13.12.060 Sewer maintenance regulations.
(1) Notice of Inoperative or Inadequate Condition. Where it is determined by the Director that a side sewer is obstructed, broken, inoperative or inadequate and is a menace to health, or is liable to cause damage to public or private property, the Director shall give notice to the owner, agent or occupant of the property in which such condition exists. If the owner, agent or occupant refuses to reconstruct, relay, reconnect, repair or remove the obstruction of the side sewer within the time limit specified in such notice, the Director may perform such work as may be necessary to comply with this section. The cost of such work done by the Director shall be charged to the property owner and shall become immediately payable to the County upon written notice of such amount being given to the property owner or posted upon the premises.
(2) Use of Existing Side Sewers. Where a new or converted building or new installation replaces an old one, an application shall be submitted and a permit issued pursuant to the provisions of CCC 13.12.040. The use of an existing side sewer will be allowed when approved by the Director as conforming to all requirements of this chapter. No new connection fee will be required, unless the new building or installation requires an increase in the water meter size.
(3) Backwater Sewage Valves.
(a) In any building, structure or premises in which the plumbing outlets or other facilities are too low in elevation as determined by the Director to permit gravity flow to the public sewer system, wastewater shall be lifted mechanically and discharged into the public sewer.
(b) Whenever a situation exists involving the danger of backups of sewage or drainage from the public sewer system, the Director may prescribe a minimum elevation at which the plumbing outlet or side sewer may be discharged to the public sewer system. Wastewater from drains or side sewers below such minimum elevations shall be lifted mechanically to an elevation determined by the Director, or if approved by the Director, a backwater sewage valve may be installed provided the property owner shall record with the Department an instrument as described in CCC 13.12.080(4). The effective operation of the backwater sewage valve shall be the responsibility of the owner of the sewer or drain.
(4) Unlawful to Plant Certain Vegetation. It is unlawful to plant within 30 feet of any sanitary sewer or side sewer any tree or shrub whose roots are likely to enter and obstruct the flow of the sewers, for example specifically banned for planting within this 30-foot buffer are willows, poplars, cottonwoods, soft maples, and gum trees.