Hesperia Municipal Code Ch. 14.08 Wastewater Services

A. Unsanitary Sewage. It is unlawful for any person to place, deposit, or permit to be deposited or placed, in any unsanitary manner on public or private property within the boundaries of the district any human or animal excrement, garbage, or objectionable waste.

B. Discharge. It is unlawful to discharge to any manhole or system outlet within the district except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with subsequent provisions of this division.

C. Private Sewage Disposal Facilities. Except as hereinafter provided, it is unlawful to construct any privy, outhouse, septic tank, cesspool, leach line, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of wastewater within any existing district sewered area.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11)

A. The following project types are required to connect to the public sewer:

1. Projects involving domestic wastewater discharge in excess of five hundred (500) gallons/acre/day as determined by city.

2. Projects with industrial or non-domestic waste discharge.

3. Projects that exceed two equivalent dwelling units (EDU)/acre density.

a. Exception: Projects located within the Hesperia Mobile Estates.

4. Projects that do not comply with district/city standards for private sewage disposal systems.

5. Projects on property located within two hundred (200) feet of a public sewer, when measured from property line to the existing sewer location.

B. Existing buildings and facilities connected to private sewage disposal systems are required to connect to the public sewer when:

1. There is a failure, either biological or structural, of the private sewage disposal system and connection to the public sewer system would be required in subsection A above.

2. There is a failure, either biological or structural, of the private sewage disposal system and the public sewer is located within two hundred (200) feet of the subject property line.

3. Additions, alterations, or modifications adding plumbing fixtures to the building or facilities that would now meet the criteria in subsection A above.

C. The city and district may require connection to the public sewer when information is available that private sewage disposal is causing or may cause deterioration of the quality of the groundwater in all or any portion of the city.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11)

The owner(s) of any new commercial, industrial, multi-family and single-family residential property connecting to the local wastewater collection system shall be required to maintain the wastewater laterals from their building or structure to the connection point of the sewer main at their own expense. The district's responsibility shall be limited to maintain manholes, main line sewers, and appurtenances related to the conveyance of wastewater. The district will retain responsibility for the maintenance of the private sewer laterals from the property line to the sewer main for existing single-family residential, commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties that were connected prior to the effective date of this ordinance.

Each property owner shall, at the property owner's expense, inspect, maintain in good working order, repair, and replace, as necessary, the PSL so that it does not cause or contribute to any sewage overflow from the PSL or the public sewer. The PSL shall be free of open joints, cracks, leaks, root intrusion, inflow, infiltration of groundwater, fats, oil, grease, or any other similar conditions, defects, or obstructions likely to cause or contribute to blockage of the PSL or the district's main line sewer. Where such maintenance requires excavation or replacement of existing sewer facilities, the owner shall apply for and receive an encroachment permit as per Title 12, Chapter 12.12. Section 12.12.060.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11; Ord. No. 2024-01, § 3(Exh. A), 3-5-24)

When connection to the public sewer is not required per Section 14.08.020 a private sewage disposal system may be installed.

A. Private sewage disposal systems shall comply with the provisions of the City of Hesperia Local Agency Management Program, as may be amended from time to time. The provisions of the City of Hesperia Local Agency Management Program, as amended are incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as if the provisions therein were specifically and fully set out herein.

B. Permits for construction and sizing requirements shall be established by the city using requirements from the California Plumbing Code.

C. Operation and Maintenance. Private sewage disposal systems shall be operated and maintained in a sanitary manner at all times at no expense to the district.

D. Connection to Public Sewer. Prior to connection to the public sewer the following shall be completed:

1. The septic tank and seepage pit(s) shall be pumped of all liquids and solids and the pump ticket shall be provided to the city.

2. The bottom of the septic tank shall be broken and inspected by city.

3. The lids for the septic tank and seepage pit(s) shall be removed.

4. The septic tank and seepage pit(s) shall be filled with material approved by the city.

5. When a building or structure is proposed to be placed within the required setbacks of a private sewage disposal system as defined in the California Plumbing Code, the septic tank and/or seepage pit shall be removed entirely.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11; Ord. of 2018-04, § 2(Exh. A), 4-3-18)

A. VVWRA Regulations Adopted by Reference. The wastewater discharged to the wastewater facilities shall meet applicable regulations prescribed and adopted by the VVWRA. Said regulations are adopted by reference and made a part of this division. Copies are on file with the district.

B. Discharge Not Allowed When. No person shall discharge wastewater directly or indirectly into sewage facilities owned or operated by the district which cause or are capable of causing either alone or by interaction with other substances, the following:

1. A fire or explosion;

2. Obstruction of flow in the wastewater system or damage to the sewage facilities;

3. Interference with effective maintenance or operation of the sewage system;

4. Air pollution by the release of toxic or malodorous gases or gas-producing substances;

5. Interference with the wastewater treatment process;

6. Unsuitability of the district's effluent or any other product of the treatment process, residues, sludge, grease, or scum for reclamation and reuse;

7. Discoloration or any other condition of the quality of the district's treatment works effluent to such an extent that receiving water quality requirements established by regulatory agencies cannot be met; or

8. Conditions at or near sewage facilities which violate any statute or any regulation or ordinance of any public agency or state or federal regulatory body of competent jurisdiction.

C. Discharging of storm water into the sanitary wastewater system or sewage into any storm water system is unlawful.

D. Discharge of Non-Sewage Substances Restricted. Permission to discharge any substance except domestic sewage into the sanitary wastewater system of the district will be considered in accordance with the conditions of each case and shall be subject to district rules, regulations and requirements. Approval or permission may require the owner to provide, at the owner's expense, such preliminary treatment as may be necessary to reduce objectionable characteristics and constituents in wastewater as may be appropriate to satisfy the requirements specified in the regulations of the VVWRA. Plans, specifications, and other information relating to proposed preliminary treatment facilities shall be submitted to the district for approval of the district engineer and general manager, and no construction of such facilities shall commence until said approvals are obtained in writing. Where preliminary treatment facilities are required or provided for any waters or wastes, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his expense.

E. Control Manhole to be Installed by Property Owner. The owner of any property discharging industrial wastes as defined herein shall install a suitable control manhole in the portion of the sewer located on private property to facilitate observation, sampling, and measurements of the wastes. Such manhole shall be accessible and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the general manager. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his expense, and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all times. All measurements, tests, and analysis of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which reference is hereinabove made shall be determined in accordance with Standard Methods of the Examination of Water and Sewage and shall be determined at the control manhole provided for above, or upon suitable samples taken at said control manhole. The control manhole can be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer.

F. Special Agreements or Arrangements. No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed as preventing special agreement or arrangement between the district, VVWRA, and any person whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by VVWRA for treatment, subject to payment therefore by discharger.

G. Swimming Pools. Connection of swimming pools and swimming pool equipment to sanitary sewers shall not be permitted and the discharge of swimming pool effluent to a district sewerage facility is prohibited.

H. Interceptors Required. Grease, oil and/or sand interceptors or traps shall be required, at the owner's expense, in all facilities which discharge liquid wastes containing grease, flammable wastes, sand and/or other wastes containing harmful ingredients. All interceptors and traps shall be to type and capacity approved by the general manager and shall be installed and located so as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. Grease and oil interceptors and traps shall be constructed of impervious materials, capable of withstanding abrupt and extreme changes in temperature.

Required interceptors and traps shall be of substantial construction, watertight, and equipped with easily removable covers, and shall be effectively trapped and vented. All grease, oil, and sand interceptors and traps shall be maintained at the owner's expense, in a continuously efficient operation at all times. All construction shall conform to district standards. The facilities required to use the aforementioned interceptors are, but are not limited to, restaurants including fast food, butcher shops, gas stations, car washes, automotive mechanics, and paint shops. Other facilities that generate much smaller quantities of greasy waste may have grease traps installed. Facilities in this category would include convenience stores, coffee shops, sandwich shops, and similar uses where small amounts of greasy wastes are generated.

I. Industrial Wastewater Discharge.

1. To provide the maximum public benefit from the use of district facilities, written authorization or a permit as provided by VVWRA shall be required to use said facilities for industrial wastewater discharge. The wastewater discharge permit shall be in one of three forms and is dependent upon the volume and characteristics of wastewater discharged. The three industrial wastewater discharge permits are: (a) Class I; (b) Class II; and (c) Critical discharge permits.

2. All industrial wastewater permits must be obtained prior to discharging into a public sewer.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11)

A. Permit Requirements. Any person proposing to construct and/or install sewers within the district for connection to the district's wastewater system shall be appropriately licensed. This shall include a Class "A" General Engineering Contractor, Class "C34" Pipeline Contractor, or Class "C42" Sanitary Sewer Contractor. Prior to the district's issuance of a permit, the contractor shall provide evidence of all required certificates of insurance and performance bonds as established by the district.

B. Encroachment Permits. No excavation for sewers shall be made in any street within the district until an encroachment permit has been obtained from the city. Any and all permits required by local agencies shall be obtained by the owner's contractor and any fees therefor shall be paid by the owner or contractor.

C. Responsibility for Defects.

1. All persons performing work which is governed by the provisions of this chapter shall be held strictly responsible for any and all acts and omissions of agents, subcontractors, and employees in connection with said work. Said persons, upon being notified in writing by the general manager of any defects arising from construction or of any violation of the provisions of this division, shall take immediate steps to correct such defect or violation.

2. In the event any construction, when inspected by the district, is found to be in violation of the provisions of this chapter, the contractor shall take such steps as may be necessary to place the construction in compliance herewith.

D. Connection to Regional Interceptor. There shall be no direct connection of collection system sewers to regional interceptor systems except by permission of VVWRA and the district and only at manholes or at existing stub-outs provided for said purpose, with collector sewers or wastewater system extensions being designed and/or approved by the district and VVWRA. All connections and/or wastewater system extensions will be designed by a licensed engineer with plans and specifications submitted to the district for final approval by the district and by VVWRA where applicable before construction of said system is authorized.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11)

A. Authorization Required. Authorization to construct or install sewer(s) or connect to the district's wastewater system must first be obtained from the district. Application for such authorization shall be made at the district offices. All authorized construction shall comply with the district's/city's development standards and details, and district's wastewater master plan.

B. Wastewater Facility Allowed. Authorization of wastewater facilities and connection to the district's wastewater system shall be allowed when service is required, but no wastewater facilities currently exist or are available and adequate capacity exists to allow such connection. The costs, fees and charges, associated with construction and connection shall be borne solely by the applicant.

C. Oversized and Off-Development Facilities. Wastewater facilities may be required to be oversized and/or construction extended beyond that required to serve the applicant but is needed to comply with the district master plan. Per such situation, consideration may be given to reimburse excess costs as determined by the district.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11)

A. Application. Application for lateral sewers and the required clean-out to be constructed shall be made at the office of the district by the property owner or his agent.

B. Termination Point. Whenever practicable, lateral sewers and the clean-outs will be terminated at the property line at a location chosen by the owner or his agent. If this cannot be accomplished the district shall establish the termination point of the lateral sewer.

C. New Construction of Lateral Sewers. Lateral sewers (minimum four-inch size for single-family residential, minimum six-inches required for all others), must be constructed to serve each building in a development. A clean-out shall be installed on each lateral at the property line to accommodate future cleaning operations. The cost of the entire lateral connection, including clean-out shall be borne by developer or property owner. Building sewer laterals shall not be connected to district sewers until permits for connection have been issued and construction approved by the district.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11)

A. Authority to Inspect Premises.

1. The general manager and other duly authorized employees of the district bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all properties which are required to maintain industrial pretreatment facilities for the purposes of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing pertinent to discharge to the district sewerage facilities in accordance with the provisions of this division.

2. The general manager and other duly authorized employees are authorized to obtain information from users concerning industrial processes which have a direct bearing on the kind and source of discharge to the wastewater collection system. All information and data on a user shall be available to the public and governmental agencies without restriction unless the user specifically requests and is able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the district that the release of such information would divulge information, processes, or methods which are validly classifiable as trade secrets.

3. While performing the necessary work on private properties referred to in this chapter, district employees and representatives shall observe all safety rules applicable to the premises established by the user.

4. The general manager and other duly authorized employees or agents of the district bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all private properties through which the district holds a duly negotiated easement for the purpose of, but not limited to, inspections, observation, measurement, sampling, repair and maintenance of any portion of the wastewater facilities lying within said easement. All entry and subsequent work, if any, on said easement, shall be done in full accordance with the terms of the easement.

B. Flow Monitoring and Sampling. Flow monitoring and sampling will be conducted as follows:

1. For critical wastewater dischargers, as defined in Section 14.02.020, the district may require installation of special flow monitoring components, such as weir plates, and for sampling manholes, which shall become property of the district. Depending on the type of discharger the district may require monitoring and sampling test information/results on a periodic basis, and/or may conduct its own sampling.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11)

A. Purpose and Intent.

1. The purpose of this section is to reduce or eliminate the adverse affects of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) on the wastewater collection system and thereby protect public health and the environment by minimizing public exposure to unsanitary conditions.

2. The intent of this section is to use the city's police powers to regulate the direct and indirect discharge of fats, oil, and grease into the city's wastewater collection system in compliance with all applicable laws.

B. Permit Required. Any food service establishment (FSE) discharging into the public sewer shall obtain a permit from the city which shall be referred to as a FOG discharge permit (hereafter, permit). The permit may include conditions to pre-treat wastewater prior to discharge, restrict peak flow of discharges, prohibit certain wastewater components, restrict discharges to specific hours of the day, pay additional fees to defray city costs caused by the discharge, or other conditions necessary to meet the purpose and intent of this chapter. No person shall discharge wastewater in excess of the quantity and quality limitations set by the permit.

C. Permit Application. Persons seeking a permit shall complete and file with the city an application in the form prescribed by the city and submit the applicable fees as adopted by city council/board resolution. The applicant shall submit the following information:

Name, address, and phone number of applicant

Name, address, and phone number of property owner

Volume of wastewater to be discharged

Time of daily food preparation operations

Description of food preparation, type and number of meals served, cleanup procedures, dining room capacity, size of kitchen, and number of employees

Other information required by the city

The city shall review the application within five business days and may require additional information and an on-site inspection of the waste discharge system. Once the city has determined that the application is complete, it shall issue a conditional permit or deny the permit application, stating the reason(s) for the denial. Denial of a permit shall be without prejudice.

D. Term of Permit. A permit issued under this chapter shall be valid for one year. The terms and conditions of the permit may be subject to modification by the city should the conditions of the permit change, if any change in city, state, or federal law necessitates a change, or if it is found that the purpose and intent of the permit are not being met.

E. Transfer. Permits are issued for a specific use and operation. Any change occurring to the use or operation shall require a new or revised permit.

F. Revocation of Permit. The city may revoke the permit for any business found to be in violation of this section or if any of the following occur:

Failure to comply with the conditions of the permit

Failure to install required pre-treatment devices

Failure to comply with reporting or pre-treatment requirements

Knowingly provides false discharge information, either on the permit, or in required reports

Refusal by permittee to allow an inspection during regular business hours or after hours if an emergency condition exists

Interferes with an inspection or the sampling of discharge

Causes or contributes to a sewer blockage or overflow within the public sewer or fails to address the conditions leading to one or more overflow event(s) from a private system in a twenty-four-month period

G. Fees. Fees for permits and other services necessary to enforce this section shall be established by resolution of the city council.

H. Maintenance Reports. The permittee shall maintain records on the premises, of all grease interceptor cleaning, maintenance of the grease interceptor, and service manifests for removal of the waste. The permittee shall make all maintenance reports available to the city during inspections during regular business hours. City representatives may enter the premises at any time to respond to an emergency related to sewer spill due to grease collection.

I. Enforcement and Penalty for Violation. Any discharge of wastewater in violation of this section or of any permit issued under this section is declared a public nuisance. Any person who knowingly makes a false statement, or who falsifies, tampers, or knowingly renders inaccurate, any monitoring device or record, required by this chapter is guilty of a public nuisance. Enforcement of the provisions of this section shall be pursuant to the procedures in Chapter 1.12 of the Hesperia Municipal Code. The district may revoke any permit or terminate wastewater service to any permittee when they cause or threaten to cause a condition of contamination, pollution, or nuisance.

(Ord. No. 2011-06, § 4(Exh. A), 7-19-11)