CC SR 20190115 05 - Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 01/15/2019
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration and possible action to adopt an urgency ordinance and introduce an
ordinance to repeal and replace Chapter 8.04 (Health Code) of Title 8 (Health and
Safety) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to implement Chapter 11.38 of the
Los Angeles County Health and Safety Code, as well as to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health as it relates to
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Case No. PLCA2019-0001).
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Adopt Ordinance No. ___ U, AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO REPEAL AND REPLACE MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 8.04.010 (ADOPTION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH
AND SAFETY CODE) TO IMPLEMENT CHAPTER 11.38 OF THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE RELATED TO ONSITE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS (CASE NO. PLCA2019-0001).
(2) Introduce Ordinance No. ___, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES TO REPEAL AND REPLACE MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 8.04.010 (ADOPTION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH
AND SAFETY CODE) TO IMPLEMENT CHAPTER 11.38 OF THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE RELATED TO ONSITE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS (CASE NO. PLCA2019-0001).
(3) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Local Agency Management Plan
Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Department of
Public Health related to their review of onsite wastewater treatment systems
on behalf of the City.
FISCAL IMPACT: Costs associated with the review and approval of onsite wastewater
systems by the Los Angeles County Public Health Department will be borne by project
applicants based on an application filing fee established by the County of Los Angeles,
which ranges between $1,528 and $1,986 depending on the type of treatment system
and level of review. The County’s fee schedule is attached (Page F-1).
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Octavio Silva, Senior Planner
REVIEWED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Doug Willmore, City Manager
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ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Ordinance No. ___ U (page A-1)
B. Ordinance No. ___ (page B-1)
C. Chapter 11.38 of Title 11 of the Los Angeles County Code (page C-1)
D. LAMP Memorandum of Understanding (page D-1)
E. Aerial Maps of Non-Sewer Connection Areas of the City (page E-1)
F. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health OWTS Review Fee
Schedule (page F-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has regulatory authority over
onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). OWTS are generally considered septic
systems installed on separate parcels of property that are unable to connect to a
municipal sewer system. OWTS capture and treat domestic wastewater to reduce its
polluting effect on the environment and protect public health. SWRCB promulgated an
OWTS Policy that provides minimum design and siting standards for low-risk, new and
replacement OWTS. SWRCB allows local agencies to create their own alternative
regulatory requirements that meet all OWTS Policy requirements.
In response, the Los Angeles County’s Environmental Health Division of the
Department of Public Health created its Local Agency Management Plan (LAMP) for
OWTS. LAMP provides alternate health and safety requirements for OWTS that have
been approved by both the Los Angeles Water Board and SWRCB. The LAMP
requirements were incorporated into the Los Angeles County Code, which allows the
Department of Public Health (Department) to regulate OWTS within cities that desire to
enter into agreements with the Department for OWTS regulation by using a more
flexible enforcement scheme that is equally protective of public health as the OWTS
policy.
While the vast majority of residential areas in the City are connected to the City’s sewer
system, there are areas of the City (Attachment E), such as the eastern portion of the
City’s Landslide Moratorium Area (Zones 5 and 6), the Portuguese Bend Club, and
some lots off Palos Verdes Drive East that rely solely on OWTS to capture and treat
domestic wastewater. City Staff estimates that of the City’s 16,237 housing units 1, there
are approximately 896 parcels (primarily developed) in the City that are not connected
to the City’s sewer system and rely on septic systems. To date, the City has partnered
with the Department of Public Health’s Land Use Program to receive services related to
the review of proposed OWTS. In order for the City to continue receiving services
1 Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2015; Nielsen Co.; California Department of Finance
E-5, May2016; CoreLogic/DataQuick; California Department of Education; and SCAG
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related to OWTS under the LAMP, the Department is requesting that participating cities
adopt the LAMP Ordinance into their Municipal Codes.
Proposed Code Amendment
To avoid a disruption in OWTS services provided by the Department, Staff is proposing
that the City Council consider the adoption of an Urgency Ordinance (Attachment A),
amending Chapter 8.04 (Health Code) of Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the Rancho
Palos Verdes Municipal Code to immediately implement Chapter 11.38 of the Los
Angeles County Health and Safety Code (Attachment C), as it relates to OWTS . The
proposed amendment to Chapter 8.04 is provided below (Deleted text in strikethrough
and new text in bold/underline).
8.04.010 - Adoption of Los Angeles County Health and Safety Code.
A. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 11, entitled "Health and
Safety," of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on
September 1, 1998, is adopted by reference as the health code of the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes and may be cited as such.
B. Chapter 11.38, entitled “Water and Sewers”, of Title 11 of the Los
Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 15, 2019, is
adopted by reference as the LAMP Ordinance of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes and may be cited as such.
C. A copy of the County Health and Safety Code has been deposited
in the Office of the City Clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the City
Clerk for use and examination by the public.
Section 36937 of the Government Code states that an urgency ordinance becomes
effective immediately if the City Council finds, by a four-fifths vote, that the ordinance is
for the immediate preservation of the public peace, safety and welfare of its citizens,
residents, visitors and businesses. The proposed Urgency Ordinance is appropriate
because the ordinance safeguards public health and the environment by ensuring the
uninterrupted proper installation, inspection, and maintenance of OWTS throughout the
City.
If the City Council were to adopt the proposed Urgency Ordinance, the ordinance will
become effective immediately. However, Staff also recommends that the City Council
introduce an Ordinance (Attachment B) this evening followed by a second reading at the
February 5, 2019, meeting, to ensure adoption of the regulations through the standard
process.
LAMP Memorandum of Understanding
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The Department of Public Health is also requesting the participating cities sign a LAMP
Memorandum of Understanding (Attachment D). The document establishes project
applicability, as well as both County and City responsibilities related to OWTS reviews
and permitting. The LAMP Memorandum of Understanding may be executed by the City
Manager with the authorization by the City Council. The City Attorney’s Office has
reviewed and determined that the document conforms to the City’s Municipal Code
requirements.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternatives are available for the
City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff to continue the matter, and return with modified Code
language for consideration at a future meeting.
2. Direct Staff to bring the review of OWTS in-house which would still require
the City to enter into an agreement with DPH to provide services on a
temporary basis while the City develops its own program.
3. Direct Staff to take no action at this time.
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ORDINANCE NO. _____ U
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES TO REPEAL AND REPLACE MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 8.04.010 (ADOPTION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE) TO IMPLEMENT CHAPTER 11.38
OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
RELATED TO ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
(CASE NO. PLCA2019-0001).
WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) has
adopted the Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation and Maintenance
of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS), dated June 19, 2012, also referred
to as the "OWTS Policy"; and
WHEREAS, the State Water Board’s OWTS Policy provides a multi-tiered
strategy for management of OWTS in California; and
WHEREAS, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH)
submitted a proposed Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) for oversight of
OWTS within designated cities and unincorporated areas of the County of Los Angeles
to the local Water Board prepared in accordance with the requirements of the OWTS
Policy; and
WHEREAS, Cities desirous of having DPH’s Land Use Program review proposed
OWTS must enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DPH and adopt
the appropriate sections of the Los Angeles County Health and Safety Code that has
been updated to reflect the current State Water Board’s policies in order to provide for
the County’s enforcement of the LAMP’s provisions and restrictions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes desires to continue to receive
DPH’s Land Use Program services to review proposed OWTS and enforce the LAMP’s
provisions and restrictions; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 36937 expressly authorizes the City
Council to adopt an urgency ordinance for the immediate preservation of the public
peace, health, or safety, if the ordinance is approved by four-fifths of the City Council.
To this end, this Ordinance is adopted for the immediate preservation of the public
peace, health, and safety, given the City’s service requirements for OWTS within the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby makes
the following findings:
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A. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated fully herein.
B. The City Council finds that the amendments to Section 8.04.010 of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code are necessary to comply with new
standards and regulations mandated by the State Water Board.
C. The City Council finds that the amendments to Section 8.04.010 of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code are necessary to preserve the public
health, safety, and general welfare by ensuring adequate service to OWTS within the
City.
SECTION 2. Section 8.04.010 (Adoption of Los Angeles County Health and
Safety Code) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code is hereby repealed and
replaced to read as follows:
8.04.010 - Adoption of Los Angeles County Health and Safety Code.
A. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 11, entitled "Health and Safety," of
the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on September 1, 1998, is
adopted by reference as the health code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and may
be cited as such.
B. Chapter 11.38, entitled “Water and Sewers”, of Title 11 of the Los Angeles
County Code, as amended and in effect on January 15, 2019, is adopted by reference
as the LAMP Ordinance of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and may be cited as such.
C. A copy of the county health and safety code has been deposited in the
office of the City Clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and
examination by the public.
SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any
court of any competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would
have passed this ordinance, and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause
and phrase thereof not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether
any portion of the ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
ordinance, and shall make a minute of the passage and adoption thereof in the records
of and the proceedings of the City Council at which the same is passed and adopted.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately, pursuant to the authority conferred upon
the City Council by Government Code section 36937. The City Clerk shall cause a
summary of this ordinance to be published in accordance with Government Code
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Section 36933 in a newspaper of general circulation which is hereby designated for that
purpose.
SECTION 5. This Urgency Ordinance shall go into effect and be in full force and
effect immediately upon its adoption by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council
pursuant to Government Code Sections 36934 and 36937.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 15th day of January, 2019.
______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
City Clerk
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ORDINANCE NO. _____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO
REPEAL AND REPLACE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 8.04.010
(ADOPTION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH AND SAFETY
CODE) TO IMPLEMENT CHAPTER 11.38 OF THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE RELATED TO ONSITE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS (CASE NO. PLCA2019-
0001).
WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) has
adopted the Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation and Maintenance
of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS), dated June 19, 2012, also referred
to as the "OWTS Policy"; and
WHEREAS, the State Water Board’s OWTS Policy provides a multi-tiered
strategy for management of OWTS in California; and
WHEREAS, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH)
submitted a proposed Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) for oversight of
OWTS within designated cities and unincorporated areas of the County of Los Angeles
to the local Water Board prepared in accordance with the requirements of the OWTS
Policy; and
WHEREAS, Cities desirous of having DPH’s Land Use Program review proposed
OWTS must enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DPH and adopt
the appropriate sections of the Los Angeles County Health and Safety Code that has
been updated to reflect the current State Water Board’s policies in order to provide for
the County’s enforcement of the LAMP’s provisions and restrictions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes desires to continue to receive
DPH’s Land Use Program services to review proposed OWTS and enforce the LAMP’s
provisions and restrictions; and
WHEREAS, the City has a compelling interest in protecting the public health,
safety, and welfare of its citizens, residents, visitors and businesses within the City by
receiving DPH’s Land Use Program services to review proposed OWTS and enforce the
LAMP’s provisions and restrictions.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The facts set forth in the Recitals are true and correct, and are
incorporated herein by reference.
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SECTION 2. The City Council finds that the amendments to Section 8.04.010 of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code are necessary to comply with new
standards and regulations mandated by the State Water Board.
SECTION 3. The City Council finds that the amendments to Section 8.04.010 of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to adopt Chapter 11.38 of the Los
Angeles County Health and Safety Code are necessary to preserve the public health,
safety, and general welfare of the City's residents, visitors and businesses by ensuring
adequate service to OWTS within the City.
SECTION 4. Section 8.04.010 (Adoption of Los Angeles County Health and
Safety Code) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code is hereby repealed and
replaced to read as follows:
8.04.010 - Adoption of Los Angeles County Health and Safety Code.
A. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 11, entitled "Health and Safety," of
the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on September 1, 1998, is
adopted by reference as the health code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and may
be cited as such.
B. Chapter 11.38, entitled “Water and Sewers”, of Title 11 of the Los Angeles
County Code, as amended and in effect on January 15, 2019, is adopted by reference
as the LAMP Ordinance of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and may be cited as such.
C. A copy of the county health and safety code has been deposited in the
office of the City Clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and
examination by the public.
SECTION 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or its application to any person or
circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses or phrases of this ordinance, or its application to any other person or
circumstance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted each section,
subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase hereof, irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences,
clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.
SECTION 6. Certification and Posting. The City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance
to be posted in three ( 3) public places in the City within fifteen (15) days after its
passage, in accordance with the provisions of Section 36933 of the Government Code.
The City Clerk shall further certify to the adoption and posting of this Ordinance, and
shall cause this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of posting, to be
entered in the Book of Ordinances of the Council of this City.
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PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 15th day of January, 2019.
______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
I, EMILY COLBORN, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby
certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the
foregoing Ordinance No. _____ passed first reading on January 15, 2019, was duly and
regularly adopted by the City Council of said City at a regular meeting thereof held on
________, 2019, and that the same was passed and adopted by the following roll call
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_______________________
City Clerk
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Chapter 11.38 - WATER AND SEWERS
Parts:
Part 1 - DEFINITIONS
11.38.010 - Abandoned water well.
"Abandoned water well" means a nonoperating well which is not maintained in conformity with
Section 11.38.290 of this chapter.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.3, 1959.)
11.38.015 - Average Annual Rainfall.
"Average annual rainfall" means the average annual amount of precipitation for a location over
a year as measured by the nearest National Weather Service station for the preceding three
decades. For example, the data set used to make a determination in 2016 would be between
1981 - 2010.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 3, 2018.)
11.38.018 - Cesspool.
"Cesspool" means an excavation with permeable sides and/or bottom that receives untreated
sewage, wastewater, or drainage and is designed to retain organic matter or solids but permits
liquids to seep through the bottom or sides.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 4, 2018.)
11.38.020 - Chemical toilet.
"Chemical toilet" means a privy structure constructed over a tank into which human fecal
matter or urine is to be deposited, the tank designed to contain a disinfecting or bactericidal
chemical solution.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 531, 1959.)
11.38.025 - Covenant.
"Covenant" means a written agreement between the property owner and the Director that
runs with the land for the benefit of the County, which is recorded and filed with the Los
Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
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(Ord. 2018-0037 § 5, 2018.)
11.38.030 - Cross-connection.
"Cross-connection" means any connection, physical or otherwise, between an approved water
supply system and any nonapproved water supply system, or any condition, connection or
arrangement between any domestic water supply system and any plumbing fixture, or any
tank, receptacle, equipment or device through which it may be possible for nonpotable, used,
unclean, polluted or contaminated water or other substance to enter any part of such domestic
water system, under any condition.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 501, 1959.)
11.38.033 - Domestic Wastewater.
"Domestic wastewater" means wastewater normally discharged from plumbing fixtures,
appliances, and other household devices including toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs, kitchen
sinks, laundry washing machines, dishwashing machines, and garbage disposals. Domestic
wastewater includes wastewater normally discharged from commercial buildings such as office
buildings, retail stores, and restaurants with a properly sized and functioning grease interceptor
where, the wastewater does not exceed nine hundred (900) mg/L Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(BOD) or from industrial facilities where domestic wastewater is segregated from industrial
wastewater. Domestic wastewater does not include onsite wastewater treatment systems
receiving a majority of its wastewater from recreational vehicle (RV) holding tank discharges,
such as at RV dump stations.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 6, 2018.)
11.38.035 - Effluent.
"Effluent" means sewage or partially treated sewage flowing out of a septic tank, aerobic
treatment unit, dispersal system, or other onsite wastewater treatment system component.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 7, 2018.)
11.38.040 - Electrode well.
"Electrode well" means any artificial excavation in excess of 50 feet deep, constructed by any
method for the purpose of installing electrodes or electrical conductors, including, but not
limited to, cathodic protection wells and grounding rod wells.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.2, 1959.)
11.38.042 - Failing Onsite Wastewater Treatment System.
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"Failing onsite wastewater treatment system" means a conventional or non-conventional onsite
wastewater treatment system that is no longer able to safely treat or discharge wastewater,
which may present a health risk to humans or adversely impact the environment. Factors that
evidence a failing onsite wastewater treatment system include, but are not limited to:
A. A backup of sewage into a structure which is caused by a septic tank or dispersal system
malfunction other than a plumbing line blockage.
B. A discharge of sewage or effluent to the ground surface.
C. A septic tank that requires pumping more than two (2) times within a one hundred eighty
(180) day period in order to provide adequate dispersal of sewage.
D. A structural failure that causes effluent to discharge at a location other than where
intended or allows groundwater to infiltrate the system.
E. A system affects or will likely affect groundwater or surface water to a degree that makes
the water unfit for drinking or other domestic uses or causes a human health hazard or
other public nuisance condition.
F. Inability to use the onsite wastewater treatment system as intended.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 8, 2018.)
11.38.044 - Feasibility Report.
"Feasibility report" means the documents, test results, and geological reports required to be
prepared and submitted to the Director in order to demonstrate the feasibility of installing an
onsite wastewater treatment system or a non-conventional onsite wastewater treatment
system, including the entirety of any future expansion area.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 9, 2018.)
11.38.046 - Future Expansion Area.
"Future expansion area" means an area designated and tested as the location for an additional
dispersal system capable of handling one hundred (100) percent of the wastewater from the
onsite wastewater treatment system once the original dispersal system fails.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 10, 2018.)
11.38.048 - Groundwater.
"Groundwater" means water located below the land surface in the saturated zone of the soil or
rock. Groundwater includes perched water tables, shallow water tables, and zones that are
seasonally or permanently saturated.
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(Ord. 2018-0037 § 11, 2018.)
11.38.050 - Health hazard.
"Health hazard" means any faulty operating condition, water treatment practice or method of
distribution which creates, or may create, a danger to the well-being of any consumer.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 502, 1959.)
11.38.052 - Impaired Water Body.
"Impaired water body" means those surface water bodies or segments thereof that are
identified on a list approved first by the State Water Resources Control Board and then
approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to Section 303(d) of the
Federal Clean Water Act.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 12, 2018.)
11.38.055 - Non-Conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (NOWTS).
"Non-conventional onsite wastewater treatment system" or (NOWTS) means an onsite
wastewater treatment system that utilizes, in addition to the septic tank, one (1) or more
supplemental treatment components and may include an alternative dispersal system.
Supplemental treatment may include systems to reduce the nitrogen concentration of the
effluent, provide disinfection of the effluent, or both.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 13, 2018.)
11.38.060 - Nonactive water well.
"Nonactive water well" is one which is not in active use, but which is maintained in
conformance with the provisions of Section 11.38.290 of this chapter.
(Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.4, 1959.)
11.38.070 - Nonconforming electrode well.
"Nonconforming electrode well" means one which, as of October 2, 1970, the effective date of
the ordinance codified in this section, has not been constructed in conformance with Section
11.38.240, or is not maintained in conformance with Section 11.38.290 of this chapter.
(Ord. 10075 § 2 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.5, 1959.)
11.38.075 - Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS).
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"Onsite wastewater treatment system" or (OWTS) means a sewage disposal system consisting
of a wastewater holding tank and a method to dispose of treated effluent below the ground
surface. The term OWTS refers to both conventional and non-conventional onsite wastewater
treatment systems.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 14, 2018.)
11.38.078 - OWTS Requirements and Procedures.
"OWTS requirements and procedures" means the required standards and procedures
promulgated by the Director for the installation, operation, and discharge of effluent by
conventional and non-conventional OWTS.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 15, 2018.)
11.38.080 - Privy Structure.
"Privy structure" means a room or compartment constructed over a water tight vault or tank,
into which human fecal matter or urine is to be deposited.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 16, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 530, 1959.)
11.38.090 - Sanitary defect.
"Sanitary defect" means any faulty structural condition, whether of location, design or
construction of collection facilities, treatment works or distribution works, which may regularly
or occasionally prevent satisfactory purification of the water supply, or cause it to be
contaminated or polluted.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 503, 1959.)
11.38.092 - Seepage Pit.
"Seepage pit" means an excavation at least ten (10) feet deep and three (3) to six (6) feet in
diameter, typically cylindrical in shape with six (6) inches of rock between the pit wall and a
concrete or brick liner, constructed for the purpose of disposing of sewage effluent from a
septic tank or treatment tank.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 17, 2018.)
11.38.094 - Septic Tank.
"Septic tank" means a water tight, compartmentalized, covered receptacle designed for primary
treatment of wastewater and constructed to:
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A. Receive wastewater discharged from a building.
B. Separate settleable solids from liquid.
C. Digest organic matter by anaerobic bacterial action.
D. Store digested solids.
E. Clarify wastewater for further treatment with final subsurface discharge.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 18, 2018.)
11.38.096 - Sewage.
"Sewage" means waste substance, liquid or solid, which contains or may contain human or
animal excreta or excrement.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 19, 2018.)
11.38.098 - Telemetric Monitoring.
"Telemetric monitoring" means the ability to automatically measure and transmit OWTS data
by wire, radio, or other means.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 20, 2018.)
11.38.100 - Toilet room and toilet facilities.
"Toilet room" means a room in which is located at least a water flush toilet. "Toilet facilities"
means and includes water flush toilet, chemical toilets, pit privies and any other type of toilet.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 529, 1959.)
11.38.110 - Water supply system.
"Water supply system" means and includes the works and auxiliaries for collection, storage,
treatment and distribution of water from the source to the free-flowing outlet of the ultimate
consumer.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504, 1959.)
11.38.120 - Water well.
"Water well" means any drilled, excavated, jetted or otherwise constructed excavation which is
used or intended to be used to extract water from or inject water into the underground for any
purpose, or to observe or test underground waters. This definition shall not include:
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A. Saltwater wells;
B. Wells under the jurisdiction of the state of California, Division of Oil and Gas, except those
wells converted to use as water wells; or
C. Wells used for the purpose of dewatering excavation during construction, or stabilizing
hillsides or earth embankments.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.1, 1959.)
Part 2 - WATER AND WATER WELLS
11.38.130 - Domestic water—Sanitation standards designated.
Every person supplying water for domestic or human consumption shall supply the water free
from contamination or pollution so as to comply with the bacteriological drinking water
standards as set forth in the United States Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 507, 1959.)
11.38.140 - Water supply—Permit or other compliance required.
It is unlawful for any person to supply water from a newly constructed water system, or from a
newly constructed portion of a water system, without valid permits as may be required by the
director therefor, or until such construction complies with all of the provisions of this Division 1.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 508, 1959.)
11.38.150 - Permit—Well construction.
A. No person shall drill, dig, bore, deepen or excavate any well, or destroy an existing well,
without first making application and securing a well construction permit from the director.
B. No person shall convert any industrial, oil or irrigation well for use as a domestic water
well, without first making application and securing a well construction permit from the
director.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 7, 2005: Ord. 11992 § 2, 1979: Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 1
(part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 523, 1959.)
11.38.155 - Permit—Well yield test.
No person shall perform a well yield test for the purpose of establishing water availability for
residential and commercial development without first making application and securing a well
yield test permit from the director.
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(Ord. 2005-0053 § 8, 2005.)
11.38.160 - Well construction permit—Application and issuance conditions.
A. Applications for a well construction permit, as described in Section 11.38.150, shall be
made on forms provided for that purpose by the director. All applicable fees, as provided
for in Chapter 8.04 of Title 8, shall be paid at the time of application.
B. The application shall include the name and address of the well owner and the well driller,
the location of the proposed or existing well, a workplan that details the type of casing, the
manner of sealing the casing, the method of destruction, where applicable and any other
data required by the director.
C. Upon receipt of an application, the director shall make an investigation. If the applicant has
complied with all applicable laws and regulations, and the drilling, digging, boring,
excavating, converting, destruction or design of the well will not create a condition which,
in the opinion of the director, can pollute or contaminate the underground water or the
water produced by the well, the director shall approve the workplan. A workplan approval
remains valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.
D. The well driller shall provide notification to the director at least two business days prior to
the placement of the sanitary seal.
E. Upon witnessing the placement of the annular seal for a new well or the final
decommissioning seal, and all other requirements being met, the director shall approve the
final inspection.
F. When the director has received a copy of the well completion report, as defined in Section
13751 of the California Water Code, the director shall issue a well construction permit.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 9, 2005: Ord. 11992 § 4, 1979: Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2
(part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 523.2, 1959.)
11.38.165 - Well yield permit—Application and issuance conditions.
A. Applications for well yield testing permit as described in 11.38.155 shall be made on forms
provided for that purpose by the director. All applicable fees, as provided for in Chapter
8.04 of Title 8 shall be paid at the time of application.
B. The application shall include the name and address of the well owner and the well driller,
and the name of the well yield tester, the location of the proposed or existing well, the
type of casing, the manner of sealing the casing, and any other data required by the
director.
C. When the well yield test has been completed to the satisfaction of the director and
documentation of laboratory analysis showing that the water quality meets the primary
bacteriological and chemical requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Standards, is
provided to the department, a water availability approval shall be issued by the director for
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the purpose of obtaining a building permit. Well yield test results are valid for three (3)
years from the date of approval.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 10, 2005.)
11.38.170 - Permit—Scope of work authorized—Suspension or revocation conditions.
A permit shall be valid only for the location described on the permit. Construction,
reconstruction or destruction of a well shall be carried out in compliance with all applicable
regulations and requirements of the director of public health and with all ordinances and laws
of the county of Los Angeles and of the state of California, and shall comply with the terms and
conditions specified in the permit. If any of such conditions, regulations, ordinances or laws are
not complied with, the director of public health may suspend or revoke the permit by mailing or
personally serving written notice of suspension or revocation upon the applicant.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 103, 2006: Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583
Part 3 Ch. 5 § 523.3, 1959.)
11.38.180 - Permit—Hearings following denial, suspension or revocation.
Any person whose application for a permit has been denied, or whose permit has been
suspended or revoked, may petition the director for a hearing. Such petition shall be in writing,
signed by the applicant, and shall set forth in detail the facts and reasons upon which his
petition is based. The time limit within which the petition must be filed is 20 business days
following the date on which the notice of denial, suspension or revocation was mailed to the
applicant. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given to the applicant not less
than five business days prior to such hearing, either by registered mail or in the manner
required for the service of summons in civil actions. At the time and place set for the hearing,
the director will give the applicant and other interested persons an adequate opportunity to
present any relevant facts. The director may place any person involved in the matter, including
the applicant, under oath. The director may, when he deems it necessary, continue any hearing
by setting a new time and place and by giving notice to the applicant of such action. At the
close of the hearing, or at any time within 10 days thereafter, the director will order such
disposition of the application or permit as he has determined to be proper, and will make such
disposition known to the applicant.
(Ord. 10075 § 2 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 523.4, 1959.)
11.38.190 - Wells—Location restrictions concerning contamination.
It is unlawful for any person to drill, dig, excavate or bore any water well in any location in
which sources of pollution or contamination are known to exist, or at such location whereby
such water may become contaminated or polluted when the well is properly constructed and
maintained.
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(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 516, 1959.)
11.38.200 - Wells—Location restrictions concerning flooding.
It is unlawful for a person to drill, dig, excavate or bore a water well in any location which is
subject to flooding or inundation, unless it is protected from flooding or inundation and the
location and method of protection approved by the director.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 518, 1959.)
11.38.210 - Wells—Location restrictions concerning sewage disposal and animal keeping areas.
A. It is unlawful for a person to drill, dig, excavate or bore a water well within 100 feet of a
seepage pit or cesspool, within 50 feet of a sewage disposal field, a private or public sewer,
privy, or place where animals or fowl are kept. Where special hazards are involved, the
distance required may be increased or special construction required, as may be directed by
the director.
B. Where perforations or screens are located at or over 100 feet below the ground surface
and where sealed and maintained in accordance with Section 11.38.290 of this chapter, or
in such other circumstances as he determines lesser distances will not subject the water to
contamination or pollution, the director may authorize lesser distances than those
specified in this section.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 517, 1959.)
11.38.220 - Existing wells—New well requirements applicable when.
A. All water wells used to supply domestic water shall conform to the requirements of a new
water well, except the director may accept substitute methods when he finds it is
impractical to fully meet such requirements and if he determines the substitute methods
satisfactorily accomplish the intended purpose.
B. Existing wells shall meet requirements for new wells regarding protection from flooding or
contamination, or such protection which the director determines to be equivalent.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 525, 1959.)
11.38.230 - Construction of wells—Casing specifications.
A. All water wells drilled, dug, or bored after August 11, 1967, shall have a durable,
watertight casing, which shall extend to a depth that will exclude contamination or
pollution by surface drainage and undesirable groundwater, and extend at least 18 inches
above the surrounding natural ground level at the well site after drilling and until the pump
is permanently mounted.
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B. All gravel-packed wells shall have an outside, watertight casing meeting the requirements
of subsection A of this section. The top of the space between the outer and inner casings
shall be closed or sealed to exclude surface drainage. The space between the outer easing
and the drill hole shall be sealed as required by Section 11.38.280 of this chapter. When an
additional pipe is provided for a "gravel chute," the top thereof shall extend above the
floor or ground level, and be fitted with a tight cap or lid, unless in a locked room or an
enclosure which is locked, bolted or screwed on tightly.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 520, 1959.)
11.38.240 - Electrode wells—Construction specifications.
All electrode wells constructed after October 2, 1970, shall be constructed to the satisfaction of
the director in such a manner as to exclude contamination or pollution of any usable
underground water.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 520.1, 1959.)
11.38.250 - Construction of wells—Slab, pedestal and curtain wall requirements—Exemptions.
All water wells drilled, dug, excavated, or bored after August 11, 1967, shall be provided with:
A. A watertight, reinforced-concrete slab of a minimum thickness of six inches shall extend
horizontally at least three feet from the well casing in all directions. The concrete slab shall
adequately slope so as to drain water away from the well casing. The top surface of the
slab at its outer edge shall be at least four inches above the surrounding ground level. This
slab need not be provided, or the size and method of construction thereof may be
modified, when the protection intended by this requirement or the exception of subsection
D of this section is provided by an alternate method approved by the director.
B. For pumps or pump motors installed above the well casing, the pump or motor shall be
mounted on a concrete pedestal constructed around the well casing and sealed thereto,
the top of which is at least eight inches above the finished grade at the well site and at
least four inches above the slab surrounding such well.
C. The pedestal and slab (and curtain wall, if required to protect an existing well) shall be
poured monolithically, or otherwise constructed as approved by the director, to effectively
prevent leakage between the pedestal and the slab.
D. Exemptions. Means or methods other than those specified in subsections B or C of this
section may be used to provide the required protection when the director determines such
alternates are necessary and that they provide equivalent protection. A submersible-type
pump may be installed with subsurface discharge and access when all subsurface entrances
to the well or casing, other than into the aquifer, are effectively sealed, the enclosure is
designed and constructed to exclude surface water or drainage, the area around the casing
is provided with effective drainage, and other protective features are provided which the
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director determines will effectively prevent contamination or pollution from entering the
well or the aquifer.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 521, 1959.)
11.38.255 - Wells—Shared wells.
Any well intended to be shared with one to three residences other than the primary residence,
shall demonstrate a safety factor in well capacity to the satisfaction of the director.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 11, 2005.)
11.38.270 - Domestic water—Disinfection procedures and standards.
Every new, repaired or reconstructed domestic water well, after completion of construction,
repair or reconstruction, and before being placed in service, shall be thoroughly cleaned of all
foreign substances. The well, including the gravel used in gravel-packed wells, the pump, and all
portions of equipment coming in contact with well water, shall be disinfected with a solution
containing at least 50 parts per million available chlorine, which shall remain in the well for a
period of at least 24 hours, or by an equivalent method of disinfection satisfactory to the
director, and such procedure shall be repeated, as necessary, to produce water meeting
bacteriological standards as set forth in State Drinking Water Standards. No well water from a
new or reconstructed well shall be used for domestic purposes until the water meets such
bacteriological and chemical requirements.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 13, 2005: Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583
Part 3 Ch. 5 § 525.1, 1959.)
11.38.275 - Well yield testing—Authorized tester.
Well yield testing to determine an adequate and sustainable source of water shall be
performed by a California Registered Geologist, or a California Registered Engineer or class A
General Engineering Contractor, or C-57, or C-61 (D-21) license issued by the State of California.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 14, 2005.)
11.38.280 - Domestic water—Sealing required.
All domestic water wells and springs shall be sealed with concrete or other impervious material
so as to protect against surface or subsurface contamination or pollution.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 513, 1959.)
11.38.285 - Wells—Well seal inspection required.
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No person shall pour the sanitary seal of the annular space between the casing and the
borehole wall unless the director is present to witness the placement of sealing material.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 15, 2005.)
11.38.290 - Wells—Sealing required when.
All water wells and electrode wells shall be kept sealed and maintained in a manner that will
prevent the entrance of pump leakage, surface drainage, or any other contamination or
pollution into the well or the aquifer, except that nonconforming electrode wells need not
comply with this section until such time as the electrode is expended, or the well is
reconstructed, or the well is no longer being used for its intended purpose, unless, in the
judgment of the director, such exception constitutes a threat to the quality of an aquifer.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 519, 1959.)
11.38.295 - Wells—Depth of seal required.
The annular seal of all new or reconstructed wells shall extend a minimum of 50 feet below
grade, or a greater amount, if in the judgment of the director, such additional depth is
necessary to prevent ground water contamination.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 16, 2005.)
11.38.300 - Domestic water—Apparatus for disinfection and venting.
All domestic water wells shall be provided with a pipe or other effective means through which
chlorine or other disinfecting agents may be introduced directly into the well. The pipe, if
provided, shall be extended to a height equal to the pump pedestal or at least eight inches
above the finish grade, shall be kept sealed, and shall be provided with a threaded or
equivalently secure cap. Equivalent protection for excluding contamination from the well shall
be provided for subsurface-pump discharge installations. If an air-relief vent is used, it shall
terminate downward and be screened and protected against the possibility of contaminating
material entering the vent.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 522, 1959.)
11.38.310 - Wells—Discharge lines.
All pump discharge lines shall leave the well at a higher elevation than the top of the casing.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 526, 1959.)
11.38.320 - Log requirements.
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Any person who has drilled, dug, excavated or bored a water well shall, within 30 days after
completion of the drillings, digging, excavating or boring of such water well, furnish the director
with a complete log of such water well. This log shall include the type of casing, the depth of
the well, the number and location of the perforations in the casing, and any other data required
by the director. A copy of the log providing such information submitted to state agencies shall
satisfy this requirement.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 515, 1959.)
11.38.330 - Destruction of water wells.
All water wells, unless made to comply with Sections 11.38.280 and 11.38.290 of this chapter,
shall be destroyed to the satisfaction of the director by filling with cement grout, puddled clay
or similar impervious material as approved by the director, to thoroughly seal the well,
including all voids, annular spaces, gravel envelopes, or other spaces, as necessary to protect
the aquifer.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 524, 1959.)
11.38.340 - Destruction of electrode wells.
All electrode wells, unless in compliance with Section 11.38.240 of this chapter, shall be
destroyed to the satisfaction of the director, in such a manner as to exclude contamination or
pollution of any usable underground water.
(Ord. 10075 § 2 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 524.1, 1959.)
11.38.350 - Inlets from public water supply—Backflow prevention restrictions.
No person shall install or allow to exist any inlet discharging water from a public water supply to
be used for domestic or human consumption or industrial purposes in or into any tank, cistern,
reservoir or receptacle for storage or use of water on the consumer's premises unless such inlet
discharges such water at a height at least double the diameter of the inlet pipe above the
maximum possible high-water level of such tank, cistern, reservoir or other receptacle for the
storage or use of water, or unless such inlet is equipped with an approved backflow preventer.
A backflow preventer is a device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water system.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 512, 1959.)
11.38.360 - Pipelines—Disinfection procedures.
Every new water main and every repaired section of an existing water main must be cleared of
coliform bacteria by the proper application of chlorine in sufficient quantities to give a
minimum of 50 parts per million of available chlorine. The new or repaired pipe shall be
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thoroughly flushed before and after chlorination. If the first application of chlorine is not
sufficient, the procedure shall be repeated until the water will meet the standards set forth in
the United States Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards. Means or methods providing
equivalent treatment may be used if approved by the director.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 509, 1959.)
11.38.370 - Domestic water—Reservoirs and tanks—Protection from contamination.
A. Durable protection and substantial covers shall be provided and maintained for each
reservoir, tank, cistern, standpipe or other structure used for distribution or storage of
domestic water. Covers shall be watertight, and shall be constructed so as to provide
drainage away from the structure. All openings for ventilation shall be screened with
corrosion-resistant screen not coarser than one-fourth-inch mesh to exclude rodents and
birds, or with 16-mesh screen when such screen is necessary to control mosquito or insect
breeding in such reservoir. All manholes shall be constructed with curbs raised above the
surrounding surface, and installed in a manner to prevent roof or surface drainage from
entering the structure. When it is determined by the director that it is impractical, due to
size, shape or other unusual conditions, to provide and maintain a cover as provided for in
this section, adequate treatment and protection of the water shall be provided as required
and approved by the director.
B. Any reservoir, standpipe, cistern, forebay, tank, weir box, receptacle, or any other form of
installation used for the production, distribution or storage of any domestic water supply
or water used for human consumption, shall be securely protected against pollution or
contamination.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 514, 1959.)
11.38.380 - Cross-connections—Prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to have, keep, maintain, install or allow the existence of a cross-
connection.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 527, 1959.)
11.38.390 - Cross-connections—Corrections to comply with Building Code.
Any device, fixture or equipment installed for the purpose of eliminating a cross-connection
shall be of a type in compliance with and installed in accordance with the Building Code. (See
Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code.)
(Ord. 8588 § 1 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 528, 1959.)
11.38.400 - Sanitary defects and health hazards—Prohibited when.
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All domestic water supply systems shall be constructed and maintained free from sanitary
defects and health hazards.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 505, 1959.)
11.38.410 - Sanitary defects and health hazards—Correction.
When it is determined by the director that a sanitary defect or a health hazard exists, the
director may order whatever steps he deems necessary to insure the safety of the water supply
for the protection of the public health.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 506, 1959.)
11.38.420 - Equipment or chemicals that may cause pollution—Sale and use restrictions.
No person shall advertise, sell or offer for use or sale any water-treating chemical or substance,
water-using or water-operated equipment, mechanism or contrivance, which may cause
contamination or pollution of the domestic water supply. Such devices may be permitted when
equipped with backflow protection devices meeting the requirements of the Building Code.
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 528.1, 1959.)
11.38.430 - Chlorination—Required when—Procedures.
Upon notice by the director to the owner or operator of a water supply system, such owner or
operator shall thoroughly cleanse and chlorinate any reservoir, tank, well, spring or pipe used in
the production, distribution or storage of any domestic water or water used for human
consumption, as directed by the director, to insure the safety of the water. When chemical
disinfection is employed, the dosage or rates of application shall at all times be sufficient to
provide adequately disinfected water at all points of the distribution system. The director may
order continuous automatic disinfection for any water supply when, in his opinion, such
treatment is necessary for the protection of the public health.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 510, 1959.)
11.38.440 - Chlorination—Recordkeeping and testing.
All suppliers of domestic water, when required by the director to use continuous chlorination,
shall add chlorine in sufficient quantity to insure the bacteriological safety of the water at all
points in the distribution system. A free-chlorine residual shall be maintained at all times at
sampling points approved by the director. Routine chlorine residual tests shall be made daily,
and permanent records kept of such tests. Copies of the records shall be furnished the director
upon request.
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(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 511, 1959.)
Part 3 - PRIVIES, CHEMICAL TOILETS, AND CESSPOOLS
11.38.450 - Reserved.
11.38.460 - Reserved.
11.38.470 - Reserved.
11.38.480 - Backflow prevention devices.
A. Qualified Testers. No person shall test and make reports on backflow prevention devices as
required in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations unless he has a certificate of
competence issued by the director. The director may conduct examinations to determine
the competency of any person desiring to test and make reports on backflow prevention
devices for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Title 17 of the California
Code of Regulations. Those persons who have been determined by the director to be
competent shall receive from the director a certificate of competence. It is unlawful for any
person to maintain a backflow prevention device unless it is tested at least annually.
B. Test Required. Backflow prevention devices which have been installed to meet the
requirements of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations shall be tested at least once
each calendar year by a person having received a certificate of competence from the
director. Records of such tests shall be filed with the director within 30 days after such
tests, upon forms provided by the director.
C. Devices in Good Repair. It is unlawful to use any backflow prevention device installed to
meet the requirements of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations unless it is in good
repair. Devices which are defective shall be repaired and tested immediately upon being
put into use, and a report of such shall be filed with the director within 30 days after such
test.
D. Director may distribute to the public a list of those persons certified under paragraph A.
above and may charge $159.00 for inclusion on such list.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 105, 2006: Ord. 93-0055 § 14, 1993; Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583
Part 3 Ch. 5 § 528.2, 1959.)
11.38.490 - Privies—Location Restrictions.
A privy or privy structure shall only be installed in remote public or private recreation areas,
where there is no running water or practical means of sewage disposal. Privies shall only be
permitted to be installed where they are accessible for servicing by a seepage/sewage pumping
vehicle. A privy or privy structure shall not be in close proximity of any food establishments of
any kind or character. A privy or privy structure shall not be associated with any residential
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dwelling. When determined by the Director that necessity for permitted privy or privy structure
no longer exists, the Director may revoke the permit. No person shall continue to maintain a
privy after the permit for maintenance thereof has been revoked. Whenever any privy or privy
structure is to be abandoned or no longer in service, notification shall be provided to the
Director, and destruction of the privy or privy structure shall be accomplished in a manner
approved by the Director.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 25, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 537, 1959.)
11.38.500 - Privies—Construction Specifications.
It is unlawful to erect or maintain a privy unless a suitable shelter is provided to afford privacy
and protection from the elements. The openings of such structure shall be enclosed by metal
mosquito-screening. The door thereof shall be so constructed as to close automatically by
means of a spring or other device.
The construction of the privy structure shall be such as to exclude all rodents, flies and
other insects from the tank or vault. The privy structure shall be maintained in good repair, in a
clean and sanitary condition, and free from flies, other insects and rodents, and shall be
properly ventilated. The tank or vault where waste is held shall be made of a water tight
material and all seams or joints shall be water tight. The privy structure over the tank or vault
shall completely cover the tank or vault and shall be mounted on a cement or masonry
foundation at least four (4) inches wide and extending at least six (6) inches above and twelve
(12) inches below ground level. The tank or vault shall be at least four (4) feet deep and shall be
provided with a vent at least six (6) inches in cross-Sectional dimension, extending from the pit
to a point higher than the highest point of the roof. Such vent shall be effectively screened.
There shall be an access port to allow cleaning of the tank or vault by a sewage cleaning and
carrying vehicle.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 26, 2018: Ord. 8588 § 1 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 535, 1959.)
11.38.510 - Privies—Maintenance.
The tank or vault of a privy shall not be permitted to become filled with excreta nearer than
two (2) feet from the surface of the ground. The content of the privy shall be pumped out as
needed by a seepage/sewage pumping vehicle permitted by the Director.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 27, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 536, 1959.)
11.38.520 - Earthen Pit Privies and Cesspools—Construction Prohibited.
The construction of new earthen pit privies and cesspools is prohibited. An earthen pit privy
currently in existence may continue to be used until it is determined that the cesspool has
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failed, is contaminating groundwater, or a building permit is issued to modify the residential
structure served by the earthen pit privy.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 28, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 534, 1959.)
11.38.530 - Privies—Contamination of Water Prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to construct, maintain or keep a privy in any location in which it
may contaminate or pollute any stream, channel, pond, lake, reservoir or any source of water.
In no case shall a privy be constructed, maintained, or kept less than one hundred (100) feet
from any stream, water channel, spring, or well, and two hundred (200) feet from any pond,
lake, reservoir or infiltration gallery.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 29, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 538, 1959.)
11.38.535 - Chemical Toilets.
Chemical toilets are intended to serve non-residential, limited use activities, such as field labor
operations, special events, and temporary construction sites where connection to the sewer or
construction of an OWTS is not practicable. Except for those activities covered under California
Occupational Health and Safety requirements or businesses permitted by the Department of
Regional Planning to operate under electric transmission lines, the use of chemical toilets at a
location for over three (3) days requires a public health permit.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 30, 2018.)
11.38.540 - Chemical toilets—Construction and maintenance.
It is unlawful to erect or maintain a chemical toilet unless it complies with the following:
A. Chemical toilets shall have a suitable structure to afford privacy and protection from the
elements, and be constructed to exclude all rodents, flies and other insects. All openings of
the structure to the outside shall be enclosed with metal mosquito-screening. The door
shall be constructed as to be self-closing. A vent or window shall be provided for light
during daylight hours. Artificial light shall be provided when the chemical toilets is to be
used at night.
B. The walls and ceilings of the structure shall be reasonably smooth and well painted in a
light color, and be capable of withstanding repeated washing and scrubbing.
C. Chemical-toilet storage tanks shall be enclosed within the structure, properly vented,
watertight, and in good repair.
D. The toilet seat shall be a commercial, split-front type, oval in shape, with a smooth,
impervious surface, and installed so as to be easily cleaned. The seat shall be centered over
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the hole to prevent the deposition of fecal matter on sides of the drop tube. The drop tube
shall have sides that are installed vertically or flared out at the connection to the tank.
E. The metal drop tube beneath the toilet seat shall follow the shape of the toilet seat and fit
smoothly into the top of the tank enclosure. It shall have a noncorrosive surface. There
shall be no cracks or rough edges around this opening or in the entire bench. Circular
openings shall be permitted only if their diameter is at least equal to the largest dimension
of the toilet seat opening.
F. The maximum distance between the inside edge of the opening between the toilet seat
and the front of the tank enclosure shall be two inches.
G. All structures intended for male use shall contain a urinal located at least 20 inches from
the toilet seat openings. The urinal shall be made from durable, noncorrosive, impervious
material finished with smooth surfaces and proper slopes so that it is easily cleaned and
readily drains. A splash board of similar material at least eight inches higher than the
overflow rim shall be provided. Hoses or pipes used to drain urinals shall be a minimum of
one inch inside diameter, shall be securely attached, and shall be constructed of a
noncorrosive, watertight, easily cleanable material. The urinal shall be designed to
minimize splashing.
H. The toilet structure shall be adequately ventilated with openings screened with 16-mesh
screen or equal. These ventilation openings shall contain at least four square feet of total
area.
I. The chemical toilet structure shall be sufficiently large to provide adequate space for the
users, with the minimum width or depth equal to three feet, six inches.
J. Each chemical toilet structure shall have painted thereon, in clear letters at least three
inches in height, the name of the owner and the company number of the unit.
K. A suitable device for holding toilet paper shall be provided.
L. The interior of the structure and tanks shall be cleaned at least once a week while the units
are in use and more frequently when necessary to maintain them in a clean and odorfree
condition.
M. Toilet paper shall be available at all times.
N. After cleaning, there shall be placed in the tank a solution of a type which effectively
controls odors. When initially filled, and at all times when in use, the tank shall contain
sufficient solution to cover all solids accumulated and to prevent fly breeding.
O. Sewage from chemical toilets shall be disposed of only in a sanitary sewer system
approved by the director.
P. Whenever chemical toilets are returned after a job, the interior shall be thoroughly
cleaned and repainted when necessary.
Q. A chemical toilet shall be located at least four feet from a property line, at least 20 feet
from the nearest occupied residence, and at least 10 feet from a street or public sidewalk.
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R. A chemical toilet shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times.
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 535.1, 1959.)
11.38.550 - Toilets at construction sites.
There shall be not less than one toilet facility for each multiple of 20 employees, or fractional
part thereof, work at a construction job site. for the purpose of this section, the term
"construction site" shall mean the location on which actual construction of a building, structure,
or facility, is in progress.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 539, 1959.)
11.38.560 - Public washrooms, toilet facilities, showers, and baths.
Every person maintaining a privy structure, toilet room, washroom, bath or shower room for
the use of his employees, or the public, shall at all times keep the floors, walls, ceilings, toilet
facilities, urinals, lavatories and other equipment therein in good repair and free from dirt, filth
and corrosion. All baths, showers, lavatories and urinals, except urinals constructed in
connection with a privy, shall be adequately supplied with running water. Rooms used for such
facilities shall be well ventilated and lighted. All lavatories shall be kept supplied with soap and
individual towels with a receptacle for their disposal. All toilet facilities shall be kept supplied
with toilet paper. In connection with every public toilet hereafter erected, there shall be
maintained hand-washing facilities for the public and employees.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 533, 1959.)
11.38.570 - Facilities required—Business establishments and public gatherings.
It is unlawful for any person to conduct a business or place of public gathering unless there is
provided, in a separate room and on the premises, adequate and conveniently located toilet
facilities and lavatories. If, in the opinion of the director, the number of toilet facilities and
lavatories is inadequate, he shall order additional toilet facilities or lavatories, or both, to be
provided.
A. If restroom facilities are made available for the public, clients, or employees, no person
owning, controlling, or having charge of such accommodation or facility shall prohibit or
prevent the use of such restroom facilities by a person with a physical handicap, regardless
of whether that person is a customer, client, employee, or paid entrant to the
accommodation or facility. Employee restrooms need not be made available if there are
other restroom facilities available on the premises unless employee restroom facilities have
been constructed or altered to accommodate the physically handicapped and such facilities
are not available elsewhere on the premises.
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Restroom facilities located within food establishments which are accessible only through
the food preparation area shall be made available to persons requiring the use of Seeing-eye
dogs by having an employee or other person escort the individual to the facility. No live animals
shall be allowed in the food preparation area.
B. The following definitions are applicable to this section:
1. "A person with a physical handicap" includes:
a. An individual who has an impairment, either permanent or temporary in nature as
follows:
i. Impairments that affect ambulation due to cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, spinal
cord injury, amputation, arthritis, cardiac and pulmonary conditions and other
conditions or diseases which reduce mobility, including aging,
ii. Impairments that require the use of crutches, canes, wheelchairs, braces,
walkers, or other ambulatory assistive devices,
iii. Total blindness or impairments affecting sight to the extent that the
individual functioning in public areas may be insecure or exposed to danger,
and
iv. Deafness or hearing impairments that may expose an individual to danger or
insecurity;
b. An individual who requests the use of the restroom facilities and states that
because of a physical infirmity he or she requires immediate access to restroom
facilities.
2. "Public accommodation or facility" means a building, structure, facility, complex, or
improved area that is used by the general public and shall include those
accommodations and facilities listed in Sections 19955 and 19955.5 of the Health and
Safety Code.
C. Nothing in this section requires the making of structural alterations, repairs, remodels,
modifications, or additions not otherwise required by applicable local, state and/or federal
law.
D. Every restaurant or itinerant restaurant where alcoholic beverages are sold or given away
for consumption on the premises shall be provided with, for the use of the public, at least
one urinal for men, one water flush toilet for each sex, and at least one lavatory in
conjunction with and convenient to each water flush toilet. If, in the opinion of the
director, the number of urinals, water flush toilets or lavatories is inadequate, such
additional facilities as he shall deem necessary shall be provided. There shall be adequate
space provided in each toilet room to permit the use of these facilities without
overcrowding.
(Ord. 2007-0089 § 98, 2007; Ord. 89-0033 § 1, 1989: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 532, 1959.)
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11.38.580 - Facilities required—Theaters, clubs and other places for public assembly.
No person conducting, managing or operating any moving picture show or theater, dance hall,
nightclub, circus, amusement park or other place of public amusement or public assemblage
shall fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the following requirements:
A. The floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, stairways, hallways and every other part
thereof shall be maintained in good repair, in a clean, sanitary condition, and shall be
painted or otherwise renovated whenever necessary.
B. All rugs, carpets or other floor coverings, tables, chairs, seats, counters and all similar
equipment shall be kept clean and in good repair.
C. Suitable approved drinking fountains, with guarded angle jets and with properly adjusted
water pressure, shall be provided and maintained in good condition.
D. Exhaust fans and other ventilation equipment shall be provided, and shall be operated so
as to keep the air in a reasonably fresh and wholesome condition whenever a building, or
part thereof, is occupied as a place of public assemblage.
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 532.1, 1959.)
11.38.590 - Industrial waste—Discharge prohibited where—Exceptions.
A. No person shall discharge, deposit, drain or place any material, liquid waste or other
substance, directly or indirectly, into any channel, natural or artificial drain, watercourse,
river, tributary, water or subsurface water, whether such water be fresh, salt or saline, or
combinations of these, in such a manner which may liberate or produce any noxious or
dangerous odors, or produce unsightly or offensive deposits, or which may be injurious,
deleterious or dangerous to the health, or which may cause a nuisance or may cause an
impairment of the quality of such waters, or which may adversely or unreasonably affect
such waters for domestic, recreational or other beneficial uses.
B. Exception: This section shall not apply in the unincorporated territory of the county or in
those cities which have adopted county Ordinance 6130, on sewers and industrial waste,
directly or by reference. (See Title 20 of this code.)
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 500.1, 1959.)
11.38.600 - Keeping animals or fowl—Restrictions—Contaminating water supply prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to locate or maintain any animal or fowl in such manner or
location whereby any portion of a domestic water supply system may become contaminated or
polluted, or for any animal or fowl to be kept within 50 feet from any stream, water channel,
spring, well, pond, lake, reservoir, infiltration gallery or underground water from which water
may be drawn for domestic consumption.
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(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 540, 1959.)
11.38.610 - Sewage discharge prohibited where—Abatement.
A. When sewage, other than the discharge from an approved sewage-treatment plant, is
overflowing or being discharged upon the surface of any premises, the director may order
the occupant or occupants thereof who contribute to such overflow or discharge to abate
the same forthwith.
B. If such occupant or occupants fail to abate such overflow or discharge as ordered, the
director may order such occupant or occupants to vacate the premises within 24 hours.
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 543, 1959.)
Part 4 - WATER CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE UNINCORPORATED LOS ANGELES
COUNTY AREA
11.38.620 - Hose Watering Prohibition.
No person shall hose water or wash down any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas or
other paved surfaces, except as is required for the benefit of public health and safety. Willful
violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall be an
infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a violation occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 1, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.630 - Watering of Lawns and Landscaping.
A. No person shall water or cause to be watered any lawn or landscaping between the hours
of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
B. No person shall water or cause to be watered any lawn or landscaping more than once a
day.
C. No person shall water or cause to be watered any lawn or landscaping to such an extent
that runoff into adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways,
roadways, structures, adjoining streets, parking lots or alleys occurs due to incorrectly
directed or maintained sprinklers or excessive watering.
D. It shall be the duty of all persons who own or rent premises that have hoses, faucets and
sprinkling systems to inspect for leaks, and to cause all leaks to be repaired as soon as is
reasonably practicable.
E. Willful violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall
be an infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a
violation occurs.
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(Ord. 2015-0004 § 2, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.640 - Indoor Plumbing and Fixtures.
A. It shall be the duty of all persons who own or rent premises that have accessible indoor
plumbing and faucets to inspect for leaks, and to cause all leaks to be repaired as soon as is
reasonably practicable.
B. Willful violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall
be an infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a
violation occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 3, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.650 - Washing Vehicles.
No motor vehicle, boat, trailer, or other type of mobile equipment may be washed, except at a
commercial carwash or with reclaimed water, unless such vehicle is washed by using a hand-
held bucket or a water hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle. No person shall leave a
water hose running while washing a vehicle or at any other time. Willful violation hereof shall
be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall be an infraction punishable by a
fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a violation occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 4, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.660 - Public Eating Places.
No restaurant, hotel, cafeteria, café, or other public place where food is sold or served shall
serve drinking water to any customer unless specifically requested to do so by such customer.
Willful violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall be
an infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a violation
occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 5, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.670 - Decorative Fountains.
No person shall use water to clean, fill, or maintain levels in decorative fountains, ponds, lakes,
or other similar aesthetic structures unless such water flows through a recycling system. Willful
violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall be an
infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a violation occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 6, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.680 - Procedural Requirements.
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The Director of Public Works, with input and concurrence from the Director of Public Health,
shall periodically review the provisions of this Part and recommend necessary updates to the
Board of Supervisors. The review of these provisions and preparation of resulting
recommendations, if any, shall be performed, at a minimum, every two years following the first
review, which shall be completed by December 31, 2010.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 7, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008.)
Part 5 - REQUIREMENTS FOR ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
11.38.700 - Discharge of Material or Liquid.
A. No person shall allow sewage, domestic or industrial wastewater, or any matter or
substance, offensive, injurious, or dangerous to health, to empty, flow, seep, or drain onto
the surface of any land.
B. No person shall allow sewage, treated effluent, or any matter or substance, offensive,
injurious, or dangerous, to health to empty, flow, seep, or drain into, or affect any well,
spring, stream, river, lake or other waters.
C. A violation of this Section is declared a public nuisance.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.710 - OWTS Requirements and Procedures.
The Director shall promulgate the OWTS requirements and procedures within thirty (30)
calendar days of the adoption of this ordinance. The OWTS requirements and procedures shall
be made available to the public at no charge, upon request. The Director shall review the
requirements and procedures a minimum of once every five (5) years and amend the OWTS
requirements and procedures as necessary to protect the health of the public and the waters of
the State. The Director shall provide notice to the public of any proposed change(s) and provide
members of the public an opportunity to comment prior to implementation.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.720 - Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems—Plan Review and Permit Requirements.
A. The Director shall have the authority to require the submission of any plans and
specifications pertaining to or impacting onsite wastewater treatment systems. Such plans
include, but are not limited to, subdivision of parcels where a public sewer is not available,
building expansion, and the addition of a structure on a parcel of property utilizing an
onsite wastewater treatment system.
B. A person proposing to construct, install, alter or repair any onsite wastewater treatment
system or part thereof, or a privy structure shall submit an application and receive plan
C-26
approval from the Director in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter and Title
28, Plumbing Code, including Appendix H, of the Los Angeles County Code and with the
OWTS requirements and procedures prior to any work being performed.
C. A person proposing to construct or expand a building or other structure, upon which
property an onsite wastewater treatment system or non-conventional onsite wastewater
treatment system is installed, shall submit an application and receive a plan approval from
the Director. The Director's evaluation of the proposed construction or expansion plan shall
determine whether the new building, structure or expansion interferes with the existing
onsite wastewater treatment system or any future expansion area required by Los Angeles
County Code, Title 28, Plumbing Code.
D. An application shall be made on forms provided for that purpose by the Director. Any
required fee shall be paid at the time of application.
E. The Director's approval of an onsite wastewater treatment system plan under this Section
is separate from, and does not constitute compliance with, any permit requirements
contained elsewhere in this code, including, but not limited to, the requirements under this
Title 11 for obtaining a renewable operating permit for NOWTS and any requirements
under Title 28, Plumbing Code for obtaining a permit for the construction or installation of
an OWTS.
F. All onsite wastewater treatment systems must be installed in accordance with the plans as
approved by the Director. Any changes in the installation plans must be reviewed and
approved by the Director prior to installation.
G. Any plan approval issued by the Director shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of
approval. If a property owner has not obtained a building permit within one year, a
property owner may request an extension of the plan approval for up to one (1) additional
year. If the property owner has not obtained a building permit within two (2) years, the
property owner must submit a new application meeting the requirements of the most
recent version of the California Plumbing Code, and pay the required fee.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.730 - Restrictions on Use of OWTS when a Public Sewer is Available.
The Director shall not issue a permit for a new onsite wastewater treatment system, approve
the repair or replacement of an onsite wastewater treatment system, nor approve a project
requiring the evaluation of an existing onsite wastewater treatment system if a public sewer is
available within two hundred (200) feet of the building or proposed building.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.740 - Limitations on Sub-Divisions without Public Sewer Available.
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Land development projects including Conditional Use Permits (CUP) and parcel sub-division
projects where a public sewer is not available and that are proposed after the effective date of
this ordinance, shall require the installation of a non-conventional onsite wastewater treatment
system if the parcel size is smaller than the allowable density values in the following table for a
single family dwelling unit, or its equivalent. The requirement for a NOWTS requires
recordation of a covenant through the County Office of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk as
part of the approval of the CUP or approval of the new parcels.
Average Annual Rainfall
(inches/year)
Allowable Density Value
(acres/single family dwelling unit)
0 - 15 2.5
>15 - 20 2
>20 - 25 1.5
>25 - 35 1
>35 - 40 0.75
>40 0.5
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.750 - Horizontal Setback Requirements.
OWTS shall not be installed in such a manner that any of its components are located within the
horizontal setbacks identified in the following table.
Minimum Horizontal Distance in Clear
Required From:
Septic
Tank
Disposal
Field Seepage Pit
Buildings or Structures 1
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
8 feet
(2.44
meters)
8 feet
(2.44
meters)
C-28
Property line adjoining private property
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
8 feet
(2.44
meters)
Public Water Well, Where depth of effluent dispersal
system >10 feet 7,8
200 feet
(61
meters) 8
200 feet
(61 meters)
Public Water Well, Where depth of effluent dispersal
system ≤10 feet 7
150 feet
(45.7
meters)
150 feet
(45.7
meters)
Springs, and Flowing Surface Water 7,9
100 feet 9
(30.5
meters)
100 feet 6,9
(30.5
meters)
150 feet 6,9
(45.7
meters)
Vernal Pools, Wetlands, Lakes, Ponds, or Other (Non-
Flowing) Surface Water Bodies 7,10
200 feet 10
(61
meters)
200 feet
6,10
(61
meters)
200 feet 6,10
(61 meters)
Seepage pits
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
12 feet
(3.66
meters)
Disposal field
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
4 feet 4
(1.22
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
On site domestic water service line
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
Distribution box
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
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Pressure public water main
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
Private Water Wells 7
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
150 feet
(45.72
meters)
Monitoring wells 11
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
Unstable Land Mass or Areas Subject to Earth Slides 12
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
High Water Mark of Reservoir, Lake, or Flowing Water
Body, Type I 13
400 feet
(122
meters)
400 feet
(122
meters)
400 feet
(122
meters)
High Water Mark of Reservoir, Lake, or Flowing Water
Body,Type II 14
200 feet
(61
meters)
200 feet
(61
meters)
200 feet
(61 meters)
Trunk of any tree 15
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
*Notes:
When disposal fields and/or seepage pits are installed in sloping ground, the minimum
horizontal distance between any part of the leaching system and ground surface shall be fifteen
(15) feet (4.57 meters).
1. Including decks, patios, porches and steps, whether covered or uncovered, breezeways,
roofed porte-cocheres, roofed patios, carports, covered walks, covered driveways, and
similar structures or appurtenances.
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2. Reserved.
3. Reserved.
4. Plus two (2) feet (.61m) for each additional one (1) foot (.305 meters) of depth in excess of
one (1) foot (.305 meters) below the bottom of the drain line. (See also Section K 6 in
Appendix K of the Plumbing Code.)
5. Reserved.
6. These minimum clear horizontal distances shall also apply between disposal field, seepage
pits, and the ocean mean higher high tide line.
7. Where special hazards are involved, the distance required shall be increased as may be
directed by the authority having jurisdiction.
8. If the depth of the effluent dispersal system exceeds twenty (20) feet (6.1 meters) and is
within six hundred (600) feet (182.88 meters) of a public water well, the setback must be
such that there is at least two-year travel time for microbiological contaminants.
9. Includes springs and flowing surface water bodies where the edge of that water body is the
natural or levied bank for creeks and rivers, or may be less where site conditions prevent
migration of wastewater to the water body.
10. Distance from vernal pools, wetlands, lakes, ponds, or other surface water bodies where
the edge of that water body is the high water mark for lakes and reservoirs, and the mean
high tide line for tidally influenced water bodies.
11. Where regulatory or legitimate data requirements necessitate, the required distance to
monitoring wells may be decreased as may be directed by the authority having jurisdiction.
If the monitoring well is installed to monitor the groundwater at the waste effluent
discharge, the setbacks do not apply.
12. Unstable land mass or areas subject to earth slides shall be identified by a registered
engineer or registered geologist; other setback distances are allowed, if recommended by a
geotechnical report prepared by a qualified professional.
13. Four hundred (400) feet (121.92 meters) from the high water mark of a reservoir, lake, or
flowing water body when the effluent dispersal system is within one thousand two
hundred (1,200) feet (365.76 meters) from a public water systems' surface water intake
point, within the catchment of the drainage, and located such that it may impact water
quality at the intake point such as upstream of the intake point for flowing water bodies.
14. Two hundred (200) feet (60.96 meters) from the high water mark of a reservoir, lake, or
flowing water body when the effluent dispersal system is located more than one thousand
two hundred (1,200) feet (365.76 meters) but less than two thousand five hundred (2,500)
feet (762 meters) from a public water systems' surface water intake point, within the
catchment of the drainage, and located such that it may impact water quality at the intake
point such as upstream of the intake point for flowing water bodies.
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15. For oak trees, this requirement extends to five (5) feet (1.52m) outside of the drip line or
fifteen (15) feet (4.57 meters) from the trunk, whichever is greater.
In the event of inconsistencies between the setback requirements specified in the Los
Angeles County Plumbing Code, Title 28, Appendix H, the California Well Standards, and
Chapter 38, Part 2 of this code, the more restrictive requirements shall prevail.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.760 - Requirements for Soil Depth and Vertical Distance to Groundwater.
A. A conventional OWTS shall have a minimum five (5) feet of natural undisturbed soil,
excluding bedrock, below the bottom of a leach line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber.
B. A conventional OWTS shall have a minimum five (5) feet of separation from the bottom of
the leach line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber and the highest known groundwater level
if the percolation rate is five (5) minutes per inch to sixty (60) minutes per inch.
C. A conventional OWTS shall have a minimum of twenty (20) feet of vertical separation from
the bottom of the leach line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber and the highest known
groundwater if the percolation rate is greater than one (1) minute per inch but less than
five (5) minutes per inch.
D. A NOWTS shall have a minimum of three (3) feet of natural undisturbed soil, excluding
bedrock, below the bottom of the leach line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber.
E. A NOWTS shall have a minimum of two (2) feet of separation from the bottom of the leach
line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber and the highest known groundwater level, except in
areas near impaired water bodies where the minimum distance shall be three (3) feet.
F. Any OWTS utilizing a seepage pit shall have a minimum separation of ten (10) feet from the
bottom of the pit to the highest known groundwater.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.770 - Structural Requirements for Septic Tanks.
It shall be unlawful to install a septic tank in a manner that does not comply with the following
requirements:
A. All new or replacement tanks shall be approved by the International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officers (IAPMO) or stamped and certified by a California
registered civil engineer as meeting industry standards and installation shall be
accomplished to the manufacturer's recommendations.
B. New and replacement tanks on conventional OWTS shall be equipped with an effluent
filter to prevent solids in excess of 3/16th of an inch from passing to the dispersal area.
Septic tanks that use a National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards
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Institute (NSF/ANSI) Standard forty-six (46) effluent filter shall be deemed in compliance
with this requirement.
C. All joints between the septic tank and its components shall be watertight and constructed
of solid, durable materials to prevent excessive corrosion or decay.
D. The invert level of the inlet pipe shall be at least two inches higher than the invert level of
the outlet pipe.
E. All septic tank access points shall have watertight risers the tops of which are set not more
than six (6) inches below grade. Access openings at grade or above shall be locked or
secured to prevent unauthorized access.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.780 - OWTS Utilizing Pumps to Move Effluent.
OWTS that utilize pumps to move effluent to the septic tank or from the septic tank to the
dispersal system shall:
A. Be equipped with a visual, audible, or telemetric alarm that alerts the owner or service
provider in the event of pump failure.
B. Provide sufficient additional storage space in the second compartment of the septic tank
or pump chamber during a twenty-four (24) hour power outage or pump failure and shall
not allow an emergency overflow discharge. The capacity for the storage space shall be
equal to 60 - 75 percent of the interior capacity of the pipes to be dosed.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.790 - Percolation Rates for Dispersal Fields.
As an alternative to the percolation rates required in Appendix H of Los Angeles County Code,
Title 28 (Plumbing Code), proposed OWTS utilizing a leach bed, leach field, or infiltrative
chamber may report percolation test results as Minutes Per Inch (MPI). Percolation rates in MPI
shall be either:
A. In the range between five (5) MPI and sixty (60) MPI for use with a conventional OWTS.
B. In the range between one (1) MPI and 4.9 MPI with a separation between the bottom on
the dispersal system and groundwater of at least twenty (20) feet.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.800 - Interconnection of Dispersal Systems.
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Upon installation of a new dispersal system, the new system shall be interconnected with the
existing system with an approved flow diversion device to allow for the alternating use of the
two dispersal systems.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.810 - Prohibition on the Use of Seepage Pits for New Construction.
A. The use of a seepage pit is prohibited for use with construction of onsite wastewater
treatment systems for new buildings with applications submitted after the effective date of
this ordinance, unless the system is equipped with additional treatment that meets the
requirements of a NOWTS.
B. Notwithstanding Section A, the use of a seepage pit in conjunction with a conventional
OWTS is permitted for new construction for single unit dwellings with four (4) or fewer
bedrooms.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.820 - Evidence of a Failing OWTS.
Whenever the Director is made aware that an OWTS is at risk of failing, the Director shall send a
letter directing the property owner to have the system evaluated by a qualified contractor
within seven (7) calendar days to determine whether the system must be repaired or replaced.
If the evaluation reveals that the system requires repair or replacement the property owner
shall:
A. Prevent any further discharges of sewage by having the system pumped by a sewage
pumper truck at a frequency that will prevent overflow.
B. Follow any directive issued by the Director that is necessary to protect groundwater or
prevent surfacing of sewage effluent.
C. Complete all repairs within a time determined by the Director.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.830 - When a NOWTS is Required.
A. A NOWTS is required to be installed for new construction when any of the following
conditions exist:
1. The percolation rate is faster than 5.12 gallons per square foot per day for a
replacement seepage pit.
2. A seepage pit is proposed for installation at a new building other than a single unit
dwelling with four (4) or fewer bedrooms.
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3. The percolation rate for a leach field or leach bed system is faster than one (1) MPI or
greater than one (1) MPI but less than 4.9 MPI and groundwater is within twenty (20)
feet of the bottom of the dispersal system for a new or replacement OWTS.
4. There is less than five (5) feet but at least two (2) feet of continuous, natural,
undisturbed soil beneath a dispersal system.
5. The property of the proposed system is within six hundred (600) feet of an impaired
water body that is listed for pathogens or nitrogen and no established Total Maximum
Daily Load (TMDL) for that water body is present.
6. The property of the proposed system is within the area defined by an Advanced
Protection Management Program (APMP) established by a TMDL implementation plan.
B. A NOWTS proposed to be installed in the areas of the Antelope Valley within the
jurisdiction of the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (LRWQCB) shall not be
required to include a disinfection system.
C. In addition to the circumstances listed in A above, the Director may require the installation
of a NOWTS as a condition of a variance to setback requirements for repair of a failed
existing system. All variances shall comply with the OWTS requirements and procedures to
the maximum extent possible.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.840 - Minimum Conditions for Authorization to Install a NOWTS.
All NOWTS shall meet the following minimum conditions:
A. The system shall be certified by an agency accredited by the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) as meeting the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard two hundred
forty-five (245) or the system shall be approved by the Director after completing a
demonstration test described in the OWTS requirements and procedures.
B. NOWTS requiring a disinfection system, shall be certified by an ANSI accredited agency as
meeting NSF Standard forty-six (46) for disinfection devices.
C. The septic tank shall be part of the NSF certified system, certified by the IAPMO, or
evaluated by the local plumbing official and determined to be Plumbing Code equivalent.
D. The NOWTS shall be equipped with a visual or audible alarm as well as a telemetric alarm
that notifies the owner and the service provider of the NOWTS in the event of system
malfunction. If the property requiring an NOWTS is in a location where telemetric
monitoring is not possible, more frequent physical inspections are required per Section
11.38.880.
E. The owner shall record a covenant against the title of the property meeting the
requirements of Section 11.38.890.
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F. The owner, prior to approval of the NOWTS, shall enter into and maintain in effect at all
times throughout the operational life of the system, a contract signed by both the property
owner and a service provider certified by the components' manufacturer. The contract
shall include:
1. Telemetric monitoring of the system for component failures or quarterly inspections
of the disinfection system when telemetric monitoring is not available.
2. Annual inspections of the system or more frequent routine maintenance as
recommended by the manufacturer when telemetric monitoring is available.
3. Any required sampling of influent and effluent based on the system type, age, and
location.
G. The Director may, at any reasonable time, require samples to be taken from the NOWTS
while a department representative and/or a contractor or agent of the department is
present.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.850 - Performance Standards for NOWTS.
A. All NOWTS shall be designed to produce effluent that meets the following criteria:
1. Total Suspended Solids of less than thirty (30) mg.
2. Biological Oxygen Demand five (5) day average (BOD 5 ) of less than thirty (30) mg/l.
3. PH not less than 6.0 or greater than 9.0.
B. NOWTS treatment of nitrogen must result in a fifty (50) percent reduction in Total
Nitrogen.
C. NOWTS provide disinfection that does not exceed a fecal coliform content of two hundred
(200) per one hundred (100) milliliters using the Most Probable Number (MPN) analytical
method with a minimum detection limit of 2.2 MPN.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.860 - NOWTS Permit.
A. A permit shall be issued by the Director for the operation of a NOWTS upon the approval
of the system. A permit shall be valid for the location, type of system, and conditions of the
approval, unless suspended or revoked by the Director.
B. The permit fee shall be collected in accordance with Los Angeles County Code Title 8,
Sections 8.04.950 - 8.04.995.
C. A permit may be suspended or revoked by the Director for the following reasons:
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1. The NOWTS is contributing to the contamination of groundwater, surface water, or
resulting in the surfacing of effluent, and the owner has not returned the NOWTS to
operating condition within the time required by the Director.
2. The owner does not submit records of maintenance inspections or results of effluent
testing as required by this ordinance within the time required by the Director.
D. It shall be a violation of this code to operate a NOWTS for which the permit has been
suspended or revoked.
E. The owner of the NOWTS shall make the system available within five (5) calendar days for
inspection upon notice by the department.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.870 - Maintenance Required and Reporting Results.
A. The property owner shall have the NOWTS inspected and serviced at the rate set by the
manufacturer as set forth in the manufacturer's operation and maintenance manual or at
least annually, by a service provider certified by the manufacturer.
B. If the property is located in an area where telemetric monitoring is not possible, the
property owner shall cause the NOWTS to be inspected monthly by the NOWTS owner as
directed and instructed by a NOWTS service provider, and quarterly by the NOWTS service
provider, in order to determine whether the NOWTS is operating as required.
C. The service provider shall submit copies of all inspection and maintenance reports to the
Director within thirty (30) days of any inspection or maintenance of the NOWTS.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.880 - Influent and Effluent Testing and Reporting Requirements.
Owners of NOWTS shall have their maintenance service provider collect and submit samples for
laboratory testing of influent and effluent to determine if the system meets the performance
standards specified in Section 11.38.850. The frequency of this sampling shall comply with the
following table.
Type of System When Testing is Required
All NOWTS After completions of repairs (Within
seven (7) days)
NOWTS installed in within six hundred (600) feet of a
water body impaired for pathogenic bacteria or in
Annually with telemetric monitoring
orQuarterly without telemetric
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response to a TMDL for bacteria monitoring
NOWTS larger than a single family residence located in
the Antelope Valley Annually
The service provider shall submit a copy of the laboratory analysis of effluent testing to the
Director within thirty (30) days of the date the results are provided to the owner or service
provider by the laboratory.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.890 - Covenant.
A. The approval of a NOWTS for a future expansion area requires recordation of a covenant
through the County office of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
B. The installation of a NOWTS requires recordation of a covenant through the County Office
of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
C. The covenant shall inform all future prospective owners of the property of the following:
1. A NOWTS is installed on the property.
2. Operation and maintenance of the NOWTS is required to comply with State and local
laws.
3. A service agreement for maintenance and monitoring is required at all times with an
approved servicing company.
4. The Director must be notified in writing within thirty (30) days of a change of servicing
company.
5. Maintenance records and effluent testing results must be submitted to the Director
within thirty (30) days of annual servicing.
6. The owner is required to repair the system and conduct effluent testing of the system
if inspection reveals that it is not in compliance with State or local laws.
7. The owner is required to replace the NOWTS at their own expense if it cannot be
repaired to be in compliance.
8. The owner agrees to allow inspection of the NOWTS within five (5) calendar days,
upon notice by the Director, absent an emergency.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
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Part 6 - SEWAGE PUMPING VEHICLES
11.38.900 - Seepage/Sewage Pumping Vehicle Operator.
An operator of a seepage/sewage pumping vehicle is required to register with the local
jurisdiction as per California Health and Safety Code Sections 117400-117450. A public health
license shall be issued to the owner of a seepage/sewage pumping vehicle when that person
has demonstrated that either the owner or an employee of the owner has adequate knowledge
to train other employees as described in Section 11.38.910.
A change of address of the owner including a member of a partnership that is registered
and of the place of business thereof shall be reported in writing by the owner to the Director
within two (2) days after the change of address.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.910 - Adequate Knowledge.
A public health license shall only be issued after the applicant or his or her representative
submits demonstrates adequate knowledge of the following topics:
A. Knowledge of the equipment to be used.
B. The applicant's knowledge of sanitary principles and of the laws and ordinances affecting
human health or nuisances, including the factors that evidence a failing OWTS and
appropriate locations for disposal of septage. Proper use of personal protective equipment.
C. Clean up of spills or discharges of sewage from failed plumbing systems.
Knowledge may be demonstrated by submitting curriculum for the training of new staff to
the Director for approval, completion of a training course from a professional organization,
such as the California Onsite Water Association (COWA), or an approved public entity or an
online course acceptable to the Director. The individual receiving the training shall be
designated as the trainer for his or her organization. The applicant shall maintain a trainer as
part of the organization. If the trainer leaves the organization, it has ninety (90) days to obtain a
new trainer.
The owner shall be responsible for ensuring that employees responsible for the clean out
of septic tanks, chemical toilets, cesspools and sewage seepage pits are properly trained before
they work independently, and get trained annually thereafter.
The owner shall have available for the Director upon request the name of the trainer and
records of the employee's annual trainings.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.920 - Required for Seepage/Sewage Pumping Vehicle.
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No person shall operate a sewage pumping vehicle without first making application and
securing a license from the Director.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.930 - Application and Issuance Conditions.
A. Applications for seepage/sewage pumping vehicles shall be made on forms provided for
that purpose by the Director. All applicable fees, shall be paid at the time of the
application.
B. The application shall include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the year and make of
vehicle, the vehicle license number, the tank capacity, the owner information, the location
where the vehicle shall be stored, and any other data required by the Director.
C. Upon receipt of an application, the Director shall make an inspection of the
seepage/sewage pumping vehicle. If the applicant has complied with all applicable laws
and regulations, and the vehicle meets the requirements of the inspection, the Director
shall approve the application, and issue an annual license.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.940 - Suspension and Revocation of License.
The Director may suspend or revoke the license of an operator of one (1) or more
seepage/sewage pumping vehicles or the license of an individual seepage/sewage pumping
vehicle.
The Director may suspend or revoke a license issued to an operator of one (1) or more
sewage pumping vehicle for any of the following violations:
A. Discharge of sewage or the contents of one (1) or more trucks in a location other than one
approved by the Director.
B. Failure to submit quarterly reports identifying all of the locations serviced and where the
contents of the truck were discharged.
C. Failure to report locations that evidence conditions of a failing OWTS, a cesspool, or an
earthen pit privy.
The Director may suspend or revoke a license issued to a sewage pumping vehicle for
violations of this code, including, leakage of sewage from the tank, valves, piping, or other
equipment that may discharge to the ground surface.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.950 - Identification of Vehicle.
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Seepage/sewage pumping vehicles shall be identified with the business name, City, State, Zip
Code and phone number on both sides of vehicle. The business name shall be in letters and
numbers at least three (3) inches in height, additional information shall be at least one (1) inch
in height and all letters and numbers shall be of a color contrasting to the vehicle. The public
health registration number shall be located on the rear of the vehicle in letters and numbers at
least three (3) inches high and of a color contrasting to the vehicle.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.960 - Construction of Seepage/Sewage Cleaning Vehicle.
A seepage/sewage pumping vehicle shall be constructed and maintained at all times with the
following components in good working order:
A. A water tight tank, valves, piping, pumps and equipment maintained free from leakage.
B. A hose for flushing contaminated areas.
C. A quick release valve on the discharge outlet.
D. A metal sleeve or other suitable device provided to reach from discharge outlet to
manhole.
E. Tight fitting covers for tank openings.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.970 - Seepage/Sewage Pumping Vehicle Operation Requirements.
A. All contents of the sewage holding tank shall be deposited in an approved County
Sanitation District location or at a location approved by the Director.
B. Personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and boots shall be provided to all
employees working with sewage or septage.
C. A sewage spill kit shall be maintained on the vehicle for use in cleaning-up any sewage
spills. The sewage spill kit shall contain at a minimum:
1. Containment barriers to prevent the spill from entering a storm drain.
2. Absorbent material.
3. A shovel.
4. Garbage bags.
5. Liquid disinfectant and powdered lime.
D. The vehicle registration shall be maintained on the vehicle.
E. The vehicle exterior shall be maintained free of sewage or other waste material.
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(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.980 - Seepage/Sewage Pumping Vehicle Service Reports.
A. Seepage/sewage pumping vehicles are required to file with the Director a quarterly report
specifying all of the following:
1. The name and address of the owner or tenant of each and every one of the premises
where a septic tank, cesspool, or sewage seepage pit has been cleaned out by the
registrant, his or her employees, or by others on his or her behalf and the date of each
cleaning.
2. The location where the cleanings are disposed of.
3. Discharges of waste that may result in violation of laws or ordinances required to be
known by the registrant pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 117420.
B. OWTS showing symptoms of failure must be reported to the Director within twenty-four
(24) hours of pumping. Factors evidencing a failing OWTS are identified in Section
11.38.042.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.010 - Abandoned water well.
"Abandoned water well" means a nonoperating well which is not maintained in conformity with
Section 11.38.290 of this chapter.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.3, 1959.)
11.38.015 - Average Annual Rainfall.
"Average annual rainfall" means the average annual amount of precipitation for a location over
a year as measured by the nearest National Weather Service station for the preceding three
decades. For example, the data set used to make a determination in 2016 would be between
1981 - 2010.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 3, 2018.)
11.38.018 - Cesspool.
"Cesspool" means an excavation with permeable sides and/or bottom that receives untreated
sewage, wastewater, or drainage and is designed to retain organic matter or solids but permits
liquids to seep through the bottom or sides.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 4, 2018.)
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11.38.020 - Chemical toilet.
"Chemical toilet" means a privy structure constructed over a tank into which human fecal
matter or urine is to be deposited, the tank designed to contain a disinfecting or bactericidal
chemical solution.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 531, 1959.)
11.38.025 - Covenant.
"Covenant" means a written agreement between the property owner and the Director that
runs with the land for the benefit of the County, which is recorded and filed with the Los
Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 5, 2018.)
11.38.030 - Cross-connection.
"Cross-connection" means any connection, physical or otherwise, between an approved water
supply system and any nonapproved water supply system, or any condition, connection or
arrangement between any domestic water supply system and any plumbing fixture, or any
tank, receptacle, equipment or device through which it may be possible for nonpotable, used,
unclean, polluted or contaminated water or other substance to enter any part of such domestic
water system, under any condition.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 501, 1959.)
11.38.033 - Domestic Wastewater.
"Domestic wastewater" means wastewater normally discharged from plumbing fixtures,
appliances, and other household devices including toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs, kitchen
sinks, laundry washing machines, dishwashing machines, and garbage disposals. Domestic
wastewater includes wastewater normally discharged from commercial buildings such as office
buildings, retail stores, and restaurants with a properly sized and functioning grease interceptor
where, the wastewater does not exceed nine hundred (900) mg/L Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(BOD) or from industrial facilities where domestic wastewater is segregated from industrial
wastewater. Domestic wastewater does not include onsite wastewater treatment systems
receiving a majority of its wastewater from recreational vehicle (RV) holding tank discharges,
such as at RV dump stations.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 6, 2018.)
11.38.035 - Effluent.
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"Effluent" means sewage or partially treated sewage flowing out of a septic tank, aerobic
treatment unit, dispersal system, or other onsite wastewater treatment system component.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 7, 2018.)
11.38.040 - Electrode well.
"Electrode well" means any artificial excavation in excess of 50 feet deep, constructed by any
method for the purpose of installing electrodes or electrical conductors, including, but not
limited to, cathodic protection wells and grounding rod wells.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.2, 1959.)
11.38.042 - Failing Onsite Wastewater Treatment System.
"Failing onsite wastewater treatment system" means a conventional or non-conventional onsite
wastewater treatment system that is no longer able to safely treat or discharge wastewater,
which may present a health risk to humans or adversely impact the environment. Factors that
evidence a failing onsite wastewater treatment system include, but are not limited to:
A. A backup of sewage into a structure which is caused by a septic tank or dispersal system
malfunction other than a plumbing line blockage.
B. A discharge of sewage or effluent to the ground surface.
C. A septic tank that requires pumping more than two (2) times within a one hundred eighty
(180) day period in order to provide adequate dispersal of sewage.
D. A structural failure that causes effluent to discharge at a location other than where
intended or allows groundwater to infiltrate the system.
E. A system affects or will likely affect groundwater or surface water to a degree that makes
the water unfit for drinking or other domestic uses or causes a human health hazard or
other public nuisance condition.
F. Inability to use the onsite wastewater treatment system as intended.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 8, 2018.)
11.38.044 - Feasibility Report.
"Feasibility report" means the documents, test results, and geological reports required to be
prepared and submitted to the Director in order to demonstrate the feasibility of installing an
onsite wastewater treatment system or a non-conventional onsite wastewater treatment
system, including the entirety of any future expansion area.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 9, 2018.)
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11.38.046 - Future Expansion Area.
"Future expansion area" means an area designated and tested as the location for an additional
dispersal system capable of handling one hundred (100) percent of the wastewater from the
onsite wastewater treatment system once the original dispersal system fails.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 10, 2018.)
11.38.048 - Groundwater.
"Groundwater" means water located below the land surface in the saturated zone of the soil or
rock. Groundwater includes perched water tables, shallow water tables, and zones that are
seasonally or permanently saturated.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 11, 2018.)
11.38.050 - Health hazard.
"Health hazard" means any faulty operating condition, water treatment practice or method of
distribution which creates, or may create, a danger to the well-being of any consumer.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 502, 1959.)
11.38.052 - Impaired Water Body.
"Impaired water body" means those surface water bodies or segments thereof that are
identified on a list approved first by the State Water Resources Control Board and then
approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to Section 303(d) of the
Federal Clean Water Act.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 12, 2018.)
11.38.055 - Non-Conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (NOWTS).
"Non-conventional onsite wastewater treatment system" or (NOWTS) means an onsite
wastewater treatment system that utilizes, in addition to the septic tank, one (1) or more
supplemental treatment components and may include an alternative dispersal system.
Supplemental treatment may include systems to reduce the nitrogen concentration of the
effluent, provide disinfection of the effluent, or both.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 13, 2018.)
11.38.060 - Nonactive water well.
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"Nonactive water well" is one which is not in active use, but which is maintained in
conformance with the provisions of Section 11.38.290 of this chapter.
(Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.4, 1959.)
11.38.070 - Nonconforming electrode well.
"Nonconforming electrode well" means one which, as of October 2, 1970, the effective date of
the ordinance codified in this section, has not been constructed in conformance with Section
11.38.240, or is not maintained in conformance with Section 11.38.290 of this chapter.
(Ord. 10075 § 2 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.5, 1959.)
11.38.075 - Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS).
"Onsite wastewater treatment system" or (OWTS) means a sewage disposal system consisting
of a wastewater holding tank and a method to dispose of treated effluent below the ground
surface. The term OWTS refers to both conventional and non-conventional onsite wastewater
treatment systems.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 14, 2018.)
11.38.078 - OWTS Requirements and Procedures.
"OWTS requirements and procedures" means the required standards and procedures
promulgated by the Director for the installation, operation, and discharge of effluent by
conventional and non-conventional OWTS.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 15, 2018.)
11.38.080 - Privy Structure.
"Privy structure" means a room or compartment constructed over a water tight vault or tank,
into which human fecal matter or urine is to be deposited.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 16, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 530, 1959.)
11.38.090 - Sanitary defect.
"Sanitary defect" means any faulty structural condition, whether of location, design or
construction of collection facilities, treatment works or distribution works, which may regularly
or occasionally prevent satisfactory purification of the water supply, or cause it to be
contaminated or polluted.
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(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 503, 1959.)
11.38.092 - Seepage Pit.
"Seepage pit" means an excavation at least ten (10) feet deep and three (3) to six (6) feet in
diameter, typically cylindrical in shape with six (6) inches of rock between the pit wall and a
concrete or brick liner, constructed for the purpose of disposing of sewage effluent from a
septic tank or treatment tank.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 17, 2018.)
11.38.094 - Septic Tank.
"Septic tank" means a water tight, compartmentalized, covered receptacle designed for primary
treatment of wastewater and constructed to:
A. Receive wastewater discharged from a building.
B. Separate settleable solids from liquid.
C. Digest organic matter by anaerobic bacterial action.
D. Store digested solids.
E. Clarify wastewater for further treatment with final subsurface discharge.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 18, 2018.)
11.38.096 - Sewage.
"Sewage" means waste substance, liquid or solid, which contains or may contain human or
animal excreta or excrement.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 19, 2018.)
11.38.098 - Telemetric Monitoring.
"Telemetric monitoring" means the ability to automatically measure and transmit OWTS data
by wire, radio, or other means.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 20, 2018.)
11.38.100 - Toilet room and toilet facilities.
"Toilet room" means a room in which is located at least a water flush toilet. "Toilet facilities"
means and includes water flush toilet, chemical toilets, pit privies and any other type of toilet.
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(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 529, 1959.)
11.38.110 - Water supply system.
"Water supply system" means and includes the works and auxiliaries for collection, storage,
treatment and distribution of water from the source to the free-flowing outlet of the ultimate
consumer.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504, 1959.)
11.38.120 - Water well.
"Water well" means any drilled, excavated, jetted or otherwise constructed excavation which is
used or intended to be used to extract water from or inject water into the underground for any
purpose, or to observe or test underground waters. This definition shall not include:
A. Saltwater wells;
B. Wells under the jurisdiction of the state of California, Division of Oil and Gas, except those
wells converted to use as water wells; or
C. Wells used for the purpose of dewatering excavation during construction, or stabilizing
hillsides or earth embankments.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 504.1, 1959.)
11.38.130 - Domestic water—Sanitation standards designated.
Every person supplying water for domestic or human consumption shall supply the water free
from contamination or pollution so as to comply with the bacteriological drinking water
standards as set forth in the United States Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 507, 1959.)
11.38.140 - Water supply—Permit or other compliance required.
It is unlawful for any person to supply water from a newly constructed water system, or from a
newly constructed portion of a water system, without valid permits as may be required by the
director therefor, or until such construction complies with all of the provisions of this Division 1.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 508, 1959.)
11.38.150 - Permit—Well construction.
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A. No person shall drill, dig, bore, deepen or excavate any well, or destroy an existing well,
without first making application and securing a well construction permit from the director.
B. No person shall convert any industrial, oil or irrigation well for use as a domestic water
well, without first making application and securing a well construction permit from the
director.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 7, 2005: Ord. 11992 § 2, 1979: Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 1
(part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 523, 1959.)
11.38.155 - Permit—Well yield test.
No person shall perform a well yield test for the purpose of establishing water availability for
residential and commercial development without first making application and securing a well
yield test permit from the director.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 8, 2005.)
11.38.160 - Well construction permit—Application and issuance conditions.
A. Applications for a well construction permit, as described in Section 11.38.150, shall be
made on forms provided for that purpose by the director. All applicable fees, as provided
for in Chapter 8.04 of Title 8, shall be paid at the time of application.
B. The application shall include the name and address of the well owner and the well driller,
the location of the proposed or existing well, a workplan that details the type of casing, the
manner of sealing the casing, the method of destruction, where applicable and any other
data required by the director.
C. Upon receipt of an application, the director shall make an investigation. If the applicant has
complied with all applicable laws and regulations, and the drilling, digging, boring,
excavating, converting, destruction or design of the well will not create a condition which,
in the opinion of the director, can pollute or contaminate the underground water or the
water produced by the well, the director shall approve the workplan. A workplan approval
remains valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.
D. The well driller shall provide notification to the director at least two business days prior to
the placement of the sanitary seal.
E. Upon witnessing the placement of the annular seal for a new well or the final
decommissioning seal, and all other requirements being met, the director shall approve the
final inspection.
F. When the director has received a copy of the well completion report, as defined in Section
13751 of the California Water Code, the director shall issue a well construction permit.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 9, 2005: Ord. 11992 § 4, 1979: Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2
(part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 523.2, 1959.)
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11.38.165 - Well yield permit—Application and issuance conditions.
A. Applications for well yield testing permit as described in 11.38.155 shall be made on forms
provided for that purpose by the director. All applicable fees, as provided for in Chapter
8.04 of Title 8 shall be paid at the time of application.
B. The application shall include the name and address of the well owner and the well driller,
and the name of the well yield tester, the location of the proposed or existing well, the
type of casing, the manner of sealing the casing, and any other data required by the
director.
C. When the well yield test has been completed to the satisfaction of the director and
documentation of laboratory analysis showing that the water quality meets the primary
bacteriological and chemical requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Standards, is
provided to the department, a water availability approval shall be issued by the director for
the purpose of obtaining a building permit. Well yield test results are valid for three (3)
years from the date of approval.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 10, 2005.)
11.38.170 - Permit—Scope of work authorized—Suspension or revocation conditions.
A permit shall be valid only for the location described on the permit. Construction,
reconstruction or destruction of a well shall be carried out in compliance with all applicable
regulations and requirements of the director of public health and with all ordinances and laws
of the county of Los Angeles and of the state of California, and shall comply with the terms and
conditions specified in the permit. If any of such conditions, regulations, ordinances or laws are
not complied with, the director of public health may suspend or revoke the permit by mailing or
personally serving written notice of suspension or revocation upon the applicant.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 103, 2006: Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 2 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583
Part 3 Ch. 5 § 523.3, 1959.)
11.38.180 - Permit—Hearings following denial, suspension or revocation.
Any person whose application for a permit has been denied, or whose permit has been
suspended or revoked, may petition the director for a hearing. Such petition shall be in writing,
signed by the applicant, and shall set forth in detail the facts and reasons upon which his
petition is based. The time limit within which the petition must be filed is 20 business days
following the date on which the notice of denial, suspension or revocation was mailed to the
applicant. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given to the applicant not less
than five business days prior to such hearing, either by registered mail or in the manner
required for the service of summons in civil actions. At the time and place set for the hearing,
the director will give the applicant and other interested persons an adequate opportunity to
present any relevant facts. The director may place any person involved in the matter, including
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the applicant, under oath. The director may, when he deems it necessary, continue any hearing
by setting a new time and place and by giving notice to the applicant of such action. At the
close of the hearing, or at any time within 10 days thereafter, the director will order such
disposition of the application or permit as he has determined to be proper, and will make such
disposition known to the applicant.
(Ord. 10075 § 2 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 523.4, 1959.)
11.38.190 - Wells—Location restrictions concerning contamination.
It is unlawful for any person to drill, dig, excavate or bore any water well in any location in
which sources of pollution or contamination are known to exist, or at such location whereby
such water may become contaminated or polluted when the well is properly constructed and
maintained.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 516, 1959.)
11.38.200 - Wells—Location restrictions concerning flooding.
It is unlawful for a person to drill, dig, excavate or bore a water well in any location which is
subject to flooding or inundation, unless it is protected from flooding or inundation and the
location and method of protection approved by the director.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 518, 1959.)
11.38.210 - Wells—Location restrictions concerning sewage disposal and animal keeping areas.
A. It is unlawful for a person to drill, dig, excavate or bore a water well within 100 feet of a
seepage pit or cesspool, within 50 feet of a sewage disposal field, a private or public sewer,
privy, or place where animals or fowl are kept. Where special hazards are involved, the
distance required may be increased or special construction required, as may be directed by
the director.
B. Where perforations or screens are located at or over 100 feet below the ground surface
and where sealed and maintained in accordance with Section 11.38.290 of this chapter, or
in such other circumstances as he determines lesser distances will not subject the water to
contamination or pollution, the director may authorize lesser distances than those
specified in this section.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 517, 1959.)
11.38.220 - Existing wells—New well requirements applicable when.
A. All water wells used to supply domestic water shall conform to the requirements of a new
water well, except the director may accept substitute methods when he finds it is
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impractical to fully meet such requirements and if he determines the substitute methods
satisfactorily accomplish the intended purpose.
B. Existing wells shall meet requirements for new wells regarding protection from flooding or
contamination, or such protection which the director determines to be equivalent.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 525, 1959.)
11.38.230 - Construction of wells—Casing specifications.
A. All water wells drilled, dug, or bored after August 11, 1967, shall have a durable,
watertight casing, which shall extend to a depth that will exclude contamination or
pollution by surface drainage and undesirable groundwater, and extend at least 18 inches
above the surrounding natural ground level at the well site after drilling and until the pump
is permanently mounted.
B. All gravel-packed wells shall have an outside, watertight casing meeting the requirements
of subsection A of this section. The top of the space between the outer and inner casings
shall be closed or sealed to exclude surface drainage. The space between the outer easing
and the drill hole shall be sealed as required by Section 11.38.280 of this chapter. When an
additional pipe is provided for a "gravel chute," the top thereof shall extend above the
floor or ground level, and be fitted with a tight cap or lid, unless in a locked room or an
enclosure which is locked, bolted or screwed on tightly.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 520, 1959.)
11.38.240 - Electrode wells—Construction specifications.
All electrode wells constructed after October 2, 1970, shall be constructed to the satisfaction of
the director in such a manner as to exclude contamination or pollution of any usable
underground water.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 520.1, 1959.)
11.38.250 - Construction of wells—Slab, pedestal and curtain wall requirements—Exemptions.
All water wells drilled, dug, excavated, or bored after August 11, 1967, shall be provided with:
A. A watertight, reinforced-concrete slab of a minimum thickness of six inches shall extend
horizontally at least three feet from the well casing in all directions. The concrete slab shall
adequately slope so as to drain water away from the well casing. The top surface of the
slab at its outer edge shall be at least four inches above the surrounding ground level. This
slab need not be provided, or the size and method of construction thereof may be
modified, when the protection intended by this requirement or the exception of subsection
D of this section is provided by an alternate method approved by the director.
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B. For pumps or pump motors installed above the well casing, the pump or motor shall be
mounted on a concrete pedestal constructed around the well casing and sealed thereto,
the top of which is at least eight inches above the finished grade at the well site and at
least four inches above the slab surrounding such well.
C. The pedestal and slab (and curtain wall, if required to protect an existing well) shall be
poured monolithically, or otherwise constructed as approved by the director, to effectively
prevent leakage between the pedestal and the slab.
D. Exemptions. Means or methods other than those specified in subsections B or C of this
section may be used to provide the required protection when the director determines such
alternates are necessary and that they provide equivalent protection. A submersible-type
pump may be installed with subsurface discharge and access when all subsurface entrances
to the well or casing, other than into the aquifer, are effectively sealed, the enclosure is
designed and constructed to exclude surface water or drainage, the area around the casing
is provided with effective drainage, and other protective features are provided which the
director determines will effectively prevent contamination or pollution from entering the
well or the aquifer.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 521, 1959.)
11.38.255 - Wells—Shared wells.
Any well intended to be shared with one to three residences other than the primary residence,
shall demonstrate a safety factor in well capacity to the satisfaction of the director.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 11, 2005.)
11.38.270 - Domestic water—Disinfection procedures and standards.
Every new, repaired or reconstructed domestic water well, after completion of construction,
repair or reconstruction, and before being placed in service, shall be thoroughly cleaned of all
foreign substances. The well, including the gravel used in gravel-packed wells, the pump, and all
portions of equipment coming in contact with well water, shall be disinfected with a solution
containing at least 50 parts per million available chlorine, which shall remain in the well for a
period of at least 24 hours, or by an equivalent method of disinfection satisfactory to the
director, and such procedure shall be repeated, as necessary, to produce water meeting
bacteriological standards as set forth in State Drinking Water Standards. No well water from a
new or reconstructed well shall be used for domestic purposes until the water meets such
bacteriological and chemical requirements.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 13, 2005: Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583
Part 3 Ch. 5 § 525.1, 1959.)
11.38.275 - Well yield testing—Authorized tester.
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Well yield testing to determine an adequate and sustainable source of water shall be
performed by a California Registered Geologist, or a California Registered Engineer or class A
General Engineering Contractor, or C-57, or C-61 (D-21) license issued by the State of California.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 14, 2005.)
11.38.280 - Domestic water—Sealing required.
All domestic water wells and springs shall be sealed with concrete or other impervious material
so as to protect against surface or subsurface contamination or pollution.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 513, 1959.)
11.38.285 - Wells—Well seal inspection required.
No person shall pour the sanitary seal of the annular space between the casing and the
borehole wall unless the director is present to witness the placement of sealing material.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 15, 2005.)
11.38.290 - Wells—Sealing required when.
All water wells and electrode wells shall be kept sealed and maintained in a manner that will
prevent the entrance of pump leakage, surface drainage, or any other contamination or
pollution into the well or the aquifer, except that nonconforming electrode wells need not
comply with this section until such time as the electrode is expended, or the well is
reconstructed, or the well is no longer being used for its intended purpose, unless, in the
judgment of the director, such exception constitutes a threat to the quality of an aquifer.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 519, 1959.)
11.38.295 - Wells—Depth of seal required.
The annular seal of all new or reconstructed wells shall extend a minimum of 50 feet below
grade, or a greater amount, if in the judgment of the director, such additional depth is
necessary to prevent ground water contamination.
(Ord. 2005-0053 § 16, 2005.)
11.38.300 - Domestic water—Apparatus for disinfection and venting.
All domestic water wells shall be provided with a pipe or other effective means through which
chlorine or other disinfecting agents may be introduced directly into the well. The pipe, if
provided, shall be extended to a height equal to the pump pedestal or at least eight inches
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above the finish grade, shall be kept sealed, and shall be provided with a threaded or
equivalently secure cap. Equivalent protection for excluding contamination from the well shall
be provided for subsurface-pump discharge installations. If an air-relief vent is used, it shall
terminate downward and be screened and protected against the possibility of contaminating
material entering the vent.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 522, 1959.)
11.38.310 - Wells—Discharge lines.
All pump discharge lines shall leave the well at a higher elevation than the top of the casing.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 526, 1959.)
11.38.320 - Log requirements.
Any person who has drilled, dug, excavated or bored a water well shall, within 30 days after
completion of the drillings, digging, excavating or boring of such water well, furnish the director
with a complete log of such water well. This log shall include the type of casing, the depth of
the well, the number and location of the perforations in the casing, and any other data required
by the director. A copy of the log providing such information submitted to state agencies shall
satisfy this requirement.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 515, 1959.)
11.38.330 - Destruction of water wells.
All water wells, unless made to comply with Sections 11.38.280 and 11.38.290 of this chapter,
shall be destroyed to the satisfaction of the director by filling with cement grout, puddled clay
or similar impervious material as approved by the director, to thoroughly seal the well,
including all voids, annular spaces, gravel envelopes, or other spaces, as necessary to protect
the aquifer.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 524, 1959.)
11.38.340 - Destruction of electrode wells.
All electrode wells, unless in compliance with Section 11.38.240 of this chapter, shall be
destroyed to the satisfaction of the director, in such a manner as to exclude contamination or
pollution of any usable underground water.
(Ord. 10075 § 2 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 524.1, 1959.)
11.38.350 - Inlets from public water supply—Backflow prevention restrictions.
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No person shall install or allow to exist any inlet discharging water from a public water supply to
be used for domestic or human consumption or industrial purposes in or into any tank, cistern,
reservoir or receptacle for storage or use of water on the consumer's premises unless such inlet
discharges such water at a height at least double the diameter of the inlet pipe above the
maximum possible high-water level of such tank, cistern, reservoir or other receptacle for the
storage or use of water, or unless such inlet is equipped with an approved backflow preventer.
A backflow preventer is a device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water system.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 512, 1959.)
11.38.360 - Pipelines—Disinfection procedures.
Every new water main and every repaired section of an existing water main must be cleared of
coliform bacteria by the proper application of chlorine in sufficient quantities to give a
minimum of 50 parts per million of available chlorine. The new or repaired pipe shall be
thoroughly flushed before and after chlorination. If the first application of chlorine is not
sufficient, the procedure shall be repeated until the water will meet the standards set forth in
the United States Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards. Means or methods providing
equivalent treatment may be used if approved by the director.
(Ord. 10075 § 1 (part), 1970: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 509, 1959.)
11.38.370 - Domestic water—Reservoirs and tanks—Protection from contamination.
A. Durable protection and substantial covers shall be provided and maintained for each
reservoir, tank, cistern, standpipe or other structure used for distribution or storage of
domestic water. Covers shall be watertight, and shall be constructed so as to provide
drainage away from the structure. All openings for ventilation shall be screened with
corrosion-resistant screen not coarser than one-fourth-inch mesh to exclude rodents and
birds, or with 16-mesh screen when such screen is necessary to control mosquito or insect
breeding in such reservoir. All manholes shall be constructed with curbs raised above the
surrounding surface, and installed in a manner to prevent roof or surface drainage from
entering the structure. When it is determined by the director that it is impractical, due to
size, shape or other unusual conditions, to provide and maintain a cover as provided for in
this section, adequate treatment and protection of the water shall be provided as required
and approved by the director.
B. Any reservoir, standpipe, cistern, forebay, tank, weir box, receptacle, or any other form of
installation used for the production, distribution or storage of any domestic water supply
or water used for human consumption, shall be securely protected against pollution or
contamination.
(Ord. 9375 § 1 (part), 1967: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 514, 1959.)
11.38.380 - Cross-connections—Prohibited.
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It is unlawful for any person to have, keep, maintain, install or allow the existence of a cross-
connection.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 527, 1959.)
11.38.390 - Cross-connections—Corrections to comply with Building Code.
Any device, fixture or equipment installed for the purpose of eliminating a cross-connection
shall be of a type in compliance with and installed in accordance with the Building Code. (See
Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code.)
(Ord. 8588 § 1 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 528, 1959.)
11.38.400 - Sanitary defects and health hazards—Prohibited when.
All domestic water supply systems shall be constructed and maintained free from sanitary
defects and health hazards.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 505, 1959.)
11.38.410 - Sanitary defects and health hazards—Correction.
When it is determined by the director that a sanitary defect or a health hazard exists, the
director may order whatever steps he deems necessary to insure the safety of the water supply
for the protection of the public health.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 506, 1959.)
11.38.420 - Equipment or chemicals that may cause pollution—Sale and use restrictions.
No person shall advertise, sell or offer for use or sale any water-treating chemical or substance,
water-using or water-operated equipment, mechanism or contrivance, which may cause
contamination or pollution of the domestic water supply. Such devices may be permitted when
equipped with backflow protection devices meeting the requirements of the Building Code.
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 528.1, 1959.)
11.38.430 - Chlorination—Required when—Procedures.
Upon notice by the director to the owner or operator of a water supply system, such owner or
operator shall thoroughly cleanse and chlorinate any reservoir, tank, well, spring or pipe used in
the production, distribution or storage of any domestic water or water used for human
consumption, as directed by the director, to insure the safety of the water. When chemical
disinfection is employed, the dosage or rates of application shall at all times be sufficient to
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provide adequately disinfected water at all points of the distribution system. The director may
order continuous automatic disinfection for any water supply when, in his opinion, such
treatment is necessary for the protection of the public health.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 510, 1959.)
11.38.440 - Chlorination—Recordkeeping and testing.
All suppliers of domestic water, when required by the director to use continuous chlorination,
shall add chlorine in sufficient quantity to insure the bacteriological safety of the water at all
points in the distribution system. A free-chlorine residual shall be maintained at all times at
sampling points approved by the director. Routine chlorine residual tests shall be made daily,
and permanent records kept of such tests. Copies of the records shall be furnished the director
upon request.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 511, 1959.)
11.38.450 - Reserved.
11.38.460 - Reserved.
11.38.470 - Reserved.
11.38.480 - Backflow prevention devices.
A. Qualified Testers. No person shall test and make reports on backflow prevention devices as
required in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations unless he has a certificate of
competence issued by the director. The director may conduct examinations to determine
the competency of any person desiring to test and make reports on backflow prevention
devices for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Title 17 of the California
Code of Regulations. Those persons who have been determined by the director to be
competent shall receive from the director a certificate of competence. It is unlawful for any
person to maintain a backflow prevention device unless it is tested at least annually.
B. Test Required. Backflow prevention devices which have been installed to meet the
requirements of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations shall be tested at least once
each calendar year by a person having received a certificate of competence from the
director. Records of such tests shall be filed with the director within 30 days after such
tests, upon forms provided by the director.
C. Devices in Good Repair. It is unlawful to use any backflow prevention device installed to
meet the requirements of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations unless it is in good
repair. Devices which are defective shall be repaired and tested immediately upon being
put into use, and a report of such shall be filed with the director within 30 days after such
test.
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D. Director may distribute to the public a list of those persons certified under paragraph A.
above and may charge $159.00 for inclusion on such list.
(Ord. 2006-0040 § 105, 2006: Ord. 93-0055 § 14, 1993; Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583
Part 3 Ch. 5 § 528.2, 1959.)
11.38.490 - Privies—Location Restrictions.
A privy or privy structure shall only be installed in remote public or private recreation areas,
where there is no running water or practical means of sewage disposal. Privies shall only be
permitted to be installed where they are accessible for servicing by a seepage/sewage pumping
vehicle. A privy or privy structure shall not be in close proximity of any food establishments of
any kind or character. A privy or privy structure shall not be associated with any residential
dwelling. When determined by the Director that necessity for permitted privy or privy structure
no longer exists, the Director may revoke the permit. No person shall continue to maintain a
privy after the permit for maintenance thereof has been revoked. Whenever any privy or privy
structure is to be abandoned or no longer in service, notification shall be provided to the
Director, and destruction of the privy or privy structure shall be accomplished in a manner
approved by the Director.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 25, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 537, 1959.)
11.38.500 - Privies—Construction Specifications.
It is unlawful to erect or maintain a privy unless a suitable shelter is provided to afford privacy
and protection from the elements. The openings of such structure shall be enclosed by metal
mosquito-screening. The door thereof shall be so constructed as to close automatically by
means of a spring or other device.
The construction of the privy structure shall be such as to exclude all rodents, flies and
other insects from the tank or vault. The privy structure shall be maintained in good repair, in a
clean and sanitary condition, and free from flies, other insects and rodents, and shall be
properly ventilated. The tank or vault where waste is held shall be made of a water tight
material and all seams or joints shall be water tight. The privy structure over the tank or vault
shall completely cover the tank or vault and shall be mounted on a cement or masonry
foundation at least four (4) inches wide and extending at least six (6) inches above and twelve
(12) inches below ground level. The tank or vault shall be at least four (4) feet deep and shall be
provided with a vent at least six (6) inches in cross-Sectional dimension, extending from the pit
to a point higher than the highest point of the roof. Such vent shall be effectively screened.
There shall be an access port to allow cleaning of the tank or vault by a sewage cleaning and
carrying vehicle.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 26, 2018: Ord. 8588 § 1 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 535, 1959.)
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11.38.510 - Privies—Maintenance.
The tank or vault of a privy shall not be permitted to become filled with excreta nearer than
two (2) feet from the surface of the ground. The content of the privy shall be pumped out as
needed by a seepage/sewage pumping vehicle permitted by the Director.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 27, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 536, 1959.)
11.38.520 - Earthen Pit Privies and Cesspools—Construction Prohibited.
The construction of new earthen pit privies and cesspools is prohibited. An earthen pit privy
currently in existence may continue to be used until it is determined that the cesspool has
failed, is contaminating groundwater, or a building permit is issued to modify the residential
structure served by the earthen pit privy.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 28, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 534, 1959.)
11.38.530 - Privies—Contamination of Water Prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to construct, maintain or keep a privy in any location in which it
may contaminate or pollute any stream, channel, pond, lake, reservoir or any source of water.
In no case shall a privy be constructed, maintained, or kept less than one hundred (100) feet
from any stream, water channel, spring, or well, and two hundred (200) feet from any pond,
lake, reservoir or infiltration gallery.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 29, 2018: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 538, 1959.)
11.38.535 - Chemical Toilets.
Chemical toilets are intended to serve non-residential, limited use activities, such as field labor
operations, special events, and temporary construction sites where connection to the sewer or
construction of an OWTS is not practicable. Except for those activities covered under California
Occupational Health and Safety requirements or businesses permitted by the Department of
Regional Planning to operate under electric transmission lines, the use of chemical toilets at a
location for over three (3) days requires a public health permit.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 30, 2018.)
11.38.540 - Chemical toilets—Construction and maintenance.
It is unlawful to erect or maintain a chemical toilet unless it complies with the following:
A. Chemical toilets shall have a suitable structure to afford privacy and protection from the
elements, and be constructed to exclude all rodents, flies and other insects. All openings of
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the structure to the outside shall be enclosed with metal mosquito-screening. The door
shall be constructed as to be self-closing. A vent or window shall be provided for light
during daylight hours. Artificial light shall be provided when the chemical toilets is to be
used at night.
B. The walls and ceilings of the structure shall be reasonably smooth and well painted in a
light color, and be capable of withstanding repeated washing and scrubbing.
C. Chemical-toilet storage tanks shall be enclosed within the structure, properly vented,
watertight, and in good repair.
D. The toilet seat shall be a commercial, split-front type, oval in shape, with a smooth,
impervious surface, and installed so as to be easily cleaned. The seat shall be centered over
the hole to prevent the deposition of fecal matter on sides of the drop tube. The drop tube
shall have sides that are installed vertically or flared out at the connection to the tank.
E. The metal drop tube beneath the toilet seat shall follow the shape of the toilet seat and fit
smoothly into the top of the tank enclosure. It shall have a noncorrosive surface. There
shall be no cracks or rough edges around this opening or in the entire bench. Circular
openings shall be permitted only if their diameter is at least equal to the largest dimension
of the toilet seat opening.
F. The maximum distance between the inside edge of the opening between the toilet seat
and the front of the tank enclosure shall be two inches.
G. All structures intended for male use shall contain a urinal located at least 20 inches from
the toilet seat openings. The urinal shall be made from durable, noncorrosive, impervious
material finished with smooth surfaces and proper slopes so that it is easily cleaned and
readily drains. A splash board of similar material at least eight inches higher than the
overflow rim shall be provided. Hoses or pipes used to drain urinals shall be a minimum of
one inch inside diameter, shall be securely attached, and shall be constructed of a
noncorrosive, watertight, easily cleanable material. The urinal shall be designed to
minimize splashing.
H. The toilet structure shall be adequately ventilated with openings screened with 16-mesh
screen or equal. These ventilation openings shall contain at least four square feet of total
area.
I. The chemical toilet structure shall be sufficiently large to provide adequate space for the
users, with the minimum width or depth equal to three feet, six inches.
J. Each chemical toilet structure shall have painted thereon, in clear letters at least three
inches in height, the name of the owner and the company number of the unit.
K. A suitable device for holding toilet paper shall be provided.
L. The interior of the structure and tanks shall be cleaned at least once a week while the units
are in use and more frequently when necessary to maintain them in a clean and odorfree
condition.
M. Toilet paper shall be available at all times.
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N. After cleaning, there shall be placed in the tank a solution of a type which effectively
controls odors. When initially filled, and at all times when in use, the tank shall contain
sufficient solution to cover all solids accumulated and to prevent fly breeding.
O. Sewage from chemical toilets shall be disposed of only in a sanitary sewer system
approved by the director.
P. Whenever chemical toilets are returned after a job, the interior shall be thoroughly
cleaned and repainted when necessary.
Q. A chemical toilet shall be located at least four feet from a property line, at least 20 feet
from the nearest occupied residence, and at least 10 feet from a street or public sidewalk.
R. A chemical toilet shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times.
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 535.1, 1959.)
11.38.550 - Toilets at construction sites.
There shall be not less than one toilet facility for each multiple of 20 employees, or fractional
part thereof, work at a construction job site. for the purpose of this section, the term
"construction site" shall mean the location on which actual construction of a building, structure,
or facility, is in progress.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 539, 1959.)
11.38.560 - Public washrooms, toilet facilities, showers, and baths.
Every person maintaining a privy structure, toilet room, washroom, bath or shower room for
the use of his employees, or the public, shall at all times keep the floors, walls, ceilings, toilet
facilities, urinals, lavatories and other equipment therein in good repair and free from dirt, filth
and corrosion. All baths, showers, lavatories and urinals, except urinals constructed in
connection with a privy, shall be adequately supplied with running water. Rooms used for such
facilities shall be well ventilated and lighted. All lavatories shall be kept supplied with soap and
individual towels with a receptacle for their disposal. All toilet facilities shall be kept supplied
with toilet paper. In connection with every public toilet hereafter erected, there shall be
maintained hand-washing facilities for the public and employees.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 533, 1959.)
11.38.570 - Facilities required—Business establishments and public gatherings.
It is unlawful for any person to conduct a business or place of public gathering unless there is
provided, in a separate room and on the premises, adequate and conveniently located toilet
facilities and lavatories. If, in the opinion of the director, the number of toilet facilities and
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lavatories is inadequate, he shall order additional toilet facilities or lavatories, or both, to be
provided.
A. If restroom facilities are made available for the public, clients, or employees, no person
owning, controlling, or having charge of such accommodation or facility shall prohibit or
prevent the use of such restroom facilities by a person with a physical handicap, regardless
of whether that person is a customer, client, employee, or paid entrant to the
accommodation or facility. Employee restrooms need not be made available if there are
other restroom facilities available on the premises unless employee restroom facilities have
been constructed or altered to accommodate the physically handicapped and such facilities
are not available elsewhere on the premises.
Restroom facilities located within food establishments which are accessible only through
the food preparation area shall be made available to persons requiring the use of Seeing-eye
dogs by having an employee or other person escort the individual to the facility. No live animals
shall be allowed in the food preparation area.
B. The following definitions are applicable to this section:
1. "A person with a physical handicap" includes:
a. An individual who has an impairment, either permanent or temporary in nature as
follows:
i. Impairments that affect ambulation due to cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, spinal
cord injury, amputation, arthritis, cardiac and pulmonary conditions and other
conditions or diseases which reduce mobility, including aging,
ii. Impairments that require the use of crutches, canes, wheelchairs, braces,
walkers, or other ambulatory assistive devices,
iii. Total blindness or impairments affecting sight to the extent that the
individual functioning in public areas may be insecure or exposed to danger,
and
iv. Deafness or hearing impairments that may expose an individual to danger or
insecurity;
b. An individual who requests the use of the restroom facilities and states that
because of a physical infirmity he or she requires immediate access to restroom
facilities.
2. "Public accommodation or facility" means a building, structure, facility, complex, or
improved area that is used by the general public and shall include those
accommodations and facilities listed in Sections 19955 and 19955.5 of the Health and
Safety Code.
C. Nothing in this section requires the making of structural alterations, repairs, remodels,
modifications, or additions not otherwise required by applicable local, state and/or federal
law.
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D. Every restaurant or itinerant restaurant where alcoholic beverages are sold or given away
for consumption on the premises shall be provided with, for the use of the public, at least
one urinal for men, one water flush toilet for each sex, and at least one lavatory in
conjunction with and convenient to each water flush toilet. If, in the opinion of the
director, the number of urinals, water flush toilets or lavatories is inadequate, such
additional facilities as he shall deem necessary shall be provided. There shall be adequate
space provided in each toilet room to permit the use of these facilities without
overcrowding.
(Ord. 2007-0089 § 98, 2007; Ord. 89-0033 § 1, 1989: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 532, 1959.)
11.38.580 - Facilities required—Theaters, clubs and other places for public assembly.
No person conducting, managing or operating any moving picture show or theater, dance hall,
nightclub, circus, amusement park or other place of public amusement or public assemblage
shall fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the following requirements:
A. The floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, stairways, hallways and every other part
thereof shall be maintained in good repair, in a clean, sanitary condition, and shall be
painted or otherwise renovated whenever necessary.
B. All rugs, carpets or other floor coverings, tables, chairs, seats, counters and all similar
equipment shall be kept clean and in good repair.
C. Suitable approved drinking fountains, with guarded angle jets and with properly adjusted
water pressure, shall be provided and maintained in good condition.
D. Exhaust fans and other ventilation equipment shall be provided, and shall be operated so
as to keep the air in a reasonably fresh and wholesome condition whenever a building, or
part thereof, is occupied as a place of public assemblage.
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 532.1, 1959.)
11.38.590 - Industrial waste—Discharge prohibited where—Exceptions.
A. No person shall discharge, deposit, drain or place any material, liquid waste or other
substance, directly or indirectly, into any channel, natural or artificial drain, watercourse,
river, tributary, water or subsurface water, whether such water be fresh, salt or saline, or
combinations of these, in such a manner which may liberate or produce any noxious or
dangerous odors, or produce unsightly or offensive deposits, or which may be injurious,
deleterious or dangerous to the health, or which may cause a nuisance or may cause an
impairment of the quality of such waters, or which may adversely or unreasonably affect
such waters for domestic, recreational or other beneficial uses.
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B. Exception: This section shall not apply in the unincorporated territory of the county or in
those cities which have adopted county Ordinance 6130, on sewers and industrial waste,
directly or by reference. (See Title 20 of this code.)
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 500.1, 1959.)
11.38.600 - Keeping animals or fowl—Restrictions—Contaminating water supply prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to locate or maintain any animal or fowl in such manner or
location whereby any portion of a domestic water supply system may become contaminated or
polluted, or for any animal or fowl to be kept within 50 feet from any stream, water channel,
spring, well, pond, lake, reservoir, infiltration gallery or underground water from which water
may be drawn for domestic consumption.
(Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 540, 1959.)
11.38.610 - Sewage discharge prohibited where—Abatement.
A. When sewage, other than the discharge from an approved sewage-treatment plant, is
overflowing or being discharged upon the surface of any premises, the director may order
the occupant or occupants thereof who contribute to such overflow or discharge to abate
the same forthwith.
B. If such occupant or occupants fail to abate such overflow or discharge as ordered, the
director may order such occupant or occupants to vacate the premises within 24 hours.
(Ord. 8588 § 2 (part), 1964: Ord. 7583 Part 3 Ch. 5 § 543, 1959.)
11.38.620 - Hose Watering Prohibition.
No person shall hose water or wash down any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas or
other paved surfaces, except as is required for the benefit of public health and safety. Willful
violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall be an
infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a violation occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 1, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.630 - Watering of Lawns and Landscaping.
A. No person shall water or cause to be watered any lawn or landscaping between the hours
of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
B. No person shall water or cause to be watered any lawn or landscaping more than once a
day.
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C. No person shall water or cause to be watered any lawn or landscaping to such an extent
that runoff into adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways,
roadways, structures, adjoining streets, parking lots or alleys occurs due to incorrectly
directed or maintained sprinklers or excessive watering.
D. It shall be the duty of all persons who own or rent premises that have hoses, faucets and
sprinkling systems to inspect for leaks, and to cause all leaks to be repaired as soon as is
reasonably practicable.
E. Willful violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall
be an infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a
violation occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 2, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.640 - Indoor Plumbing and Fixtures.
A. It shall be the duty of all persons who own or rent premises that have accessible indoor
plumbing and faucets to inspect for leaks, and to cause all leaks to be repaired as soon as is
reasonably practicable.
B. Willful violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall
be an infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a
violation occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 3, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.650 - Washing Vehicles.
No motor vehicle, boat, trailer, or other type of mobile equipment may be washed, except at a
commercial carwash or with reclaimed water, unless such vehicle is washed by using a hand-
held bucket or a water hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle. No person shall leave a
water hose running while washing a vehicle or at any other time. Willful violation hereof shall
be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall be an infraction punishable by a
fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a violation occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 4, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.660 - Public Eating Places.
No restaurant, hotel, cafeteria, café, or other public place where food is sold or served shall
serve drinking water to any customer unless specifically requested to do so by such customer.
Willful violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall be
an infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a violation
occurs.
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(Ord. 2015-0004 § 5, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.670 - Decorative Fountains.
No person shall use water to clean, fill, or maintain levels in decorative fountains, ponds, lakes,
or other similar aesthetic structures unless such water flows through a recycling system. Willful
violation hereof shall be subject to a written warning for the first violation, and shall be an
infraction punishable by a fine of $500.00 for each day thereafter on which a violation occurs.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 6, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 91-0046U § 1 (part), 1991.)
11.38.680 - Procedural Requirements.
The Director of Public Works, with input and concurrence from the Director of Public Health,
shall periodically review the provisions of this Part and recommend necessary updates to the
Board of Supervisors. The review of these provisions and preparation of resulting
recommendations, if any, shall be performed, at a minimum, every two years following the first
review, which shall be completed by December 31, 2010.
(Ord. 2015-0004 § 7, 2015: Ord. 2008-0052U § 1 (part), 2008.)
11.38.700 - Discharge of Material or Liquid.
A. No person shall allow sewage, domestic or industrial wastewater, or any matter or
substance, offensive, injurious, or dangerous to health, to empty, flow, seep, or drain onto
the surface of any land.
B. No person shall allow sewage, treated effluent, or any matter or substance, offensive,
injurious, or dangerous, to health to empty, flow, seep, or drain into, or affect any well,
spring, stream, river, lake or other waters.
C. A violation of this Section is declared a public nuisance.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.710 - OWTS Requirements and Procedures.
The Director shall promulgate the OWTS requirements and procedures within thirty (30)
calendar days of the adoption of this ordinance. The OWTS requirements and procedures shall
be made available to the public at no charge, upon request. The Director shall review the
requirements and procedures a minimum of once every five (5) years and amend the OWTS
requirements and procedures as necessary to protect the health of the public and the waters of
the State. The Director shall provide notice to the public of any proposed change(s) and provide
members of the public an opportunity to comment prior to implementation.
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(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.720 - Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems—Plan Review and Permit Requirements.
A. The Director shall have the authority to require the submission of any plans and
specifications pertaining to or impacting onsite wastewater treatment systems. Such plans
include, but are not limited to, subdivision of parcels where a public sewer is not available,
building expansion, and the addition of a structure on a parcel of property utilizing an
onsite wastewater treatment system.
B. A person proposing to construct, install, alter or repair any onsite wastewater treatment
system or part thereof, or a privy structure shall submit an application and receive plan
approval from the Director in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter and Title
28, Plumbing Code, including Appendix H, of the Los Angeles County Code and with the
OWTS requirements and procedures prior to any work being performed.
C. A person proposing to construct or expand a building or other structure, upon which
property an onsite wastewater treatment system or non-conventional onsite wastewater
treatment system is installed, shall submit an application and receive a plan approval from
the Director. The Director's evaluation of the proposed construction or expansion plan shall
determine whether the new building, structure or expansion interferes with the existing
onsite wastewater treatment system or any future expansion area required by Los Angeles
County Code, Title 28, Plumbing Code.
D. An application shall be made on forms provided for that purpose by the Director. Any
required fee shall be paid at the time of application.
E. The Director's approval of an onsite wastewater treatment system plan under this Section
is separate from, and does not constitute compliance with, any permit requirements
contained elsewhere in this code, including, but not limited to, the requirements under this
Title 11 for obtaining a renewable operating permit for NOWTS and any requirements
under Title 28, Plumbing Code for obtaining a permit for the construction or installation of
an OWTS.
F. All onsite wastewater treatment systems must be installed in accordance with the plans as
approved by the Director. Any changes in the installation plans must be reviewed and
approved by the Director prior to installation.
G. Any plan approval issued by the Director shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of
approval. If a property owner has not obtained a building permit within one year, a
property owner may request an extension of the plan approval for up to one (1) additional
year. If the property owner has not obtained a building permit within two (2) years, the
property owner must submit a new application meeting the requirements of the most
recent version of the California Plumbing Code, and pay the required fee.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.730 - Restrictions on Use of OWTS when a Public Sewer is Available.
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The Director shall not issue a permit for a new onsite wastewater treatment system, approve
the repair or replacement of an onsite wastewater treatment system, nor approve a project
requiring the evaluation of an existing onsite wastewater treatment system if a public sewer is
available within two hundred (200) feet of the building or proposed building.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.740 - Limitations on Sub-Divisions without Public Sewer Available.
Land development projects including Conditional Use Permits (CUP) and parcel sub-division
projects where a public sewer is not available and that are proposed after the effective date of
this ordinance, shall require the installation of a non-conventional onsite wastewater treatment
system if the parcel size is smaller than the allowable density values in the following table for a
single family dwelling unit, or its equivalent. The requirement for a NOWTS requires
recordation of a covenant through the County Office of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk as
part of the approval of the CUP or approval of the new parcels.
Average Annual Rainfall
(inches/year)
Allowable Density Value
(acres/single family dwelling unit)
0 - 15 2.5
>15 - 20 2
>20 - 25 1.5
>25 - 35 1
>35 - 40 0.75
>40 0.5
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.750 - Horizontal Setback Requirements.
OWTS shall not be installed in such a manner that any of its components are located within the
horizontal setbacks identified in the following table.
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Minimum Horizontal Distance in Clear
Required From:
Septic
Tank
Disposal
Field Seepage Pit
Buildings or Structures 1
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
8 feet
(2.44
meters)
8 feet
(2.44
meters)
Property line adjoining private property
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
8 feet
(2.44
meters)
Public Water Well, Where depth of effluent dispersal
system >10 feet 7,8
200 feet
(61
meters) 8
200 feet
(61 meters)
Public Water Well, Where depth of effluent dispersal
system ≤10 feet 7
150 feet
(45.7
meters)
150 feet
(45.7
meters)
Springs, and Flowing Surface Water 7,9
100 feet 9
(30.5
meters)
100 feet 6,9
(30.5
meters)
150 feet 6,9
(45.7
meters)
Vernal Pools, Wetlands, Lakes, Ponds, or Other (Non-
Flowing) Surface Water Bodies 7,10
200 feet 10
(61
meters)
200 feet
6,10
(61
meters)
200 feet 6,10
(61 meters)
Seepage pits
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
12 feet
(3.66
meters)
Disposal field
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
4 feet 4
(1.22
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
On site domestic water service line 5 feet
(1.52
5 feet
(1.52
5 feet
(1.52
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meters) meters) meters)
Distribution box
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
5 feet
(1.52
meters)
Pressure public water main
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
Private Water Wells 7
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
150 feet
(45.72
meters)
Monitoring wells 11
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
Unstable Land Mass or Areas Subject to Earth Slides 12
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
100 feet
(30.5
meters)
High Water Mark of Reservoir, Lake, or Flowing Water
Body, Type I 13
400 feet
(122
meters)
400 feet
(122
meters)
400 feet
(122
meters)
High Water Mark of Reservoir, Lake, or Flowing Water
Body,Type II 14
200 feet
(61
meters)
200 feet
(61
meters)
200 feet
(61 meters)
Trunk of any tree 15
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
10 feet
(3.05
meters)
*Notes:
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When disposal fields and/or seepage pits are installed in sloping ground, the minimum
horizontal distance between any part of the leaching system and ground surface shall be fifteen
(15) feet (4.57 meters).
1. Including decks, patios, porches and steps, whether covered or uncovered, breezeways,
roofed porte-cocheres, roofed patios, carports, covered walks, covered driveways, and
similar structures or appurtenances.
2. Reserved.
3. Reserved.
4. Plus two (2) feet (.61m) for each additional one (1) foot (.305 meters) of depth in excess of
one (1) foot (.305 meters) below the bottom of the drain line. (See also Section K 6 in
Appendix K of the Plumbing Code.)
5. Reserved.
6. These minimum clear horizontal distances shall also apply between disposal field, seepage
pits, and the ocean mean higher high tide line.
7. Where special hazards are involved, the distance required shall be increased as may be
directed by the authority having jurisdiction.
8. If the depth of the effluent dispersal system exceeds twenty (20) feet (6.1 meters) and is
within six hundred (600) feet (182.88 meters) of a public water well, the setback must be
such that there is at least two-year travel time for microbiological contaminants.
9. Includes springs and flowing surface water bodies where the edge of that water body is the
natural or levied bank for creeks and rivers, or may be less where site conditions prevent
migration of wastewater to the water body.
10. Distance from vernal pools, wetlands, lakes, ponds, or other surface water bodies where
the edge of that water body is the high water mark for lakes and reservoirs, and the mean
high tide line for tidally influenced water bodies.
11. Where regulatory or legitimate data requirements necessitate, the required distance to
monitoring wells may be decreased as may be directed by the authority having jurisdiction.
If the monitoring well is installed to monitor the groundwater at the waste effluent
discharge, the setbacks do not apply.
12. Unstable land mass or areas subject to earth slides shall be identified by a registered
engineer or registered geologist; other setback distances are allowed, if recommended by a
geotechnical report prepared by a qualified professional.
13. Four hundred (400) feet (121.92 meters) from the high water mark of a reservoir, lake, or
flowing water body when the effluent dispersal system is within one thousand two
hundred (1,200) feet (365.76 meters) from a public water systems' surface water intake
point, within the catchment of the drainage, and located such that it may impact water
quality at the intake point such as upstream of the intake point for flowing water bodies.
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14. Two hundred (200) feet (60.96 meters) from the high water mark of a reservoir, lake, or
flowing water body when the effluent dispersal system is located more than one thousand
two hundred (1,200) feet (365.76 meters) but less than two thousand five hundred (2,500)
feet (762 meters) from a public water systems' surface water intake point, within the
catchment of the drainage, and located such that it may impact water quality at the intake
point such as upstream of the intake point for flowing water bodies.
15. For oak trees, this requirement extends to five (5) feet (1.52m) outside of the drip line or
fifteen (15) feet (4.57 meters) from the trunk, whichever is greater.
In the event of inconsistencies between the setback requirements specified in the Los
Angeles County Plumbing Code, Title 28, Appendix H, the California Well Standards, and
Chapter 38, Part 2 of this code, the more restrictive requirements shall prevail.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.760 - Requirements for Soil Depth and Vertical Distance to Groundwater.
A. A conventional OWTS shall have a minimum five (5) feet of natural undisturbed soil,
excluding bedrock, below the bottom of a leach line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber.
B. A conventional OWTS shall have a minimum five (5) feet of separation from the bottom of
the leach line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber and the highest known groundwater level
if the percolation rate is five (5) minutes per inch to sixty (60) minutes per inch.
C. A conventional OWTS shall have a minimum of twenty (20) feet of vertical separation from
the bottom of the leach line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber and the highest known
groundwater if the percolation rate is greater than one (1) minute per inch but less than
five (5) minutes per inch.
D. A NOWTS shall have a minimum of three (3) feet of natural undisturbed soil, excluding
bedrock, below the bottom of the leach line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber.
E. A NOWTS shall have a minimum of two (2) feet of separation from the bottom of the leach
line, leach bed, or infiltrative chamber and the highest known groundwater level, except in
areas near impaired water bodies where the minimum distance shall be three (3) feet.
F. Any OWTS utilizing a seepage pit shall have a minimum separation of ten (10) feet from the
bottom of the pit to the highest known groundwater.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.770 - Structural Requirements for Septic Tanks.
It shall be unlawful to install a septic tank in a manner that does not comply with the following
requirements:
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A. All new or replacement tanks shall be approved by the International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officers (IAPMO) or stamped and certified by a California
registered civil engineer as meeting industry standards and installation shall be
accomplished to the manufacturer's recommendations.
B. New and replacement tanks on conventional OWTS shall be equipped with an effluent
filter to prevent solids in excess of 3/16th of an inch from passing to the dispersal area.
Septic tanks that use a National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards
Institute (NSF/ANSI) Standard forty-six (46) effluent filter shall be deemed in compliance
with this requirement.
C. All joints between the septic tank and its components shall be watertight and constructed
of solid, durable materials to prevent excessive corrosion or decay.
D. The invert level of the inlet pipe shall be at least two inches higher than the invert level of
the outlet pipe.
E. All septic tank access points shall have watertight risers the tops of which are set not more
than six (6) inches below grade. Access openings at grade or above shall be locked or
secured to prevent unauthorized access.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.780 - OWTS Utilizing Pumps to Move Effluent.
OWTS that utilize pumps to move effluent to the septic tank or from the septic tank to the
dispersal system shall:
A. Be equipped with a visual, audible, or telemetric alarm that alerts the owner or service
provider in the event of pump failure.
B. Provide sufficient additional storage space in the second compartment of the septic tank
or pump chamber during a twenty-four (24) hour power outage or pump failure and shall
not allow an emergency overflow discharge. The capacity for the storage space shall be
equal to 60 - 75 percent of the interior capacity of the pipes to be dosed.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.790 - Percolation Rates for Dispersal Fields.
As an alternative to the percolation rates required in Appendix H of Los Angeles County Code,
Title 28 (Plumbing Code), proposed OWTS utilizing a leach bed, leach field, or infiltrative
chamber may report percolation test results as Minutes Per Inch (MPI). Percolation rates in MPI
shall be either:
A. In the range between five (5) MPI and sixty (60) MPI for use with a conventional OWTS.
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B. In the range between one (1) MPI and 4.9 MPI with a separation between the bottom on
the dispersal system and groundwater of at least twenty (20) feet.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.800 - Interconnection of Dispersal Systems.
Upon installation of a new dispersal system, the new system shall be interconnected with the
existing system with an approved flow diversion device to allow for the alternating use of the
two dispersal systems.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.810 - Prohibition on the Use of Seepage Pits for New Construction.
A. The use of a seepage pit is prohibited for use with construction of onsite wastewater
treatment systems for new buildings with applications submitted after the effective date of
this ordinance, unless the system is equipped with additional treatment that meets the
requirements of a NOWTS.
B. Notwithstanding Section A, the use of a seepage pit in conjunction with a conventional
OWTS is permitted for new construction for single unit dwellings with four (4) or fewer
bedrooms.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.820 - Evidence of a Failing OWTS.
Whenever the Director is made aware that an OWTS is at risk of failing, the Director shall send a
letter directing the property owner to have the system evaluated by a qualified contractor
within seven (7) calendar days to determine whether the system must be repaired or replaced.
If the evaluation reveals that the system requires repair or replacement the property owner
shall:
A. Prevent any further discharges of sewage by having the system pumped by a sewage
pumper truck at a frequency that will prevent overflow.
B. Follow any directive issued by the Director that is necessary to protect groundwater or
prevent surfacing of sewage effluent.
C. Complete all repairs within a time determined by the Director.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.830 - When a NOWTS is Required.
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A. A NOWTS is required to be installed for new construction when any of the following
conditions exist:
1. The percolation rate is faster than 5.12 gallons per square foot per day for a
replacement seepage pit.
2. A seepage pit is proposed for installation at a new building other than a single unit
dwelling with four (4) or fewer bedrooms.
3. The percolation rate for a leach field or leach bed system is faster than one (1) MPI or
greater than one (1) MPI but less than 4.9 MPI and groundwater is within twenty (20)
feet of the bottom of the dispersal system for a new or replacement OWTS.
4. There is less than five (5) feet but at least two (2) feet of continuous, natural,
undisturbed soil beneath a dispersal system.
5. The property of the proposed system is within six hundred (600) feet of an impaired
water body that is listed for pathogens or nitrogen and no established Total Maximum
Daily Load (TMDL) for that water body is present.
6. The property of the proposed system is within the area defined by an Advanced
Protection Management Program (APMP) established by a TMDL implementation plan.
B. A NOWTS proposed to be installed in the areas of the Antelope Valley within the
jurisdiction of the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (LRWQCB) shall not be
required to include a disinfection system.
C. In addition to the circumstances listed in A above, the Director may require the installation
of a NOWTS as a condition of a variance to setback requirements for repair of a failed
existing system. All variances shall comply with the OWTS requirements and procedures to
the maximum extent possible.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.840 - Minimum Conditions for Authorization to Install a NOWTS.
All NOWTS shall meet the following minimum conditions:
A. The system shall be certified by an agency accredited by the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) as meeting the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard two hundred
forty-five (245) or the system shall be approved by the Director after completing a
demonstration test described in the OWTS requirements and procedures.
B. NOWTS requiring a disinfection system, shall be certified by an ANSI accredited agency as
meeting NSF Standard forty-six (46) for disinfection devices.
C. The septic tank shall be part of the NSF certified system, certified by the IAPMO, or
evaluated by the local plumbing official and determined to be Plumbing Code equivalent.
C-76
D. The NOWTS shall be equipped with a visual or audible alarm as well as a telemetric alarm
that notifies the owner and the service provider of the NOWTS in the event of system
malfunction. If the property requiring an NOWTS is in a location where telemetric
monitoring is not possible, more frequent physical inspections are required per Section
11.38.880.
E. The owner shall record a covenant against the title of the property meeting the
requirements of Section 11.38.890.
F. The owner, prior to approval of the NOWTS, shall enter into and maintain in effect at all
times throughout the operational life of the system, a contract signed by both the property
owner and a service provider certified by the components' manufacturer. The contract
shall include:
1. Telemetric monitoring of the system for component failures or quarterly inspections
of the disinfection system when telemetric monitoring is not available.
2. Annual inspections of the system or more frequent routine maintenance as
recommended by the manufacturer when telemetric monitoring is available.
3. Any required sampling of influent and effluent based on the system type, age, and
location.
G. The Director may, at any reasonable time, require samples to be taken from the NOWTS
while a department representative and/or a contractor or agent of the department is
present.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.850 - Performance Standards for NOWTS.
A. All NOWTS shall be designed to produce effluent that meets the following criteria:
1. Total Suspended Solids of less than thirty (30) mg.
2. Biological Oxygen Demand five (5) day average (BOD 5 ) of less than thirty (30) mg/l.
3. PH not less than 6.0 or greater than 9.0.
B. NOWTS treatment of nitrogen must result in a fifty (50) percent reduction in Total
Nitrogen.
C. NOWTS provide disinfection that does not exceed a fecal coliform content of two hundred
(200) per one hundred (100) milliliters using the Most Probable Number (MPN) analytical
method with a minimum detection limit of 2.2 MPN.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.860 - NOWTS Permit.
C-77
A. A permit shall be issued by the Director for the operation of a NOWTS upon the approval
of the system. A permit shall be valid for the location, type of system, and conditions of the
approval, unless suspended or revoked by the Director.
B. The permit fee shall be collected in accordance with Los Angeles County Code Title 8,
Sections 8.04.950 - 8.04.995.
C. A permit may be suspended or revoked by the Director for the following reasons:
1. The NOWTS is contributing to the contamination of groundwater, surface water, or
resulting in the surfacing of effluent, and the owner has not returned the NOWTS to
operating condition within the time required by the Director.
2. The owner does not submit records of maintenance inspections or results of effluent
testing as required by this ordinance within the time required by the Director.
D. It shall be a violation of this code to operate a NOWTS for which the permit has been
suspended or revoked.
E. The owner of the NOWTS shall make the system available within five (5) calendar days for
inspection upon notice by the department.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.870 - Maintenance Required and Reporting Results.
A. The property owner shall have the NOWTS inspected and serviced at the rate set by the
manufacturer as set forth in the manufacturer's operation and maintenance manual or at
least annually, by a service provider certified by the manufacturer.
B. If the property is located in an area where telemetric monitoring is not possible, the
property owner shall cause the NOWTS to be inspected monthly by the NOWTS owner as
directed and instructed by a NOWTS service provider, and quarterly by the NOWTS service
provider, in order to determine whether the NOWTS is operating as required.
C. The service provider shall submit copies of all inspection and maintenance reports to the
Director within thirty (30) days of any inspection or maintenance of the NOWTS.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.880 - Influent and Effluent Testing and Reporting Requirements.
Owners of NOWTS shall have their maintenance service provider collect and submit samples for
laboratory testing of influent and effluent to determine if the system meets the performance
standards specified in Section 11.38.850. The frequency of this sampling shall comply with the
following table.
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Type of System When Testing is Required
All NOWTS After completions of repairs (Within
seven (7) days)
NOWTS installed in within six hundred (600) feet of a
water body impaired for pathogenic bacteria or in
response to a TMDL for bacteria
Annually with telemetric monitoring
orQuarterly without telemetric
monitoring
NOWTS larger than a single family residence located in
the Antelope Valley Annually
The service provider shall submit a copy of the laboratory analysis of effluent testing to the
Director within thirty (30) days of the date the results are provided to the owner or service
provider by the laboratory.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.890 - Covenant.
A. The approval of a NOWTS for a future expansion area requires recordation of a covenant
through the County office of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
B. The installation of a NOWTS requires recordation of a covenant through the County Office
of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
C. The covenant shall inform all future prospective owners of the property of the following:
1. A NOWTS is installed on the property.
2. Operation and maintenance of the NOWTS is required to comply with State and local
laws.
3. A service agreement for maintenance and monitoring is required at all times with an
approved servicing company.
4. The Director must be notified in writing within thirty (30) days of a change of servicing
company.
5. Maintenance records and effluent testing results must be submitted to the Director
within thirty (30) days of annual servicing.
6. The owner is required to repair the system and conduct effluent testing of the system
if inspection reveals that it is not in compliance with State or local laws.
C-79
7. The owner is required to replace the NOWTS at their own expense if it cannot be
repaired to be in compliance.
8. The owner agrees to allow inspection of the NOWTS within five (5) calendar days,
upon notice by the Director, absent an emergency.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 31, 2018.)
11.38.900 - Seepage/Sewage Pumping Vehicle Operator.
An operator of a seepage/sewage pumping vehicle is required to register with the local
jurisdiction as per California Health and Safety Code Sections 117400-117450. A public health
license shall be issued to the owner of a seepage/sewage pumping vehicle when that person
has demonstrated that either the owner or an employee of the owner has adequate knowledge
to train other employees as described in Section 11.38.910.
A change of address of the owner including a member of a partnership that is registered
and of the place of business thereof shall be reported in writing by the owner to the Director
within two (2) days after the change of address.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.910 - Adequate Knowledge.
A public health license shall only be issued after the applicant or his or her representative
submits demonstrates adequate knowledge of the following topics:
A. Knowledge of the equipment to be used.
B. The applicant's knowledge of sanitary principles and of the laws and ordinances affecting
human health or nuisances, including the factors that evidence a failing OWTS and
appropriate locations for disposal of septage. Proper use of personal protective equipment.
C. Clean up of spills or discharges of sewage from failed plumbing systems.
Knowledge may be demonstrated by submitting curriculum for the training of new staff to
the Director for approval, completion of a training course from a professional organization,
such as the California Onsite Water Association (COWA), or an approved public entity or an
online course acceptable to the Director. The individual receiving the training shall be
designated as the trainer for his or her organization. The applicant shall maintain a trainer as
part of the organization. If the trainer leaves the organization, it has ninety (90) days to obtain a
new trainer.
The owner shall be responsible for ensuring that employees responsible for the clean out
of septic tanks, chemical toilets, cesspools and sewage seepage pits are properly trained before
they work independently, and get trained annually thereafter.
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The owner shall have available for the Director upon request the name of the trainer and
records of the employee's annual trainings.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.920 - Required for Seepage/Sewage Pumping Vehicle.
No person shall operate a sewage pumping vehicle without first making application and
securing a license from the Director.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.930 - Application and Issuance Conditions.
A. Applications for seepage/sewage pumping vehicles shall be made on forms provided for
that purpose by the Director. All applicable fees, shall be paid at the time of the
application.
B. The application shall include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the year and make of
vehicle, the vehicle license number, the tank capacity, the owner information, the location
where the vehicle shall be stored, and any other data required by the Director.
C. Upon receipt of an application, the Director shall make an inspection of the
seepage/sewage pumping vehicle. If the applicant has complied with all applicable laws
and regulations, and the vehicle meets the requirements of the inspection, the Director
shall approve the application, and issue an annual license.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.940 - Suspension and Revocation of License.
The Director may suspend or revoke the license of an operator of one (1) or more
seepage/sewage pumping vehicles or the license of an individual seepage/sewage pumping
vehicle.
The Director may suspend or revoke a license issued to an operator of one (1) or more
sewage pumping vehicle for any of the following violations:
A. Discharge of sewage or the contents of one (1) or more trucks in a location other than one
approved by the Director.
B. Failure to submit quarterly reports identifying all of the locations serviced and where the
contents of the truck were discharged.
C. Failure to report locations that evidence conditions of a failing OWTS, a cesspool, or an
earthen pit privy.
C-81
The Director may suspend or revoke a license issued to a sewage pumping vehicle for
violations of this code, including, leakage of sewage from the tank, valves, piping, or other
equipment that may discharge to the ground surface.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.950 - Identification of Vehicle.
Seepage/sewage pumping vehicles shall be identified with the business name, City, State, Zip
Code and phone number on both sides of vehicle. The business name shall be in letters and
numbers at least three (3) inches in height, additional information shall be at least one (1) inch
in height and all letters and numbers shall be of a color contrasting to the vehicle. The public
health registration number shall be located on the rear of the vehicle in letters and numbers at
least three (3) inches high and of a color contrasting to the vehicle.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.960 - Construction of Seepage/Sewage Cleaning Vehicle.
A seepage/sewage pumping vehicle shall be constructed and maintained at all times with the
following components in good working order:
A. A water tight tank, valves, piping, pumps and equipment maintained free from leakage.
B. A hose for flushing contaminated areas.
C. A quick release valve on the discharge outlet.
D. A metal sleeve or other suitable device provided to reach from discharge outlet to
manhole.
E. Tight fitting covers for tank openings.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.970 - Seepage/Sewage Pumping Vehicle Operation Requirements.
A. All contents of the sewage holding tank shall be deposited in an approved County
Sanitation District location or at a location approved by the Director.
B. Personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and boots shall be provided to all
employees working with sewage or septage.
C. A sewage spill kit shall be maintained on the vehicle for use in cleaning-up any sewage
spills. The sewage spill kit shall contain at a minimum:
1. Containment barriers to prevent the spill from entering a storm drain.
2. Absorbent material.
C-82
3. A shovel.
4. Garbage bags.
5. Liquid disinfectant and powdered lime.
D. The vehicle registration shall be maintained on the vehicle.
E. The vehicle exterior shall be maintained free of sewage or other waste material.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
11.38.980 - Seepage/Sewage Pumping Vehicle Service Reports.
A. Seepage/sewage pumping vehicles are required to file with the Director a quarterly report
specifying all of the following:
1. The name and address of the owner or tenant of each and every one of the premises
where a septic tank, cesspool, or sewage seepage pit has been cleaned out by the
registrant, his or her employees, or by others on his or her behalf and the date of each
cleaning.
2. The location where the cleanings are disposed of.
3. Discharges of waste that may result in violation of laws or ordinances required to be
known by the registrant pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 117420.
B. OWTS showing symptoms of failure must be reported to the Director within twenty-four
(24) hours of pumping. Factors evidencing a failing OWTS are identified in Section
11.38.042.
(Ord. 2018-0037 § 32, 2018.)
C-83
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
AND
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
REGARDING ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 15, 2019
I. RECITALS
WHEREAS, the State of California adopted Assembly Bill 885 in September 2000, to require the State
Water Resources Control Board to adopt specific regulations or standards for the permitting and
operation of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).
WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the Water Quality Control Policy for
Siting, Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS Policy)
on June 19, 2012 and it became effective on May 13, 2013.
WHEREAS, the OWTS Policy establishes a Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for
OWTS systems meeting the criteria of the OWTS Policy.
WHEREAS, the OWTS Policy establishes low risk siting and design requirements for OWTS subject to
the OWTS Policy and authorizes local agencies to submit a Local Agency Management Program
(LAMP) to the Regional Water Quality Control Board for approval of alternate methods of siting and
design to achieve the same purpose.
WHEREAS, the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards, upon mutual agreement, may
designate one Regional Water Quality Control Board to regulate a person or entity that is under the
jurisdiction of two or more Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Water Code Section 13228).
WHEREAS, the OWTS Policy Section 4.3 states that the Regional Water Quality Control Board
designated in Attachment 3 of the OWTS Policy shall review, and if appropriate, approve a LAMP
submitted by a local agency pursuant to Tier 2 in the OWTS Policy.
WHEREAS, Attachment 3 of the OWTS Policy identifies the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality
Control Board as the designated Regional Water Quality Control Board for purposes of reviewing
and, if appropriate, approving a LAMP submitted by a local agency.
WHEREAS, the County of Los Angeles (County), through the Department of Public Health (DPH),
operates a program for the approval of the siting, design, operation and maintenance of OWTS for
individual residences within its Environmental Health Division and has adequate staffing and
technical knowledge to meet the requirements of the OWTS Policy.
WHEREAS, the County, through DPH, has prepared and submitted a LAMP to the Los Angeles
Regional Water Quality Control Board for approval.
D-1
WHEREAS, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has reviewed the County’s LAMP,
determined that it meets the requirements of the OWTS Policy, approved the County’s LAMP on
October 2, 2018, for those areas within the jurisdiction of both the Los Angeles and Lahontan
Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and as a result has granted a Conditional Waiver of Waste
Discharge Requirements for all OWTS complying with the LAMP.
WHEREAS, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Ordinance # 2018-0037 to
implement the requirements of the LAMP on October 2, 2018.
WHEREAS, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors delegated authority to the Director of Public
Health to enter into agreements with local jurisdictions to provide services under the LAMP.
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (City) has existing OWTS and areas without access to a
public sewer system.
WHEREAS, both the County and the City are desirous of protecting the public’s health and the
quality of groundwater within the City.
NOW THEREFORE THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AND THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
II. DESIGNATION AND AGREEMENT
1. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this
agreement.
2. The City designates the County as the Qualified Local Agency (QLA) and the County accepts
the designation for the implementation of the County’s approved LAMP for the siting,
design, operation, and maintenance of certain OWTS within the City’s incorporated area.
3. The City and County agree that (i) the County Health and Safety Code, Title 11, Chapter 38,
(ii) the Requirements and Procedures adopted by the Director of DPH and/or Health Officer
of the County, and (iii) the County Plumbing Code will govern the applicable siting, design,
operation, and maintenance of OWTS within the City. The City will adopt the County's
ordinance governing OWTS into the City's municipal code by ordinance.
4. The agreement shall be effective upon the date that the City adopts County Ordinance #
2018-0037 into its municipal code and shall be in effect until terminated by either party in
accordance with Section V of this agreement.
III. APPLICABILITY
1. OWTS subject to this agreement shall consist of those OWTS within the jurisdiction of the
City that generate 10,000 gallons per day or less of domestic wastewater (as that term is
defined in Section 1.0 of the OWTS Policy), that dispose of wastewater below the ground
surface, that is generated from single family residences, multi-family residences, commercial
buildings where the wastewater is from domestic sources (i.e., toilets, urinals, bathtubs,
showers, dishwashing facilities, laundry washing, and garbage disposals), buildings which are
D-2
a combination of commercial and residential, and commercial food service buildings with a
properly functioning grease interceptor and wastewater with a Biological Oxygen Demand
(BOD) of 900 mg/L or less.
2. This agreement shall not apply to any other OWTS within the incorporated area of the City,
including those that:
a) Generate more than 10,000 gallons per day;
b) Discharge high strength wastewater, other than commercial food service
buildings meeting the above requirements;
c) Are commercial food service buildings, other than those meeting the above
requirements;
d) Generate industrial wastewater;
e) Accept wastewater from Recreational Vehicles;
f) Utilize methods to dispose of wastewater above ground;
g) Treat and reuse wastewater onsite for non-potable uses.
3. Nothing in this agreement shall diminish or affect the ability of the City to exercise its
authority through the Plumbing Code to regulate the type, siting, design and installation,
for those OWTS that are exempt from this agreement operating within the incorporated
area of the City. Issuance of a Waste Discharge Requirement or other permit by a Regional
Water Quality Control Board shall not constitute authorization for any person or entity to
construct, install, or operate any OWTS without City approval.
IV. GENERAL PROVISIONS
COUNTY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The County will notify the appropriate Regional Water Quality Control Board that the
City has entered an agreement to be regulated under the County’s LAMP.
2. The County will review all applications for new, replacement or repair of OWTS for siting
and design.
3. The County will review all applications for building permits where an OWTS is present
on the property to evaluate whether the proposed construction will impact the OWTS
by:
• Potentially increasing wastewater flows,
• Changing the strength of the wastewater,
• Impinging upon required setbacks of the OWTS, any of its components, or the
required 100% future expansion area.
4. The County shall provide the owner of the property or his/her representative with an
approval of the application, a detailed list of corrections needed to proceed with the
application, or a detailed reason why the project is unable to be approved. Projects that
the County determines may impact ground or surface water may be directed to file a
Report of Waste Discharge with the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
D-3
5. The County will maintain an inventory of all OWTS permitted within the City’s
incorporated area including OWTS Policy Tier, depth to groundwater, setback
information, and whether a non-conventional onsite wastewater treatment system
(NOWTS) was required.
6. The County will require an evaluation by a qualified professional of all OWTS and
NOWTS which are determined to be exhibiting signs of failure. The County will issue
compliance orders to owners of OWTS or NOWTS when a qualified professional
determines that the OWTS or NOWTS is in need of replacement or repair.
7. The County will issue an operating permit to all existing and new OWTS and NOWTS.
The County will maintain a database of all NOWTS, including dates on which the system
was serviced by a service technician and the results of any effluent testing performed by
a California certified laboratory, as required by the LAMP.
8. The County will license all Sewage Pumper Trucks that service OWTS within the City’s
jurisdiction.
9. The County will complete and submit an annual report by February 1 of each year
detailing the number, location, and description of permits issued for OWTS where a
variance is granted and assess the impact of OWTS discharges based on analysis of
water quality data, complaints, inspection results, monitoring data, and failures. Other
data outlined in the OWTS Policy, Section 9.32 will be reviewed if available.
10. The County will refer any violation of the City’s ordinance where the property owner has
failed to comply with the written directives of the Health Officer or his/her duly
authorized deputy to the City for legal enforcement.
11. The County may direct any property owner whose permit for a NOWTS is suspended or
revoked for failure to comply with the directives of the Health Officer to file a Report of
Waste Discharge with the Regional Water Quality Control Board. The County shall also
inform the Regional Water Quality Control Board that the property owner is no longer
operating under a Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements and is required
to file a Report of Waste Discharge.
CITY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The City will provide the County with a list of all known domestic OWTS, all OWTS with
septic tanks greater than 10,000 gallons, OWTS with probable high strength waste
streams, and cesspools within the City’s jurisdiction within 60 days of the effective date
of this agreement.
2. The City will annually provide the County with a list of properties where an existing
OWTS was decommissioned and the property connected to the public sewer.
3. The City shall notify the County whenever a new building with a NOWTS is issued a
Certificate of Occupancy.
D-4
4. The City shall refer any building permit application for a new building, remodel of an
existing building, repair of an existing OWTS, or construction of any building or
permanent structure which may impinge upon an OWTS or future expansion area to the
County. The City shall not issue a building permit for a project referred to the County
unless plans are first approved by the County.
5. For any OWTS project that does not meet the requirements outlined under Section III of
this agreement, the City shall require the owner of the property on which the OWTS
project is located to submit a Report of Waste Discharge (RWD) to the appropriate
Regional Water Quality Control Board before a Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR)
may be issued.
6. The City shall refer to the County any complaint alleging an OWTS is failing. The City
shall indicate whether the City desires to conduct a joint investigation of the complaint.
7. The City shall investigate any complaint alleging the construction or modification of any
OWTS in violation of City and/or County permitting requirements.
8. The City shall provide legal enforcement against any property owner who fails to comply
with the City’s ordinance or the written directives issued by the Health Officer or his/her
authorized deputy.
9. Upon cancellation of this agreement, the City shall comply with the requirements
outlined under Tier 1 of the OWTS Policy until the Regional Water Quality Control Board
has approved a LAMP authorizing the City to use alternative requirements. If, as a result
of cancellation of this agreement, the Regional Water Quality Control Board determines
that a WDR is required for existing NOWTS, the City shall be responsible for notifying
the owner of each property on which the NOWTS is located. Additionally, the City shall
direct the affected property owner to obtain a WDR.
10. By December 31st of each year, the City shall provide the County with surface or
groundwater quality monitoring data for nitrates and pathogens that may be useful in
the County’s annual Water Quality Assessment Program. The data may be collected by
the City as part of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit
requirements, a City operated water utility, or other monitoring program.
V. INSURANCE
1. The parties are self-insured public entities for purposes of Professional Liability, General
Liability, and Worker’s Compensation. The parties warrant that through their programs
of self-insurance, they have adequate Professional Liability, General Liability and
Workers’ Compensation to provide coverage for liabilities arising out of the parties’
performance of this agreement.
VI. TERM AND TERMINATION
D-5
1. The City may terminate this agreement, with or without cause, upon ninety (90) days
written notice. The City shall send all notices related to this agreement to:
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health - Environmental Health
Division
Director of Environmental Protection Branch
5050 Commerce Drive
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
2. The County may terminate this agreement, with or without cause, upon ninety (90) days
written notice from the Director of Public Health to the City. The County shall send all
notices related to this agreement to:
City of Rancho Palos Verdes – Community Development Department
30940 Hawthorne Blvd
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
3. Upon termination of this agreement, the City shall become responsible for enforcement
of the OWTS Policy within its jurisdiction.
4. In addition to the above, in the event that the State Water Board adopts new
regulations regarding OWTS, the County may, at its discretion terminate this agreement
upon the effective date of the new regulations. Alternatively, the City and County may,
upon their mutual agreement, amend this agreement to include the new regulations.
AUTHORIZING SIGNATURES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Each of the Members hereto have caused this agreement to be executed and
attested by its duly authorized officers as of the dates set forth below.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes
By: ___________________________ Date: ____________________
Doug Wilmore, City Manager
Attest: Approved as to Form:
By:__________________________ By:_________________________________
Emily Colborn, City Clerk [NAME, TITLE]
D-6
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health
By: __________________________ Date:____________________
Angelo Bellomo, Deputy Director, Bureau of Health Protection
Approved as to Form:
By: __________________________ Date:____________________
[NAME, TITLE]
D-7
Existing Sewer Lines
Areas of the City
with no sewer
connection
Areas of the City
with no sewer
connection
E-1
Areas of the City
with no sewer
connection
E-2
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Land Use Program
5(}50 Commerce Drive, &;ildwin Pill'k, CA 91706
• Telephooe (626) 430-5>80 • h ap /Jpubf1cb0 a /!b jKOUnty "9Y 'g b , EP /l u l!u m j![Q Dr m PIHClll
ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM (OWTS) REVIEW SERVICE FEES
ONSITT WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM -TYPE OF SERVICE
U p<..;.ct. r • C<lmflld:d Buildinf and~....., ll£Rrnl Fa<lll, _. ~ (1'111H o-Soie ). ~-.. (l'taM<>-Solcj
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Ll 4301 Conventio nal Wastewater Treatment System
11.E ED OOOJ"'91'TS (incuk. 11<a an: ....i t oa ta ~ Fe <i!lllity part. T-~ Proor at <t!" sc..irat
[ J 4302 No n-C onventional Wastewater Treatment System
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SYSTEM EVA LU ATI ON
C-1 4303 Without Verification of Prior System Approva l
RE®lllED OOCUM~ liname, DUl ere nut limital 11>): T"'* Spccnanion:. System E~ by Li~~
L1 4304 With Verffication of Prior System Approval
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contrKtDr !if =r;t:n is mllft ttlllft u years Did )
POST-COASTAL COMM ISSION APPROVAL
fl 4305 Conventional or Non-Conventional Wastewater Treatment System
REQUI RED DOC\AllEHTS (mca.cc. our ·~ ngt
PRE-COASTAL COMMISSION APPROVAL
I I 4306 Conventional Wastewater Treatment System
C 1 4307 Non-Conventional Wastewater Treatment System
ADDITIONAL REVIEW and/or INSPECTION
FEE
$1528.00
$1986.00
$522.00
$447.00
$451.00
$1528.00
$1936.00
l I 7422 EHS Ill/ EHS IV Hou r ly Rate NO. OF HOURS: ___ X $167.00/HR
le 5 Third pr') SUDm<ttm. Site ~. AW roved Plmo EmnsiDn lle'oliew, etc.)
r I 7422 Gra ywater Dispersion Field/ Percolation Evaluation
AppliG1tions are nontransfBable. Allow twenty {201 business days for wort pl<in review and response
Field personnel cannot accept payments. DO NOT SEND CASH.
Make checks or money order payable to:
LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT Of PUBLIC HEALTH
WORK SITE ADDRESS
CITY I ZIP/PARCEL (APN) #
EMAIL CORRESPONDANCE TO
Chris Gibson
(661) 287-701.11 --... -, .. ______ -~
f'OR OFRa U5E ONLY
llimn iio Girm•
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Sii RECD SY /DA TE RECD:
ICeotndll M9tti-. PA 'l'MENT REC'D BV / DATE RECD:
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~ left'enorl 04ECIC NO.:
(BUI) 1181>-:MlD
riieft'er.son"Dt1 lacountv •ov
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Environmental Health
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh
INVOICE ll:
$334.00
·. · l,t: i-iiiliiciiB81111
F-1