Council holds first reading on sewer-connection ordinance, clarifies one‑year SDC waiver and septic protections

Mayor Jenny Taylor opened the first reading of the City of Stevenson sewer ordinance and led council discussion on clarifying provisions that would affect when property owners must connect to a public sewer.

Council clarified that existing, functioning septic systems would not be required to connect unless a specified trigger occurs. The ordinance language will add protections for existing systems in the main table (not only in exceptions). A one‑year SDC waiver will apply to property owners who elect to connect within one year of notice; after that the full SDC applies. Council also agreed that property owners along an existing sewer line with functioning septics are not required to connect, but would have the SDC waived if they choose to connect within one year. Mayor Taylor and City Attorney Robert Muth will refine the draft language for a future reading.

Public Works Director Cody Rosander said stubs would be installed with a new line “to avoid having to dig up the street for new connections.” The council further directed that septic inspections be required every five years by the county health department and tracked by Stevenson Public Works. Selling or transferring ownership alone will not trigger a mandatory connection; however additions or accessory dwelling units determined by building permit/health inspection to expand septic demand will require connection when sewer is available. Appeals of connection decisions will be heard by the City Council.