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

2. 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

3. Sewer Code Update
Chapter Sewer Utility Administrative Regulations
Chapter Industrial Pretreatment Regulations
Chapter Delinquent Sewer Assessments
Chapter Latecomers Agreements for Public Sewer Facilities
Chapter Service Charges
Chapter Real Property Segregation – Connection and Service Charges
Chapter Connection Charges (REPEALED – now in Ch )
Chapter Sewer Assessment Protests

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

5. Chapter 13.13 – Key Policy Changes
Sewer Code Update
Chapter – 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

6. Codes Applicable to Applicants and Developers
Sewer Code Update
Codes Applicable to Applicants and Developers
Chapters That Affect Applicants and Developers
Chapter 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

7. Chapter 13.04 – Key Policy Changes (Connection Charges)
Sewer Code Update
Chapter – 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Eliminates outdated calculation methods for ULID areas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

8. Chapter 13.04 – Key Policies Changes (Fees)
Sewer Code Update
Chapter – 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

9. Chapter 13.04 – Key Policies Changes (Miscellaneous)
Sewer Code Update
Chapter – 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

10. Chapters with Minor Clarifications and Changes
Sewer Code Update
Chapters with Minor Clarifications and Changes
Chapter Industrial Pretreatment Regulations
Chapter Delinquent Sewer Assessments
Chapter Latecomers Agreements
Chapter Real Property Segregation – Connection and Service Charges
Chapter Sewer Assessment Protests

11. 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

12. Questions?