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Commissioners will study proposed resolution to prohibit residential decentralized wastewater ("step") systems
Summary
A proposed resolution would ban residential decentralized wastewater systems (often called "step" systems) until standards for safe installation and operation are clarified; commissioners agreed to review the draft for 30 days and discuss at the next meeting.
Commissioners received a draft resolution that would prohibit the use of residential decentralized wastewater systems, sometimes referred to as step systems, and agreed to study the proposal for 30 days before further action.
Proponents framed the resolution as a public-safety and land‑use measure. A speaker said the draft would preserve the county’s one‑acre standard and its percolation (perk) requirements, questioning whether step systems allow building on lots that otherwise would not pass a perk test. “If you use these things, it no longer has to perk,” a commissioner said during discussion, urging careful review.
Other commissioners asked whether schools or commercial projects would be affected. The chair and presenters clarified the draft addresses residential systems and would not apply to commercial or existing installations; parcels or approved permits already granted before any rule change would likely be grandfathered, but that detail will be confirmed in the review.
No vote on the resolution was taken. Commissioners directed staff to circulate the draft to plumbing contractors, realtors, builders and other stakeholders and to return the item for discussion next month.
