Sewer Code Update (Title 13) Pierce County Sewer & Water Utilities Presented to the Council Economic Infrastructure and Development Committee April 9, 2013

Sewer Code Update Summary and Intent - Repeals and replaces every chapter (except 13.16, now addressed in 13.04) - Implements changes to connection charges and fees Clarifies and improves permit and plan review procedures Meets current federal and state requirements for pretreatment Removes obsolete codes and consolidates similar codes

Sewer Code Update Chapter 13.04 Sewer Utility Administrative Regulations Chapter 13.06 Industrial Pretreatment Regulations Chapter 13.08 Delinquent Sewer Assessments Chapter 13.10 Latecomers Agreements for Public Sewer Facilities Chapter 13.13 Service Charges Chapter 13.14 Real Property Segregation – Connection and Service Charges Chapter 13.16 Connection Charges (REPEALED – now in Ch. 13.04) Chapter 13.20 Sewer Assessment Protests

Chapters That Affect All Customers Sewer Code Update Chapters That Affect All Customers Chapter 13.13 Service Charges This Chapter generally covers: - Monthly Sewer Service Rates and Charges - Sewer Billing Procedures - Collections and Lien Processes

Chapter 13.13 – Key Policy Changes Sewer Code Update Chapter 13.13 – Key Policy Changes Authorizes annual CPI adjustments to monthly sewer service charges without Council action Allows “pass through revenues” without Council action (e.g., State taxes, DOE fees, local surcharges) Clarifies that property owners are responsible for delinquent charges Clarifies that the waiver of service charges is contingent on disconnection

Codes Applicable to Applicants and Developers Sewer Code Update Codes Applicable to Applicants and Developers Chapters That Affect Applicants and Developers Chapter 13.04 Sewer Utility Administrative Regulations This Chapter generally covers: - Permits and Plan Review Processes Connection Charges and Fees Connection Requirements Design and Construction Requirement Violations and Penalties

Chapter 13.04 – Key Policy Changes (Connection Charges) Sewer Code Update Chapter 13.04 – Key Policy Changes (Connection Charges) Calculates connection charges based on discharge instead of acreage Eliminates outdated calculation methods for ULID areas Identifies formulas used to calculate connection charge rates Simplifies connection charge rates into fewer categories

Chapter 13.04 – Key Policies Changes (Fees) Sewer Code Update Chapter 13.04 – Key Policies Changes (Fees) All permit fees now codified in fee tables Converts most fees to a “flat fee structure” instead of time and materials establishes predictable upfront costs for applicants reduces administrative costs to applicants and the County facilitates development of “over the counter” and online permits Delays payment of inspection fees until permit issuance

Chapter 13.04 – Key Policies Changes (Miscellaneous) Sewer Code Update Chapter 13.04 – Key Policies Changes (Miscellaneous) Clarifies and provides examples of the authority of PWU Director to interpret or waive regulations Clarifies connection requirements for new and existing developments Simplifies pretreatment review process by separating applications into categories (Insignificant, Minor, and Significant) Codifies authority to review development proposals

Chapters with Minor Clarifications and Changes Sewer Code Update Chapters with Minor Clarifications and Changes Chapter 13.06 Industrial Pretreatment Regulations Chapter 13.08 Delinquent Sewer Assessments Chapter 13.10 Latecomers Agreements Chapter 13.14 Real Property Segregation – Connection and Service Charges Chapter 13.20 Sewer Assessment Protests

Public and Agency Outreach Sewer Code Update Public and Agency Outreach - Consultation with DOE and TPCHD - Consultation with Business Groups - Project Web Page - Billing Insert Notices to Service Area Jurisdictions - Press Releases Planning Commission Hearings - Review and Support Letters from Council Hearing Notices Lakewood 30-Day Public Review of - Review and Comment Letters from Pretreatment Regulations MBA

Questions?