Skagit County to open public comment on tighter on-site sewage (septic) rules; public hearing set for July 28

Skagit County Public Health on Tuesday presented a package of proposed revisions to Skagit County Code 12.05 governing on-site sewage (septic) systems and asked the Skagit County Board of Health to open a formal public comment period. The board voted to open a 40-plus-day public comment period beginning June 10 and set a public hearing for July 28 at 2:30 p.m.

The revisions update local code to adopt changes made by the Washington State Department of Health to chapter WAC 246-272A (on-site sewage systems), add definitions and clarifications, and create several new and more prescriptive local requirements. "We have a singular item on your agenda today," Public Health Director Keith Hickman said as staff introduced the proposed code package. Sharice Gainor, an environmental health specialist, led the presentation and described the timeline and major changes.

Why it matters: the state updated its on-site sewage rules beginning in 2018 and adopted the revised WAC on Jan. 10, 2024, with most parts effective April 1, 2025. Local health jurisdictions must ensure their regulations are at least as stringent as state rules; Skagit County’s draft both adopts WAC requirements and adds local provisions that staff described as more stringent in several areas. That could affect property transfers, repairs, new construction, inspections and the qualifications required of…