Skagit County Board of Health proposes broad revisions to on‑site sewage rules; public hearing set for July 28

Skagit County Public Health staff on June 10 presented a consolidated draft of proposed amendments to Skagit County Code 12.05 (on‑site sewage systems), saying the changes align local rules with the Washington State Department of Health and clarify many long‑standing local practices.

"I am Sharice Gaynor, environmental health specialist with Public Health," Sharice Gaynor said as she opened the department's presentation, which listed a multi‑year drafting process, technical advisory group input and legal review with county counsel.

The proposed draft adopts the revised state standards (WAC chapter 246‑272), adds local definitions and procedural details, and introduces several requirements that county staff and some commissioners said are more stringent than the state minimum. Public Health Director Keith Hickman framed the update as a routine but important governance function for the local board of health.

Why it matters: The draft would change how septic systems are designed, installed, inspected and maintained across Skagit County and could affect homeowners, designers, installers, property transfers and certain businesses. Staff said the changes are intended to reduce public‑health risk, improve clarity for permit applicants and providers, and make local enforcement and recordkeeping more consistent.

Major proposed changes and clarifications

- Adoption of state standards and expanded definitions: The draft explicitly adopts Washington Department of Health standards and adds local definitions for terms such as record drawing, site or soil evaluation, waiver and variance and an operational permit.

- New and clarified timelines: As‑built record drawings…