Title
Approval of Ordinance Amending Wastewater Regulations for Side Sewer Ownership
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee and Utilities Advisory Committee recommend approval of the ordinance amending Wastewater Regulations for Side Sewer ownership.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the ordinance amending Wastewater Regulations for Side Sewer ownership on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt the ordinance amending Wastewater Regulations for Side Sewer ownership which amends Olympia Municipal Code 13.08.
Staff Contact:
Diane Utter, P.E., Water Resources Engineer, 360.753.8562
Presenter(s):
Diane Utter, P.E., Water Resources Engineer
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
The Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) 13.08.040 states:
... The property owner is responsible for all costs and expense incidental to the installation, connection and maintenance of a side sewer, including that portion within the city right-of-way or utility easement. The City shall not be liable for any damages or costs incurred by reason of blockage or deterioration of a side sewer, up to and including its connection with the public sewer main.
This regulation has sometimes been problematic for the City. The average side sewer is 40 years old with some as old as 100 years. Many side sewers are deep and run under public streets and cross property lines. This makes it difficult and expensive to maintain and repair. Repairs often take many months or even years to complete due to disputes with property owners. Disagreements are common about what caused a break, exactly where the break is located, and who is required to make the repair and pay for it. Staff has spent extensive time following up with property owners to make sure needed repairs were made. More than once, the situation has resulted in a lawsuit between citizens and the City.
If breaks in side sewers do n...
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