This is a draft ordinance that would amend several sections in Title 5: Wastewater in Snohomish County Board of Health Code (SCBHC). All proposed changes are in response to revisions to Chapter 246-272A WAC, regarding on-site sewage systems. The Washington State Board of Health adopted these changes to the WAC on January 10, 2024, and the changes become effective on a staggered timeline. Most provisions of the rule are effective April 1, 2025.
These are minor code revisions, and this ordinance does not fundamentally change the substance of SCBHC Title 5. The changes to each SCBHC section are described in detail below:
Section 5.15.010: Updated WAC reference to reflect its new location in the WAC 246-272A revision that goes into effect on 4/01/2025.
Section 5.20.010: Updated WAC reference to reflect its new location in the WAC 246-272A revision that goes into effect on 4/01/2025.
Section 5.20.070: Updated code language to reflect content in new WAC revisions that go into effect on 4/01/2025.
Section 5.20.080: Updated code language to reflect content in new WAC revisions that go into effect on 4/01/2025.
Section 5.20.090: The definition section is no longer in subsection 2 in the new WAC revision. Also added "OSS" to the definition reference as that is the term that is defined in new WAC revision.
Section 5.25.010: Updating WAC reference to reflect its new location in the WAC 246-272A revision that goes into effect on 4/01/2025.
Section 5.50.020: To align our code definitions with updated definitions in the newly revised chapter 246-272A WAC. Specifically, WAC 246-272A-0010, under “minor repair”; to correct internal code references on some definitions; to remove definitions that do not need to be defined as they have their own sections fully explaining the term and its requirements.
Section 5.55.070: To reflect the updated definition of minor repair (limited repair measures).
Section 5.65.020: Both of the deleted sections are covered under WAC 246-272A-0220, Soil and Site Evaluation. New insertions reflect this.
Section 5.65.030: This WAC section is more complete on what is required for a soil and site evaluation. The referenced WAC section has been revised and goes into effect on 4/01/2025.
Section 5.70.030: To align our code definitions with updated definitions in the newly revised chapter 246-272A WAC. Specifically, WAC 246-272A-0010, under “minor repair.”
Section 5.70.110: Subsection (D) is more lenient than the requirements under definition of "minor repair" in WAC 246-272A-0010. Removing subsection (D) because the new definition for "minor repair" or "limited repair measure" clearly states that repair/replacement of a soil dispersement component is not considered a minor repair.