Tehama County Municipal Code Ch. 9.22 On-Site Sewage Disposal Code

The regulations set out in this chapter shall be known as the "Tehama County On-site Sewage Disposal Code."

(Ord. 1351 § 2, 1986)

The board of supervisors finds that in the rural lands of Tehama County, the leachfield method of sewage disposal is the most feasible means of sewage disposal, and is to be considered a permanent means. As such, it is the intent of this chapter to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the county by providing minimum standards for the proper construction and repair of on-site sewage disposal systems. The purpose of these procedures is to protect surface water and groundwater from contamination by inadequately treated sewage.

(Ord. 1351 § 1, 1986)

As used in this chapter:

1. "Administrative authority" means the director of environmental health, or his designated representative.

2. "Alternative system" means any system other than a standard system, where reliability and performance is documented. These may include mounds, evapotranspiration beds, aerobic septic tanks, intermittent filters, and pressure distribution systems.

3. "Consultant" means any individual authorized under California law to design individual sewage disposal systems.

4. "Drainage ditch" means a depression in the ground surface that normally carries water only during and shortly after a rainfall. Distance from ditches is measured from the edge of the ditch.

5. "Dwelling" means a building where one abides or which is intended for human habitation.

6. "Ephemeral stream" means a stream which has a surface flow of water only for a limited period of time during and immediately following a storm. Distance from these streams is measured from the apparent high water line.

7. "Groundwater level" means zones of soil saturation which include perched water tables, shallow permanent groundwater tables or aquifers, temporary water tables, or zones that are seasonally, periodically or permanently saturated.

8. "Hazardous waste" shall have the meaning as defined in Section 25117 of the California Health and Safety Code.

9. "Health officer" means the health officer of the county, or his duly authorized representative.

10. "Intermittent stream" means a watercourse that continuously flows water for a period greater than two months in any one year, but not continuously for that year. Distance from these streams is measured from the edge of the normal high water line.

11. "Modified stream" means a standard stream that may have some minor deviation from code requirements. These may include shallow trenches, benching, underpavement trenches and pump systems (nonpressure distribution).

12. "Nuisance" means anything which:

a. Is injurious to health, or is indecent or offensive to the senses, or an obstruction of the free use of property, so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property; and

b. Affects at the same time an entire community or neighborhood, or any considerable number of persons, although the extent of the annoyance or damage inflicted upon individuals may be unequal; and

c. Occurs during or as a result of the treatment of disposal of wastes.

13. "On-site sewage disposal system" means any existing or proposed private or public treatment and disposal system, including but not limited to a standard, modified, special design or alternative system installed or proposed to be installed on land which the owner of the system has the legal right to install the system.

14. "Perennial stream" means a stream which maintains a surface flow during all of the year. Distance from these streams is measured from the edge of the apparent high water line.

15. "Permanent water tables" means the upper surface of a saturated zone that exists yearround, including permanently perched water tables. The thickness of the saturated zone and, as a result, the elevation of the permanent groundwater tables, may fluctuate greatly during the year, but the saturated zone and associated permanent water table will be present at some depth beneath the land surface throughout the year.

16. "Pollution" means an alteration of the quality of the waters of the state by waste.

17. "Repair" means installation of all portions of an on-site sewage disposal system necessary to eliminate a safety or public health hazard or pollution of public waters created by an existing on-site sewage disposal system.

18. "Septic tank" means a watertight receptacle which receives the discharge of a drainage system or part thereof, designed and constructed so as to retain solids, digest organic matter during a period of detention, and allow the effluent to drain into an on-site sewage disposal system.

19. "Sewage" means any and all waste substances, liquid or solid, associated with human habitation, or which contains or may be contaminated with human or animal excreta or excrement, offal, or any feculent matter.

20. "Soil" means the unconsolidated material (two millimeters or smaller) lying naturally on the surface of the earth that possesses percolative, infiltrative and filtration capabilities. For the purpose of this chapter, the U.S.D.A. system of soil classification will be used, including the U.S.D.A. textural triangle.

21. "Special design systems" means a standard system with major deviations from code requirements. These may include fills and intercept drains.

22. "Standard system" means a septic tank and leachfield installed according to Section 9.22.280 of this chapter. Minor modifications may be approved by the health officer. The basic standard system consists of a septic tank, one or more distribution boxes, three or four inch solid distribution pipe, three or four inch perforated leaching pipe, and threequarter inch to two and onehalf inch drainrock. The leachfield may consist of leaching trenches or a leaching bed located in a suitable soil mantle. Septic effluent is distributed by gravity flow throughout the leachfield through perforated pipe and drainrock.

23. "Temporary water table" means the upper surface of a perched saturated zone that exists only on a seasonal or periodic basis. The elevation may fluctuate. However, a temporary water table and associated saturation zone will dry up entirely for a period of time each year.

24. "Test trench" means a soil observation hole dug by hand or backhoe to a depth at least five feet greater than the bottom of the proposed sewage disposal system. One end is sloped to allow entrance into the trench.

(Ord. 1351 § 10, 1986)

All on-site sewage disposal systems shall comply with standards of the Uniform Plumbing Code, most recently county adopted edition, and the Manual of Septic Tank Practice, 1967 Revision. Where there is a conflict between these two documents, the Uniform Plumbing Code shall supercede. Where differences occur between this code and referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.

(Ord. 1351 § 3, 1986)

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the administrative authority from requiring compliance with higher requirements than those contained herein where such higher requirements are essential to maintain a safe and sanitary condition.

(Ord. 1351 § 11(J), 1986)

A. The division of environmental health shall publish design standards and site evaluation procedures for standard and modified drain lines, disposal fields, and any other facilities normally found in conjunction with on-site sewage disposal systems.

B. When and as required, the division of environmental health shall revise the published design standards to reflect the current public health concepts and legal requirements.

C. The design and evaluation standards shall be presented to the county board of supervisors for adoption by resolution. When adopted, these standards shall have the force and effect of law.

(Ord. 1351 § 19, 1986)

A. Where the criteria set forth for a standard or modified system cannot be attained, the administrative authority may approve a special design or alternative system.

B. The division of environmental health shall publish guidelines for the design, evaluation and installation of special design and alternative sewage disposal systems.

C. The design and evaluation guidelines shall be presented to the board of supervisors for adoption by resolution. When adopted, these standards shall have the force and effect of law.

D. These systems shall be located, designed and installed under the direction of a consultant. After installation is completed, the consultant shall certify in writing to the division of environmental health that the system was located and installed in fidelity with the plans and specifications as approved. Minor deviations from the approved plans and specifications arising from prior unknown site conditions shall be accurately included in the certification. Major deviations shall be reported to the division of environmental health prior to installation, and new written approval shall be required.

(Ord. 1351 § 20, 1986)

A. Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed, and every dwelling and premises having drainage piping thereon, shall be connected to a public sewer or on site sewage disposal system, as provided in subsections B and D of this section.

B. When no public sewer, intended to serve any lot or premises, is available in any thoroughfare or rightofway abutting such lot or premises, drainage piping from any building, dwelling or works shall be connected to an approved on-site sewage disposal system.

C. Within the limits prescribed by subsection D of this section, the rearrangement of a subdivision or lot which abuts and is served by a public sewer into smaller parcels shall not be deemed cause to permit the construction of an on-site sewage disposal system, and all plumbing or drainage systems on any such smaller parcel or parcels shall also connect to the public sewer.

D. The public sewer may be considered as not being available when such public sewer is located more than two hundred feet from any proposed building on any lot or premises which abuts and is served by such public sewer.

E. No permits shall be issued for the installation, alteration or repair of any on-site sewage disposal system or part thereof on any lot for which connection with a public sewer is available.

F. On every lot or premises hereafter connected to a public sewer, all plumbing and drainage systems, or parts thereof, on such lot or premises, shall be connected with such public sewer.

G. Exception. Singlefamily dwellings and buildings or structures accessory thereto, existing and connected to an approved on-site sewage disposal system prior to the time of connecting the premises to a public sewer may, when no hazard, nuisance or unsanitary condition is evidenced and written permission has been obtained from the director of environmental health, remain connected to such properly maintained on-site sewage disposal system when there is insufficient grade or fall to permit drainage to the sewer by gravity.

(Ord. 1351 § 5, 1986)

No person, firm, association, organization, partnership, joint venture, business trust, corporation, company or special district formed under the laws of this state shall, within the unincorporated area of the county, construct, repair or alter an on-site sewage disposal system without first obtaining a permit from the division of environmental health, as provided in this chapter. Any person who shall commence any work for which a permit is required by this chapter without first having obtained a permit therefor shall, except under extraordinary circumstances, pay triple the permit fee established by the board of supervisors for such work, if subsequently permitted to obtain a permit. It shall be the responsibility of the septic installer to maintain a copy of this permit on the site during all stages of construction or repair.

(Ord. 1351 § 6, 1986)

Applications for permits shall be made to the division of environmental health on forms approved by the health officer, and shall contain all such information as the health officer requires, and be accompanied by the required fee established by the board of supervisors adopting the provisions set out in this chapter.

(Ord. 1351 § 8, 1986)

If the administrative authority determines that there is insufficient lot area or improper soil conditions for adequate sewage disposal by seepage methods for the building or land use proposed, no building permit shall be issued, and no on-site sewage disposal shall be permitted. The land developer or owner may submit additional engineering data, test reports and design calculations to the administrative authority for reevaluation.

(Ord. 1351 § 11(I), 1986)

The issuance or granting of a permit pursuant to this chapter shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for or approval of any violation of this chapter. The issuance or granting of a permit shall not prevent the enforcing agent from thereafter requiring correction of a violation, or from preventing construction operations from being carried out thereunder when in violation of this chapter.

(Ord. 1351 § 9, 1986)

The board of supervisors may establish a schedule of fees for permits, applications, appeals, and for other services, and such schedule, when adopted, shall become a part of this chapter. A copy of any schedule of fees established by the board shall be kept on file in the office of the clerk of the board of supervisors.

(Ord. 1351 § 30, 1986)

A. No on-site sewage disposal system, or part thereof, shall be located on any lot other than the lot which is the site of the building or structure served by such on-site sewage disposal system; nor shall any on-site sewage disposal system or part thereof be located at any point having less than the minimum distances indicated in Table I, set out in Section 9.22.180.

B. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of all or part of an abutting lot to provide additional space for a private sewage disposal system or part thereof, when proper cause, transfer of ownership or change of boundary not in violation of other requirements has been first established to the satisfaction of the county. The instrument recording such action shall constitute an agreement with the administrative authority which shall clearly state and show that the area so joined or used shall be maintained as a unit during the time they are so used. Such agreement shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder as part of the condition of ownership of the properties, and shall be binding on all heirs, successors and assigns to such properties. A copy of the instrument recording such proceedings shall be filed with the administrative authority.

(Ord. 1351 § 12(A), 1986)

A. All on-site sewage disposal systems shall be so situated on the parcel so that additional subsurface drainfields, equivalent to at least one hundred percent of the required original system, may be installed in the disposal area.

B. Commercial, agricultural and industrial projects shall require a minimum of three hundred percent replacement area. System replacement areas shall be kept vacant, free of vehicular traffic and soil modification.

(Ord. 1351 § 11(F), 1986)

Slope shall not exceed thirty percent in the drainfield area.

(Ord. 1351 § 11(H), 1986)

Areas which are not acceptable for the location of sewage disposal systems include:

A. Areas within any easement that is dedicated for surface or subsurface improvement;

B. Paved areas and driveways. Drainfields may be placed under paved areas only if no other legal area is available, and if the percolation rate is shown to be thirty minutes per inch or less, and is accepted by the administrative authority. If there is less than two feet of cover over the drainfield, a registered engineer shall calculate stress loading and/or structural integrity and certify that traffic will not affect the leach line;

C. Areas occupied or to be occupied by structures.

(Ord. 1351 § 12(B)(part), 1986)

Table I

Location of Sewage Disposal Systems

NOTE: When disposal fields and/or seepage pits are installed in sloping ground, the minimum horizontal distance between any part of the leaching system and ground surface shall be fifteen feet.

Notes to Table I:

1. Including porches and steps, whether covered or uncovered, breezeways, roofed portecocheres, roofed patios, carports, covered walks, covered driveways, and similar structures or appurtenances.

2. See also the Tehama County building department.

3. All drainage piping shall clear domestic water supply wells by at least fifty feet. This distance may be reduced to not less than twentyfive feet when the drainage piping is constructed of materials approved for use within a building.

4. Plus two feet for each additional foot of depth in excess of one foot below the bottom of the drain line. (Measured centertocenter.)

5. See Section 1108 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, 1985 Edition.

6. For parallel construction. For crossings, approval by the health department shall be required.

7. Distance in feet equals four times the vertical height of the cut or fill bank. Distance is measured from the top edge of the bank. (Thirtyfive feet maximum.)

8. Includes natural escarpments in excess of thirtysix inches.

(Ord. 1351 § 12(B)(part), 1986)

Disposal systems shall be designed to utilize the most suitable or absorptive portions of the soil formation, as determined by test trenches on each parcel. There shall be a minimum of three and onehalf feet of suitable soil at the depth of the proposed drainfield sidewall for a conventional drainfield installed above a restrictive layer in the upper horizons of the soil.

(Ord. 1351 § 11(C), 1986)

The following distances of permeable unsaturated soil below the bottom of the drainfield shall be maintained to the highest anticipated level of groundwater or to highly permeable subsurface formations. This separation shall be free from the effects of groundwater:

A. Five feet minimum separation from a permanent regional or permanently perched water table:

1. Three feet minimum separation on lots ten acres or greater in size may be approved if no other area is available that will meet the fivefoot separation requirement;

B. Six inches minimum separation above the highest groundwater depth of a temporary perched water table, measured in a normal rainfall winter;

C. Two feet minimum separation from very rapidly permeable soils or fractured rock;

1. Soils or fractured rock with percolation rates of one minute per inch or faster shall be required to maintain fivefoot separation.

D. A distance greater than the above may be required if the administrative authority determines that additional separation, based upon an analysis of soil textures and/or percolation, is necessary to reasonably insure that contamination of the groundwater will not occur.

(Ord. 1351 § 11(D), 1986)

No property shall be improved in excess of its capacity to absorb sewage effluent in the quantities and by the means provided in this code.

(Ord. 1351 § 11(G), 1986)

Where permitted or required by Section 9.22.080, the building sewer may be connected to an on-site sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this chapter. The type of system shall be determined on the basis of location, soil character and groundwater level, and shall be designed to receive all sanitary sewage from the property. The system except as otherwise provided, shall consist of a septic tank with effluent discharging into an approved disposal field.

(Ord. 1369 § 2(part), 1987: Ord. 1351 § 11(A), 1986)

Where conditions are such that the above system cannot be expected to function satisfactorily for commercial, agricultural and industrial plumbing systems; for installations where appreciable amounts of industrial or indigestible waste are produced; for hotels, hospitals, office buildings, schools and other occupancies; for occupancies producing abnormal quantities of sewage or liquid waste; or when grease interceptors are required by other parts of this chapter, additional information from a qualified consultant may be required. (See Sections 9.22.240 and 9.22.260.)

(Ord. 1351 § 11(B), 1986)

A. Evaluation of the proposed disposal system may require additional information not required for a singlefamily residential system.

B. The applicant shall provide, at their expense, drawings, engineering data, calculations, design, and any other information as may be required by the administrative authority in order to evaluate the proposed disposal system.

(Ord. 1351 § 21, 1986)

A. The division of environmental health shall publish minimum standards for the creation of new parcels by any division of land within the unincorporated areas of the county after November 25, 1986, the adoption date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

B. When and as required, the division of environmental health shall revise the minimum standards to reflect the current public health concepts and legal requirements.

C. The minimum standards shall be presented to the board of supervisors of the county for adoption by resolution. When adopted, these standards shall have the force and effect of law.

(Ord. 1351 § 25, 1986)

All perforated pipe, piping, inlet/outlet piping and other materials used in the construction, alteration or repair of on-site sewage disposal systems shall conform to the standards of the most recent edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code published by IAPMO, adopted by the county, unless superceded by this chapter or related regulations.

(Ord. 1351 § 18, 1986)

The administrative authority may allow lesser distances for repairs than those shown elsewhere in this chapter, as he shall determine adequate, when those distances cannot be maintained, but that will accomplish the general purpose and intent of this chapter.

(Ord. 1351 § 15, 1986)

A. In the event of an emergency, repair or replacement of a sewage disposal system may begin without obtaining a permit. All emergency work shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

B. As soon as possible (next working day), the owner or his representative shall apply for a permit and shall, in addition, submit a statement explaining in detail the nature of the emergency. If the administrative authority finds that the work done does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, he shall order that such additional work be performed as may be necessary to comply with this chapter, or shall order that the sewage disposal system be destroyed as provided herein.

(Ord. 1351 § 16, 1986)

A. All water carried sewage from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry fixtures and other household plumbing shall pass through an approved septic tank or other approved sedimentary tank prior to its discharge into the soil. Septic tank design shall be such as to produce a clarified effluent consistent with accepted standards, and shall provide adequate space for sludge and scum accumulations.

B. The required minimum septic tank capacity shall be as follows:

Note: Extra bedrooms, 150 gallons each

C. All septic tank construction shall be approved by the county building department.

(Ord. 1351 § 17, 1986)

A. Cesspools, holding tanks and other sewage disposal systems requiring drained or pumped removal from the premises, and transportation by vehicle for disposal, shall not be allowed, and are prohibited.

B. Exception. A device prohibited by this section may be allowed for small commercial buildings for use on a temporary basis, or for an existing structure where a public sewer is not available, and where the existing system has failed or become prohibited by law. Such approval shall be at the discretion of the county and upon conditions suggested by the administrative authority and imposed by the county board of supervisors.

(Ord. 1351 § 22, 1986)

A. Where he deems it impractical or impossible to do otherwise, the administrative authority may allow privies, provided that the setbacks in Sections 9.22.050, 9.22.110, 9.22.140 through 9.22.230 and 9.22.390 are adhered to and approved methods of construction and maintenance are adhered to. Such privies may be installed and used only with written permission of the director of environmental health. Financial constraints shall not be considered as a factor in assessing the practicality or feasibility for installing an on-site sewage disposal system.

B. No person shall construct, maintain or use any privy permitted by this chapter unless the following conditions are complied with:

1. The sewage deposited therein shall fall into an approved vault or pit in the ground constructed especially for that purpose.

2. The privy building and vault shall at all times be inaccessible to rodents and insects.

3. The privy building and vault shall be constructed in such a manner as to prevent the entrance of rainwater or surface water into such vault or pit.

4. Seat covers and door shall be selfclosing. The base shall be banked with earth or concrete, and the vent pipe shall extend from the vault to at least one foot above the roof. The top shall be capped and screened with sixteen mesh screen.

5. All parts of the building shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.

C. The privy shall be pumped so that the excreta is kept at least one foot below the ground surface. The excreta in the pit shall be covered with earth, ashes, lime or similar substances at regular intervals or, if a concrete vault, it shall be pumped out as needed. It shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in good repair.

(Ord. 1936 § 2(part), 1987: Ord. 1351 § 23, 1986)

A. Required. In commercial or industrial premises when liquid wastes containing excessive amounts of grease, garbage, flammable wastes, sand or other ingredients which may affect the operation of an on-site sewage disposal system are present, an interceptor for such wastes shall be installed.

B. The installation and location of such interceptors shall comply with the most recent edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code adopted by the county, unless superceded by this chapter.

(Ord. 1351 § 24, 1986)

Abandoned liquid waste disposal systems shall be disconnected from the building, and the septic tank pumped and filled with earth.

(Ord. 1351 § 27, 1986)

The installing contractor is responsible for compliance with the regulations set out in this chapter.

(Ord. 1351 § 28, 1986)

The health officer, or his agent, the county division of environmental health, shall be empowered to enforce the provisions of this chapter and any amendments herein or hereafter adopted.

(Ord. 1351 § 4, 1986)

A. All new or repaired sewage disposal systems shall be inspected by the administrative authority to ensure compliance with all the requirements of this chapter.

B. Covering installed improvements prior to inspection shall be limited solely to those portions of the work where the open excavation impedes necessary movement of equipment required to complete the system design as approved, and only with prior approval of the administrative authority.

(Ord. 1351 § 13, 1986)

A. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by the permit to notify the administrative authority, orally or in writing, that the work is ready for inspection. Such notification shall be given not less than twentyfour hours before the work is to be inspected.

B. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by the permit to make sure that the work will stand the tests prescribed elsewhere in this chapter, before giving the above notification.

(Ord. 1351 § 14, 1986)

The board of supervisors shall act as a board of appeal in making a correct determination of any appeal arising from actions of the enforcing agency. Appeals shall be made in writing accompanied by an appropriate appeal fee, if adopted, and the appellant may appear in person before the board or be represented by an attorney, and may introduce evidence to support their claims. Appeals shall be heard at reasonable times at the convenience of the board, but not later than thirty days after receipt thereof. The appellant shall cause to be made, at his own expense, any tests or research required by the board to substantiate his claims. This section does not authorize appeals to the board from any action of the enforcing agency authorized or required by state law, regulation, or county ordinance.

(Ord. 1351 § 31, 1986)

No cooling water, airconditioning water, watersoftener brine, groundwater, oil, hazardous materials, clear water, roof or other surface drainage shall be discharged into any on-site sewage disposal system.

(Ord. 1351 § 11(E), 1986)

A. All sewage and other liquid waste shall be disposed of by an approved method of collection, treatment and effluent discharge. Sewage or sewage effluent shall not be disposed of in any manner that will permit it to rise to the surface or flow over the top of the ground, or cause pollution of the ground surface, groundwater, bathing area, lake, pond or watercourse, or create a nuisance. It shall not be discharged into any abandoned or unused well, or into any crevice, sinkhole or other opening, either natural or artificial, in the rock formation.

B. Sewage effluent disposed in violation of this code, including but not limited to those specifics mentioned in this section, is a public nuisance, dangerous to health, and shall be enjoined or summarily abated in the manner provided by law.

(Ord. 1351 § 26, 1986)

Any person who shall commence work for which a permit is required by this chapter without first having obtained a permit therefor shall be in violation of this chapter. It is the responsibility of any and all persons performing any part of the work described in this chapter to ascertain that a valid on-site sewage disposal system permit has been issued by the division of environmental health.

(Ord. 1351 § 7, 1986)

Any person who does, permits or causes any work to be done in violation of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. A separate offense is committed upon each day or portion thereof during or on which a violation occurs or continues.

(Ord. 1351 § 29, 1986)