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City adopts ordinance requiring connection to sanitary sewer within 60 days when property comes within 80 feet
Summary
The Mission City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 5650, amending utilities code to require properties within 80 feet of a sanitary sewer line to connect discharge lines within 60 days when they first fall within that distance; penalties and misdemeanor exposure for septic overflows were discussed.
The City Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance No. 5650 amending Chapter 114 (Utilities) to require connection of discharge lines to the city's sanitary sewer when an improvement places a property within 80 feet of a sewer line.
Under the ordinance, any property that becomes within 80 feet of a sanitary sewer line by virtue of a public right of way or easement must connect discharge lines to that sewer within 60 calendar days after the improvement first placed the property within that distance. The ordinance also expressly prohibits connecting discharge lines to a septic tank when connection is required. City staff said failure to connect may lead to city sewer service charges and that septic overflows creating health complaints could trigger misdemeanor or other legal violations under existing law.
Why it matters: The change tightens connection obligations for properties newly close to sewer infrastructure, aiming to reduce septic failures and public‑health risks. City staff framed the ordinance as a routine update to ensure properties tie into available sanitary service.
Council action: Staff recommended approval; a council member asked whether the change meant structures more than 80 feet would not be required to connect, and staff confirmed the 80‑foot threshold. The ordinance passed on a unanimous 5–0 vote.
Next steps: The ordinance takes effect as provided in the city code. Staff will apply the new requirements when properties become eligible for required sewer connection under the 80‑foot/60‑day rule.
