HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust Special Meeting Packet 0
Kittitas County
Public Health
Department
To Protect and Promote the Health and the Environment of the People of Kittitas County
BOARD OF HEALTH SPECIAL MEETING
AGENDA
Thursday,August 14, 2025
Commissioners'Auditorium and WebEx
1:30pm
Joint BOCC/BOH Public Hearing to consider proposed revisions to Kittitas County Code 13.08.080.
Citizen Comments
Introduction of Guests
Department Updates
None
Other Business
■ Request to Schedule a Joint BOH/BOCC Public Hearing to Consider the addition of
Passport fees to the 2025 KCPHD Fee Schedule on September 18,2025(5 minutes)
Conclude
1
6/25/25,2:38 PM newspaper-text(1).html
Public Notice
Kittitas County, Ellensburg WA
Notice is hereby given that a joint public hearing will be held by the Board of County Commissioners(BOCC) and the
Board of Health on Thursday August 14, 2025, at 1:30 pm, in the Commissioners Auditorium at 205 W 5th Ave, Ellensburg,
Washington, to consider code revisions for Kittitas County Code 13.08.080. The proposed revision will align county code
with current state standards/regulations and available treatment options.
Anyone with an interest in this matter is urged to attend said hearing where all testimony will be taken. Written comments
may be received at 507 N Nanum Street, Suite 102, Ellensburg,WA 98926 or 205 W 5th Ave. STE 108,Ellensburg,WA
98926 at or prior to the hearing.
For more information, please contact Kittitas County Public Health Department at 509-962-7515.
Kittitas County complies with all ADA requirements.
Clerk of the Boa
Publish:
Daily Record: 07/31/25 and 08/07/25
North Kittitas County Tribune: 07/31/25 and 08/07/25
file:///C:/Users/Candi.blackford/Downloads/newspaper-text(1).html 2 1/1
KITTITAS COUNTY
JOINT BOARD OF HEALTH / BOCC
STAFF REPORT
Public Health Office
BOARD OF HEALTH DATE: 8/14/2025
TOPIC: Public Hearing-Revisions to KCC Chapter 13.08.080
ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt Changes to KCC Chapter 13.08.080
LEAD STAFF: Jesse Cox, Environmental Health Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend that the Board of Health adopt the proposed revisions to Kittitas County
Code Chapter 13.08.080 related to groundwater levels and septic system suitability in
new plats.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
This public hearing has been set to receive comment and consider the adoption of updates
to Kittitas County Code Chapter 13.08.080. The current language does not reflect
advances in on-site sewage treatment technologies that are capable of operating safely in
areas with higher groundwater levels. The proposed amendments align local code with
current Washington State Department of Health standards and will improve regulatory
flexibility while maintaining strong public health and environmental protections.
BACKGROUND:
Kittitas County Code Chapter 13.08.080 establishes criteria for evaluating groundwater
levels when determining septic system suitability for new subdivisions and plats. The
existing code is based on legacy technologies and assumptions that do not account for
modern alternative septic systems now permitted by the state.
Recent developments in treatment technologies particularly those capable of functioning
in areas with higher seasonal groundwater have significantly expanded viable options for
wastewater management. However, the current code lacks provisions that accommodate
these systems, potentially limiting appropriate land development in areas where public
health can still be protected through engineered solutions.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed code changes to KCC 13.08.080 allow for the use of advanced on-site
sewage systems in cases where groundwater levels would currently result in plat denial
under outdated criteria. These systems are vetted by the Washington State Department of
Health and have demonstrated efficacy and safety in similar environmental conditions
across the state.
Page 1 of 2
3
Adopting these amendments will bring Kittitas County in line with statewide practices
and enable property owners to utilize modern, code-compliant systems that protect
environmental and public health. The revisions also streamline internal review processes
and reduce unnecessary limitations on property development where appropriate
technologies are available.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
None
ATTACHMENTS: Redline Draft revisions to KCC 13.08.080
Legal consultation?Reviewed and Approved 7/7/2025 : Legal Request#N/A
Finance consulted?N/A
Page 2 of 2
4
Chapter 13.04*
ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Sections
13.04.010 State regulations adopted by reference.
*Chapter 13.04 was re-written and replaced in its entirety by Ord. 2024-007, 2024 and Ord.
2024-008, 2024.
Prior ordinance history for Chapter 13.04: Ord. 2022-007, 2022;Vol. 6, p. 697 § 1-27, 1979.
13.04.010 State regulations adopted by reference.
The Washington State Administrative Code Relatingto On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems
(WAC 246-272A) is adopted by reference. (Ord,202_4-008, 2024; Ord. 2024-007, 2024)
4_J
Chapter 13.08
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS IN PLATS
Sections
13.08.010 Plats- Filing fees.
13.08.020 Preliminary plat map and preliminary application submission.
13.08.030 Preliminary plat map - Data required.
13.08.040 Soil logs- Number and depth.
13.08.050 Use with community water supply- Lot area.
13.08.060 Lots below minimum area - Public system required.
13.08.070 Wells and septic tanks on same lot- Lot size.
13.08.080 Low mean ground water level unacceptable.
13.08.090 Recording plat- Conditions precedent.
13.08.010 Plats-Filing fees.
Plats submitted to the health department with homes to be connected to septic tanks and
drain fields require a filing fee of one dollar per lot. For plats with homes to be connected to
sewers with one hundred lots or less,the fee is fifty cents per lot; one hundred lots or more,
the maximum fee is fifty dollars.The fee is payable to the county health department and
must be paid at the time of submitting the subdivision map for consideration. (Res. 72-69
Reg. 11 § 1, 1972).
13.08.020 Preliminary plat map and preliminary application submission.
Preliminary plat map and preliminary application shall be submitted to the health
5
department on or before the same deadline date as required bythe planning commission.
(Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §2, 1972).
13.08.030 Preliminary plat map-Data required.
Each preliminary plat map shall show the contour lines and approximate location of soil log
holes.These holes must be flagged for easy location. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 3, 1972).
13.08.040 Soil logs- Number and depth.
A minimum of one soil log for each five acres shall be dug to a depth of seven feet. (Use
separate sheet to report data.)This work shall be done by a-soiltester-designer licensed in
Kittitas County. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §4, 1972).
13.08.050 Use with community water supply- Lot area.
When a private septic tank system is planned in conjunction with a community water
system, each lot supporting a single-family dwelling shall have a minimum of twenty-two
thousand square feet (approximately one-half acre). (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 5, 1972).
13.08.060 Lots below minimum area- Public system required.
Any lot less than twenty-two thousand square feet (approximately one-half acre) must be
serviced by an active public sewer system or other sewage disposal system approved by
the health department. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 6, 1972).
13.08.070 Wells and septic tanks on same lot- Lot size.
The minimum lot size shall be forty-three thousand five hundred sixty square feet
(approximately one acre)where individual wells and septic tank systems are located on the
same lot. Exception to this requirement shall be limited to zoning districts which allow one
residential lot per gross acre in a platted subdivision. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §7, 1972).
13.08.080 Low mean ground water level unacceptable.
Ai"�vb h m e h tF��t� rbt� �i t s
t �J_C1�Otth at
have l_ow meal gr iri-d water_lemeLs lass th Qur feet from totej-Q-p-_ottbie_gn h a 11 n Mt
be-cor�sidered ati�actoryfor indiyiduaLu age -MM _�LnL ttleNealtfi
0ffic.er ahtains detajle-d-sWeplansDsd-appr..oved Q_S_S des.ign_s,Rrior-t4 fi�P l o
subdivisions prorosaIs to mitigate_r_Is s
13.08.090 Recording plat-Conditions precedent.
Prior to recording of a plat, the following shall apply:
1. Where public water is available within one-half mile or less of any proposed plat,
water shall be provided by this means. A letter from the water district, city or other
6
stating that arrangements have been made to supply the plat must be attached.This
provision shall not apply to the Airport Overlay.
2. When a community water supply is to be provided, detailed drawings of a water
distribution system shall be submitted. Awell shall be constructed, a pump and
storage tank shall be installed, and a letter from the Washington State Department
of Health stating that plans and specifications have been approved shall be
attached.
3. When an individual well is to be constructed on each lot,well sites shall be located
on the plat map.
4. There shall be one soil log hole to a depth of forty-eight inches on each tot located in
the approximate drainfield area.When percolation tests are requested (use
separate sheet),test holes must be at a depth of thirty-six inches. Larger lot sizes
may be required when percolation rates are over twenty minutes per inch.This work
shalt be done by a registered engineer or licensed designer.
5. Where septic tanks are to be used, there shall be a minimum depth of three feet of
porous soil above hardpan, clay, or ground water. Fill material more than eighteen
inches shall require approval by the health department. Each test hole shall be
clearly marked for easy identification by a stick or flag. If the test holes cannot be
properly identified, it may result in the plat not being considered for recording.
6. If natural growth prevents the health department from making an adequate
evaluation of the proposed plat,then clearing and grubbing may be specified for
those areas of the plat that are in question.
7. Lots must be numbered and staked.
8. Submit a copy of the final linen that will be filed for recording.
9. Notify this department seven days prior to date of recording for a site inspection.
10. It is the design engineer's responsibility to see that the sponsor or owner has
complied with the above items pertinent to recording his plat, before the health
department can give approval to the planning department for acceptance.
11.Any variances from the platting requirements of this regulation shall require
approval by the health officer prior to submission for platting. (Ord. 2019-013, 2019;
Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 9, 1972).
Chapter 13.04*
ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Sections
13.04.010 State regulations adopted by reference.
*Chapter 13.04 was re-written and replaced in its entirety by Ord. 2024-007, 2024 and Ord.
2024-008, 2024.
Prior ordinance history for Chapter 13.04: Ord. 2022-007, 2022;Vol. 6, p. 697§ 1-27, 1979.
13.04.010 State regulations adopted by reference.
The Washington State Administrative Code Relating to On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems
(WAC 246-272A) is adopted by reference. (0ru. 2,0) - ['ray;, 2024; Ord. 2024-007, 2024)
Chapter 13.08
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS IN PLATS
Sections
13.08.010 Plats- Filing fees.
13.08.020 Preliminary plat map and preliminary application submission.
13.08.030 Preliminary plat map- Data required.
13.08.040 Soil logs- Number and depth.
13.08.050 Use with community water supply- Lot area.
13.08.060 Lots below minimum area - Public system required.
13.08.070 Wells and septic tanks on same lot- Lot size.
13.08.080 Low mean ground water level unacceptable.
13.08.090 Recording plat-Conditions precedent.
13.08.010 Plats- Filing fees.
Plats submitted to the health department with homes to be connected to septic tanks and
drain fields require a filing fee of one dollar per lot. For plats with homes to be connected to
sewers with one hundred lots or less, the fee is fifty cents per lot; one hundred lots or more,
the maximum fee is fifty dollars.The fee is payable to the county health department and
must be paid at the time of submitting the subdivision map for consideration. (Res. 72-69
Reg. 11 § 1, 1972).
13.08.020 Preliminary plat map and preliminary application submission.
Preliminary plat map and preliminary application shall be submitted to the health
8
department on or before the same deadline date as required by the planning commission.
(Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §2, 1972).
13.08.030 Preliminary plat map- Data required.
Each preliminary plat map shall show the contour lines and approximate location of soil log
holes.These holes must be flagged for easy location. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §3, 1972).
13.08.040 Soil logs-Number and depth.
A minimum of one soil log for each five acres shall be dug to a depth of seven feet. (Use
separate sheet to report data.)This work shall be done by a soil tester-designer licensed in
Kittitas County. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §4, 1972).
13.08.050 Use with community water supply- Lot area.
When a private septic tank system is planned in conjunction with a communitywater
system, each lot supporting a single-family dwelling shall have a minimum of twenty-two
thousand square feet(approximately one-half acre). (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §5, 1972).
13.08.060 Lots below minimum area-Public system required.
Any lot less than twenty-two thousand square feet(approximately one-half acre) must be
serviced by an active public sewer system or other sewage disposal system approved by
the health department. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 6, 1972).
13.08.070 Wells and septic tanks on same lot-Lot size.
The minimum lot size shall be forty-three thousand five hundred sixty square feet
(approximately one acre)where individual wells and septic tank systems are located on the
same lot. Exception to this requirement shall be limited to zoning districts which allow one
residential lot per gross acre in a platted subdivision. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §7, 1972).
13.08.080 Low mean ground water level unacceptable.
In lots that have low mean ground water levels less than four feet from the top of the
ground shall not be considered satisfactory for individual sewage disposal systems unless
the Health Officer obtains detailed site plans and approved OSS designs prior to final
approval of subdivisions proposals to mitigate risks
13.08.090 Recording plat-Conditions precedent.
Prior to recording of a plat,the following shall apply:
1. Where public water is available within one-half mile or less of any proposed plat,
water shall be provided by this means. A letter from the water district, city or other
stating that arrangements have been made to supply the plat must be attached.This
provision shall not apply to the Airport Overlay.
9
2. When a community water supply is to be provided, detailed drawings of a water
distribution system shall be submitted. Awell shall be constructed, a pump and
storage tank shall be installed, and a letter from the Washington State Department
of Health stating that plans and specifications have been approved shall be
attached.
3. When an individual well is to be constructed on each lot,well sites shall be located
on the plat map.
4. There shall be one soil log hole to a depth of forty-eight inches on each lot located in
the approximate drainfield area.When percolation tests are requested (use
separate sheet),test holes must be at a depth of thirty-six inches. Larger lot sizes
may be required when percolation rates are over twenty minutes per inch.This work
shall be done by a registered engineer or licensed designer.
5. Where septic tanks are to be used,there shall be a minimum depth of three feet of
porous soil above hardpan, clay, or ground water. Fill material more than eighteen
inches shall require approval by the health department. Each test hole shall be
clearly marked for easy identification by a stick or flag. If the test holes cannot be
properly identified, it may result in the plat not being considered for recording.
6. If natural growth prevents the health department from making an adequate
evaluation of the proposed plat,then clearing and grubbing may be specified for
those areas of the plat that are in question.
7. Lots must be numbered and staked.
8. Submit a copy of the final linen that will be filed for recording.
9. Notify this department seven days prior to date of recording for a site inspection.
10.It is the design engineer's responsibility to see that the sponsor or owner has
complied with the above items pertinent to recording his plat, before the health
department can give approval to the planning department for acceptance.
11.Any variances from the platting requirements of this regulation shall require
approval by the health officer prior to submission for platting. (Ord. 2019-013, 2019;
Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 9, 1972).
10
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF KITTITAS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. 2025 -
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTERS 13.08 OF THE KITTITAS COUNTY CODE
WHEREAS: the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) hereby adopts this
Ordinance pursuant to and by the authority of Chapter 70.05 of the
Revised Code of Washington and Article 11, § 11 of the Washington
Constitution to enact regulatory measures to preserve, promote, and
improve the public health; and
WHEREAS: the purpose of this Ordinance is to provide for and promote the health,
safety, and welfare of the general public, and not to create or otherwise
establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or
should be especially protected or benefited by this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS: the provisions of this Ordinance shall be liberally construed for the
accomplishment of its purpose; and
WHEREAS: nothing contained in this Ordinance is intended to be nor shall be
construed to create or form the basis for any liability on the part of the
Board of Health, Kittitas County, or any of its officers, employees, or
agents, for any injury or damage resulting from the failure of any person
subject to Chapter 13.08 of the Kittitas County Code to comply with this
Ordinance, or by reason or in consequence of any act or omission in
connection with the implementation or enforcement of the above
referenced Chapter on the part of the Board of Health, Kittitas County, or
any of its officers, employees, or agents; and
WHEREAS: the BOCC wishes to update the County Code concerning Onsite Sewage
Disposal Systems and Solid Waste Disposal Sites; and
11
WHEREAS: a public hearing was held on August 14, 2025 and the public was provided
due notice and opportunity to provide testimony on the proposed
ordinance; and
WHEREAS: the BOCC believes that adopting this Ordinance would be in the best
interest of Kittitas County; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED: by the Board of Health of Kittitas County that
Chapter 13.08 of the Kittitas County Code be amended to read as follows:
Chapter 13.08
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS IN PLATS
Sections
1.3.08.01.0 Plats - Filing fees.
13.08.020 Preliminary plat map and preliminary application submission.
13_08.030 Preliminary plat map- Data required.
13.08.040 Soil logs - Number and depth.
1.3.08.050 Use with community water supply- Lot area.
13.08.060 Lots below minimum area - Public system required.
13.08.070 Wells and septic tanks on same lot- Lot size.
1.3.08._080 Low mean ground water level unacceptable.
13.08 090 Recording plat-Conditions precedent.
13.08.010 Plats- Filing fees.
Plats submitted to the health department with homes to be connected to septic tanks and
drain fields require a filing fee of one dollar per lot. For plats with homes to be connected to
sewers with one hundred lots or less,the fee is fifty cents per lot; one hundred lots or more,
the maximum fee is fifty dollars.The fee is payable to the county health department and
must be paid at the time of submitting the subdivision map for consideration. (Res. 72-69
Reg. 11 § 1, 1972).
13.08.020 Preliminary plat map and preliminary application submission.
Preliminary plat map and preliminary application shall be submitted to the health
department on or before the same deadline date as required by the planning commission.
(Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 2, 1972).
12
13.08.030 Preliminary plat map- Data required.
Each preliminary plat map shall show the contour lines and approximate location of soil log
holes.These holes must be flagged for easy location. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 3, 1972).
13.08.040 Soil logs- Number and depth.
A minimum of one soil log for each five acres shall be dug to a depth of seven feet. (Use
separate sheet to report data.)This work shall be done by a soil tester-designer licensed in
Kittitas County. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §4, 1972).
13.08.050 Use with community water supply- Lot area.
When a private septic tank system is planned in conjunction with a community water
system, each lot supporting a single-family dwelling shall have a minimum of twenty-two
thousand square feet(approximately one-half acre). (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §5, 1972).
13.08.060 Lots below minimum area-Public system required.
Any lot less than twenty-two thousand square feet(approximately one-half acre) must be
serviced by an active public sewer system or other sewage disposal system approved by
the health department. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 6, 1972).
13.08.070 Wells and septic tanks on same lot- Lot size.
The minimum lot size shall be forty-three thousand five hundred sixty square feet
(approximately one acre)where individual wells and septic tank systems are located on the
same lot. Exception to this requirement shall be limited to zoning districts which allow one
residential lot per gross acre in a platted subdivision. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §7, 1972).
13.08.080 Low mean ground water level unacceptable.
In lots that have low mean ground water levels less than four feet from the top of the
ground shall not be considered satisfactory for individual sewage disposal systems unless
the Health Officer obtains detailed site plans and approved OSS designs prior to final
approval of subdivisions proposals to mitigate risks
13.08.090 Recording plat-Conditions precedent.
Prior to recording of a plat,the following shall apply:
1. Where public water is available within one-half mile or less of any proposed plat,
water shall be provided by this means. A letter from the water district, city or other
stating that arrangements have been made to supply the plat must be attached.This
provision shall not apply to the Airport Overlay.
2. When a community water supply is to be provided, detailed drawings of a water
distribution system shall be submitted. A well shall be constructed, a pump and
storage tank shall be installed, and a letter from the Washington State Department
13
of Health stating that plans and specifications have been approved shall be
attached.
3. When an individual well is to be constructed on each lot,well sites shall be located
on the plat map.
4. There shall be one soil log hole to a depth of forty-eight inches on each lot located in
the approximate drainfield area.When percolation tests are requested (use
separate sheet), test holes must be at a depth of thirty-six inches. Larger lot sizes
may be required when percolation rates are over twenty minutes per inch.This work
shall be done by a registered engineer or licensed designer.
5. Where septic tanks are to be used,there shall be a minimum depth of three feet of
porous soil above hardpan, clay, or ground water. Fill material more than eighteen
inches shall require approval by the health department. Each test hole shall be
clearly marked for easy identification by a stick or flag. If the test holes cannot be
properly identified, it may result in the plat not being considered for recording.
6. If natural growth prevents the health department from making an adequate
evaluation of the proposed plat,then clearing and grubbing may be specified for
those areas of the plat that are in question.
7. Lots must be numbered and staked.
8. Submit a copy of the final linen that will be filed for recording.
9. Notify this department seven days prior to date of recording for a site inspection.
10. It is the design engineer's responsibility to see that the sponsor or owner has
complied with the above items pertinent to recording his plat, before the health
department can give approval to the planning department for acceptance.
11.Any variances from the platting requirements of this regulation shall require
approval by the health officer prior to submission for platting. (Ord. 2019-013, 2019;
Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 9, 1972).
14
ADOPTED this day of August 2025.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Commissioner Brett Wachsmith, Chairman
Commissioner Laura Osiadacz, Vice Chairman
Commissioner Cory Wright
ATTEST:
CLERK OF THE BOARD
❑ Julie Kjorsvik
❑ Mandy Buchholz
15
BOARD OF HEALTH
COUNTY OF KITTITAS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION
NO.: 2025-
A RESOLUTION TO RECOMMEND AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTERS 13.08 OF THE
KITTITAS COUNTY CODE
WHEREAS: the Board of Health of Kittitas County hereby recommends that the Board
of County Commissioners amend Chapters 13.08 of the Kittitas County
Code of Washington pursuant to and by the authority of Chapter 70.05 of
the Revised Code of Washington and Article 11, §11 of the Washington
Constitution to enact regulatory measures to preserve, promote, and
improve the public health; and
WHEREAS: the purpose of this Ordinance is to provide for and promote the health,
safety, and welfare of the general public, and not to create or otherwise
establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or
should be especially protected or benefited by this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS: the provisions of these amendments shall be liberally construed for the
accomplishment of its purpose; and
WHEREAS: nothing contained in these amendments is intended to be nor shall be
construed to create or form the basis for any liability on the part of the
Board of Health, Kittitas County, or any of its officers, employees, or
agents, for any injury or damage resulting from the failure of any person
subject to Chapter 13.08 of the Kittitas County Code to comply with this
Ordinance, or by reason or in consequence of any act or omission in
connection with the implementation or enforcement of the above
referenced Chapter on the part of the Board of Health, Kittitas County, or
any of its officers, employees, or agents; and
WHEREAS: the Board of Health finds it necessary to update and clarify regulations
governing the Drinking Water Systems in Kittitas County; and
16
WHEREAS: a public hearing was held on August 14, 2025 and the public was provided
due notice and opportunity to provide testimony on the proposed
ordinance; and
WHEREAS: the BOCC believes that adopting this Ordinance would be in the best
interest of Kittitas County; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED: by the Board of Health of Kittitas County that
Chapter section 13.08 of the Kittitas County Code be amended to read as follows:
Chapter 13.08
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS IN PLATS
Sections
1.3.080.3.C+ Plats - Filing fees.
13.08.020 Preliminary plat map and preliminary application submission.
13.08.030 Preliminary plat map- Data required.
13.08.040 Soil logs - Number and depth.
13.08.050 Use with community water supply- Lot area.
13.08.060 Lots below minimum area - Public system required.
13.08.070 Wells and septic tanks on same lot- Lot size.
13.08.080 Low mean ground water level unacceptable.
13.08.090 Recording plat-Conditions precedent.
13.08.010 Plats - Filing fees.
Plats submitted to the health department with homes to be connected to septic tanks and
drain fields require a filing fee of one dollar per lot. For plats with homes to be connected to
sewers with one hundred lots or less, the fee is fifty cents per lot; one hundred lots or more,
the maximum fee is fifty dollars.The fee is payable to the county health department and
must be paid at the time of submitting the subdivision map for consideration. (Res. 72-69
Reg. 11 § 1, 1972).
13.08.020 Preliminary plat map and preliminary application submission.
Preliminary plat map and preliminary application shall be submitted to the health
department on or before the same deadline date as required by the planning commission.
(Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §2, 1972).
17
13.08.030 Preliminary plat map-Data required.
Each preliminary plat map shall show the contour lines and approximate location of soil log
holes.These holes must be flagged for easy location. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 3, 1972).
13.08.040 Soil logs-Number and depth.
A minimum of one soil log for each five acres shall be dug to a depth of seven feet. (Use
separate sheet to report data.)This work shall be done by a soil tester-designer licensed in
Kittitas County. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 §4, 1972).
13.08.050 Use with communitywater supply-Lot area.
When a private septic tank system is planned in conjunction with a communitywater
system, each lot supporting a single-family dwelling shall have a minimum of twenty-two
thousand square feet(approximately one-half acre). (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 5, 1972).
13.08.060 Lots below minimum area- Public system required.
Any lot less than twenty-two thousand square feet(approximately one-half acre) must be
serviced by an active public sewer system or other sewage disposal system approved by
the health department. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 6, 1972).
13.08.070 Wells and septic tanks on same lot-Lot size.
The minimum lot size shall be forty-three thousand five hundred sixty square feet
(approximately one acre)where individual wells and septic tank systems are located on the
same lot. Exception to this requirement shall be limited to zoning districts which allow one
residential lot per gross acre in a platted subdivision. (Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 7, 1972).
13.08.080 Low mean ground water level unacceptable.
In lots that have low mean ground water levels less than four feet from the top of the
ground shall not be considered satisfactory for individual sewage disposal systems unless
the Health Officer obtains detailed site plans and approved OSS designs prior to final
approval of subdivisions proposals to mitigate risks.
13.08.090 Recording plat-Conditions precedent.
Prior to recording of a plat,the following shall apply:
1. Where public water is available within one-half mile or less of any proposed plat,
water shall be provided by this means.A letter from the water district, city or other
stating that arrangements have been made to supply the plat must be attached.This
provision shall not apply to the Airport Overlay.
2. When a community water supply is to be provided, detailed drawings of a water
distribution system shall be submitted.A well shall be constructed, a pump and
storage tank shall be installed, and a letter from the Washington State Department
18
of Health stating that plans and specifications have been approved shall be
attached.
3. When an individual well is to be constructed on each lot,well sites shall be located
on the plat map.
4. There shall be one soil log hole to a depth of forty-eight inches on each lot located in
the approximate drainfield area.When percolation tests are requested (use
separate sheet), test holes must be at a depth of thirty-six inches. Larger lot sizes
may be required when percolation rates are over twenty minutes per inch.This work
shall be done by a registered engineer or licensed designer.
5. Where septic tanks are to be used,there shall be a minimum depth of three feet of
porous soil above hardpan, clay, or ground water. Fill material more than eighteen
inches shall require approval by the health department. Each test hole shall be
clearly marked for easy identification by a stick or flag. If the test holes cannot be
properly identified, it may result in the plat not being considered for recording.
6. If natural growth prevents the health department from making an adequate
evaluation of the proposed plat, then clearing and grubbing may be specified for
those areas of the plat that are in question.
7. Lots must be numbered and staked.
8. Submit a copy of the final linen that will be filed for recording.
9. Notify this department seven days prior to date of recording for a site inspection.
10. It is the design engineer's responsibility to see that the sponsor or owner has
complied with the above items pertinent to recording his plat, before the health
department can give approval to the planning department for acceptance.
11.Any variances from the platting requirements of this regulation shall require
approval by the health officer prior to submission for platting. (Ord_. 2019=013, 2019;
Res. 72-69 Reg. 11 § 9, 1972).
19
ADOPTED this day of August 2025.
BOARD OF HEALTH
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Brett Wachsmith, Chair
Laura Osiadacz, Vice Chair
Cory Wright, Board Member
Danielle Berschi, Board Member
Lina Navarre, Board Member
Dede Utley, Board Member
ATTEST:
CLERK OF THE BOARD
❑ Julie Kjorsvik
❑ Mandy Buchholz
20
KITTITAS COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STAFF REPORT FOR
BOARD OF HEALTH
Public Health Office
BOARD OF HEALTH DATE: 08/14/2025
TOPIC: Request to schedule a joint BOH/BOCC Public Hearing for September 18,
2025
ACTION REQUESTED: BOH Approval
LEAD STAFF:
Audelia Martinez,Health Promotion Supervisor
RECOMMENDATION:
No action recommended at this time.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
The Kittitas County Public Health Department is requesting the Board of Health approve a joint
BOH/BOCC Public Hearing to consider the addition of Passport Fees to the Kittitas County
Public Health Fee Schedule.
BACKGROUND:
The Kittitas County Public Health Department has acquired the Passport Program this
summer. The department has had appropriate passport training in July. The last step to
the process is adding the fees to the fee schedule. If fees approved at the September 18,
2025 meeting the department will go live with the program September 22, 2025.
DISCUSSION:
n/a
FISCAL IMPACTS:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Legal consultation?n/a
Finance consulted?n/a
Page 1 of 1
Public Health Office"Study Session Staff Report", 12/23/2024
21