What are code revisions?

On-site Sewage/septic System (OSS) code revisions refer to the process of updating and modifying the standards and guidelines governing OSS. This includes design, installation, operation, and maintenance. Regular updates to these codes help maintain effectiveness, longevity and safety of the OSS.

​OSS code revisions aim to strike a balance between protecting public health and the environment while making room for the unique characteristics and challenges of different properties. Technical Advisory Committees, regulatory authorities, industry professionals, and community partners play essential roles in this process.

Code revisions fall into five different categories:

1. Certifications & Oversight - Protecting homeowners and communities by specifying level of service expectations for skilled, certified and trusted professionals to maintain healthy OSS systems.
2. Land Use & Development - Providing clarity and best practices for land use so that property development is aligned with wastewater treatment needs and healthy OSS systems support long term property use.
3. Design Specifications - Ensuring right-sized solutions for all OSS systems by authorizing the best designs with proven healthy outcomes.
4. Repairs & Remodeling - Protecting homeowners and communities by ensuring that the permitting process for repairs & remodels is simple and does not undermine healthy OSS systems.
5. Operation & Maintenance - Establishing evidence-based timelines for regular maintenance & inspections and setting no-nonsense operational standards that help homeowners and providers work together to maintain healthy OSS management.
   

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Examples of suggested code revisions by category.

* Community concerns were gathered through a process with King County staff to identify what community members most often call about or bring up to staff as concerning. After building a large list, the most important or most common were selected. To better understand these, please click on the button below this chart.

	Suggested Change	​Community Concerns This Addresses *	Example
​Certifications & Oversight	Change: Create new certification for liquid waste haulers and allow pumpers to inspect gravity OSS for routine inspections. There aren’t always enough professionals available to inspect septic systems when they need it. This change will increase the number of people certified to pump, increasing jobs and lowering costs for homeowners.	Knowledge Cost Lack of trust	Say you call and hire a pumping company to come and pump your septic. Under the new rule, the person you hire to pump could also be certified to inspect. This means you don’t have to go through a second company, but can have it all done at once with less hassle.
Land Use & Development	Change: Add method to ensure that OSS matches the proposed use of a commercial facility after it transfers to a new owner. This change will make sure that when a property is sold, the OSS system use keeps up and matches the new building use.	Property Use Cost Knowledge	If a commercial building was previously used as an art studio but sold to the new owner who opened a bakery, the change will make sure that the OSS system will be able to handle the new proposed use of the bakery.
Design Specifications	Change: Add a definition for 'bedroom'. We need everyone to have the same idea of what a ‘bedroom’ is for house plans and development, so that it’s clear what capacity OSS is needed- making it easier for developers and property owners to plan well, both for current and future uses.	Property Use Cost	A homeowner has three rooms: two traditional bedrooms and a large office space that could potentially be used as a bedroom. Defining a ‘bedroom’ means planning an OSS that can accommodate this extra capacity if the office is later converted into a bedroom.
Repairs & Remodeling	Change: Adds definition of 'minor repair'. Clarifies what is meant by minor repair & when a permit isn’t required, helping homeowners understand the process and timeline for work on their septic system.	​Cost	If a homeowner notices a minor repair, the code change allows the homeowner to go ahead with this repair without needing a permit. This allows them to quickly address the issue, ensuring the septic system functions properly without delay.
Operations & Maintenace	Change: Add protections again loose tank lids. Protecting community health & safety is our highest priority. A simple fix like making sure system lids are properly closed can save lives and ensure a healthy OSS system.	Knowledge Impacts	A seemingly small issue like an improperly closed septic tank lid can pose significant risks, such as accidental falls into the tank, especially for children and pets. This change can save lives.

See 18 possible code changes here

Washington State Codes

The Washington State Board of Health recently approved revisions to the statewide OSS rules. King County is now updating our local codes to make sure they comply with state changes.

WAC Codes

Code Revision Goals

• Protecting Public Health: Ensuring that OSS effectively treat and dispose of wastewater to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and protect public health.
• Environmental Preservation: Minimizing the impact of OSS on local ecosystems, groundwater, and surface water quality to maintain environmental sustainability.
• Adaptation to Technological Advances: Integrating new technologies and innovations that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance of on-site sewage systems.
• Community Engagement: Involving community members in the decision-making process to address local concerns, promote transparency, and ensure that regulations align with community needs.
• Compliance and Enforcement: Establishing clear and enforceable standards to ensure that on-site sewage systems are designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements.​

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