Public Works previews 2025 sanitary sewer standards update, plans Sept. 2 public hearing

Kitsap County Public Works staff presented a draft 2025 update to the county's standards for sanitary sewer construction Aug. 19, proposing reorganized standards, clarified lift‑station requirements and new language on utility blockages while removing a prior draft allowance for infrastructure within private roadways.

Anthony Burgess, capital project manager with the Public Works Sewer Utility Division, said the draft standards replace language last revised in 1996 and aim to align county construction standards with current practices. Burgess told the commission the revised standards move from seven divisions to 13 sections, modestly reduce page count while increasing clarity, and raise the number of standard construction details from 32 to 36.

Burgess described several substantive edits requested after an earlier workshop: he removed proposed language that would have generally allowed infrastructure in private roadways to remain private unless the division manager required dedication; he added clearer homeowner guidance and an administrative reimbursement path for cases where a public right‑of‑way blockage required private financial contribution; and he pulled nonapproved material restrictions out as a distinct, searchable item rather than burying them in text.

On billing and connection policy, staff clarified how equivalent residential units (ERUs) are assessed for accessory dwelling units (ADUs): units connected to an existing water meter and shared plumbing typically do not trigger a new ERU assessment, but an ADU that requires a new sanitary connection to the roadway or a new meter does incur an ERU charge. Burgess said county staff will continue to conduct mainline inspections and that some side‑sewer inspections will transition to the Department of Community Development for coordination.

Burgess said lift‑station standards have been formalized: county guidance now outlines minimum lift‑station requirements and allows for contractor installation where appropriate, a change made because contractors can sometimes install systems faster and because the county's current fees understate actual costs.

The draft retains a public‑side cleanout standard—cast iron with a concrete collar—intended to reduce damage from lawn equipment and to more clearly define public versus private responsibility.

Burgess also said the draft will be the basis for a public hearing currently scheduled for Sept. 2; he cautioned that substantive changes requested at the hearing could delay that schedule. Several attendees, including licensed installers and commissioners, praised the clearer organization and said the update should reduce questions from design and contracting teams.

No formal action was taken; the commission was asked to review the draft and provide feedback ahead of the scheduled public hearing.