HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance - 2833-1959 - Amending The Lubbock City Code Sec 34-95.1 - 06/25/1959AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LUBBOCK CITY. CODE BY ADDING THE
TO A NEW SECTION TO BE DESIGNATED SECTION 34-95. 1 AND SUBDIVISIONS
34-95.1-1 THROUGH 34-95. 1-9 INCLUSIVE TO SAID SECTION 34-95.1 SO AS TO'
PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATING OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND/OR MAINTEN-
ANCE OF INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS; DEFINING TERMS; REQUI -
lNG A PERMIT AND PROVIDING FOR INSPECTIONS; SETTING UP STANDARDS
FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE; REGULATING THE LOCATION OF
COMPONENT PARTS OF INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS; PRESCRIB
lNG SEPTIC TANK SPECIFICATIONS; REGULATING DISTRIBUTION BOXES AND
PIPING; REGULATING DISPOSAL AREA; REGULATING CESSPOOL AND SEPTIC
TANK EMPTYING; PRESCRIBING PERMIT FEESi PRESCRIBING A PEN.A:LTY;
PROVIDING FOR AN APPEAL; PROVIDING FOR LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION AND
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE! PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFF-
ECTIVE DATE OF TinS ORDINANCE•
WHEREAS,. the City Commission finds that it would be in the interest of the
public healt~ safety; and general welfare to enact more complete provisions for
the regulation of individual sewage disposal systems and since said regulation affe ts
the health, safety~ and property of the citizens of the City of Lubbock, creating an
immediate need for said regulation, which creates an emergency; NOW THERE-
FORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK:
SECTION 1. The Lubbock City Code is hereby amended by adding thereto
Section 34-95. 1 and Subdivions 34-95. 1-1 through 34-95. 1-9 inclusive which shall
read as follows:
"Section 34-95. 1 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
The following additional regulations are hereby added to this Division, to-wit:
Subdivision 34-95. 1-1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Regulation 1~ Definitions.
(a) Health Officer means the City Health Officer of the City of Lubbock or
his legally authorized representative.
(b) "CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE" means a written statement by the
Health Officer certifying that the individual sewage disposal system has
been designed, constructed and installed in compliance with this regulatio
(c) 11C'ESSPOOL11 means a covered pit into which raw sewage is discharged
for final disposal by leaching into the surrounding porous soil.
{d) umSPOSAL AREA" is the entire area used for or affected by underground
dispersion of the liquid portion of sewage.
(e) HDISTRlBUTION BOX" means a water-tight structure which receives
liquid effluent from a septic tank and distributes such effluent in equal
portions into 2 or more pipes leading to t~e disposal area.
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(f) 11INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM" means a subsurface sewage
disposal system designed and constructed to receive, treat and dispose
of raw sewage in such a manner as to retain settleable solids in a liquid ..
tight tank and to discharge t~e liquid portion to an adequate disposal area.
(g) "LEACffiNG FIELD" means a distribution system consisting of open-
jointed or perforated pipe used for the diaper sian of liquid effluent from a
septic tank into the ground.
(h) "SANITARY SEWER1' means a sewer in a street, alley. or right of way.
for conveyance of sewage to an approved sewage treatment plant.
(i) "SEPTIC TANK11 means a liquid-tight receptacle which receives for
storage and digestion raw sewage from a building sewer. and which
has been designed and constructed so as to retain the solids and to
allow the liquids to discharge through a secondary system of piping
into a disposal area.
Regulation z. Permit Required.
(a) No person may install an individual sewage disposal system or make a
major addition thereto
(1) without first having obtained a permit to do so from the City Health
Officer.
(Z} otherwise than in compliance with the requirements of this Ordinance.
(b) The Health Officer shall make necessary inspections of installations and
when satisfied that an installation complies with this code~ shall issue
a certificate of compliance to the permittee.
(c) The installation of individual sewage disposal systems in new subdivisions
is prohibited where such subdivision are contiguous to an approved munici
pal sewage disposal system to which, in the opinion of the Health Officer
connection may reasonably be made.
Regulation 3. Failure of System. In areas served by a municipal sewage dis-
posal system:~, when an individual sewage disposal system fails and, in the
opinion of the Health Officer., a public health nuisance arises as a result of
such failure~ {1) the plumbing system of the premises shall be disconnected
from the defective individual sewage disposal system and forthwith connected
to the municipal sewage disposal system~ and (2) the individual sewage disposa
system shall thereupon be emptied of sewage and filled with clean earth as soo
as the required connection has been made.
Subdivisioal34-95. 1-2 GENERAL STANDARDS
Regulation 1. Design. The design of an individual sewage disposa;L system sha1
take into consideration proximity to wells or other sources of water supply2
topography:~ existing sewage disposal systems on adjacent property:~~ water
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table, soil characteristics~ available area, and shall provide for ad~quate
treatment of the volume of sewage discharged from the premises served.
Regulation 2. Volume of Sewage, Excepting as stated elsewhere in this regu-
lation., calculation of the anticipated volume of sewage from a structure shall
be based on the estimated contributory population and the expected per capita
daily quantities of sewage given in the following table;
SOURCE
1. Cottages, seasonal occupancy
2. Single or multiple family dwellings
3. Hotels
4. Motels and tourist cabins
5. Trailer courts
~ a. With central sanitary facilities
b. With individual sanitary facilities
6. Restaurants
7. Day schools
a. With cafeteria
b. Without cafeteria
8. Boarding schools
9. Day worker St office., industrial, etc.
0. Hospitals., depending on type
1. Institutions other than hospitals
2. Picnic grounds
SEWAGE
GAL.-PER PER~nM PER DAY
50
100
60
50
75
100
10 gal. per patron
35
2.0
100
35
200-350
125-200
..-. a. Toilet only 25
b. Toilet and showers 35
3. Swimming pools and bath houses 50
4. Self-service laWldries: Number of machines x 50 x 5 washes per day
Regulation 3. Types of Wastes. The system shall be designed to receive all
sanitary sewage from the building served. Industrial wastes shall not be
discharged into individual sewage disposal systems without special approval ..
Regulation 4. Limitations. When the volume of flow or other factors control!·
ing the disposal area for a single installation are such that the required total
length of leaching lines will be greater than 2~ 400 feet or the total efiecti ve
percolating area will be more than 6, 000 square feet an approved treatment
plant shall be provided.
Regulation 5. Alternate Design. In special cases where a system or part
.thereof as prescribed in this regulation cannot be expected to function satis-
factorily, an alternate design which meets the conditions established in Section
3. 1 and complies in principle with the provisions of this regulation may be
approved. The installation of any part of an individual sewage disposal system
in a manner otherwise than in compliance with~the provisions of this regulation
without first having obtained written permission from the Health Officer~ is
T\'PI'\h;'hif-Arl
Regulation 6. Backfilling. Backfilling over the individual sewage disposal
system shall not be done until inspection by the Health Officer is completed, 01
permission is given to do S<?· Backfilling shall be done with clean earth from
the site, or similar to that found at the site. free of large stone st broken
masonry, stumps or waste construction material. Backfill around septic tank~
shall be made in thin layers each thoroughly tamped in a manner that will not
produce undue strain on the tank. Settlement of backfill may be accomplished
with the use of water provided the fill material is thoroughly wetted from the
bottom upward and provision is made to prevent the tank from floating. No
heavy machinery shall be allowed over any part of the individual sewage dis-
posal system until it is completely backfilled and tamped.
Regulation 7. Individual Service. The use of an individual sewage disposal
system by more than 1 property;t dwelling, com~ercial unit or other premises
is prohibited unless it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Health Officer
that such properties, dwellings, commercial units or other premises are
constructed, designed and located in such a manner that it is impractical or
I· impossible to construct separate individual sewage disposal systems for them.
Regulation 8,. Discharge of Effluents. The effluent from individual sewage
disposal systems may not discharge onto the surface of the groun~ into any
water course, abandoned well, pit, mine or similar excavatiol\tl or anywhere
except through a properly designed leaching fi~ld.
Regulation 9. Sanitary Sewer. No new individual sewage disposal system
ahall be approved for a building which is located within 300 feet of a sanitary
sewer to which connection is practical and is permitted by the controlling
authority for the sanitary sewer.
Subdivision 34-95. 1-3. LOCATION
Regulation 1. Distances. The location of the component parts of an individual
disposal system shall conform to the following table:
Component
Building sewer
Septic tank
Distribution box
Disposal Field
MINIMUM DISTANCES FROM
Well
feet
50
50
50
100
Water (a)
Supply Line Stream
Feet Feet
(b)
(c)
(c)
10
2.5
25
25
Property
Line Dwelling
Feet Feet
10
10
15
6
10
10
(a) Where coarse soil formations are encountered the distance from any
water supply or stream may be increased by the Department .•
(b) 1 foot above and 1 foot laterally.
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(c) May not cross.
Regulation 2. Area Reserved for Sewage Disposal. The area to be used for
sewage disposal shall be selected and maintained so that it is free from en-
croach ... ments by driveways~ accessory buildings, additions to the main buildin )'
and trees or shrubbery whose roots may cause clogging of any part of the
system. Exceptions in connection with commercial and industrial structures
may be allowed in accordance with Regulation 5;t SUbdi.¥-ision 34 ... 95. 1-2..
Subdivision 34-95. 1-4. SEPTIC TANK SPECIFICATIONS
Regulation 1. Septic Tank Capacities.
(a) Septic tanks shall have the following minimum capacities to flow line.
No. of Bedrooms
2. or leas
3-4 .
5
6
larger homes
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HOMES
Liquid C.~~ity of Tank in Gallons
500
750
900
1;~~ 000
As approved
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Regulation 2. Garbage Grinders. The liquid capacity of septic tanks receiving
ground garbage shall be increased at least 50 per cent over the requirements o
Regulation 1, this section.
Regulation 3. Multiple Compartments. Where multiple compartment tanks arE
used the following are required:
(a) The total capacity of multiple compartment tanks shall not be less than
750 gallons. The first compartment shall have a liquid capacity of 2/3
the required total tank capacity as determined from Regulation 1, this
section.
{b) Not more than 2 compartments shall be provided in tanks having liquid
capacities between 7 50 gallons and 1200 gallons.
Regulation 4. Construction.
(a) Septic tanks shall be of approved shape~ sound, watertight, constructed
of durable materials not subject to excessive corrosion,. decay, cracking
or buckling. Covers shall be designed and constructed to support any
reasonable load.
(b) The walls and base of concrete tanks shall. be securely bonded together or
shall be of monolithic or keyed construction. Walls and base of poured-
..
in-place tanks shall have a minimUin thickness of 4 inches throughout. A
minimum thickness of 3 inches will be allowedln. pre-cast tanks which have
been properly reinforced.
Regulation 5. Materials. Septic tanks may be constructed of the following:
(a) Poured-in-place concrete
(b) Precast reinforced concrete
(c) Other approved material
Regulation 6. .Dimen~ions. Rectangular tanks shall have a length at least
twice but not more than 3 times the width. Liquid depth of such tanks shall
not be less than 4 feet nor more than 6 feet.
Regulation 7. Inlets and Outlets. Outlet connections of each compartment of
the tank shall be designed to retain sewage solids~ sewn and sludge effective!
The elevation of the inv~rt of the inlet shall be at least Z11 above the elevation I
of the invert of the tank outlet. The bottom of the bafB.e or tee shall extend
at least 6" below the surface of the liquid and the top shall be at least 4'1 abov~
the invert of the outlet and not less than 1" below the cover.
Regulation 8. Access Openings. Each comp~rtment shall be provided with a
access opening. In multiple compartment tanks, the access opening shall be
located over each inlet or outlet. Access openings shall be 'at least 16 inches
square or 16 inches in diameter and shall be constructed and installed in a
manner that will prevent the entrance of water.
Regulation 9. Reinforcements. A septic tank installed under a driveway or
parking area shall have a reinforced concrete cover with a minimwn thicknes
of 6 11, sidewalls of adequate strength to support any anticipated loa~ and
access plugs brought up to grade.
Subdivision 34-95. 1-5. DISTRIBUTION BOX
Regulation 1. General. When a disposal field of more than 1 distribution line'
is used with a septic tank a distribution box_ provided with.a means of access
shall be installed between the tank and disposal area. Distribution boxes shal
be watertight and constructed of concrete or other durable material. They
shall be designed to accommodate the necessary distribution piping leading
therefrom and to provide equal distribution of sewage liquids to such piping b
means of baffles or other acceptable methods.
Regulation 2. Distribution Piping. The inverts of all outlets piping from the
distribution box shall be rigidly set at the same level. The invert of the inlet
shall be at least 1 inch above the invert of the outlets •
Subdivision 34-95. 1-6. DISPOSAL AREAS
Regulation 1. Determination of Soil Characteristics.
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(a) Percolation tests are required for each individual sewage disposal
system excepting as stated in paragraph (b) below, provided that when
there is evidence satisfactory to the Health Officer that such test is not
necessary it may be omitted with the Health Officer1s approval. Tests
shall be performed by a licensed professional engineer, sanitarian or.
other person acceptable to the Department. The type and extent of the
disposal area shall be based upon the results of these tests, which shall
determine the type of soil penetrated and the drainage capacities thereofa
and which shall provide other data as may be required by the Health
Officer.
(b) In subdivision tracts, prior to the installation of individual sewage di.s-
posal ·systems for homes, the builder shall submit evidence to the Health
Officer that soil characteristics and percolation rates are satisfactory
for the proposed type of individual sewage disposal system. At least one
test shall be made for each five acres of the subdivision tract but addi-
tional tests may be required by the Hea~th Officer. Additional percolatio
tests shall thereafter be made at the ratio of one for each five homes
Wlless the results of these tests indicate to the Health Officer that anothe
ratio is acceptable or required.
(c) .. Tests made in filled groWld will not be acceptable Wlless the soil has
been compacted or allowed to settle to the satisfaction of the Health
Officer.
Regul~tion 2. Leaching Fields: the following shall apply:
(a) Filter Material. Filter material shall cover the distribution piping at
least two inches above the top of the pipe, extend the full width of the
trench and shall be not less than six inches deep beneath the bottom of th«
distribution pipe. The filter material shall be washed gravel, crushed
stone:. slag or clean bank-run gravel ranging in size from 1/2 to 2 1/2
inches, free of fines, dust, ashes or clay. The filter material shall be
covered by untreated paper or by a 2-inch layer of hay or straw as the
laying of the distribution piping progresses •. Use of waterproof material
for this purpose is prohibited.
(b) Distribution Piping. Distribution piping shall be installed true to line an4
grade with open joints or perforations, except that at least one tight joint
at each bend or other fitting shall be provided to prevent slippage. Open
ings between joints shall be 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch with the upper half of the
joint covered with asphalt-treated paper not less than three inches wide •
.Perforated tile., bituminized-fibre or asbestos cement or equally adequat
pipe may be used proVided a sufficient number of clear openings extendin
through the entire thickness o£ the pipe are available to permit complete
distribution of sewage into the disposal area. Any section of pipe laid
with tight joints;-, except fittings as required above, shall not be consider• d
in determiniD:g the percolating area.
(c) Leaching Fields.
(1) Minimum Percolating Area (Individual Dwellings). The minimum. reqtlir d
percolating area per bedroom shall be determined from the following
table provided that the total bottom trench area shall not be less than
150 square feet for each dwelling unit. ,
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Time for Minimum Time for Minimum
One inch fall Bottom Trench One inch fall Bottom Trench
(Minutes) Area/ Bedroom (Minutes) Area/ Bedroom
(Square Feet) (Square Feet)
2 min. or less 55 16-20 135
3 60 21-25 170
4 65 26-30 190
5 70 31-35 215
6 75 36-40 240
7-10 85 over 40 Not acceptable
11-15 110
{2) Minimum Percolating Area (Other Than Individual Dwelling).
The minimwn required -percolating area shall be determined from the
following table provided that the total trench area shall not be less than
· 150 square feet.
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Time for Minimum Time for Minimum
.........,; One inch fall Bottom Trench One inch fall Bottom Trench
(minutes) Area/ Gallon (Minutes) Area/Gallon
(Square feet) (Square Feet)
2. min. or less o. 39 16-2.0 0.90
3 0.43 21-25 1. 12
4 0.46 26-30 1. 28
5 o. 49 31-35 1. 44
6 o. 52 36-40 1.60
7-10 0.60 over 40 Not acceptable
11-15 0.74 ~
(3) .Disposal Trench Construction -Disposal trenches shall be constructed ill
accordance with the following table:
Minimum lines per field 2
Maximum length per line 100 feet
Minimum diameter of distribution lines 4 inches
Preferred slope of distribution lines 2.11 to 411 in 100 feet
Maximum slope of di atribution lines 611 in 100 feet
Minimum width of trench bottom 18 inches
Minimum. distance between distribution lines 8 feet
u Minimum percolation area per dwelling 150 square feet
Maximum. depth of lines 30 inches
Top depth of lines 18 Inches below grade .
Minimum filter cover over pipe 2 inches
Minimum filter ~der pipe 6 inches
Subdivision 34-95.1-7. CESSPOOL & SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING.
Regulation 1. Permit required. No septic tank, cesspool or chemical toilet
shall be emptied or its contents removed excepting by a per son holding a per
mit from the City Health Officer.
Regulation 2. Sanitary Requirements. The permittee shall take all r~ason
able measures to prevent the development or existence of a nuisance or of
any condition hazardous to health which can arise from his operations. and
shall comply with the following:
(a) Material taken from a septic tank:. cesspool., chemical toilet or privy
shall be disposed of only in a manner and place approved by the Health
Officer. Approval shall be obtained at the time of issuance of the permi
and no change in the approved procedure shall be made by the permittee
without prior approval of the Health Officer.
(b) Every vehicle and all auxiliary equipment used for the transportation or
handling of the contents of any septic tank,. cesspool, chemical toileta
or privy shall be liquid tight, gas-tight, and soun~ so that no foul mat-
erial may spill or escape therefrom. Tanks on such vehicles shall have
·· a minimum capacity of 750 gallons.
(c) No vehicle or auxiliary equipment used for carrying, transporting~ or
handling the contents of septic tanks, cesspools, chemical toilets or
privies shall be allowed to stand or remain near any occupied premises
without nece ssity therefor; nor shall the loading and unloading of such
vehicles and the transportation thereof through any street, place or
premises consume an unreasonable period of time.
(d) Vehicles and equipment shall be kept in a clean condition and shall not
be opened longer than is necessary when in use.
(e) Each vehicle used under this regulation shall have the permittee1s
permit number visibly inscribed on the side door panels and the rear
face in numerals not less than 3 inches high.
Subdivision 34-95. 1-8. FEES
Permit Fees: Individual sewage disposal system installation permit-$5. 00
Cesspool and septic tank emptying permit -$25. 00 per year.
Subdivision 34-95. 1-9. PENALTY
Any person found to be violating any provision of this ordinance shall be
served by the Health Officer with written notice stating the nature of the vio-
lation and providing a re.asonable time limit for the satisfactory correction
thereof. The offender shall, within the period of time stated in such notice,
permanently cease all violations.
Any person who shall make any installation of an individual sewage disposal
system, or make a major addition thereto, or cause the same to be done~
without a permit as herein required,. or fail t~ secure any permit herein
required~ or who shall violate any other provision, or who shall continue
, any violation beyond the time limit provided herein, shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in any amoWlt
not exceeding Two HWldred Dollars, and each day in which any such
violation shall continue shall be a separate offense. 11
Subdivision 34-95. 1-10 APPEAL
. .
Any person aggrieved by any: ruling or application of these Subdivision~
by the Health Officer shall have a right of appeal to the City Commission
within 15 days after the date of such ruling or application of these
Subdivisions by the Health Officer.
Subdivision 34-95. 1-11 CONSTRUCTION·
The provisions of the preceding subdivisions shall be liberally admini-
stered and construed by the Health Officer or his authorized representative
to secure substantial compliance consistent with public health needs.
SECTION 2.. The City Secretary shall cause the publication of the caption and
the penalty .clause (being Subdivision 34-95. 1-9 above set out) in a newspaper reg-
ularly published in the City of Lubbock once a ·week for two consecutive weeks as
an alternative method of publication as provided by law.
SECTION 3. This ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure for the
reasons set forth in the preamble of this ordinance? and the rule requiring two
readings of an ordinance before final passage is suspended, and this ordinance sh 1
take effect immediately after jts passage.
AND IT IS SO ORDERED
dn Motion of Commissioner Maner :t seconded by Commissioner
Casey » the foregoing ordinance was unanimously passed by
the City Commission this 25th day of June , 1959, by the following vote:
Commissioners voting nAYE11:
Commissioners voting "NAY11:
ATTEST:
Laveni
Commissioners Casey,Maner,Maxey, andThompson
and Mayor Baker
None
NNrS; BAKER., Mayor
X t;ity Attorn()(