Los Angeles County Municipal Code Part 3 Privies, Chemical Toilets, Cesspools, and Toilet Facilities

Editor's note— Ord. 2021-0062 § 3, adopted Nov. 30, 2021, amended the title of Ch. 11.38, Part 3, to read as herein set out. The former part was entitled "Privies, Chemical Toilets, and Cesspools."

A.

Qualified Testers. No person shall test and make reports on backflow prevention devices as required in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations unless he has a certificate of competence issued by the director. The director may conduct examinations to determine the competency of any person desiring to test and make reports on backflow prevention devices for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Those persons who have been determined by the director to be competent shall receive from the director a certificate of competence. It is unlawful for any person to maintain a backflow prevention device unless it is tested at least annually.

B.

Test Required. Backflow prevention devices which have been installed to meet the requirements of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations shall be tested at least once each calendar year by a person having received a certificate of competence from the director. Records of such tests shall be filed with the director within 30 days after such tests, upon forms provided by the director.

C.

Devices in Good Repair. It is unlawful to use any backflow prevention device installed to meet the requirements of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations unless it is in good repair. Devices which are defective shall be repaired and tested immediately upon being put into use, and a report of such shall be filed with the director within 30 days after such test.

D.

Director may distribute to the public a list of those persons certified under paragraph A. above and may charge $159.00 for inclusion on such list.

(Ord. 2006-0040 § 105, 2006; Ord. 93-0055 § 14, 1993; Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 528.2, 1959.)

A privy or privy structure shall only be installed in remote public or private recreation areas, where there is no running water or practical means of sewage disposal. Privies shall only be permitted to be installed where they are accessible for servicing by a seepage/sewage pumping vehicle. A privy or privy structure shall not be in close proximity of any food establishments of any kind or character. A privy or privy structure shall not be associated with any residential dwelling. When determined by the Director that necessity for permitted privy or privy structure no longer exists, the Director may revoke the permit. No person shall continue to maintain a privy after the permit for maintenance thereof has been revoked. Whenever any privy or privy structure is to be abandoned or no longer in service, notification shall be provided to the Director, and destruction of the privy or privy structure shall be accomplished in a manner approved by the Director.

(Ord. 2018-0037 § 25, 2018; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 537, 1959.)

It is unlawful to erect or maintain a privy unless a suitable shelter is provided to afford privacy and protection from the elements. The openings of such structure shall be enclosed by metal mosquito-screening. The door thereof shall be so

constructed as to close automatically by means of a spring or other device.

The construction of the privy structure shall be such as to exclude all rodents, flies and other insects from the tank or vault. The privy structure shall be maintained in good repair, in a clean and sanitary condition, and free from flies, other insects and rodents, and shall be properly ventilated. The tank or vault where waste is held shall be made of a water tight material and all seams or joints shall be water tight. The privy structure over the tank or vault shall completely cover the tank or vault and shall be mounted on a cement or masonry foundation at least four (4) inches wide and extending at least six (6) inches above and twelve (12) inches below ground level. The tank or vault shall be at least four (4) feet deep and shall be provided with a vent at least six (6) inches in cross-Sectional dimension, extending from the pit to a point higher than the highest point of the roof. Such vent shall be effectively screened. There shall be an access port to allow cleaning of the tank or vault by a sewage cleaning and carrying vehicle.

(Ord. 2018-0037 § 26, 2018; Ord. 8588 § 1 (part), 1964; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 535, 1959.)

The tank or vault of a privy shall not be permitted to become filled with excreta nearer than two (2) feet from the surface of the ground. The content of the privy shall be pumped out as needed by a seepage/sewage pumping vehicle permitted by the Director.

(Ord. 2018-0037 § 27, 2018; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 536, 1959.)

The construction of new earthen pit privies and cesspools is prohibited. An earthen pit privy currently in existence may continue to be used until it is determined that the cesspool has failed, is contaminating groundwater, or a building permit is issued to modify the residential structure served by the earthen pit privy.

(Ord. 2018-0037 § 28, 2018; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 534, 1959.)

It is unlawful for any person to construct, maintain or keep a privy in any location in which it may contaminate or pollute any stream, channel, pond, lake, reservoir or any source of water. In no case shall a privy be constructed, maintained, or kept less than one hundred (100) feet from any stream, water channel, spring, or well, and two hundred (200) feet from any pond, lake, reservoir or infiltration gallery.

(Ord. 2018-0037 § 29, 2018; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 538, 1959.)

Chemical toilets are intended to serve non-residential, limited use activities, such as field labor operations, special events, and temporary construction sites where connection to the sewer or construction of an OWTS is not practicable. Except for those activities covered under California Occupational Health and Safety requirements or businesses permitted by the Department of Regional Planning to operate under electric transmission lines, the use of chemical toilets at a location for over three (3) days requires a public health permit.

(Ord. 2018-0037 § 30, 2018.)

It is unlawful to erect or maintain a chemical toilet unless it complies with the following:

A.

Chemical toilets shall have a suitable structure to afford privacy and protection from the elements, and be constructed to exclude all rodents, flies and other insects. All openings of the structure to the outside shall be enclosed with metal

mosquito-screening. The door shall be constructed as to be self-closing. A vent or window shall be provided for light during daylight hours. Artificial light shall be provided when the chemical toilets is to be used at night.

B.

The walls and ceilings of the structure shall be reasonably smooth and well painted in a light color, and be capable of withstanding repeated washing and scrubbing.

C.

Chemical-toilet storage tanks shall be enclosed within the structure, properly vented, watertight, and in good repair.

D.

The toilet seat shall be a commercial, split-front type, oval in shape, with a smooth, impervious surface, and installed so as to be easily cleaned. The seat shall be centered over the hole to prevent the deposition of fecal matter on sides of the drop tube. The drop tube shall have sides that are installed vertically or flared out at the connection to the tank.

E.

The metal drop tube beneath the toilet seat shall follow the shape of the toilet seat and fit smoothly into the top of the tank enclosure. It shall have a noncorrosive surface. There shall be no cracks or rough edges around this opening or in the entire bench. Circular openings shall be permitted only if their diameter is at least equal to the largest dimension of the toilet seat opening.

F.

The maximum distance between the inside edge of the opening between the toilet seat and the front of the tank enclosure shall be two inches.

G.

All structures intended for male use shall contain a urinal located at least 20 inches from the toilet seat openings. The urinal shall be made from durable, noncorrosive, impervious material finished with smooth surfaces and proper slopes so that it is easily cleaned and readily drains. A splash board of similar material at least eight inches higher than the overflow rim shall be provided. Hoses or pipes used to drain urinals shall be a minimum of one inch inside diameter, shall be securely attached, and shall be constructed of a noncorrosive, watertight, easily cleanable material. The urinal shall be designed to minimize splashing.

H.

The toilet structure shall be adequately ventilated with openings screened with 16-mesh screen or equal. These ventilation openings shall contain at least four square feet of total area.

I.

The chemical toilet structure shall be sufficiently large to provide adequate space for the users, with the minimum width or depth equal to three feet, six inches.

J.

Each chemical toilet structure shall have painted thereon, in clear letters at least three inches in height, the name of the owner and the company number of the unit.

K.

A suitable device for holding toilet paper shall be provided.

L.

The interior of the structure and tanks shall be cleaned at least once a week while the units are in use and more frequently when necessary to maintain them in a clean and odorfree condition.

M.

Toilet paper shall be available at all times.

N.

After cleaning, there shall be placed in the tank a solution of a type which effectively controls odors. When initially filled, and at all times when in use, the tank shall contain sufficient solution to cover all solids accumulated and to prevent fly breeding.

O.

Sewage from chemical toilets shall be disposed of only in a sanitary sewer system approved by the director.

P.

Whenever chemical toilets are returned after a job, the interior shall be thoroughly cleaned and repainted when necessary.

Q.

A chemical toilet shall be located at least four feet from a property line, at least 20 feet from the nearest occupied residence, and at least 10 feet from a street or public sidewalk.

R.

A chemical toilet shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times.

(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 535.1, 1959.)

There shall be not less than one toilet facility for each multiple of 20 employees, or fractional part thereof, work at a construction job site. for the purpose of this section, the term "construction site" shall mean the location on which actual construction of a building, structure, or facility, is in progress.

(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 539, 1959.)

Every person maintaining a privy structure, toilet room, washroom, bath or shower room for the use of his employees, or the public, shall at all times keep the floors, walls, ceilings, toilet facilities, urinals, lavatories and other equipment therein in good repair and free from dirt, filth and corrosion. All baths, showers, lavatories and urinals, except urinals constructed in connection with a privy, shall be adequately supplied with running water. Rooms used for such facilities shall be well ventilated and lighted. All lavatories shall be kept supplied with soap and individual towels with a receptacle for their disposal. All toilet facilities shall be kept supplied with toilet paper. In connection with every public toilet hereafter erected, there shall be maintained hand-washing facilities for the public and employees.

(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 533, 1959.)

It is unlawful for any person to conduct a business or place of public gathering unless there is provided adequate and conveniently located toilet facilities and sinks (lavatories) that meet the requirements of applicable local, State, and/or federal law. Single-user toilet facilities must comply with signage requirements of section 118600 of the Health and Safety Code and Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. If, in the opinion of the Director, the number of toilet facilities and sinks (lavatories) is inadequate, the Director must order additional toilet facilities or sinks (lavatories), or both, to be provided.

A.

If toilet facilities are made available for the public, clients, or employees, no person owning, controlling, or having charge of such accommodation or facility shall prohibit or prevent the use of such toilet facilities by a person with a physical handicap, regardless of whether that person is a customer, client, employee, or paid entrant to the accommodation or facility. Separate employee toilet facilities need not be made available to the public if there are other toilet facilities available on the premises, unless employee toilet facilities have been constructed or altered to accommodate the physically handicapped and such toilet facilities are not available elsewhere on the premises. Toilet facilities located within food establishments which are accessible only through the food preparation area must be made available to persons requiring the use of a service animal by having an employee or other person escort the individual to the facility, and No live animals are allowed in the food preparation area.

B.

The following definitions are applicable to this section:

"A person with a physical handicap" includes:

a.

An individual who has an impairment, either permanent or temporary in nature as follows:

i.

Impairments that affect ambulation due to cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, spinal cord injury, amputation, arthritis, cardiac, and pulmonary conditions and other conditions or diseases which reduce mobility, including aging,

ii.

Impairments that require the use of crutches, canes, wheelchairs, braces, walkers, or other ambulatory assistive devices,

iii.

Total blindness or impairments affecting sight to the extent that the individual functioning in public areas may be insecure or exposed to danger, and

iv.

Deafness or hearing impairments that may expose an individual to danger or insecurity;

b.

An individual who requests the use of the toilet facilities and states that because of a physical infirmity he or she requires immediate access to toilet facilities.

"Public accommodation or facility" means a building, structure, complex, or improved area that is used by the general public and includes those accommodations and facilities listed in sections 19955 and 19955.5 of the Health and Safety Code.

C.

Nothing in this section requires the making of structural alterations, repairs, remodels, modifications, or additions not otherwise required by applicable local, State and/or federal law.

(Ord. 2021-0062 § 4, 2021; Ord. 2007-0089 § 98, 2007; Ord. 89-0033 § 1, 1989; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 532, 1959.)

No person conducting, managing or operating any moving picture show or theater, dance hall, nightclub, circus, amusement park or other place of public amusement or public assemblage shall fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the following requirements:

A.

The floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, stairways, hallways and every other part thereof shall be maintained in good repair, in a clean, sanitary condition, and shall be painted or otherwise renovated whenever necessary.

B.

All rugs, carpets or other floor coverings, tables, chairs, seats, counters and all similar equipment shall be kept clean and in good repair.

C.

Suitable approved drinking fountains, with guarded angle jets and with properly adjusted water pressure, shall be provided and maintained in good condition.

D.

Exhaust fans and other ventilation equipment shall be provided, and shall be operated so as to keep the air in a reasonably fresh and wholesome condition whenever a building, or part thereof, is occupied as a place of public assemblage.

(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 532.1, 1959.)

A.

No person shall discharge, deposit, drain or place any material, liquid waste or other substance, directly or indirectly, into any channel, natural or artificial drain, watercourse, river, tributary, water or subsurface water, whether such water be fresh, salt or saline, or combinations of these, in such a manner which may liberate or produce any noxious or dangerous odors, or produce unsightly or offensive deposits, or which may be injurious, deleterious or dangerous to the health, or which may cause a nuisance or may cause an impairment of the quality of such waters, or which may adversely or unreasonably affect such waters for domestic, recreational or other beneficial uses.

B.

Exception: This section shall not apply in the unincorporated territory of the county or in those cities which have adopted county Ordinance 6130, on sewers and industrial waste, directly or by reference. (See Title 20 of this code.)

(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 500.1, 1959.)

It shall be unlawful for any person to locate or maintain any animal or fowl in such manner or location whereby any portion of a domestic water supply system may become contaminated or polluted, or for any animal or fowl to be kept within 50 feet from any stream, water channel, spring, well, pond, lake, reservoir, infiltration gallery or underground water from which water may be drawn for domestic consumption.

(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 540, 1959.)

A.

When sewage, other than the discharge from an approved sewage-treatment plant, is overflowing or being discharged upon the surface of any premises, the director may order the occupant or occupants thereof who contribute to such overflow or discharge to abate the same forthwith.

B.

If such occupant or occupants fail to abate such overflow or discharge as ordered, the director may order such occupant or occupants to vacate the premises within 24 hours.

(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964; Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 543, 1959.)