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KITTITAS COUNTY <br /> JOINT BOARD OF HEALTH / BOCC <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> Public Health Office <br /> BOARD OF HEALTH DATE: 8/14/2025 <br /> TOPIC: Public Hearing-Revisions to KCC Chapter 13.08.080 <br /> ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt Changes to KCC Chapter 13.08.080 <br /> LEAD STAFF: Jesse Cox, Environmental Health Manager <br /> RECOMMENDATION: <br /> Staff recommend that the Board of Health adopt the proposed revisions to Kittitas County <br /> Code Chapter 13.08.080 related to groundwater levels and septic system suitability in <br /> new plats. <br /> BRIEFING SUMMARY: <br /> This public hearing has been set to receive comment and consider the adoption of updates <br /> to Kittitas County Code Chapter 13.08.080. The current language does not reflect <br /> advances in on-site sewage treatment technologies that are capable of operating safely in <br /> areas with higher groundwater levels. The proposed amendments align local code with <br /> current Washington State Department of Health standards and will improve regulatory <br /> flexibility while maintaining strong public health and environmental protections. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> Kittitas County Code Chapter 13.08.080 establishes criteria for evaluating groundwater <br /> levels when determining septic system suitability for new subdivisions and plats. The <br /> existing code is based on legacy technologies and assumptions that do not account for <br /> modern alternative septic systems now permitted by the state. <br /> Recent developments in treatment technologies particularly those capable of functioning <br /> in areas with higher seasonal groundwater have significantly expanded viable options for <br /> wastewater management. However, the current code lacks provisions that accommodate <br /> these systems, potentially limiting appropriate land development in areas where public <br /> health can still be protected through engineered solutions. <br /> DISCUSSION: <br /> The proposed code changes to KCC 13.08.080 allow for the use of advanced on-site <br /> sewage systems in cases where groundwater levels would currently result in plat denial <br /> under outdated criteria. These systems are vetted by the Washington State Department of <br /> Health and have demonstrated efficacy and safety in similar environmental conditions <br /> across the state. <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br /> 3 <br />