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County to adopt MPCA‑mandated septic ordinance edits, tighten dirt‑moving permit timelines
Summary
Staff said portions of the proposed ordinance are blue‑coded for MPCA‑required septic changes, announced the end of 'winter window' permit practice for new houses and recommended aligning dirt‑moving permit terms with permit validity.
Chris told the board the MPCA reviewed the county’s septic ordinance and requested specific clarifications and updates; staff color‑coded those MPCA items in blue in the ordinance memo. He said one MPCA requirement will end the county’s practice of issuing 'winter window' permits that allowed certain compliance inspections to be completed by the next summer: "The PCA said we can't keep doing that. We cannot issue a permit for a new house without having a design for that as well," he said.
Staff also proposed aligning dirt‑moving permit timing: the county currently allows certain dirt‑moving authorizations on a three‑year cycle while the permit term is two years. Staff recommended harmonizing the regulation so permit durations and frequency match. Chris reiterated dirt‑moving limits in shore impact zones (30 cu yd in zone 1; 50 cu yd in zone 2; 100 cu yd in rear lot zone) and said exceeding those amounts will require a conditional‑use permit and additional review.
