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Rico board approves first reading to update on-site wastewater regulations
Summary
Trustees approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-02, repealing the 2017 land-use septic rules and adopting updated on-site wastewater treatment regulations; staff noted state feedback on test pits and noticing requirements.
At the April 15 meeting the Rico Board of Trustees voted unanimously on the first reading of Ordinance 2026-02 to repeal the 2017 septic provisions from the land-use code and adopt a standalone Town of Rico on-site wastewater treatment system regulation.
Staff told the board the state provided redline feedback that resulted in substantive changes to test-pit requirements and public-noticing procedures; the ordinance repositions septic regulations in a separate rules-and-regulations document (consistent with water rules) and preserves the board's prior policy choices on slope angles and system restrictions.
One trustee said the board had previously vetted options and that the changes should not be a surprise. With no substantive opposition, a trustee moved and the board approved the ordinance's first reading; staff will bring the item back for second reading and formal adoption.
If adopted, the new format will allow the town to update technical septic rules via rule changes rather than land-use-code amendments.
Trustees also discussed related noticing and implementation practices and asked staff to incorporate state comments before the final reading.
