Happy February from the King County On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program team!
We are pleased to announce that the King County Board of Health has adopted the revised septic codes. It’s been a long and multi-staged process to develop and improve the new codes, and we are grateful to everyone (including many of you!) who have provided crucial feedback along the way. The new codes aim to make it easier and cheaper to maintain, repair, and replace septic systems, as well as protect people’s health and the environment.
In this newsletter, we’ll discuss what happens next and provide resources to understand the new codes.
If you have friends or family members with septic systems, please forward them this newsletter or they can sign up on our website. We're working to get interested community members to join our newsletter, and we'd love your help spreading the word.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or comments.
Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con nosotros a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico mejackson@kingcounty.gov o llame al 206.263.0547.
Last week, the Board of Health discussed the proposed code revisions and voted to adopt them! Now, the adopted codes will go into effect on April 1, 2025.
We understand that you probably have questions about what these code changes mean for you. We’re here to help!
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Updated webpage: Our OSS code webpage is the one-stop shop to get information about the codes, including links to the new codes and resources to explain what the changes mean.
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New fact sheet: See our fact sheet for an overview of what the changes mean for people with septic systems in King County. We outline the key changes that impact maintenance, construction, and oversight of the septic industry.
Do I need to perform any upgrades to my fully functioning septic system because of the code changes?
No. If your septic system is functioning, no upgrades are necessary. The code changes make small changes to processes that already exist for septic system permitting and maintenance, so the only times when the new code revisions might impact an existing septic system is during a permitting or maintenance activity.
Is King County requiring an annual fee for all homeowners with an OSS?
No. There is no new annual fee. We didn’t even consider proposing this as part of the code revisions.
Can a Health Department Inspector go onto my property without my permission?
No. Health Department inspectors do not go onto your property without your permission.
If a gravity OSS fails, does the whole system automatically have to be replaced with a newer system upgrade?
No. A septic system failure can be caused by many different things. If the tank or smaller parts of the septic system are broken, those can be easily and quickly fixed. The biggest failure is when the drainfield stops working. If this happens and your septic tanks are still holding water, you can use the same tanks in a new septic system replacement.
Key steps in the code revision process (Note: the timing for this process is dynamic, and subject to change):
You can read previous OSS Code Revision newsletters by using the links below:
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January 2024: Newsletter introduction, OSS 101, and what to know about the OSS code revision process.
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February 2024: Lifecycle of an OSS, and local OSS codes.
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March 2024: Summary of changes to state OSS codes.
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April 2024: Process for updating local OSS codes.
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May 2024: Public input opportunities, and details about the land use & development code topic area.
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June 2024: Upcoming public meetings, details about the design specifications and repairs & remodeling code topic areas, and financial assistance information.
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July 2024: in-person public meeting opportunities and details about the certifications & oversight and operations & maintenance code topic areas.
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August 2024: Last chance to take our survey and come to a meeting!
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September 2024: Draft language for code changes – share your feedback!
- October 2024: Code revision process & rebate for septic maintenance.
- November 2024: Updated timeline for OSS code revisions.
- December 2024: Power outage guidance, next steps for code updates, and OSS fees.
- January 2025: Code revision process, sewer connections in King County, and securing tank lids.
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