Council discusses private‑sewer lateral maintenance, cites 2006 ordinance that assigns responsibility to property owners

A Mount Pleasant City Council discussion during the Feb. 30 meeting focused on who is responsible for maintaining private sewer laterals, particularly for properties where infrastructure predates city policy changes.

Councilmember Paul asked whether the city should assume responsibility for failed laterals that were installed before a change in policy. City staff member Colter read the relevant ordinance language and said the ordinance adopted in February 2006 makes property owners responsible for private sewer laterals from the public sewer main to the building, regardless of whether the lateral lies in a public street, easement or on private property.

Councilmembers and staff discussed complications that can affect older laterals, including tree roots and subsequent landscaping changes. Several councilmembers said records of the original installations are "hit or miss," and staff indicated they would search available files to determine whether documentation exists for specific properties.

Some members warned the council that changing responsibility retroactively could expose the city to claims or require the city to extend repairs to multiple properties. The council did not take formal action but agreed the issue requires individual review of cases and that staff should check available installation records where possible.

No vote or ordinance amendment was taken during the meeting.