Council reviews building activity and directs revisions to septic ordinance

Building Official Scott Cazier told the council on June 9 that the town issued four new single-family residence permits during the month and that year-to-date totals through May include nine single-family permits. He reported several applications pending in the queue and said he expects to meet or exceed last year’s totals by month end.

Cazier also described a fire-damaged home on Cedar that will require demolition to the foundation; he and Administrator Aitken said the septic-system location at that property has not yet been identified and that they are working with insurance adjusters.

A discussion followed about septic-inspection responsibilities. Councilman Merrill asked whether the town should assume septic inspections rather than rely on Lincoln County, whose site visits the town described as limited to location and site condition verification. Administrator Aitken and Cazier said the town intends a more thorough inspection process tied to adopting advanced (Presby-style) septic systems, including language to require qualified, licensed installers.

The council reviewed the draft septic ordinance and permit application and identified specific edits: the permit fee in the application will be corrected from $450 to $350; the text will standardize the terms 'advanced' and 'enhanced'; the inspection-notice requirement will be changed from 24 to 48 hours; the council directed that detailed septic requirements be placed under the Personal Utilities section of the code with a cross-reference from Subdivisions; and language requiring installer certification will be added. The ordinance will be revised and returned in July; a related ordinance (2026-04) remains tabled until August so both can proceed together.