Bella Vista expands permit requirements for septic system work | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

BELLA VISTA — Homeowners seeking to repair an existing septic system or to install a new one in Bella Vista will now have to get septic plumbing permits first.

Previously, septic system installation was overseen by the city only for new construction. System failures and repairs were overseen only when reported.

Bella Vista Planning and Development Department staff recently drafted an ordinance amending city code to require the permits for repairs and installations at the request of City Council member Larry Wilms.

“We know for a fact that over the past years since we’ve become a city that steel septic tanks were installed, rusted out, failed, became a safety hazard and were replaced, but we really have no indication as to how many that’s gone through that process,” Wilms said.

The ordinance, which was approved by the City Council on Nov. 25, says the changes are needed to ensure proper installation and placement, to have adequate maintenance and operation, to ensure proper professionals are completing the work and to protect the seven lakes, waterways, public trail system and groundwater within the karst topography of Bella Vista from septic failures.

Property owners, their representatives or licensed installers will now be required to obtain the septic plumbing permits prior to installation, repairs or replacements of any part of a septic system not accompanying a residential or commercial building permit for new construction, according to the updated city code. It defines a septic system as a tank and leach field.

Wilms said the kind of repairs that now require a permit will allow the city to be informed about how significant or how poor the construction may have been originally.

The current plumbing permit fee is $30 for residential projects and $50 for commercial.

No permit will be required for minor repairs to faucets, valves, supply lines, appliances, replacement of submersible pumps and the removal of stoppage, according to the updated code.

Bella Vista has more septic systems per residence than any other city in Benton County, according to Planning Director Taylor Robertson.

A public hearing on the request to amend the code was held during the Nov. 12 Planning Commission meeting, but no public comments were received. The commission voted unanimously in favor of recommending approval of the changes to the City Council.

Robertson said city staff reached out to several stakeholders, including septic professionals, designated representatives, licensed installers and the Arkansas Department of Health in an attempt to gather input. She said out of the stakeholders emailed, four responses were collected — two from local, licensed companies and two from the Department of Health.

“All were in overall favor of this proposal for various reasons,” she said.

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