Agenda - 11-30-94 - Ordinance - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

The Board of Commissioners directed staff to develop a process by which variances could be considered in a more expedient and inexpensive manner, and suggested that a window of time be established within which multiple variances could be considered with elimination or reduction of fees. The Planning Staff has talked with a number of property owners around Lake Orange and explained that option. Only one variance request has been received, since it is generally not until the owner is ready to build that the septic system is designed and laid out. The Planning Staff has also been contacted by several potential buyers expressing concern with purchasing property with restrictions which could prohibit development of the property, and uncertainly as to whether or not a variance would be approved. II. INFORMATION REGARDING SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN AND LOCATION A. SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIRED FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS According to Environmental Health, about 130 linear feet of drainfield line is needed per bedroom. Trenches must have a separation of at least 10 feet. Under normal circumstances, this translates to about 2,000 square feet of area per bedroom for the septic system, and an additional 2,000 square feet of repair area. Environmental Health has estimated that an additional 20% of area is generally sufficient to accommodate site constraints. Normal circumstances would include suitable soils, gentle topography, and limited presence of trees or other physical constraints. The Rules of Sewage Disposal for Orange County require that septic systems be designed for at least three bedrooms. Under this provision, a two-bedroom house would still be required to have a septic system sized for a three bedroom house. Using the rule of thumb of 2,000 square feet per bedroom for the septic system, 2,000 square feet for repair area, and an additional 20% to accommodate site constraints, septic systems require the following land area: Number of Capacity Minimum Area Required for Septic System Bedrooms Required and Repair Area (gallons per day) Without Site With Site Constraints Constraints square feet acres square acres feet 2 360 12,000 .26 14,400 .33 3 360 12,000 .26 14,400 .33 4 480 16,000 .37 19,200 .44 5 600 20,000 .46 24,000 .55 Lots approved by Environmental Health during the subdivision approval process generally have adequate soil to accommodate a four-bedroom house.