Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation will supplement Chapter 1147 of Columbus City Code to provide authorization for the Director of Public Utilities to enact a rule that will provide for a septic tank elimination program.
FISCAL IMPACT: the fiscal impact of this program is not expected to exceed $100,000 per year.
Title
To amend Chapter 1147 of the Columbus City Code by enacting Section 1147.23 to authorize the Director of Public Utilities to promulgate a rule that allows for the creation of a septic tank elimination program
Body
WHEREAS, there are many areas of the City of Columbus that are not served by centralized sanitary sewers; and
WHEREAS, homes in these areas have septic tanks and other on-lot sewage treatment systems; and
WHEREAS, many of these on-lot sewage systems fail, leading to pollution in streams and storm sewers; and
WHEREAS, the City's storm water permit from Ohio EPA requires the City to proactively identify failing septic systems and connect them to central sewers if feasible; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Columbus; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS;
SECTION 1. That Columbus City Codes,1959, are hereby supplemented with the enactment of a new section 1147.23, reading as follows:
1147.23 Septic Tank Elimination Assistance Program
A septic tank elimination assistance program is hereby established for the purpose of assisting residential customers in connection to the sewerage system, thereby eliminating septic tanks and other on-lot sewage treatment systems. The director is authorized to adopt regulations necessary to implement and administer the program. Notwithstanding any other sections of the city codes, the director's regulation may defer the payment of costs associated with connecting to the sewerage system. The regulation may also establish eligibility requirements and/or administrative fees for the program and may establish a loan program for residential customers to assist those customers with costs associated with removal or abandonment of septic tanks or other on-lot sewage treatment systems and the installation of service laterals, with repayment deferred until the property is sold, transferred, or no longer used as a private residence. Repayment of loans and deferred connection costs will be secured through a mortgage recorded against the property.
SECTION 2. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.