A. When permitted. Where a public sanitary sewer is not available, the building sewer shall be connected to a private wastewater disposal system complying with the provisions of this article.

B. Permit-Required. Before commencement of construction of a private wastewater disposal system the owner(s) shall first obtain a written permit signed by the sewer superintendent. The application for such permit shall be made on a form furnished by the city, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications, and other information as are deemed necessary by the sewer superintendent. A permit and inspection fee shall be paid to the city at the time the application is filed as set forth in the rate schedule.

C. Permit-Inspection. A permit for a private wastewater disposal system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the sewer superintendent. The sewer superintendent shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction, and, in any event, the applicant for the permit shall notify the sewer superintendent when the work is ready for final inspection, and before any underground portions are covered. The inspection shall be made within two working days of the receipt of notice by the sewer superintendent.

D. Compliance Required. The type, capacities, location, and layout of a private wastewater disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the Flathead County department of health and the Montana department of environmental quality. No permit shall be issued for any private wastewater disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities where the area of the lot is less than one-half acre. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any natural outlet.

E. Sanitary Operation. The owner(s) shall operate and maintain the private wastewater disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the city. Sludge removal from private systems shall be performed only by licensed operators. All licensed operators shall also obtain a city business license.

F. Article Provisions Not Exclusive. No statement contained in this article shall be construed to interfere with any additional requirements that may be imposed by any duly authorized authority. (Ord. 654 § 1(part), 2004)