10: Sewer Capacity Fee
Updates
• Language added establishing sewer capacity fee and use of revenue
• Specifies assignment of EDUs based on fee study
• Gives Director of Utilities authority to determine EDU amount for unspecified or exceptional uses
UTILITIES
16 Ch. 18.12:
Sewer Reimbursement
Connection Fee
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
UTILITIES
17 Ch. 18.12: Sewer Reimbursement
Connection Fees
Updates
• Approval of potential expansion map and estimated costs via ordinance for entirety of CSD and ESD
• Individual agreements to be established via resolution • Authority assigned to Director of Utilities
• Six per cent interest fee replaced with simple interest tied to U.S.
Treasury Note yield
• List of City Council- approved agreements for reimbursement connection fees to be maintained by City Clerk instead of codified • Removed list of previous (mostly expired) ordinances (agreements)
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18 Ch. 18.16:
Sewer Construction
Requirements
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
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Updates
• Clarifies purpose and states alignment with Engineering Design Manual (most stringent prevails)
• Sets developer/owner responsibilities for lateral materials; clarifies pumps shall only serve a single residence
• Includes repair/replacement costs for damages
• Requirement to use materials approved by City Engineer 19 Ch. 18.16: Sewer Construction
Requirements
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20 Ch. 18.20:
Cost Recovery for Protective
Sewer Services
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
UTILITIES
21 Ch. 18.20: Cost Recovery for
Protective Sewer Services
Updates
• Authority updated to Director of Utilities
• Language added to specify notice timeline and procedures
UTILITIES
22 Ch. 18.24:
Industrial Wastewater
Pretreatment
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
UTILITIES
23 Ch. 18.24: Industrial
Wastewater Pretreatment
Updates
• Potential conditions for issuance of permit added
–Based on recommendations from partner
agencies
• Aligns local pretreatment requirements with
EWA/SEJPA
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2 4
Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
Changes since August 12 Workshop
• 18.01.030. Definitions: “Partner Agencies” added.
• 18.01.070. Penalties for Violation; Reimbursement of City Costs:
Reference to Partner Agencies added.
• 18.04.070. Right to Inspect and Enter Private Property for Work within Sewer Easements: Clarifying language added.
• 18.08.010. Sewer Service Charges Established: Clarifying language added. • 18.08.030. Method of Collection: Clarifying language added. • 18.10.025(B). Equivalent Dwelling Unit Determination: Reference to County and State Agencies updated.
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Recommendation
• Conduct public hearing and receive public comments regarding the proposed amendments to Title 18 Sanitary Sewer of the City's Municipal Code
• Introduce Ordinance No. 2026-19, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending Encinitas Municipal Code Title 18 Sanitary Sewer”
25 Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
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Agenda
• Staff Presentation
Discussion & Questions
• Open Public Hearing
• Hear Public Comment
• Close Public Hearing
• Consider Ordinance No. 2026-19
26 Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
UTILITIES
Questions?
27 Title 18 Sanitary Sewer
Code Update
Introduction of Ordinance
2026-19
Updates to Encinitas
Municipal Code Title 18
Sanitary Sewer
Ashlee Stratakis, Finance Manager
Wednesday, September 16, 2026