Chelsea Leffers, public health director for Kittitas County, asked the boards to adopt amendments to Kittitas County Code chapter 13.08.0.08 to allow greater regulatory flexibility for on-site sewage systems on lots with high groundwater.

The change removes language that categorically disqualified lots with a low mean groundwater level from individual sewage disposal systems and replaces it with a provision allowing the health officer to accept detailed site plans and approved advanced on-site sewage system (OSS) designs prior to final subdivision approval.

The change matters because, as Leffers said, “the current language does not reflect advances in on-site sewage treatment technologies that are capable of safely operating in areas with higher groundwater levels.” She told the boards the proposed amendments align the county code with current Washington State Department of Health standards and “will improve regulatory flexibility while maintaining strong public health and environmental protections.”

Leffers explained that some lots previously labeled unsuitable because of groundwater depth now may be served safely by newer systems. Under the proposed wording, lots with a low mean groundwater level — defined in the staff draft as less than 4 feet from the top of the ground — would not automatically be considered unsatisfactory if the health officer reviews and approves detailed plans and OSS designs that mitigate risk.

Patricia, the county’s civil-team representative, was present to answer legal questions, and the public comment period produced no speakers. After the hearing, a motion to approve Board of Health Resolution 2025-002 recommending the amendments was made and seconded; the board recorded the motion as passed. The Board of County Commissioners then adopted Ordinance 2025-208 to amend chapter 13.08 consistent with the recommendation; the motion to adopt was recorded as passed by voice vote.

The amendments direct the health officer to evaluate site-specific OSS proposals rather than rely solely on a fixed groundwater cutoff, but the county did not specify implementation dates, permit fees, or an approval timeline during the meeting. The staff report said the amendments are intended to preserve public health and environmental protections while providing options for property owners; it also noted conformity with Washington State Department of Health standards.

Board members asked no substantive technical questions during the hearing, and no members of the public provided input. Follow-up actions and timelines for updating permitting guidance were not specified at the meeting.