Application.
A written request on specified documents and providing specified required information as to the design and ownership of the individual sewage disposal system.
Individual sewage disposal system.
A sewage disposal system other than a public or community system which receives either human excreta or liquid waste, or both, from one premises. This shall apply to all household or designated commercial liquid waste. Included within the scope of this definition are septic tank/soil absorption systems, privies, and chemical-type toilets, and such other types as may be prescribed in regulations by the health office.
Permit.
A written permit issued by the health officer, permitting the construction of an individual sewage disposal system under this article.
Person.
Any institution, public or private corporation, individual, partnership, or other entity.
(1995 Code, sec. 17-34)
This article shall apply to all individual sewage disposal systems within the legal boundaries of the city and to all properties, homes, or other establishments serviced by the city water system. It is not the intent of this article to require the enlargement or replacement of all existing systems. However, failing or inadequate systems shall be improved in a manner acceptable to the health officer. Such improvements shall require the issuance of a valid permit.
(1995 Code, sec. 17-35)
Individual sewage disposal systems shall be subject to standards, rules and regulations, licensing and registration of the state department of health. Such regulations establish such minimum standards as will ensure that the waste discharged to various individual sewage disposal systems:
(1) 
Does not contaminate any drinking water supply, well, or transmission facilities;
(2) 
Is not accessible to insects, rodents, or other possible carriers of disease which may come into contact with food or drinking water;
(3) 
Does not pollute or contaminate in any way the waters of any stream, pond, or lake;
(4) 
Is not a health hazard by being accessible to the public;
(5) 
Does not give rise to a nuisance due to odor, unsightly appearance, or other unsanitary conditions; or
(6) 
Will not violate any local, state, or federal laws or regulations governing water pollution or sewage disposal.
(1995 Code, sec. 17-36)
It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, alter, or extend individual sewage disposal systems within the city unless he holds a valid permit as required by the state department of health for the specific construction, alteration, or extension proposed. The permit to install an individual sewage disposal system shall be in addition to any required building permits, and shall be applied for at least thirty (30) days prior to the anticipated start of construction.
(1995 Code, sec. 17-37)
(a) 
The state department of health is hereby authorized and directed to make such inspections as are necessary to determine satisfactory compliance with this article and the regulations promulgated hereunder.
(b) 
It shall be the duty of the owner or occupant of a property to give the state department of health free access to the property at reasonable times for the purpose of making such inspections as are necessary to determine compliance with the requirements of this article and regulations promulgated hereunder.
(1995 Code, sec. 17-38)
(a) 
The owner of the individual sewage disposal system shall provide all required service to keep that system operable and in compliance with the provisions of this article at all times.
(b) 
Required service shall include, but shall not be limited to, periodic tank cleaning, replacement of defective tanks or laterals, and extension of inadequate lateral systems.
(1995 Code, sec. 17-40)
(a) 
Except as provided below, an on-site sewage disposal system may not be required to comply with the design, construction, and installation requirements of this article if the on-site sewage disposal system:
(1) 
Is installed before September 1, 1987, if no significant increase in its use has occurred; or
(2) 
Received approval for construction from a legally authorized licensing authority before September 1, 1987.
(b) 
If the state department of health or its authorized agent determiners that an on-site sewage disposal system installed before September 1, 1987, of this section is a nuisance under chapter 178, Acts of the 49th Legislature, 1945 (V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code), the on-site sewage disposal system must comply with V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code, chapter 366, and applicable rules adopted under that article to abate the nuisance.
(1995 Code, sec. 17-41)