Agenda - 09-06-94 - application - Laserfiche WebLink

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All components of a conventional septic system must be located at least 10 feet from property lines. All components of a low-pressure pipe system must be located at least 12 1/2 feet from property lines. Trenches for line in the drainfield must be at least ten feet apart for a conventional system and five feet apart for a low-pressure pipe system. E. PUMPS In some cases, septic setbacks can be met only if a pump system is installed. Use of a pump provides more flexibility in the location of the drainfield relative to the septic tank, and could allow the drainfield to be located farther from the stream or reservoir. However, a pump system is more complex, and could cause problems with a back up of septage in the septic tank in the event that the pump failed. These two factors should be balanced. For example, a minor encroachment into the buffer may be preferable to installing a pump system, whereas a pump system may be preferable to a substantial encroachment into the buffer. III. PROPOSED REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURE It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners reconsider possible alternatives to variance requests for stream and reservoir buffers on lots which existed before January 1, 1994. One option would be to allow the Planning Staff, in consultation with Environmental Health, and the County Engineer, to issue a zoning compliance permit when specified findings could be documented. In all other cases,a variance request would be presented to the Board of Adjustment according to current procedures. Below is a proposed list of findings to be met in order for Staff to issue a zoning compliance permit where the stream or reservoir buffer is less than required by Article 6.23.7 or 6.23.8. FINDINGS REQUIRED FOR STAFF REDUCTION OF SEPTIC SYSTEM SETBACK REQUIREMENTS 1. The lot was created prior to January 1, 1994; and 2. The septic system is sized to serve no more than four bedrooms; and 3. The septic tank, drainfield and repair area (where required) can be accommodated on 20,000 square feet of area or less; and 4. Environmental Health has determined that there is not a sufficient amount of suitable soil beyond the required setback or buffer to accommodate a septic system and any required repair area for the proposed residence while maintaining the separation required by Environmental Health between wells, septic systems, structures and property lines; OR Environmental Health has determined that although there is a sufficient amount of suitable soil beyond the required setback or buffer to design a septic system and required repair area while maintaining the separation required by Environmental Health between wells, septic systems, structures and property lines,utilization of those soils would trigger the use of a septic pump. In addition, the amount of encroachment into the buffer is less than 10% of the required buffer or setback width, and placement of a gravity system which encroached into the buffer would have a lesser potential impact on water quality than would the installation and use of the septic pump; and