§ 25-144. Off-site mass drainfields.

(a)

Any special use permit for an off-site mass drainfield that is approved by the board of supervisors shall be subject to the approval of the Virginia Department of Health. The application submitted to the board of supervisors shall include a preliminary soils report verifying the feasibility of mass drainfields on the site. However, acceptance of the report and approval of the special use permit shall not be deemed to replace or substitute for health department approval.

(b)

No special use permit for an off-site mass drainfield shall be issued unless the permit includes an approved primary drainfield and an approved reserve drainfield or such additional area or appurtenant easement capable of providing one hundred (100) percent of the capacity of such primary drainfield.

(c)

No special use permit for an off-site mass drainfield shall be approved unless the applicant and/or owner agree to connect to a public utility should it become available.

(d)

Any special use permit for an off-site mass drainfield system shall be limited to the size and capacity required to serve the principle use explicitly described in the special use permit application and to which the mass drainfield is appurtenant. After approval of the special use permit, the mass drainfield shall not be connected to serve any other parcel of land or use, nor shall it be further expanded in size or capacity unless and until a revised special use permit has been approved by the board of supervisors for the expansion.

(e)

Any replacement system shall be limited to the size and capacity required to serve the existing principle use, and shall not be further expanded unless and until a revised special use permit has been approved by the board of supervisors.

(f)

Prior to construction, the area in which the drainfield lies shall be an easement in perpetuity appurtenant to the lot or parcel upon which the structure to be served is located in accord with the sewage handling regulations of the Virginia Department of Health.

(g)

Prior to construction, such easement shall be shown on a plat of survey prepared by a licensed land surveyor, be recorded among the land records of Franklin County, and be permanently monumented in the field.

(h)

Access for sewage conveyance lines to reach the off-site mass drainfield system from the subject property shall be an easement at least fifteen (15) feet in width and shall be shown on the plat that identifies the off-site drainfield easement; provided, however, that in areas along state-maintained roads the county shall determine the width of easements on a case by case basis based on the recommendation of the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

(i)

No special use permit for off-site mass drainfields shall be issued unless the system meets the applicable requirements for sanitary sewer facilities as set forth in Chapter 22 of the Franklin County Code.

(Res. No. 26-09-99, 9-21-99)

(Res. No. 26-09-99, 9-21-99)