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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 6E STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala MEETING DATE: August 12, 2013 TOPIC: i. Consider 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 08-13, Amending Chapter 403 of City Code — Individual Sewage Treatment Systems ii. Consider Resolution No. 13-93, Approving Summary of Ordinance No. 08-13 for Publication VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5 INTRODUCTION Staff is requesting City Council consideration to amend Section 403 of City Code related to Individual Sewage Treatment Systems. BACKGROUND City Code Section 403 regulates the permitting, installation and maintenance of Individual Sewage Treatment Systems also referred to as Subsurface Treatment Systems (SSTS) otherwise known as septic systems. There are approximately 1,800 systems currently in use within the City. The State of Minnesota adopted revised requirements for SSTS's in 2011 and Anoka County completed their update in April of 2013. Accordingly, staff if proposing revision of this chapter to remain consistent with state and county requirements. Under State Law the City cannot be less restrictive than the county and state requirements. The changes in state law were generally intended to address new technology for system design. The state requirements are adopted by reference in the proposed code. The primary change locally is regarding the frequency of pumping and/or system inspections. Currently, owners of SSTS's are required under City Code to have their systems inspected and tanks pumped every two years. A triennial inspection of the system is allowed for systems meeting certain criteria. Under the new requirements all systems will require inspection at least every 3 years. Pumping will only be required when the level of sludge and scum meet certain criteria defined in the ordinance. This provision will likely reduce the frequency of pumping for most Lino residents. The City Council approved the 1St reading of the ordinance on August 12, 2013. RECOMMENDATION Staff is recommending approval of the 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 08-13 and Resolution No. 13-93.