Santa Rosa County Commissioners during their Thursday, Oct. 9 meeting will host a public hearing on the proposed adoption of a local ordinance which would require citizens to convert from septic to sewer if/when such service is available.
The proposed ordinance reads that “Santa Rosa County finds that it is in the interest of the public to encourage the conversion of on-site septic systems to public sewer systems.”
Per the proposed ordinance, owners of a properly functioning septic systems must connect to sewer within 365 days after receiving notification that the service is available for connection.
By ordinance, the owner would have the option of prepaying the required connection charges (ex: tap fee) in equal monthly installments over a period not to exceed 2 years from the date of the initial notification of anticipated availability.
Additionally, if the existing septic system needs modification or repair, the owner would only have 90 days to connect to sewer. A “hardship” case could be considered upon request, and, if approved, could provide a 90-day extension for connection.
A violation of any provision of the ordinance would constitute a civil infraction punishable by a citation of up to $500 with “each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate violation.” Prior to issuing a citation, a code enforcement shall provide notice to person, that the person has committed a Violation of a code or ordinance shall establish a reasonable time period within which the person must correct Violation. Such time period shall be no more than thirty (30) days.
