Borough Ordinance #631
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Borough of Ebensburg Ordinance #631 Summary
This ordinance establishes new rules for sanitary sewer connections in the Borough of Ebensburg, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. It aims to prevent stormwater and surface water from entering the sanitary sewer system and sets requirements for certification before property sales or transfers.
Key Dates
- Enacted: July 25, 2016
- Effective Date: August 1, 2016
Main Regulations
Prohibition on Illegal Connections
- It is unlawful to construct, install, maintain, repair, operate, use, or allow any illegal storm or surface water connection to the sanitary sewer system.
- This applies regardless of whether such connections were permissible under prior laws or practices.
Certification Requirements for Property Sales
- Before selling or transferring real estate within the borough, owners must provide the buyer with either:
- A Certificate of Sewage Compliance, or
- A Temporary Certificate of Sewage Compliance
- These certificates confirm that there are no known illegal connections and that customer facilities have passed an air pressure test.
- Certificates remain valid for five (5) years.
Definitions
Key terms defined include:
- Person: Any individual, entity, or organization recognized by law.
- Municipal Lien and Property Tax Verification Letter: Official letter confirming no outstanding municipal liens or taxes.
- Illegal Storm or Surface Water Connections: Discharge of ground/surface water into the sanitary sewer system via downspouts, roof drainage, etc.
- Sale: Includes all types of real estate transfers except specific exemptions like refinancing, intra-family transfers, or sheriff’s sales to mortgage holders.
- Sewer Lateral: Piping from the property line to the building, including maintenance responsibilities.
- Connection Stub: Short pipe section between the sewer main and customer’s viewport; owned/maintained by the Authority.
- Customer: Entity using sanitary sewer service and responsible for payment.
- Owner: Person(s) holding title to real estate.
- Building: Any structure intended for habitation or use where wastewater may be discharged.
- Building Drain: Lowest horizontal piping receiving discharge from inside walls and conveying it to the sewer lateral.
- Inspector: Appointed person(s) inspecting existing or proposed sewer facilities.
- Service Charges: Fees imposed by the Authority for connection, including capacity, collection, special purpose, and reimbursement fees.
Repealed Ordinances
- Ordinance #558 (October 27, 2008), as amended by Ordinance #618 (January 26, 2015), is fully repealed and replaced by this ordinance.
Severability Clause
- If any part of the ordinance is found invalid, the rest remains in effect.
Signatures
- Doug Tusing, President of Ebensburg Borough Council
- Daniel L. Penatzer, Manager
- Randy S. Datsko, Mayor
All officials approved the ordinance on July 25, 2016.