Septic systems shall comply with the applicable specifications and standards set forth in the State Public Health Law and regulations. Language such as "should" in these publications shall be considered mandatory ("shall") for purposes of this chapter. Alternative systems (e.g., fill systems, evaporation-absorption systems, etc.) may be permitted by application to the State Department of Health or, if applicable, the Department of Environmental Conservation.
A. 
Applicability. This section applies to new construction or installation of a temporary, seasonal or permanent structure used as a residential, commercial or industrial facility.
B. 
Permit requirements. Pursuant to the Town Building Law and Chapter 300, Zoning, of the Town Code, a building permit is required prior to commencement of any construction, including installation of a new septic system, and a certificate of occupancy is required prior to commencement of use or occupancy, including use of any septic system.
C. 
System compliance. All new installations shall comply with the State Public Health Law and regulations.
D. 
Septic system design submittal. With an application for a building permit, the property owner shall submit: 1) a scale drawing of the proposed septic system, showing compliance with the State Public Health Law and regulations; 2) a sketch of the property showing the location of the proposed septic system and including delineation of the property lines, adjacent structures and sources of water supply for the property and adjoining properties; 3) results and location of at least two percolation (perc) tests and a deep hole test; 4) site data which might affect, or be affected by, the proposed system, including but not limited to specifications regarding soil type, topography, depth to seasonal high groundwater, depth to impervious material, depth to bedrock and distance to surface bodies of water; all certified by a registered architect, a professional engineer, or the New York State Department of Public Health.
E. 
Inspection of septic system installation. Prior to backfilling any newly installed septic system, the enforcement officer shall visually inspect the following for conformance to the design and the State Public Health Law and regulations:
(1) 
Septic tank.
(2) 
Distribution box.
(3) 
All lateral/leach lines.
(4) 
Connection to house or other structure.
F. 
Septic inspection report. Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the enforcement officer shall complete and file a septic inspection report in the office of the Code Enforcement Officer, with a copy to the property owner, which shall document observed conformance of the installation with the septic system design and the State Public Health Law and regulations. A certificate of occupancy shall not be granted until the enforcement officer has determined that the system components have been installed in compliance with this chapter.
A. 
Applicability. An inspection of all septic systems at an existing residence, or commercial or industrial facility, as provided by this section, shall be completed prior to:
(1) 
Increase in living area.
(2) 
Change in use.
B. 
System compliance. All existing septic systems must be functional, consistent with the existing or proposed use. At a minimum, all existing septic systems must provide for separation of solids and grease, and adequate percolation.
C. 
Preparation by property owner.
(1) 
The following actions shall be completed by the property owner:
(a) 
The septic tank shall be uncovered prior to inspection.
(b) 
A licensed septic tank pumper shall pump the tank in the presence of the enforcement officer.
(2) 
The enforcement officer may waive the pumping requirement if the possibility exists for floating of the tank. However, in such a case, a visual inspection of the inside of the tank shall still be required (the tank must be open for inspection). If the enforcement officer finds that inadequate leaching may exist, he or she is authorized to require additional actions, including a dye test or the inspection of the distribution box and/or leach lines.
D. 
Inspection report. The enforcement officer shall complete and file a septic inspection report in the office of the Code Enforcement Officer, with a copy to the property owner, which shall document observed conditions and use.
E. 
Demonstrated compliance. If the property owner can demonstrate full compliance with this chapter within the past five years, and certifies that no known violations or concerns exist concerning the operation of the septic system, such septic system is exempt from this section.
A. 
Applicability. This section shall apply to the replacement, modification or upgrade of an existing septic system.
B. 
Permit requirements. A building permit is required prior to the major modification, alteration or extension of any septic system. A certificate of compliance is required prior to commencement of use of any new or upgraded system. Any new installation or complete replacement of a septic system or leach lines shall require the submittal of engineered, stamped plans and drawings prior to issuance of a building permit.
C. 
Activities not requiring a permit. A permit is not needed for minor modifications, alterations or extensions of, nor for repairs to, an existing septic system.
D. 
System compliance. All existing septic systems that are replaced, modified or upgraded shall, to the extent reasonably feasible, comply with the standards for new systems specified by the State Public Health Law and regulations, including design, size and location requirements. All such septic systems must be functional, consistent with the existing use, and, at a minimum, provide for the separation of solids and grease, and adequate percolation.
E. 
Complete replacement. Complete replacement of existing septic systems is subject to the following requirements:
(1) 
Percolation tests. The property owner (or his or her designee) shall perform percolation (perc) tests, in the planned location of all leach fields. The enforcement officer may verify the results of such tests and require supporting information from the applicant necessary for such review.
(2) 
Septic system design submittal. With an application for a building permit, the property owner shall submit:
(a) 
A scale drawing of the septic system, showing compliance with the State Public Health Law and regulations;
(b) 
A sketch of the property showing the location of the septic system and including delineation of the property lines, adjacent structures and sources of water supply for the property and adjoining properties;
(c) 
Results and location of at least two percolation (perc) tests and a deep hole test;
(d) 
Site data which might affect, or be affected by, the replacement septic system, including but not limited to specifications regarding soil type, topography, depth to seasonal high groundwater, depth to impervious material, depth to bedrock, and distance to surface bodies of water.
(3) 
Inspection of septic system installation. Prior to backfilling any complete replacement of an existing septic system, the enforcement officer shall visually inspect the following for conformance to the design and the State Public Health Law and regulations:
(a) 
Septic tank.
(b) 
Distribution box.
(c) 
All lateral/leach lines.
F. 
Other work. Prior to backfilling any modification or upgrade of an existing septic system other than a complete replacement, the enforcement officer shall visually inspect the following for functionality and reasonable conformance to the State Public Health Law and regulations. The property owner shall leave uncovered for inspection, as applicable, all of the following that may be newly installed:
(1) 
Septic tank.
(2) 
Distribution box.
(3) 
All lateral/leach lines.
G. 
Septic inspection report. Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the enforcement officer shall complete and file a septic inspection report in the office of the Code Enforcement Officer, with a copy to the property owner, which shall document conformance of the installation with the system design and observed conditions and use. A certificate of occupancy shall not be granted until the enforcement officer has determined that the system components have been installed in compliance with this chapter.