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Planning board backs ordinance to preserve hauled‑water septic and hauled‑water rights for existing dry subdivisions
Summary
The planning board recommended Ordinance 2026‑15 to regulate water hauling and allow hauled‑water‑based septic for preexisting dry subdivisions while barring new dry subdivisions and restricting new commercial short‑term rentals that would rely on hauled water.
The King County Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of Ordinance 2026‑15, an ordinance intended to preserve local authority to allow water hauling and hauled‑water‑based septic systems for existing dry subdivisions and lots, while preventing newly created dry subdivisions and restricting commercial short‑term rental uses that would depend on hauled water unless those uses are grandfathered and continuously active.
Commissioner Brown (liaison) and staff explained the measure as a county response to a regional public‑health interpretation that had limited hauled‑water practices in some counties. Brown said the ordinance would allow preexisting dry subdivisions and lots to continue to obtain hauled water from an approved source and to install septic systems so long as public‑health review and approvals are satisfied. "This is an attempt to defend our ability to haul water," she said, noting the county’s interest in preserving local flexibility for remote lots that have historically used hauled water.
The board debated the public‑health safeguards and a clause that would remove grandfathered commercial hauled‑water uses if the business discontinues operations or lets a business license lapse for more than a year. County staff and counsel said the continuous‑use clause is a standard vesting provision intended to protect the public. Commissioners asked staff to clarify implementation details, including how the county would identify approved water sources and how enforcement would proceed.
After discussion the board voted to recommend the ordinance to the county commission. Commissioners said the measure balances protecting public health with preserving local property‑use rights in parts of the county that lack piped water systems.
Next steps: The recommendation will go to the county commission for final action; staff and public‑health officials to coordinate on implementation language and approved water‑source lists.
