Laserfiche WebLink
KITTITAS COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF HEALTH <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> Public Health Office <br /> BOARD OF HEALTH DATE: 6/16/2025 <br /> TOPIC: Request to set Public Hearing-Revisions to KCC Chapter 13.08.080 <br /> ACTION REQUESTED: Motion to Schedule a Joint BOH/BOCC Public Hearing to <br /> consider Revisions to KCC Chapter 13.08.080 on August <br /> 14, 2025 <br /> LEAD STAFF: Jesse Cox, Environmental Health Manager <br /> RECOMMENDATION: <br /> Staff recommend that the BOH set a joint public hearing to adopt code revisions for Kittitas <br /> County Code Chapter 13.8.080 <br /> BRIEFING SUMMARY: <br /> Staff are requesting that the Board of Health set a public hearing for August 14,2025,to receive <br /> comment on proposed updates to Kittitas County Code Chapter 13.08.080. The current code is <br /> outdated and does not reflect modern septic technologies that can safely function in areas with <br /> higher groundwater levels. The proposed revisions will align county regulations with current <br /> state standards and available treatment options,increasing flexibility while maintaining public <br /> and environmental health protections. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> Kittitas County Code Chapter 13.08.080 regulates the evaluation of groundwater levels <br /> determining septic suitability in new plats. The current code language is based on standards and <br /> technology that are now outdated. In recent years significant advancements have been made in <br /> on-site-sewage treatment technologies,particularly alternative septic systems that are designed to <br /> function safely and effectively in areas with higher groundwater levels. <br /> The current code does not adequately accommodate these modern systems,which can limit <br /> property suitability and development unnecessarily in areas where these systems would otherwise <br /> meet all health and environmental protection standards. In response, staff propose targeted <br /> revisions to the code to bring it into alignment with current science, engineering capabilities, and <br /> public health best practices. <br /> This update will help ensure that the county code is protective of public health and responsive to <br /> evolving technology. <br /> DISCUSSION: <br /> Modern alternative septic systems can safely function in areas with higher groundwater levels, a <br /> capability not reflected in the current code. Updating KCC 13.08.080 will allow for more <br /> flexibility in platting approval while continuing to protect public health and ground water quality. <br /> This revision aligns with state guidance and reflects current best practices in wastewater <br /> treatment. <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br /> Public Health Office"Study Session Staff Report", 12/23/2024 <br /> 13 <br />