Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ENACT Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO SANITARY SEWERS; AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 34 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES ("CODE"); AMENDING THE EXEMPTION FOR RURAL ESTATES AND RURAL RANCHES; PROVIDING FOR AN IMPROVED REGULATORY PROCESS FOR SANITARY SEWER CONNECTION COMPLIANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by Vice-Mayor Steve Geller)
body
Why Action is Necessary
A Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish notice of public hearing to consider enactment of the Ordinance was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of March 10, 2020.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows the Board to consider enacting an Ordinance providing for an improved regulatory process for sanitary sewer connection compliance.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT (EPGMD) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE DIVISION (EPCRD) RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board's Value of "Encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices, and environmental protection" and Goal 3: "Increase water quality protection efforts. . ."
This Ordinance supports an increase in sanitary sewer connections and further limits the use of septic tank systems within Broward County. The Ordinance: (i) removes the exemption for properties in Rural Ranches and Rural Estates land use categories from connecting to an adjacent service main upon development of, or substantial improvements to, the property; (ii) repeals the exemption for new Rural Ranches and Rural Estates subdivisions to connect to existing water and sewer mains if within a quarter mile of the property; (iii) clarifies that an exception for connecting to a service main applies to both the connection requirement and any associated connection charge; (iv) establishes civil penalties for violations; (v) provides for enforcement by Broward County within the unincorporated area and by municipalities within incorporated areas; (vi) finds that violations of certain sections of Chapter 34 constitute a public nuisance and require abatement; and (vii) deletes various obsolete provisions.
EPGMD will provide the information requested by the Board at its March 10, 2020, meeting, as additional material prior to the time of the public hearing.
Source of Additional Information
Michael C. Owens, Senior Assistant County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Per the Office of Management and Budget, the estimated impact on the budget does not exceed the threshold required for a Fiscal Impact Statement.