Council advances septic/sewer code update as town prepares to assume inspections

The Town Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026‑04 (Title 15, Chapter 154) on April 14, updating code language governing sewer and septic treatment systems and signaling that the town will begin assuming septic permitting and inspections from Lincoln County. Councilman Toolson moved the first reading, seconded by Councilman Ellis; the item advanced with council support.

Town officials explained the ordinance requires NSF‑40 advanced septic treatment systems for all new homes and for replacement systems in specified zones, and that should the town install sewer service in an area, all residences served would be required to connect and pay any applicable fees. Residents raised technical questions about denitrification, nitrate concerns, and mapping of existing septic locations; a council member said the town will keep and share maps with the county and consider denitrification requirements as part of future policy discussion. “We’re taking this on to simplify permitting for residents,” a council member said during the discussion.