Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Septic topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coos County holds first hearing on taking over on‑site septic program; second hearing set for April 1
Summary
The Board of Commissioners read by title and held a first hearing on Ordinance 25‑03‑0001L to amend Article 13 of the Coos County code to assume local enforcement of on‑site septic permitting currently handled by DEQ; the board set the second hearing for April 1.
Coos County commissioners held a first reading and public hearing on an ordinance to amend Article 13 of the county code and to assume county authority to enforce the subsurface sewage disposal (on‑site septic) program delegated by the state.
County staff said the change is intended to create a more seamless permitting process by consolidating land-use, DEQ septic review and building permits under county oversight for properties outside city limits. Staff described the proposal as standing up a county septic program and placing one county employee in Community Development to manage the work. The board described the change as an enhancement of local control and a way to streamline permitting and avoid duplicative steps in the building process.
Commissioners noted the change is meant to keep fee revenue local so the program does not rely on general-fund support. In public remarks, one commissioner described a homeowner whose house burned down and who was told by DEQ that rebuilding would require an entirely new septic system costing about $40,000, an example given to illustrate why more local review could be beneficial.
The board read Ordinance 25‑03‑0001L by title, solicited public comment and set a second hearing and adoption date for April 1. The item was presented as a first reading for stakeholder input ahead of adoption procedures.
