Agenda Item No. 15
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: July 24, 2023 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Greg Ray, Public Works Director/City Engineer Gabriel Munoz-Morris, Senior Engineer
SUBJECT: Policy Discussion on Options for an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 1 (Sanitary Sewer System) of Article VII (Public Works) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code
RECOMMENDATION
Receive information from staff on options for an Ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 1 (Sanitary Sewer System) of Article VII (Public Works) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to update the City’s Sewer Ordinance and provide direction to finalize the Ordinance to bring back to Council for consideration.
BACKGROUND
The City’s current Sewer Ordinance was originally adopted in 1965 in conjunction with the establishment of the City’s original Sewer Assessment District No. 1 that constructed the majority of the City’s sewer system. The District did not include any land south of Farroll Road as most of that land was privately owned at that time and had not yet been subdivided and developed.
Assessment District No. 1, along with Ordinance 72, sought to standardize requirements for sewer collection in the City and established a timeline for properties to connect to the City’s sewer collection system. Ordinance 72 also established regulations on the character of waste that could be discharged to the sewer collection system and were generally consistent with regulations adopted by the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD) that operates the sewage treatment plant where sewer from Grover Beach is treated.
Between 2009 and 2020, the City made significant investments to construct sewer mains in the industrial areas south of Farroll Road that resulted in construction of 7,100 linear feet of new sewer main at a cost of $1.8 million. These investments were made at the Council’s direction to modernize and expand the City’s sewer infrastructure and reduce the risk of groundwater contamination from septic systems. However, few properties in this area have connected to the new sewer system and most properties are treating their own wastewater with private septic tank and leach field systems. The majority of these private systems were constructed prior to the adoption of the State Water Resources Control Board’s Policy for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems and their condition and maintenance history is largely unknown. Standards for private treatment systems were far less stringent at the time these systems were constructed and there is greater potential for groundwater contamination now given the age and unknown condition and history of these systems.
Since its adoption in 1965, Ordinance 72 has been amended several times as needed to ensure the City’s compliance with new regulations and requirements from SSLOCSD, and to regulate Staff Report: Policy Discussion on Options for Updating Sewer Ordinance Page 6 July 24, 2023
new additions and extensions of the City’s sewer collection system. Staff previously brought a proposed update to the existing Sewer Ordinance to the Council for discussion on May 22, 2023 following a previous related Council agenda item on July 6, 2020. At the May 22nd meeting, Council considered public comment and asked that staff return at a later date with a revised draft ordinance with options for consideration. Specifically, Council asked for additional information on the following items:
• Differences between requirements to connect for residential and industrial properties • Options for the connection requirement grace period
• Clarification on the need for continuing maintenance of existing septic systems until time of connection
• Clarification on required connection fees, ongoing monthly charges, and potential construction costs to connect
• Regional Water Quality Control Board and California Plumbing Code requirements and regulations concerning septic tank to sewer conversions.
Staff has done further research to incorporate changes to this new draft ordinance which will clarify requirements and provide a balance between the City’s desire to achieve sewer connections and property owners’ concerns about timelines and anticipated costs. Once final direction is received from Council regarding each of the options, staff will finalize the language of the proposed ordinance and schedule the ordinance for a public hearing and recommended adoption by the end of 2023.
Overview of Draft Ordinance
The draft ordinance maintains most of the previously proposed changes that Council considered on May 22. Namely, the draft ordinance still includes changes to Parts 7 and 8 to directly reference the City’s Master Fee Schedule instead of having fees included directly in the ordinance and references SSLOCSD character of waste regulations and Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) regulations. These changes allow fees and sewer discharge regulations to be updated without requiring updates to the sewer ordinance. Additionally, the draft maintains previously proposed engineering standards for jointly owned laterals, cleanout requirements, and back-flow prevention devices. These changes are critical to ensure that new development meets California Plumbing Code requirements and new connections to the City’s sewer system are constructed in a way that promotes ease of maintenance by City staff and private property owners. Other minor changes include calling out permit requirements for beginning work and work in the public right of way.
The only regulatory change proposed with this new ordinance is to establish a citywide requirement for connection to the City sewer system and to remove all references to Sewer Assessment District No. 1. As a separate item, staff will bring back to Council a resolution for the dissolution of the Sewer Assessment District No. 1 concurrently with the adoption of the new ordinance. Requiring connection is consistent with previous direction expressed by the Council on July 6, 2020 when the Council approved the Highland Way sewer project. There are approximately 5,000 active utility accounts within the city with an estimated 115 properties on septic that would ultimately be required to connect to City sewer as a result of this new ordinance.
Of those properties currently on septic, there are only 35 properties that do not have a City sewer line within 200-feet and therefore would not be required to connect to City sewer until such time that a sewer main is constructed to serve them. Typically, when designing sewer extension projects, staff looks to extend City sewer to all properties in a way that allows for a gravity-fed connection to the City’s sewer system and a lateral is built for the property to make use of when connecting to City sewer. This significantly reduces the construction and permit costs for property Staff Report: Policy Discussion on Options for Updating Sewer Ordinance Page 6 July 24, 2023
owners at time of connection. The following sections highlight specific elements of the draft ordinance where staff is seeking Council direction.
Proposed Timeline for Connections
Previously, staff had retained language from the City’s original sewer ordinance requiring connection within one year for properties that already had a City sewer line within 200-feet. This was done to provide consistency between past and future regulations. After a review of neighboring jurisdictions’ ordinances and in consideration for the potential financial impacts to property owners, staff is recommending the Council extend this timeframe to two years for all nonexempt properties in Grover Beach to connect to City sewer when a property is located within 200 feet of a City sewer line. Properties not currently within 200-feet of a City sewer line would be required to connect to City sewer within two years of construction of a City sewer within 200 feet of their property. The draft ordinance also provides a framework for property owners seeking an extension to connect. The language in the draft ordinance allows Council to grant an additional two-year extension on the requirement to connect for any property owner that demonstrates a unique hardship. The proposed timeline would apply to all properties, regardless of zoning.
Options to consider include extending the original time to connect by one or more years and increasing the total time for extensions due to hardship.
Exemptions for Residential Properties
Previously, staff had proposed language granting the City Engineer the ability to waive the requirement to connect if a property was within 200-feet of City sewer. Council asked that staff further define this exemption and revise the language to reference other codes that provide the foundation for this exemption. The California Plumbing Code (Plumbing Code) Part II Sections 713.0 through 713.7 establish that no permit shall be issued for the installation, alteration, or repair of a private sewage disposal system, or part thereof, on a lot for which a connection with a public sewer is available. Within the Plumbing Code, availability of a public sewer system is defined as a sewer main located within 200-feet from the point of connection.
An exemption to the connection requirement in the Plumbing Code is provided for residential properties with a properly functioning septic system when the connection to the City sewer cannot be accomplished via a gravity-fed connection. The draft ordinance consequently includes language referencing the Plumbing Code requirements to connect to City sewer and details the exemption for residential properties within 200-feet of City sewer that could not establish a gravityfed sewer connection. The exemption would be in effect until the septic system failed or an alternate connection point became available that would allow for a gravity-fed connection. This exemption would eliminate a potentially increased cost of connection for residential property owners that are within 200-feet of City sewer but would need to install a sewage pumping station to connect to City sewer. While the Plumbing Code limits this exemption to single family residential properties, the draft ordinance expands this exemption to all residential properties. Commercial and industrial properties are excluded from this exemption in the Plumbing Code, but staff believes that all commercial and industrial properties in the City currently on septic and within 200-feet of a City sewer could establish a gravity-fed connection to City sewer.
Continuing Maintenance of Existing Septic Systems:
Previously, staff had included ordinance language directing property owners to cease maintenance of their septic systems in the period leading up to connection to City sewer. This language is in the City’s current ordinance and was originally intended to promote connection to City sewer and cost savings on maintenance when Assessment District No. 1 was built. Council Staff Report: Policy Discussion on Options for Updating Sewer Ordinance Page 6 July 24, 2023
asked that staff revise this to make it clear that property owners are responsible for the maintenance of their existing septic system until the property is connected to City sewer to ensure that systems do not prematurely fail due to lack of maintenance. The draft ordinance indicates that property owners are responsible for the maintenance of their existing septic system until their property is connected to City sewer. Staff recommends the requirement to continue proper maintenance of septic systems until connection to City sewer is achieved as written in the draft ordinance and to allow City staff to inspect existing septic systems on demand when there is evidence suggesting the system may not be properly maintained or functioning correctly.
Clarification on Connection Fees, Monthly Charges, and Estimated Construction Costs:
Previously, staff provided a general cost estimate for sewer permit and impact fees as well as construction cost estimates. Council asked that staff provide a more detailed breakdown of anticipated fees and construction costs when discussing this draft ordinance and in particular the portion of these costs related to City permitting and services.
Due to the varying nature of each property and the ability of each property owner to request various quotes from contractors, staff cannot provide an exact estimate for the total cost of connection to City sewer. However, based on experience staff estimates the average cost should generally be $15,000 to $20,000 for one property. This amount includes permits and impact fees paid at time of connection. For residential properties, the impact fees including both City impact fees and SSLOCSD impact fees range from approximately $4,100 to $5,100 depending on the size of their water meter. For commercial and industrial properties, the impact fees including both City impact fees and SSLOCSD impact fees range from approximately $5,300 to $8,900 depending on the size of their water meter. The majority of these impact fees are SSLOCSD fees which are subject to change. The remaining costs include City permit fees (which are typically $1,000 or less) and construction costs which comprise the bulk of the $15,000-20,000 average cost estimate per property. It would be each property owner’s responsibility to hire their own contractor to perform the septic tank abandonment and sewer connection work. Please see Attachment 4 for a breakdown of the expected costs to connect for a residential property with a ¾" water meter.
Once connection to City sewer is established, a property would begin to be charged sewer service fees on the property’s utility bill. These charges vary depending on water usage, but most properties can expect to see a monthly charge of about $50 to $75 depending on usage, zoning, and other property specific factors. These amounts include both City and SSLOCSD monthly fees.
Sewer Connection/Septic Tank Abandonment FAQ/Fact Sheet:
Previously, staff intended to create a Frequently Asked Questions/Fact Sheet for property owners looking for information on septic tank abandonment and connection to City sewer after passage of the updated sewer ordinance. This was not done in the past as there was no formal requirement for property owners on septic in the areas outside of Assessment District No. 1’s boundary to connect. Questions from property owners were handled on a case-by-case basis. Staff has now created a fact sheet and will post it to the Public Works website once the draft ordinance is finalized and adopted. Please see Attachment 2 for this draft fact sheet.
Regional Water Quality Control Board and California Plumbing Code Regulations:
The State Water Resources Control Board is in the process of updating its Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Policy which is enforced by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) and governs the siting, design, operation, and maintenance of OWTS. Staff Staff Report: Policy Discussion on Options for Updating Sewer Ordinance Page 6 July 24, 2023
had several meetings with RWQCB staff to discuss the OWTS Policy and how existing septic systems in Grover Beach were impacted by it. The OWTS Policy establishes various tiers for OWTS and designates all existing OWTS as Tier 0 until they begin to fail. If an existing OWTS begins to fail it is automatically reclassified as a Tier 4 (OWTS Requiring Corrective Action) and must be immediately repaired to the standards applicable to a Tier 1 (Low-Risk New or Replacement OWTS). The standards required to repair or replace an existing OWTS to Tier 1 status would make the repair or replacement of most of the existing septic systems in Grover Beach impossible. Systems within 200-feet of City sewer would be required to connect per the California Plumbing Code while systems on properties more than 200-feet from City sewer would see elevated design and construction costs to meet various design requirements included in the OWTS Policy. RWQCB staff indicated that the OWTS policy has been drafted in a way that will ultimately result in the conversion of properties on septic to sewer in urbanized, higher-density jurisdictions like Grover Beach.
Table 1 in Section 7.8 of the OWTS establishes requirements for allowable density per subdivision under Tier 1. For Grover Beach, the highest allowable density would be 2 acres per single family dwelling unit which is a much lower density than that of properties with existing septic systems.
Section 8 of the OWTS establishes minimum design and construction standards for OWTS. This section establishes minimum depths to groundwater from the bottom of the OWTS dispersal system. For Grover Beach, a minimum depth of 5-8 feet would be typical which is very difficult to comply with in the industrial area where most of the remaining septic systems are. Recent data from monitoring wells in the industrial area show that groundwater is located between 6.5 and 8.5 feet below ground surface which is almost entirely above this minimum depth to groundwater when factoring required cover above the dispersal system and the height of the system itself.
This section of the OWTS also establishes the requirement for all new onsite systems to have a replacement area equal to 100% of the system’s size set aside and available for future use which would severely limit usable space on any property proposing a new system. Dispersal systems and replacement areas are not permitted to be covered by an impermeable surface such as asphalt, concrete, or buildings. However, most of the properties in the city’s industrial area are nearly, if not completely, covered in impermeable materials meaning that all replacement or new OWTS would require removal of existing impermeable materials. There are additional standards in Section 8 of the OWTS Policy that govern the design and construction of new or replacement systems, but the points listed above would effectively make replacement of an existing system far more costly than connection to the City’s sewer system.
Regional Water Quality Control Board Potential Funding Opportunities Staff met with RWQCB staff and expressed the City’s interest in finding ways to reduce the financial burden of sewer connection for property owners experiencing financial hardships.
RWQCB staff indicated that there are possible funding sources to help offset sewer connection construction costs for residential property owners through State grants. Staff is actively working with RWQCB staff to explore this possibility further and reduce the cost of connection for as many property owners as possible. If properties qualify for financial assistance, staff would proceed with a project to extend sewer mains where needed and connect properties to the new City sewer mainline. Staff will return to Council with more information on these funding opportunities as part of the ordinance public hearing and adoption later this calendar year.
Conclusion
Once Council provides final direction on the draft ordinance, staff would incorporate changes, as needed, and bring the ordinance to the Council for a public hearing and recommended adoption Staff Report: Policy Discussion on Options for Updating Sewer Ordinance Page 6 July 24, 2023
by the end of 2023. Staff sent a notice to all properties currently on septic identifying the date, time and content of this meeting along with individually contacting property owners who have reached out to Public Works to discuss this issue.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no City fiscal impact associated with this action. Pending eventual adoption of the ordinance and connection of properties to City sewer, the City would receive Sewer Development Impact Fee and monthly sewer use payments as established by the Master Fee Schedule.
However, this additional revenue would not be a substantial increase in Wastewater Enterprise Fund revenue and would come over time based on the connection timeframe.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Receive information from staff on options for an Ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 1 (Sanitary Sewer System) of Article VII (Public Works) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to update the City’s Sewer Ordinance and provide direction to finalize the Ordinance to bring back to Council for consideration, or;
2. Provide staff with alternate direction.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Attachments
1. Draft Ordinance No. 23-
2. Sewer-Septic Conversion FAQ/Fact Sheet
3. Map of Properties Currently on Septic
4. Sewer to Septic Cost Breakdown
Attachment 1
ORDINANCE NO. 23-__
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVER BEACH, CALIFORNIA, REPEALLING CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE VII AND ADOPTING A NEW CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE VII OF THE GROVER BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, the City of Grover Beach is a General Law city organized pursuant to Article XI of the California Constitution; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority granted the City by Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution, the City has the police power to adopt regulations designed to promote the public convenience or the general prosperity, as well as regulations designed to promote the public health, morals or public safety; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVER BEACH AS FOLLOWS:
PART 1. Chapter 1 of Article VII of the Grover Beach Municipal Code is hereby repealed in total:
PART 2. Chapter 1 of Article VII or the Grover Beach Municipal Code is hereby added as follows:
CHAPTER 1 - SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
PART 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 7100. Enabling Authority. This chapter is adopted pursuant to authority granted by Government Code Section 38900 that a city legislative body may construct, establish, and maintain drains and sewers.
The following Municipal Code sections shall remain in full force and effect except that all references language specific to fee amounts shall be repealed and replaced with “as set forth in the Master Fee Schedule as amended from time to time”:
Article II, Chapter 3, Section 2302
Article 111, Chapter 1, Section 3141
Article 111, Chapter 1, Section 3405 (A) & (E)
Article 111, Chapter 1, Section 3903
Article 111, Chapter 1, Section 3908
Article 111, Chapter 1, Section 3915
Article 111, Chapter 11, Section 3976
Article Ill, Chapter 11, Section 3979
Article 111, Chapter 12, Section 3990
Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 2
Article V, Chapter 2, Section 5203
Article V, Chapter 2, Section 5219
Article V, Chapter 2, Section 5220
Article V, Chapter 4, Section 5413 (B) & (H)
Article VII, Chapter 1, Section 7156
Article VII, Chapter 1, Section 7180 (A) - (N)
Article VII, Chapter 1, Section 7182
Article VII, Chapter 1, Section 7185
Article VII, Chapter 1, Section 7190
Article VII, Chapter 2, Section 7233
Article VIII, Chapter 2, Section 8202
Article VIII, Chapter 2, Section 8204
Article VIII, Chapter 2, Section 8205
Sec. 7111. Application. This chapter shall apply to all sewer facilities of the City of Grover Beach, including but not limited to, building sewers, sewer laterals, and sewer mains as defined in Part
2. PART 2 - DEFINITIONS
Sec. 7120. Definitions. (A) For the purpose of this chapter, unless it is plainly evident from the context that a different meaning is intended, the following terms used herein are defined as follows:
(1) Back-water Valve or Backflow Prevention Device: A device whose purpose is to prevent flow in a sewer in a direction opposite to that of the intended drainage; (2) Council: The City Council of the City of Grover Beach. (3) Building: Any structure used for human habitation, or a place of business, recreation, or other activity and containing sanitary facilities;
(4) Building Sewer: That portion of any sewer beginning at the plumbing or drainage outlet of any building, industrial facility, or preliminary treatment facility, and ending at the property line;
(5) Cesspool or Seepage Pit: An excavation in the ground which receives the discharge from a sewer for the purpose of allowing said discharge to percolate into the ground; (6) City: The City of Grover Beach, State of California; (7) City Engineer: Registered Civil Engineer appointed by the City Council of the City of Grover Beach to perform regular and/or special engineering services; (8) City's Representative: Any person legally authorized by the Council of the City of Grover Beach to represent the City in matters relating to the City’s sewer system; (9) Cleanout: A branch fitting installed in a sewer or other pipe for the purpose of providing access for cleaning;
Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 3
(10) County: County of San Luis Obispo, State of California; (11) Crown: The highest point of the inside surface of a sewer cross-section; (12) District, Sanitation District, or SSLOCSD: The South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District;
(13) District’s Representative: Any person legally authorized by the Board of Directors of the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District to represent the District; (14) Engineering Standards and Specifications: The current edition of the Engineering Standards and Specifications of the City of Grover Beach. (15) Fixture: Any sink, tub, shower, toilet, or other facility connected by drain to the sewer:
(16) Garbage: Solid wastes from the preparation, cooking, and dispensing of food and from the handling, storage and sale of agricultural products; (17) Lot: Any piece or parcel of land, bounded, defined, or shown upon a plot or deed recorded in the office of the County Recorder of San Luis Obispo County, provided, however, that in the event any structure is located upon more than one parcel of land all under one ownership and as herein defined, the term "lot" shall include all such parcels of land. For purposes of land which is to be annexed to or served by the City, the term "lot" shall be defined as (1) a minimum size parcel or parcels into which said land can be subdivided or split as permitted by the local zoning regulations, or (2) the actual number of parcels into which said land is subdivided or split as evidenced by records filed with the County Recorder;
(18) Manhole: A structure for the purpose of providing access to a buried sewer; (19) Permit: Any written authorization required pursuant to this chapter; (20) Person: Any human being, individual, firm, company, partnership, association, corporation, government or agency;
(21) Privy: An excavation in the ground receiving or intended to receive human body wastes; (22) Public Sewer: That portion of a sewer lying within a public right-of-way or easement, including lateral sewers that are publicly maintained and sewer mains owned and maintained by, and subject to the jurisdiction of, the City; (23) pH. The logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution;
(24) Septic Tank: A structure for treating sewage before disposal in a seepage pit or other leaching system;
(25) Sewage: Any water or fluid-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, public buildings, institutions, and industrial facilities;
(26) Sewage Works or Sewerage: All facilities for collecting, pumping, treating, and disposing of sewage;
(27) Sewer: A pipe or conduit for carrying sewage;
(28) Sewer Lateral: The portion of a sewer lying within a public right-of-way or easement and connecting a building sewer to a sewer main. Unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer or publicly maintained, sewer laterals are privately owned and maintained, including the cut-in or wye connection to the sewer main ; (29) Sewer Main: Those sewers, excluding sewer laterals, whose main purpose is to accept sewerage from laterals and convey it to the treatment plant; (30) Shall and May: Shall is mandatory; may is permissive; (31) Trunk Sewer: The same as sewer main.
Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 4
PART 3 - HOUSE SEWERS
GENERAL REGULATIONS AND MATERIALS
Sec. 7130. Separate Connection for Each Building. Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed shall be separately and independently connected with the public sewer except as provided herein.
Sec. 7131. Exception; Dwelling in Rear. Where a dwelling is on the rear of a lot, on the front of which is another building and the total street frontage of the said lot does not exceed sixty (60) feet, and is under one ownership, a separate sewer connection will not be required.
Sec. 7132. Exception; Accessory Dwelling Unit. Where an accessory dwelling unit is located on a lot on which there is also a primary residence, and is under one ownership, a separate sewer connection will not be required.
Sec. 7133. Exception; Appurtenant Buildings. Service buildings, such as a garage, servants' quarter, powerhouse, or other like buildings where required as an adjunct to and to be used in connection with a residence, public building, or commercial plant, may be connected to the house sewer serving the main building.
Sec. 7134. Materials. Building sewer lines may be of any materials allowed by the California Plumbing Code currently in effect and approved by the Building Inspector. Conformance with ASTM standards for the materials used shall apply.
Sec. 7135. Building Sewers; Size and Specifications. House sewers shall be not less than four (4) inches in diameter and shall have a continuous and even fall of not less than one-quarter (1/4) of an inch to the foot, except where solid rock or other unusual condition is encountered, then, with the approval of the City Engineer, the requirements for an even grade may be altered to best suit the given condition and to provide the best fall available under the circumstances.
Sec. 7135.1. Building Sewers; Backflow Prevention Devices. Building sewers must be constructed in accordance to the requirements of the California Plumbing Code with regard to backflow prevention devices. The installation of the backflow prevention device shall be at the sole cost and expense of the property owner and maintenance of the device shall be the sole obligation of the property owner or the owner’s successor in interest.
Sec. 7136. Protection of Sewer Laterals Where Substandard Depth. That portion of the sewer lateral from the curb line to the property line which has less than three (3) feet of cover between the top of the pipe and the curb or the top of the ground shall be protected as required by the City Engineer.
Sec. 7137. Old Building Sewers and Sewer Laterals, Use of. Old building sewers and sewer laterals may be used in connection with new plumbing work when, upon examination, they are found to conform to the requirements governing new building sewers and new sewer laterals as provided in this ordinance. Examination of the existing sewer lateral shall be completed prior to issuance of any permit resulting in re-use of the lateral.
Sec. 7138. Permits; When Required. A permit will not be required for the purposes of removing stoppages or performing repairs in any building sewer. Use of the public right-of-Way to repair a sewer lateral shall require an approved Encroachment Permit from the Department of Public Works of the City of Grover Beach
Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 5
Sec. 7139. Building Courts; Common Pipe. Building sewers from a building court may be connected to a sewer main through a common pipe and sewer lateral, provided that such common pipe and sewer lateral be of adequate size, as determined by the City Engineer, but must be at least 6 inches in diameter. The common pipe and sewer lateral shall be run in as direct a line to the sewer main as possible and a manhole shall be provided at its junction with the existing sewer main. A riser of the requirements and specifications of the City shall be placed within two and one-half (2-1/2) feet of the point of connection of the house sewer located the farthest from the public sewer. Such building sewers connecting to the common pipe shall be laid under the same requirements as if they were to connect directly to a sewer main.
Sec. 7140. New Septic Tanks, Etc.; Repairs to Old. Where a public sewer is located within a distance of two hundred (200) feet (measured along streets, alleys, avenues, or public rights-ofway upon which the property abuts), from point of connection, no new or replacement septic tank or leach line, leach field or sewer wells shall be constructed. Said properties shall connect to the public sewer and the existing septic tank or well shall be abandoned and removed or filled to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and Community Development Director. An exemption, per the California Plumbing Code, shall be made for residential properties where a public sewer is located within two-hundred feet but connection to the public sewer cannot be accomplished via a gravityfed connection. This exemption shall extend until the existing septic tank or well fails or an alternative point of connection to the public sewer becomes available that allows for a gravity-fed connection. All property owners whose property is currently serviced by a septic tank or sewer well shall take every action necessary to ensure the continued proper functioning of the existing system, regardless of the proximity of a public sewer, and provide for inspections by The Public Works Director, or their designee, upon written request.
Sec. 7140.1 Grease Traps, Catch Basins, Sumps, Etc. To prevent sand, grease, soil or other objectionable matter entering the sewerage system, restaurants and public places serving food shall be provided with grease traps, and public and private garage floor drains and public wash racks shall be provided with catch basins or sumps of a design approved by the City Engineer and in conformance with the California Plumbing Code. Garage and oiling pits shall not be connected to any sewerage system.
Sec. 7141. Time for Connection to Sewerage System. Where a public sewer is located within a distance of two hundred (200) feet (measured along streets, alleys, avenues, or public Right-ofWays upon which the property abuts) and except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, every building now or hereafter situated within the City of Grover Beach in which plumbing fixtures are now or hereafter installed shall be separately and independently connected to the city sewerage system by the property owner within two years of adoption of this Ordinance by the City Council.
Said property owners shall make application for the sewer connection pursuant to Section 7157.
All buildings within the City of Grover Beach which are required by this section to be connected to the city sewerage collection system shall be subject to monthly sewer fees commencing on the date of connection to the sewerage collection system. Upon completion of the required connection to the city sewerage system, any existing septic tank or well shall be abandoned and removed or filled, according to the direction of and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and the Community Development Director. Upon written application by the property owner, and on a showing of good cause therefore, the City Council may grant an extension of time to connect a building to the city sewerage collection system of up to two additional years. Such extension of time may be granted only upon condition that the applicant make monthly payment installments to the City equivalent Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 6
to the sewer impact fees in effect and due at time of connection to the city sewerage system for the property for which the extension is granted. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be a misdemeanor.
Sec. 7141.1. Public Nuisance. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the City of Grover Beach Municipal Code, noncompliance with either Section 7140 or 7141 or the further maintenance or use of cesspools, septic tanks, or other means of sewage disposal in the City of Grover Beach inconsistent with the requirements of this Chapter, by any person, except as permitted pursuant to this Chapter, is a public nuisance. The occupancy of any building from which sewage is discharged in violation of this Chapter is a public nuisance, and an action may be brought to enjoin any person from occupying any such building.
PART 4 - GENERAL RULES
Sec. 7150. Engineering Standards and Specifications. The City may, by resolution, update its Engineering Standards and Specifications for the construction of sewerage works, and such standards and specifications, when adopted, shall become part of this ordinance.
Sec. 7151. Private Sewage Systems Unlawful. No person shall connect to, use, provide, or maintain any system for the handling or treating of sewage or other liquid wastes within the boundaries of the City that was not in existence and use at the time of adoption of this Ordinance, except as herein provided, or upon authorization given by resolution of the City Council.
Sec. 7152. Protection from Damage. No unauthorized person shall break, damage, deface, uncover, or tamper with any structure, appurtenance, equipment or other property which is a part of the city sewage system. An approved Encroachment Permit shall be required prior to commencement of any work on a sewer lateral, sewer main, or any sewer appurtenances within the public Right-of-Way. No manhole shall be covered or made inaccessible. If required by changes in surface grade made necessary because of property development, and/or subdivisions, manholes shall be reconstructed by the developer and/or subdivider to conform to this requirement.
Sec. 7153. Investigation Powers. City representatives shall carry evidence establishing their position as an authorized representative of the City and, upon presentation and exhibiting these proper credentials and identification, shall be permitted to enter in and upon all buildings and premises within the City for the purposes of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, testing, or otherwise performing such duties as may be necessary in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. A denial of a City Representative access to a building or premise for purposes of performing such duties, shall be submitted to the City Attorney’s Office for acquisition of a court ordered inspection warrant.
Sec. 7154. Correction of Violation. Any person found to be in violation of any provision of this chapter shall be served by a representative of the City with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a reasonable time limit for the correction thereof. Said time limit shall be not less than two (2) or more than seven (7) working days, unless otherwise indicated in this chapter and/or the City Engineer determines otherwise. Such person shall permanently and completely correct the violation within the period allowed.
Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 7
Sec. 7155. Liability for Damages for Violation. Any person violating a provision of this chapter shall be liable for all damages resulting from such violation, or which arise from actions taken in the correction thereof.
Sec. 7156. Relief. Any person who by reason of special circumstances, believes that the application of any portion of this chapter as to them is unjust or inequitable may make written application to the City Council for relief. Said application shall set forth all of the special facts and circumstances and shall request the specific relief or modification desired. The Council, upon receipt of such application and after such investigation as deemed necessary, may take action to grant such relief or modification as it finds necessary. The Council, on its own motion and without an application, may, when special circumstances make the application of this chapter a hardship or unjust or inequitable, modify or suspend such portion of this chapter for the period during which the special circumstances exist. An application for relief under this section shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by a filing fee as set forth in the Master Fee Schedule and amended from time to time.
Sec. 7157. Permit and Fees Required Before Work Done. No sewer connected or to be connected to the City's sewerage system shall be installed, altered, or repaired until the appropriate permits for the work are obtained from the City and all required fees have been paid.
Sec. 7158. Use of Existing Sewer. Before a permit shall be issued for a sewer connection in any areas within the City, for which a property shall use any existing sewerage facilities of the City for which such property shall not have made full payment of its share of the cost thereof, the owner or applicant shall pay to the City a sum of money for such privilege to be computed by the City.
Sec. 7159. Permit Fees. Permit fees for construction, repair, or maintenance of private sewerage works shall be as set forth in the Master Fee Schedule and amended from time to time.
PART 5 - MAIN EXTENSIONS
Sec. 7160. Main Extensions to New Customers. Mains extended to serve new customers shall be subject to all of the provisions of this chapter. No main extension will be made by the City except on an approved dedicated street, alley, area where the City has obtained a recorded easement.
Sec. 7161. Main Extensions Independently Acted Upon. Each case of main extension shall be independently acted upon by the City Council and it shall be the sole judge of whether or not such extension shall be made.
Sec. 7162. Cost of Main Extensions. The cost of main extensions, other than to subdivisions, may be pro-rated against all lots or property that may ultimately be benefited by connection to the sewer system.
Sec. 7163. Main Extensions to Subdivisions. Where sewer main extensions are required for subdivisions, it will be the responsibility of the owner or subdivider to pay the cost for complete installation of all sewer facilities required within the subdivision and for extension of sewer mains from the subdivision to the nearest existing main of adequate capacity for the area to be served.
Such sewer mains and sewer facilities shall be subject to all the requirements of the City. Upon Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 8
official acceptance by the City, the City shall assume full ownership, maintenance and control of such mains and sewer facilities.
PART 6 - STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS FOR QUALITY OF SEWER DISCHARGE Sec. 7170. No Discharge of Storm Waters, Etc. Into Sewers. It is unlawful for any person to discharge or cause to be discharged any storm water, surface water, ground water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, cooling water or unpolluted industrial process waters into any sanitary sewer, except as is herein specifically provided.
Sec. 7171. Storm Sewers, Etc. Storm water and all unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated as storm sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the City Engineer and in conformance with all applicable state and federal laws. Industrial cooling water or unpolluted process waters may be discharged, upon approval of the City Engineer, to a storm sewer or natural outlet.
Sec. 7172. Pretreatment and Prohibited Waste. Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any waters or wastes into any public sewers that are prohibited by the South SSLOCSD Ordinance 1994-1, or any subsequent revision currently in effect.
Sec. 7173. Grease, Oil and Sand Interceptors. Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be provided when required by the California Plumbing Code, the Southern San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD) Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Ordinance currently in effect, and when, in the opinion of the City Engineer, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand, or other harmful ingredients; except that such interceptors shall not be required for private living quarters or dwelling units used solely for human habitation. All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the City Engineer in accordance with the California Plumbing Code and the SSLOCSD FOG Ordinance, and shall be located so as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. Upon change in ownership of the property, change in property use or change in ownership of property use on which an interceptor is installed, the property owner shall coordinate with the City Representative to perform an inspection of the interceptor and ensure it is compliant with current requirements of the California Plumbing Code and the SSLOCSD FOG Ordinance. Any interceptor found to be out of compliance with the requirements of the California Plumbing Code and/or the SSLOCSD FOG Ordinance shall be modified to comply with current requirements at the property owner’s expense. Food Service Establishments (FSEs) are required to enroll in the City’s Fats, Oils, and Grease Control Program and are subject to the regulatory requirements in this chapter and the SSLOCSD FOG Ordinance. Enrollment is the responsibility of the FSE owner and failure to enroll may result in citation.
Sec. 7173.1 Same; Construction. Grease and oil interceptors shall be constructed of impervious materials capable of withstanding abrupt and extreme changes in temperature. They shall be of substantial construction, water-tight, and equipped with easily removable covers which, when bolted in place, shall be gas-tight and water-tight. Grease and oil interceptors shall be constructed in conformance with the requirements of the California Plumbing Code and the SSLOCSD FOG Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 9
Sec. 7173.2. Same; Maintenance. Where installed, all grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be maintained by the owner, at their expense, in continuously efficient operation at all times.
Sec. 7174. Right to Regulate Water and Wastes and Require Preliminary Treatment, Etc. (A)The admission into the public sewers of any waters or wastes having an average daily flow greater than two (2%) percent of the average daily sewage flow of the City of Grover City, or exceeding the limits established by the SSLOCSD Ordinance 1994-1, or any subsequent revision currently in effect shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer.
(B) Where necessary, in the opinion of the City Engineer, the owner shall provide, at their expense, such preliminary treatment as may be necessary to reduce the nature and constituents of the discharge to comply with Section 7172 or control the quantities and rates of discharge of such waters or wastes.
(C) Plans, specifications, and any other pertinent information relating to proposed preliminary treatment facilities shall be submitted for the approval of the City Engineer and of the Regional Water Quality Control Board of the State of California, and no construction of such facilities shall be commenced until said approvals are obtained in writing.
Sec. 7174.1 FOG Control Program Correction of Violation. Any person, FSE, or property found to be in violation of the requirements of this chapter and/or the SSLOCSD FOG Ordinance shall be served by a representative of the City with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a time limit for the correction thereof per the requirements of Section 6 of the SSLOCSD FOG Ordinance.
Sec. 7175. Preliminary Treatment Facilities. Where preliminary treatment facilities are provided for any waters or wastes, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation, by the owner, at their expense.
Sec. 7176. Installation of Control Manholes. When required by the City Engineer, the owner of any property served by a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurements of the wastes.
Such manhole, when required, shall be accessible and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the City Engineer. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at their expense and shall be maintained by the owner so as to be safe and accessible at all times.
Sec. 7177. Measurements, Tests and Analyses. All measurements, tests, and analyses of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which reference is made in Sections 7172 and 7174, shall be determined in accordance with "Standards Methods for the Examination of Water and Sewage," published by American Waterworks Association, and shall be determined at the control manhole provided for in Section 7176, or upon suitable samples taken at said control manhole.
In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the building sewer is connected.
Sec. 7178. Special Agreements with Industrial Concerns. No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the City and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the City for treatment, subject to payment therefor by the industrial concern.
Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 10
PART 7 - SEWER SERVICE CHARGES
Sec. 7180. Sewer Rental Charge. Every person whose premises in the City are served by a connection to the sewerage collection system of the City, whereby the sewerage or industrial wastes, or both, are disposed of by the City to the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District sewerage treatment plant, or otherwise, shall pay a sewer rental charge as set forth in the Master Fee Schedule as amended from time to time.
Sec. 7181. Same; Service Outside City. Any connection to the City’s sewerage collection system outside of the City limits shall be charged at double the rate charged within the City, or such other rate as the City Council may determine.
Sec. 7182. Same; Quantity Rates. All users other than single family residences and schools shall be entitled to three thousand (3,000) cubic feet of sewage for the minimum charge. Any excess over the minimum amount shall be charged at the rate as set forth in the Master Fee Schedule and amended from time to time. Such quantities of sewage shall be determined by the City, based upon the percentage of water used which is deposited in said sewer facility. Any occupant who may disagree with the City's determinations may, at the occupant's own expense, install private measuring devices in accordance with specifications approved by the City.
Sec. 7183. Vacancies. In case a residence or place of business becomes vacant, the minimum sewer charge shall be collected.
Sec. 7184. Collections. All charges for such sewage service shall be paid at the same time as water charges are paid to the City and shall be billed upon the same utility bill sent to the user and both amounts must be paid or the City may, in addition to other remedies, shut off the water service.
Sec. 7185. Penalties. Any person failing to pay the sewer service charge when due, and if the water service has been disconnected, shall pay the sum as set forth in the Master Fee Schedule and amended from time to time.
Sec. 7186. Application of Revenue. Revenue derived by the City under the provisions of this chapter shall be used for the operation, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system and shall be applied to the retirement of any bonded indebtedness which was incurred to building the sanitary sewer system.
PART 8 -- SEWER FACILITY FEES
Sec. 7190. Facility Fees. Facility fees shall be charged as set forth in the Master Fee Schedule and amended from time to time.
Sec. 7191. Payment for Connection. The permit for water and sewer connections shall be made at such time as any building permit is issued.
PART 2. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Ordinance No. 23-__ Page 11
Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional.
PART 3. This Ordinance shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on the 31st day after the date of its adoption, and within fifteen (15) days after its adoption, it shall be published once, together with the names of the Council Members voting thereon, in a newspaper of general circulation within the City.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on MONTH DATE, 2023, and PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council on MONTH DATE, 2023, on the following roll call vote to wit:
AYES: Council Members –
NOES: Council Members –
ABSENT: Council Members –
ABSTAIN: Council Members –
RECUSED: Council Members –
KAREN BRIGHT, MAYOR
Attest:
WENDI B. SIMS, CITY CLERK
Approved as to Form:
DAVID P. HALE, CITY ATTORNEY
C i t y o f G r o v e r B e a c h
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
154 S. 8th Street ❖Grover Beach, CA 93433 ❖ (805) 473-4530 ❖[email protected] Visit our website at www.groverbeach.org
SEPTIC TANK ABANDONMENT – CONNECTION TO CITY SEWER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | FACT SHEET
Looking to abandon your septic tank and connect to the City’s wastewater collection system? Please review this form for useful information about this process.
Definitions:
1. Septic Tank, Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), or Private Sewage Disposal System (PSDS): A privately owned and maintained underground tank in which sewage is collected and allowed to decompose before draining by means of a leaching field.
2. City Sewer, Public Sewer, Wastewater Collection System: The network of publicly owned and maintained sewer main lines throughout the City of Grover Beach that convey wastewater flows to the South Sal Luis Obispo County Sanitation District collection system and treatment plant in Oceano.
3. Sewer Lateral: The privately owned and maintained sewer line that connects a building on private property to the City’s wastewater collection system. Sewer laterals are maintained by the property owner from the City’s mainline to the building they serve. This includes the portion of the lateral located in the public Right-of-Way.
Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers):
Q: Which properties are required to connect to City sewer? A: All properties with a City sewer line within 200-feet (measured from property line) are required to connect to City sewer immediately in accordance with the City’s Sewer Ordinance.
If a property does not currently have a City sewer within 200-feet, they will be required to connect once a City sewer becomes available within 200’.
Q: Are there exemptions for properties within 200-feet of a City sewer? A: Yes, any residential property that currently has a City sewer within 200-feet but would be required to install a private wastewater pump station to connect to the City sewer system is exempted from immediate connection. These residential properties must connect to City sewer when: 1. Their existing septic system fails or 2. An alternative point of connection to the City’s sewer main becomes available that would not require installation of a private wastewater pump station. This exemption does not extend to commercial and/or industrial properties.
Q: My property is on septic, but the septic system has failed. I do not want to connect to City sewer and wish to repair or replace the existing septic system. What do I have to do? A: Any property that must repair or replace the existing septic system must comply with the requirements of the most recent edition of the California Plumbing Code and the State Water Resource Control Board’s OWTS Policy. If the system cannot be repaired or replaced in compliance with those regulations, connection the City sewer will be required.
Q: My property is on septic but there is a sewer line in the street, and I want to connect to it. What permits do I need?
A: You will need a plumbing permit for the septic tank abandonment. If your property does not have a lateral built to the property line, you will also need an encroachment permit for the work Attachment 2
C i t y o f G r o v e r B e a c h
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
154 S. 8th Street ❖Grover Beach, CA 93433 ❖ (805) 473-4530 ❖[email protected] Visit our website at www.groverbeach.org
in the public Right-of-Way. The plumbing permit is issued by the Community Development Department and the encroachment permit is issued by the Public Works Department.
Q: How do I find out if my property has an existing lateral built to my property line or if there is an existing connection at the sewer main that I can use for my connection? A: Contact the Public Works Department at [email protected] or (805) 473-4530 for property-specific information about an available lateral or mainline connection.
Q: What fees do I have to pay to connect to City sewer? A: When pulling your permits, you will be required to pay one-time sewer impact fees. There are two main fees: a City wastewater impact fee and a Sanitation District fee. For a residential property with an existing ¾” water meter, the City impact fee is approximately $1,700 and the Sanitation District fee is approximately $2,500. In addition to impact fees, you will need a plumbing permit issued by the Community Development Department for this work. The fees and permit costs change from time to time, and you are encouraged to contact the Community Development Department for an estimate for your specific property. All City fees can be found in the Master Fee Schedule.
Q: Are there recurring charges that I have to pay once I am connected to City sewer? A: Your bi-monthly utility bill will include sewer charges once you connect to City sewer. These charges depend on several property-specific characteristics but a property with a $100 bimonthly utility bill before City sewer charges typically sees an increase of about $50-60 due to sewer charges. These charges include both City monthly charges and Sanitation District monthly charges. You are encouraged to contact the Utility Billing Department for a more detailed estimate for your property’s monthly sewer charges. All City fees can be found in the Master Fee Schedule.
Q: Do I have to hire my own contractor to abandon my septic system and connect to City Sewer? A: Yes, it is your responsibility as the property owner to hire an appropriately licensed and insured contractor to perform the septic abandonment and sewer connection work for your property. The City does not perform this work for private property owners. The cost of this work varies due to property-specific conditions but is generally $5,000 to $15,000.
Q: What City inspections are required for my septic abandonment and sewer connection project? A: The City’s building inspector will inspect the abandonment of the existing septic system and the Public Works inspector will inspect the connection to either the existing lateral or the City’s mainline. Building inspection requests can be called in at (805) 473-4527 and Public Works inspections can be called in at (805) 473-4534 at least 48-hours prior to the requested inspection date/time.
Q: I have additional questions about my septic system and/or connection to City’s sewer. What do I do?
A: Please contact the Public Works Department at [email protected] or (805) 473-4530. Depending on your questions, you may also need to speak with the Community Development Department or Utility Billing Department
Attachment 3
$1,700.00
$2,500.00
$1,000.00
$14,800.00
Septic to Sewer Cost Estimate Breakdown
Residential 3/4" Meter
Total Estimated Cost $20,000
City Impact Fees Sanitation District Impact Fees Permits Construction Attachment 4