Council committee forwards paired ordinances to require sewer connection in many development scenarios

Planning staff presented paired code amendments to Titles 18 (sewer connection code) and 19 (subdivision and zoning provisions) that would establish clear, objective requirements for when properties must connect to sanitary sewer.

Staff explained the city currently lacks a clear, enforceable sewer-connection standard; the proposed ordinances define connection triggers for three primary circumstances: (1) land divisions (short plat, long plat, binding site plans, unit lot subdivisions) where public sewer is available within 200 feet of any point on the subject property; (2) developments adding sanitation facilities on existing lots when sewer is within 200 feet; and (3) failed septic systems when sewer is available in the right-of-way adjacent to the property. The 200-foot distance aligns with King County practice and the typical standard used by other cities. The draft includes exceptions and waivers—for example, an existing house on septic being retained, properties where a sewer easement cannot be obtained, or where sewers cannot physically serve the property as determined by the sewer utility.

Staff noted the ordinance would take effect January 1, 2027, to provide predictability for projects already in the pipeline and to comply with a 2024 comprehensive-plan action item calling for clear and objective sewer-connection requirements. Lake Haven Sewer District staff briefed the committee on rough cost ranges for sewer expansion: publicly funded gravity sewer expansion in developed public rights-of-way can be on the order of $800–$1,000 per linear foot (rough ballpark from Lake Haven engineers), while privately funded expansions in undeveloped areas may be substantially less. Lake Haven staff estimated current capital facility (connection) charges and permit fees that a property owner could expect (presenters cited an example near $3,000–$3,500 for curb-to-house connection plus system development charges; staff noted figures vary by circumstance and time).

Committee members asked about grandfathering, costs borne by property owners, funding options, and whether the code might slow redevelopment. Staff and Lake Haven representatives replied that the ordinance generally applies only in the limited trigger scenarios described (subdivision, new house, or septic failure adjacent to right-of-way sewer) and that other exemptions/waivers are included; staff and Lake Haven also described potential grant and public-funding options for sewer expansion but noted such funding is limited and typically competitive. Planning commission recommended approval and staff recommended forwarding the ordinances to the City Council first reading; the committee moved both ordinances forward.