Title
Proposed Revisions to Lake County Code of Ordinances Chapter 171: Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) - Mackey
Body
Environmental Health is proposing revisions to Chapter 171, primarily for clarity and consistency based on experience in enforcing the provisions. The sections on the revocation of contractor licenses and site plan approval, the suspension of construction approval, and the hearing process regarding these matters were also expanded and clarified. The hearings provisions are amended to eliminate hearings with the Health Officer and require that all appeal hearings for suspensions or revocations will be before the Board of Health Hearings Committee in accordance with Lake County Code of Ordinances Chapter 176. The proposed revisions include:
• Two definitions (“Bedroom” and “Onsite Wastewater Treatment System”), as well as other technical terms were revised for clarity.
• Various sections were revised to align with the Illinois Department of Public Health Private Sewage Disposal Code.
• Reporting requirements for homeowners conducting required OWTS management activities were clarified.
• The sections on the revocation of OWTS contractor licenses and OWTS site plan approval were revised to:
o Specify the conditions that may result in the revocation of the license or site plan approval.
o Establish that the Health Officer must provide a notice of intent to revoke a contractor license or site plan approval and provide information regarding the reasons for the revocation and the process to be followed.
o Provide the license or site plan approval holder the opportunity for a hearing with the Board of Health Hearings Committee within 10 business day prior to the revocation become effective.
o Describe the process for requesting and conducting the hearing.
o Describe the process for reinstating a revoked license.
• The section on the suspension of OWTS construction approval was revised to:
o Specify the conditions that may result in the suspension of the approval to construct an OWTS.
o Establish that the Health Officer must provide a notice of suspension of the approval, and provide information regarding the reasons for the suspension and the process to be followed.
o Stipulate that if actions are not taken to address the suspension within 10 business days, the Health Officer may issue a notice of intent to revoke the site plan approval.
These proposed revisions were reviewed and approved by the Environmental Health Advisory Committee at their May 13, 2024, meeting. Relevant comments are attached from the public hearing held on June 13, 2024.
Suggested Motion
To approve the revisions to Lake County Code of Ordinances Chapter 171 as presented.