Council debates draft septic ordinance that would shift inspections and require advanced systems

Council discussed a multipart septic ordinance package that would change permitting and inspection roles for septic systems in Star Valley Ranch. Staff explained the draft would place detailed septic requirements under the town's code, require registration and qualifications for septic contractors, and position the town to require engineered or advanced systems in geologically sensitive locations.

Council members and staff debated where the ordinance text should reside in the town code (personal utilities vs. subdivision sections) to avoid losing the rules in the subdivisions chapter and to ensure consistent cross‑references. Council asked staff to add explicit language requiring contractor certification and to ensure any development‑plan language about MR1/MR2 zones does not conflict with pending zoning-code revisions. Several members emphasized efficiency and local expertise as motivations: the county performs basic location checks but town staff seek a more thorough inspection to protect local watersheds and reduce delay for projects in the future.

Why it matters: shifting inspection authority and requiring advanced septic systems affects permitting timelines, contractor requirements, and potential costs for property owners. Council directed staff to revise the draft (including certification language and code placement) and return with a revised ordinance for additional review.