Ordinance 480-YYY Modifications to Zoning Ordinance 480 regarding On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF)

On-Site Sewage Facilities Existing Regulation Ordinance No. 514 (1990) Lots within 100’ of available sewer service must connectLots within 100’ of available sewer service must connect Minimum lot size for septic system is 1 acreMinimum lot size for septic system is 1 acre Section 41.3, Zoning Ordinance No. 480 Septic and spray fields must be shown on Concept PlansSeptic and spray fields must be shown on Concept Plans Section 33.14, Zoning Ordinance No acre minimum exclusive of area within floodplain, drainage & flowage easements, and “topographical limitations”1 acre minimum exclusive of area within floodplain, drainage & flowage easements, and “topographical limitations” Section 8.01, Subdivision Ordinance No. 483 Refers to minimum lot area required by zoning ordinanceRefers to minimum lot area required by zoning ordinance TCEQ / Tarrant County Health Permitting & Inspections of on-site sewage facilitiesPermitting & Inspections of on-site sewage facilities

Proposed Revisions Sections 33.14, 40.3, & 41.3 For properties proposing an on-site sewage facility, a plan is required that shows the type and location of the on-site sewage facility, topography of the site, location of spray fields, all easements, impact on any existing trees, and any additional information required by the Authorized Agent responsible for on-site sewage facility permitting and inspections. No building permit shall be issued until such plan has been reviewed and approved by the Authorized Agent nor shall any certificate of occupancy be issued until the system has been properly installed and inspected by the Authorized Agent.(As amended by Ordinance No YYY) No building permit shall be issued until such plan has been reviewed and approved by the Authorized Agent nor shall any certificate of occupancy be issued until the system has been properly installed and inspected by the Authorized Agent. (As amended by Ordinance No YYY)

Proposed Revisions Section 4 AUTHORIZED AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITY PERMITTING AND INSPECTIONS – The individual, organization, or government entity contracted with the City that is responsible for the proper implementation of Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and Texas Administrative Code Chapter 285. (As amended by Ordinance No. 480-YYY)

Citizen Input / Board Review P&Z Discussion: February 5, 2009 P&Z Discussion: March 5, 2009 SPIN Meeting – March 23, 2009 P&Z Commission – April 9, 2009 –Approved as presented (7-0) City Council 1 st Reading – May 19, 2009 –Approved as presented (7-0)

Questions?

How do On-site Sewage Facilities Work? Anaerobic (Septic) Systems Not appropriate for much of North Texas’ soilNot appropriate for much of North Texas’ soil 15% of today’s installations are traditional “septic” systems15% of today’s installations are traditional “septic” systems Greater potential for odor, blockage, environmental impact, etc.Greater potential for odor, blockage, environmental impact, etc.

How do On-site Sewage Facilities Work? Aerobic Systems 48 different designs on the market48 different designs on the market Typically used with spray headsTypically used with spray heads Cleaner effluentCleaner effluent More equipment and electricity useMore equipment and electricity use Costlier and more potential for failureCostlier and more potential for failure

On-Site Sewage Facilities Policy Considerations Leach / Aeration Field SetbacksLeach / Aeration Field Setbacks –Between 25’ and 50’ Drainage, Flowage, & Floodplain EasementsDrainage, Flowage, & Floodplain Easements Detailed OSSF plans for developments of __ lots or more or for R-PUDs, etc.Detailed OSSF plans for developments of __ lots or more or for R-PUDs, etc. Requiring maintenance contract for C.O.Requiring maintenance contract for C.O. Building Code:Building Code: –Maximum distance under ground 8-12 inches –Air pressure gauge requirements