HomeMy WebLinkAboutSanitation Code for Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems - 6-13-2023
OTTER TAIL COUNTY
SANITATION CODE
for
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Incorporating by Reference
Minnesota Rules
Chapters 7080, 7081, 7082, and 7083
Adopted June 13, 2023
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2024
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 1 -
SECTION 1 TITLE, PURPOSE, AND INTENT
Title
This ordinance shall be known as the Sanitation Code of Otter Tail County and shall regulate the location, design,
installation, use and maintenance of subsurface sewage treatment systems in all areas of Otter Tail County
(hereinafter referred to as County) other than cities, townships and other local units of government that have
adopted ordinances that comply with Minnesota Statute §115.55 and are as strict as this ordinance. This ordinance
is authorized under Minnesota Statute §115.55 and Minnesota Statute §145A.
Purpose and Intent
This ordinance is adopted for the following purposes:
• To protect the public health, safety, and general welfare by the discharge of adequately treated sewage to
the groundwater via the proper location, design, installation, use, and maintenance of individual sewage
treatment systems (ISTS) and midsized subsurface sewage treatment systems (MSTS).
• These environmental protection standards shall be adopted county wide and administered by the Land and
Resource Management office or local units of government as directed by Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7082,
and Minnesota Statute §115.55.
• This ordinance regulates all subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) as defined in Minnesota Rules,
Chapter 7080. This ordinance does not regulate systems that will not receive sewage as defined in
Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080. If systems receive both sewage and nonsewage, the requirements of this
ordinance apply, plus any additional requirements governing the nonsewage portion of the wastewater.
• Systems serving two or more dwellings, systems serving other establishments that serve over 20 persons,
and systems receiving nonsewage are also regulated under Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, parts 144
and 146.
• This ordinance does not allow systems to discharge to the ground surface or surface waters. Those systems
require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.
• Technology and products employed in system design shall adequately protect the public health and the
environment as determined by Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7083, and be approved for use by Land and
Resource Management or local unit of government.
Standards Adopted By Reference
The County hereby adopts Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080, 7081, 7082 and 7083 as now constituted and from time
to time amended, except as those rules are modified by provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS
Certain Terms.
For the purposes of this ordinance, certain terms or words used are interpreted as follows: the words “shall” and
“must” are mandatory and the words “should” or “may” are permissive.
For the purpose of this Ordinance, the certain words and phrases are defined as follows:
Subp. 1. Administrative Officer. “Administrative Officer” means the Director of the office of Land and Resource
Management of Otter Tail County.
Subp. 2. Permit. “Permit” means a permit issued for the installation, replacement, repair, alteration, extension, or
operation of an SSTS.
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 2 -
SECTION 3 ADMINISTRATION
Subp. 1. Administrative Scope
This ordinance shall apply and be in effect in all areas of Otter Tail County other than cities and townships that have
adopted ordinances that comply with Minnesota Statute §115.55, Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7082, and are as strict
as this ordinance. The Otter Tail County Land and Resource Management office shall be the administrator of these
regulations. SSTS must be designed, constructed and operated according to this Ordinance.
Subp. 2. Qualifications
SSTS, including both ISTS and MSTS, must be designed, installed, inspected, operated and maintained by
appropriately licensed businesses and certified individuals according to Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7083.0700 and
any other applicable state requirements. A property owner that does not currently hold an Installation License as
described in Minnesota Rule, Chapter 7083.0760 is prohibited from installing an SSTS.
Subp. 3. Federal Regulations
SSTS that are designed to receive sewage or nonsewage from a two family dwelling or greater or receive sewage or
nonsewage from an other establishment that serves more than 20 persons per day, are regulated by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency as Class V injection wells under Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, parts
144 and 146. Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, parts 144 and 146, prescribe additional design regulations
applicable to certain systems designed under this ordinance. In addition, single family dwellings that receive
nonsewage wastewater are regulated by those federal regulations. All systems that receive hazardous wastes are
regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency as Class IV injection wells. Disposal of hazardous waste must be
according to state and federal regulations. The owner or owner’s agent of a new or replacement system classified
as a Class V injection wells shall submit to the commissioner of the MPCA and the United States Environmental
Protection Agency the inventory information specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, section 144.26.
All Class V injection wells must be identified as such in property transfer disclosures. All septage generated from
SSTS must be treated and dispersed according to applicable standards for septage in Code of Federal Regulations,
title 40, part 503, and any local requirements.
Subp. 4. Variance Procedures
A. The Otter Tail County Board of Adjustment shall have the exclusive authority to issue variances from the
requirements of this ordinance. Variances shall only be granted when the applicant of the variance
demonstrates that the strict enforcement of any provision of this ordinance would cause an undue hardship
and practical difficulty or that the strict conformity with the standards in this ordinance would be
unreasonable. Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080 prohibits a variance from Minnesota Rules, Chapter
7080.2150, Subp. 2, items A to D. Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7081 prohibits a variance from Minnesota
Rules, Chapter 7081.0080, Subp. 2 to Subp. 5.
B. The applicant for a variance shall file a complete Variance Application in the office of the Land and Resource
Management office not less than 21 days prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Adjustment
and pay a fee as indicated on the Fee Schedule when the application is filed. Each application for variance
shall be accompanied by a scale drawing and seven (7)copies of the area under consideration. The drawing
shall also indicate all setback distances in feet. In addition, the applicant must provide his (or next closest)
E-911 address. In absence of such number, detailed directions to the property must be provided with the
application.
C. When administrative staff and Board of Adjustment members may not be able to view the property for
which a variance is requested, due to snow cover, it may not be possible to meet the legal requirement to
take final action within 60 days of receipt of a completed Application. Therefore, an Applicant shall be
required, as part of completing the application process in the months of October through March, to indicate
by written acknowledgment whether the Applicant is willing to waive the 60-day time limit and allow time
for the Board of Adjustment to view the property, if necessary. The acknowledgment shall inform the
Applicant that the absence of a waiver of the 60-day requirement may leave the Board of Adjustment no
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 3 -
alternative but to deny the Application. Circumstances may require the Board of Adjustment to cancel its
regular meeting in one or more of the months of January through April. If meetings are canceled, no
Application for a Variance will be accepted as final until 21 days prior to the next scheduled meeting of the
Board of Adjustment.
D. Within 3 days of making an application for a variance the applicant shall stake the lot lines, road right-of-
ways, and area under consideration and post the name and address in a clearly visible location on the
property. The Administrative Officer shall refer the application to the Board of Adjustment. The Board of
Adjustment shall consider the application at its next regular meeting at which time is available, following
compliance with the provisions of notice above specified.
Subp. 5. Adherence to these standards
All SSTS installed subsequent to the adoption of this ordinance and all alterations, extensions, modifications or
repairs to existing systems irrespective of the date of original installation shall be regulated in accordance with all
requirements of this ordinance.
Subp. 6. Work done without a permit
Where work requiring a permit under this ordinance has commenced without first having obtained such permit,
work shall be ordered to stop by Land and Resource Management until all required permits have been approved
and issued.
Subp. 7. Authorized access
To enforce this ordinance, Land and Resource Management may enter on to a property or place where there is
reason to suspect that an SSTS is failing to protect groundwater or is an imminent threat to public health and safety.
Subp. 8. Permit fees
Fees for permits, operating permits, inspections required, or services rendered under this ordinance shall be set by
the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners.
SECTION 4 COMPLIANCE CRITERIA
Subp. 1. Treatment Required
Sewage discharged from a dwelling, group of dwellings, or other establishment that is not served by a system issued
a permit by the agency that contains effluent and discharge limits or specific monitoring requirements must be
treated according to applicable requirements.
Subp. 2. Compliance Criteria for New Construction
An SSTS regulated under a current construction permit is considered compliant if it meets the applicable
requirements of Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080.2150 to 7080.2400.
Subp. 3. Compliance Criteria for Existing Systems
A. To be in compliance, an existing SSTS must meet the provisions of this subpart.
B. The SSTS must be protective of public health and safety. A system that is not protective is considered an
imminent threat to public health or safety. At a minimum, a system that is an imminent threat to public
health or safety is a system with a discharge of sewage or sewage effluent to the ground surface, drainage
systems, ditches, or storm water drains or directly to surface water; systems that cause a reoccurring sewage
backup into a dwelling or other establishment; systems with electrical hazards; or sewage tanks with
unsecured, damaged, or weak maintenance hole covers. A determination of protectiveness for other
conditions must be made by a qualified employee inspector or licensed inspection business.
C. The SSTS must be protective of groundwater. A system that is not protective is considered a system failing
to protect groundwater. At a minimum, a system that is failing to protect groundwater is a system that is a
seepage pit, cesspool, drywell, leaching pit, or other pit; a system with less than the required vertical
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 4 -
separation distance described in item E; and a system not abandoned in accordance with Minnesota Rules,
Chapter 7080.2500. A determination of the threat to groundwater quality for other conditions must be
made by a qualified employee or licensed inspection business.
D. The SSTS must be operated, meet performance standards, and be managed according to its operating
permit.
E. SSTS must have at least a threefoot vertical separation or a vertical separation in compliance with Minnesota
Rules, Chapter 7080.2350, Subp. 2 Table XI. No more than 15 percent reduction in the vertical separation
distance is allowed to account for settling of sand or soil, normal variation of measurements, and
interpretations of the limiting layer conditions.
F. The licensed Inspection business must consult with Land & Resource staff before conducting an inspection
of an existing system for an SSTS built after February 4, 2008 to determine if soil separation must be
considered during the inspection.
G. If Land & Resource makes the decision per Paragraph (F) that MN Rule 7082.0700, Supb. 4 (B)(2) has been
met and soil separation does not need to be determined, and the licensed inspection business decides to
conduct soil observations to determine soil separation, the licensed inspection business must contact
Land & Resource and schedule a time for a qualified employee with the County to conduct the soil
observation alongside the licensed inspection business.
H. The vertical separation measurement for items D and E must be measured outside the area of system
influence in an area of similar soil. The distance that the soil observation was conducted from the soil
treatment area must be represented on the site plan included with the Compliance Inspection Form.
I. A compliance inspection for a system that serves an Other Establishment must include the results of a waste
strength test conducted by a business holding a current license with the MPCA as a Service Provider in
accordance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7083.0780.
J. The compliance inspection form must include a site plan in accordance with Section 5, Subp. 4 (B)
showing the location of the existing subsurface sewage treatment system.
Subp. 4. Upgrade Requirements
A. An existing SSTS which is found to be an imminent threat to public health and safety as described in Subp.
3 (B) must be:
1) Abated to no longer be an imminent threat to public health and safety within ten (10) days; and,
a. Repaired, replaced, upgraded or its use discontinued within 90 days; or,
b. Repaired, replaced, upgraded or its use discontinued by the next June 1 if the system is found to
be an imminent threat to public health and safety between November 15 and April 15.
B. An existing SSTS which is found to be failing to protect groundwater must obtain an SSTS permit within 12
months and must be replaced or otherwise brought into compliance within 24 months of notice and order
to comply from the County
C. A system that serves an other establishment that is deemed compliant, but has a waste strength test that
demonstrates that the effluent exceeds waste standards set forth in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7081.0130,
Subp. 2 must:.
1) Get an operating permit with a stipulation that the system be inspected by a service provider at a
frequency reviewed and approved by Land and Resource Management; and,
2) The existing system must be modified to allow for flow measurement.
Subp. 5. Upgrade Requirements
A. MSTS in compliance with this part shall be issued a certificate of compliance. Systems found not in
compliance with this part shall be issued a notice of noncompliance.
B. MSTS issued a notice of noncompliance based on criteria in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7081.0080, Subp. 3
shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with Section 4, Subp. 4 (A) of this ordinance.
C. MSTS issued a notice of noncompliance based on criteria in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7081.0080, Subp. 4
and Subp. 5 shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with Section 4, Subp. 4 (B) of this ordinance.
D. MSTS issued a notice of noncompliance based in criteria in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7081.0080, Subp. 6
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 5 -
must immediately be maintained, monitored, or managed according to the operating permit.
SECTION 5 PERMITS
Subp. 1. Permit requirements
No construction of a structure requiring sewage disposal shall be allowed by any local unit of government until a
permit for the installation of an SSTS has been issued.
Subp. 2. Compliance inspection of existing system
No additions, enlargements, improvements, or remodeling of a structure, or alterations that would affect the water
use, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or additions to living space shall be allowed until the SSTS has been determined
to be both adequate in size and compliant or a permit has been issued to upgrade or replace the SSTS to
accommodate the addition. New structures on a parcel that do not have running water, such as an accessory
structure, do not require a compliance inspection on the SSTS before a permit is issued for the structure.
Subp. 3. Permit required
A construction permit for an SSTS is required in the following instances:
A. All new installation of sewage tanks, soil dispersal and treatment areas, and components thereof;
B. All repair, remediation or rejuvenation, extension, replacement or modification of existing systems and
components;
C. Any change in use of a facility served by an SSTS where waste strength or flow is to increase as determined
by Land & Resource or a licensed designer; or,
D. A system being abandoned so the structure can be connected to a municipal sewage treatment facility.
Subp. 4. Permit application
Permit applications shall be made on forms provided by Land and Resource Management and shall contain data,
including, but not limited to, the following to be considered a completed permit application:
A. Correct legal description of the property, including Property Identification Number;
B. Site plan, drawn to scale with a north arrow, showing the location of all proposed and existing structures,
property lines, water supply wells within 100 feet, terrain features, such as blufflines, water bodies or water
ways, buried utilities, easements, and other unique features of the site;
C. Design calculations using the most current version of the design forms furnished by the University of
Minnesota;
D. Soil test date, including soil boring logs, percolation test data with field notes (where required) and location
and identification of test area.
E. Plans and details of the proposed installation of work, including final design.
F. A declaration of the number of bedrooms by the owner or owner’s agent must be on the management plan.
G. For other than dwellings, calculated or measured water use rates, occupancy and occupant load.
H. Where deemed necessary, a property survey may be required identifying corners and lines and other items
such as elevations, contour lines, ordinary high water levels, and ten (10) year and one hundred (100) year
flood elevations as applicable.
I. Evidence of compliance with state or other jurisdiction regulations where applicable.
J. A management plan for the proposed system, as described in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7082.0600 signed
by the property owner.
Subp. 5. Requirements for Permit Issuance
No permit will be issued until a detailed system design is submitted for the current proposed construction, including
site plan, a management plan, current soil observations by a licensed designer and a verification soil observation
log conducted by Land and Resource Management staff.
Subp. 6. Permit time limit
Permits shall be valid upon issuance and shall continue for a period of one (1) year. After one (1) year, the permit
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 6 -
may be renewed if no changes are proposed for an additional 12 months. Such renewal shall require reapplication
and payment of the established renewal fee prior to the permit expiration date. If a permit is past its expiration
date, the permit will be nullified and a new permit application must be submitted to the department for review and
approval.
Subp. 7. Permit revocation
Permits issued under this ordinance may be revoked upon written notice by Land and Resource Management when
such permit has been issued based on erroneous or inaccurate data supplied by the applicant or erroneous
interpretation of the law by Land and Resource Management.
Subp. 8. Site Protection
No permit will be issued until the proposed soil treatment and dispersal area is adequately protected from
disturbance, compaction, or other damage. Final plats will not be processed for final approval until the proposed
soil treatment and dispersal area on each lot is adequately protected from disturbance, compaction, or other
damage by use of iron posts and snow fence, or other effective method of protection approved by the Land and
Resource office.
SECTION 6 OPERATING PERMITS
Subp. 1. Operating permit required.
Operating permits are required for the following systems:
A. Type IV Systems
B. Type V Systems
C. All new MSTS
D. A food, beverage and lodging establishment on a holding tank
E. A system that serves a food and beverage establishment after a change of ownership.
Subp. 2. Operating permits issued.
Operating permits will be issued by Land and Resource Management.
Subp. 3. Operating permit criteria.
Operating permits may include:
A. Maintenance requirements, including frequency of maintenance;
B. Operational requirements;
C. Monitoring requirements;
D. A requirement that the permittee notify Land and Resource Management when permit requirements are
not met. Corrective actions must be taken as directed by Land and Resource Management;
E. Disclosure of the location and condition of the additional soil treatment and dispersal system; and
F. Any other requirement determined by Land and Resource Management necessary to ensure that public
health and the environment are being adequately protected.
Subp. 4. Operating Permits
SSTS for which an operating permit has been issued, must be operated in accordance with the operating permit.
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 7 -
SECTION 7 INSPECTIONS
Subp. 1. Required inspections
Inspections to determine compliance with this Ordinance shall be performed by Land and Resource Management
or its authorized agent in the following circumstances:
A. Site inspections to verify and evaluate soil and site conditions and to determine the suitability of soils and
system design prior to permit issuance.
B. Investigations to determine compliance of existing systems at the time of remodeling, of alteration, or of
additions to a dwelling or other establishment.
C. For all new SSTS construction or replacement.
D. Type III Systems and require a minimum of three construction inspections:
1) When the disturbed soil has been removed, but prior to placement of the sand fill. Enough of the
proposed sand fill must be present to be viewed.
2) After placement of rock and piping, but prior to cover.
3) When the system is completed.
Subp. 2. Time of inspections.
Installation inspections shall be made by Land and Resource Management prior to any work being covered by
backfill.
Subp. 3. Inspection scheduling.
The licensed installation business shall notify Land and Resource Management by 4:00 PM the business day before
the SSTS installation is ready for inspection or reinspection. The licensed design business shall notify Land and
Resource Management by 4:00 PM the business day before for a soil verification inspection.
Subp. 4. Work backfilled before inspection.
Work which is backfilled prior to a required inspection may be ordered to be uncovered whenever Land and
Resource Management deems it necessary to determine compliance.
Subp. 5. Correction orders.
If upon inspection any part of the system is determined not to be in compliance with this Ordinance, notice shall
be provided by Land and Resource Management to the owner or owner’s agent indicating the deficiency and the
required corrections. Noted deficiencies shall be properly corrected and reinspected before any other work on the
project is continued.
Subp. 6. System placed into service
No system shall be replaced or placed in service until a final inspection has been completed and the system
installation has been approved.
Subp. 7. Land and Resource Management access.
The owner or occupant of a property shall provide access at a reasonable time to Land and Resource Management
or its authorized agent for the purpose of performing inspections required under this Ordinance.
Subp. 8. As-builts.
The licensed Installation business, upon completion of installation, shall file with Land and Resource Management
as-built forms and drawings indicating the location of system components dimensioned from a permanent
reference point within 30 days.
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 8 -
Subp. 9. Compliance Inspections; Existing Systems
A. A compliance inspection of an existing system must be conducted:
1) Prior to the transfer of any real property, unless the existing system has been issued a Certificate of
Compliance in accordance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7082.0700, Subp. 3 within the last 5 years.
2) When deemed necessary by Land and Resource Management to ascertain the compliance of an existing
system.
Subp. 10. Point of Sale Inspection of Existing System
No owner, or other person acting with legal authority on behalf of an owner, of a tract of land upon which a
dwelling, or a structure requiring an SSTS, shall convey to another party said tract of land, unless all of the following
requirements are met:
A. A currently valid Compliance Inspection Form shall be submitted to the County with the property transfer.
If a currently valid Compliance Inspection Form is not submitted to the County, the buyer shall submit a
currently valid Compliance Inspection Form to the County within 30 days of the property transaction, and is
responsible for any required upgrade should the system be found to be noncompliant.
B. An Otter Tail County Sewage Treatment System Property Transfer Form shall be signed by the buyer(s) and
filed with the Otter Tail County Auditor at the time of sale or transfer of the property.
C. Failure to submit a currently valid Compliance Inspection Form for an Otter Tail County Sewage Treatment
System Property Transfer Form shall result in any future permits for the site to be denied until a completed
Compliance Inspection Form has been submitted to the County.
D. A Compliance Inspection Form and an Otter Tail County Sewage Treatment System Property Transfer Form
is not required to be filed with the Otter Tail County Auditor’s office at the time of sale of transfer of property
if any of the following conditions exist:
1) The property to be transferred has no structures usable for human habitation;
2) The property to be transferred has no buildings with plumbing fixtures;
3) The dwelling is served by:
a) A municipal sewer;
b) An MSTS that meets Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7081;
c) A system that has a State Disposal System (SDS) permit, or a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit;
4) The sale of land is exempt from the requirements that a Certificate of Real Estate Value (CRV) be filed
with the Otter Tail County Auditor’s office;
5) The transfer is a foreclosure or tax forfeiture;
6) The system is less than 5 years old and has been issued a Certificate of Compliance by Land and
Resource Management in accordance with MN Statute §115.55, Subp. 5.
7) The system received a Certificate of Compliance from an existing system inspection within 3 years in
accordance with MN Statute §115.55, Subp. 5
E. If transfer of real property occurs between November 15 through April 15, the buyer shall submit a
Compliance Inspection Form to the County by the following June 1. The buyer is responsible to upgrade,
repair, or replace the SSTS if the system is found to be noncompliant.
F. If transfer of real property occurs between April 16 and November 14 without a compliance inspection of
the existing SSTS submitted to the Land and Resource Management, the current owner must provide Land
and Resource Management with the results of a compliance inspection within 30 days of notice from Land
and Resource Management.
Subp. 11. Periodically Saturated Soil Disagreements
A. If a documented discrepancy arises on the depth of the periodically saturated soil between licensed
businesses for SSTS design or compliance purposes, all disputing parties must follow the procedure outlined
in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7082.0700, Subp. 5.
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 9 -
SECTION 8 SITE EVALUATION AND SOIL TESTING
Minimum Size, Soil Treatment Area.
For new subdivision or lot approval testing, enough soil observations must be conducted to ensure that a enough
area exists for a primary and secondary soil treatment area for a Type I system. This tested area must be a minimum
of 5,000 square feet. On previously platted lots that have not been developed, enough area of suitable soil must
be identified for two Type I soil treatment and dispersal areas. Percolation tests are not required for subdivision or
lot approval testing unless the permeability cannot be estimated or there is reason to believe the soil is not original
soil or has been disturbed.
SECTION 9 SEWAGE FLOW DETERMINATION
Subp. 1. Design flow.
The estimated design flow for any dwelling must provide for at least two bedrooms. The minimum flow rate for
each non-dwelling served by an SSTS is 150 gallons per day.
Subp. 2. Design Flow for Dwellings
The estimated design flow for dwellings is determined by Table I. For more than six bedrooms, the design flow is
determined by multiplying the number of bedrooms by 150 gallons per day.
Table I
Number of
Bedrooms
Gallons Per
Day
2 300
3 450
4 600
5 750
6 900
SECTION 10 FINAL TREATMENT AND DISPERSAL
Subp. 1. Setbacks
A. This provision only applies to a lot that meets all the following:
1. The lot is a substandard lot that was created before October 15, 1971;
2. The lot currently has a dwelling that was built before April 1, 1996; and,
3. There is insufficient area to meet setbacks in Table II.
B. For a lot that meets the conditions in Paragraph A of this subpart
1) The setback to a building or structure for a sewage tank or soil treatment and dispersal area shall be
the greatest distance possible, by meeting all other setback requirements, and in no case less than
50% of the setback distance listed for a building or structure in Table II.
2) The setback to a road right-of-way for a sewage tank or soil treatment area shall be the greatest
distance possible, by meeting all other setback requirements, and in no case less than 50% of the
setback distance listed for a road right-of-way in Table II.
3) The setback from the OWHL of a lake listed in Appendix A of the Shoreland Management Ordinance
or a river in Appendix B of the Shoreland Management Ordinance for a sewage tank or soil treatment
area shall be the greatest distance possible, by meeting all other setback requirements, and in no
case less than fifty (50) feet from the OHWL.
4) The setback to a property line for a sewage tank only shall be the greatest distance possible, by
meeting all other setback requirements, and in no case less than 50% of the setback listed for a tank
to a property line in Table II.
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 10 -
C. No part of the required berming for an above-ground soil treatment area can be closer than 50% of a
required setback in Table II.
D. The Land and Resource Management office has discretion over the application of this exemption.
E. This provision cannot be used for a property that tears down and rebuilds an existing dwelling.
F. The property owner must request the application of this provision.
G. A written agreement between the road authority and the property owner, signed by both parties, must
be obtained prior to the application of this exemption regarding the setback to a road right-of-way.
H. A survey of the property conducted by a licensed surveyor may be required in accordance with Section 5,
Supb. 4 (H).
Table II Minimum Setback Distances (feet)
Feature Sewage Tank, Holding
Tank, or Sealed Privy*
Soil Treatment and Dispersal
Area or Unsealed Privy*
Water supply well less than 50 feet
deep and not encountering at least 10
feet of impervious material
50 100
Any other water supply well 50
Buried pipe distributing water under
pressure
10
Occupied buildings and buildings with
a basement or crawl space
10 20
Non-occupied structures, deck
footings
10 10
Top of Bluff 30
Property Line 10
Road Right-of-Way 10
Ordinary high water level of:**
Natural Environment Lake 150
Recreational Development Lake 75
General Development Lake 50
Transition River Segments 100
Urban & Tributary River Segments 75
Agricultural River Segments 75
*A privy must meet the structure setbacks as set forth in the Shoreland Management Ordinance.
** Setbacks from lakes, rivers and streams are governed by Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6105 and 6120
Subp. 2. Methods to Determine Soil Hyrdraulic Loading Rates
The system's absorption area and mound absorption ratio must be sized according to Table IX or IXa of Minnesota
Rules, Chapter 7080.2150
SECTION 11. TYPE II SYSTEMS
Subp. 1. Systems in floodplains
SSTS in floodplains must meet Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080.2270
Subp. 2. Holding Tanks
Holding tanks must meet Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080.2290 and are allowed in any of the following situations:
A. The parcel was created prior to January 1, 2020.
B. Seasonal dwellings that are occupied for 180 days per year or less
C. A recreational camping unit
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 11 -
D. An existing residential lot created before January 1, 2020 that does not have sufficient area for a soil
treatment area
E. An accessory structure
F. For an Other Establishment
Subp. 3. Maintenance Contract
The owner of a holding tank must provide Land and Resource Management with a contract signed by the owner
and a licensed maintenance business to provide maintenance services when needed, except as specifically
exempted under Minnesta Statute §115.56, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), clause (3). The contract must guarantee
the removal of the tank contents before overflow or any discharge.
Subp. 4. Minimum Holding Tank Sizing
The minimum size for a new holding tank is 1,500 gallons or 400 gallons times the number of bedrooms, whichever
is greater. For other establishments, the minimum capacity for a new holding tank shall be at least 1,500 gallons or
five times the design flow, whichever is greater. Tank sizing for floodplain areas must be calculated according to
Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080.2270, subpart 10.
SECTION 12 TYPE III SYSTEMS
A Type III System, as described in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080.2300, may be used on a previously developed
site only when a Type I system cannot be installed.
SECTION 13 TYPE IV & TYPE V SYSTEMS
A Type IV or Type V System, as described in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080.2350 and 7080.2400, respectively,
may be used on a previously developed site only when a Type I or Type II system cannot be installed or is not the
most suitable treatment. Type IV Systems may be allowed for an undeveloped lot only when two Type I soil
treatment and dispersal areas as described in Section 8 have been identified on the lot in addition to the area
utilized by the Type IV soil treatment and dispersal area.
SECTION 14. MAINTENANCE
Subp. 1. Management Plan Required
All new and replacement SSTS must be operated in accordance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7082.0600.
Subp. 2. General.
SSTS and all components must be maintained in compliance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080.2450 and
manufacturer requirements.
Subp. 3. Reporting
A completed pumping record must be provided to the Land and Resource Management office within ninety (90)
days of the maintenance activity.
SECTION 15. SYSTEM ABANDONMENT
All systems with no future intent for use must be abandoned according to Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080.2500
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code Effective: January 1, 2024
- 12 -
SECTION 16. PRODUCT REGISTRATION
All product registration shall be in accordance with Minnesota Rules, 7083.4000 to 7083.4120
SECTION 17. ENFORCEMENT
Subp. 1. Misdemeanor
It is hereby declared unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to violate any term or provision of this Ordinance.
Any violation of this Ordinance shall be a misdemeanor. Each day that a violation is allowed to continue shall
constitute a separate offense.
Subp. 2. Corrective Actions Required
In the event of a violation or threatened violation of this ordinance, Land and Resource Management may institute
appropriate civil actions including, but not limited to, a request for injunctive relief to prevent, restrain, correct or
abate such violations or threatened violations. In addition, written notice in the form of a license complaint may be
made to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Subp. 3. Public Health Nuisance Control
In cases where a public health nuisance has been determined to exist, Land and Resource Management may
institute enforcement action under the Local Public Health Act, Minnesota Statute §145A.
SECTION 18. SEPARABILITY
It is hereby declared to be the intent that the several provisions of this regulation are separable in accordance with
the following:
If any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge any provision of the regulation to be invalid, such
judgment shall not affect other provisions of this regulation not specifically included in said judgment.
If any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge invalid the application of any provision of this regulation
to a particular property, building or structure, such judgment shall not affect the application of said
provision to any other property, building or structure not specifically included in said judgment.
SECTION 19. REPEAL
Otter Tail County Sanitation Code for Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems, as adopted by the County Board on
November 5, 2019, is hereby repealed and replaced with this Ordinance as of the effective date of this Ordinance.
SECTION 20. EFFECTIVE DATE
Passed by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, this June 13, 2023.
The regulations contained in this Ordinance shall become effective on January 1, 2024 upon passage by the County
Board and publication according to law.