Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
· adopted 2022-03-01
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CITY OF PITT MEADOWS
SANITARY SEWER AND DRAINAGE BYLAW
Bylaw No. 2890, 2021 and amendments thereto
CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY
This is a consolidation of the bylaws listed below. The amending bylaws have been consolidated
with the original bylaws for convenience only.
Certified copies of the original bylaws should be consulted for all interpretations and applications
of the bylaws on this subject.
BYLAW NO.
ADOPTED
AMENDED SECTION(S)
2890, 2021
March 1, 2022
Original
2916, 2022
April 5, 2022
Schedule B (in its entirety)
2945, 2023
April 4, 2023
Schedule B (in its entirety)
2976, 2024
May 7, 2024
Schedule B (in its entirety)
3020, 2025
May 13, 2025
Schedule B (in its entirety)
3036, 2025
November 18, 2025
Section 9
3044, 2026
April 14, 2026
Schedule B (in its entirety)
The bylaw numbers in bold at the end of the clause refer to the bylaws that amended the
principal bylaw.
CITY OF PITT MEADOWS
SANITARY SEWER AND DRAINAGE BYLAW
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A bylaw to regulate connections to the Sanitary and Drainage Systems, to
impose connection fees, and to impose a charge for the use of the Sanitary
System
Under its statutory powers, including sections 8 [fundamental powers], 15
[licensing and standards authority] and 194 [municipal fees] of the Community
Charter, the Council of the City of Pitt Meadows enacts as follows:
1. Citation/Title
1.1
This bylaw may be cited as the "Sanitary Sewer & Drainage Bylaw".
2. Repeal
2.1
Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drain Bylaw No. 2601, 2013 and its amendments
are repealed.
3. Severability & References
3.1
If any portion of this bylaw is declared invalid by a court of competent
jurisdiction, then the invalid portion will be severed and the remainder of
the bylaw is deemed valid.
3.2
A reference to any statute, regulation, bylaw or other enactment refers to
that enactment as it may be amended or replaced from time to time.
4. Definitions
4.1
In this bylaw,
a) Applicant means an Owner or authorized agent thereof making
application for a permit;
b) City means the City of Pitt Meadows;
c) Cross Connection means a connection between the Sanitary System
and Drainage System;
d) Director means the Director of Engineering & Operations, an
authorized representative, or any person appointed by Council to
serve in that capacity;
e) Drainage Connection means the pipe located within the City's right-
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of-way that conveys surface, ground and storm water from a parcel
to the Main of the Drainage System, including the inspection
chamber, valves, meters, and related appurtenances;
f)
Drainage System means the City owned and operated drainage
works, including Mains, Drainage Connections, pumping stations,
ditches, detention facilities and outfalls located within the City's
right-of-way;
g) Inflow and Infiltration means storm water that enters the Sanitary
System through downspouts, foundation drains, or Cross
Connections and groundwater that enters the Sanitary System
through cracks or breaks in the pipe or defective connections;
h) Main means a pipe located within the City's right-of-way which is
meant to convey flow from parcels, including valves, fittings and
other appurtenances, but excludes connections;
i)
Occupier means householders, tenants or owners of a dwelling;
j)
Owner means an owner of a parcel and as defined in the Community
Charter;
k) Private Drainage System means a pipe and any drainage works,
including pumping stations, ditches, detention facilities, plumbing,
outfalls and related appurtenances located on an Owner's parcel;
l)
Private Sanitary System means a pipe and any sanitary sewer works,
including lift stations, treatment plants, sewage lagoons, plumbing,
sanitary outfalls and related appurtenances located on an Owner's
parcel;
m) Prohibited Waste as defined in the Greater Vancouver Sewerage
and Drainage District Sewer Use Bylaw;
n) Restricted Waste as defined in the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and
Drainage District Sewer Use Bylaw;
o) Sanitary Connection means the pipe located within the City's right-
of-way that conveys Sanitary Waste from a parcel to a Main of the
Sanitary System, including the inspection chamber, cleanout wye,
fittings, and related appurtenances;
p) Sanitary System means the City owned and operated sanitary sewer
works, including Mains, Sanitary Connections, lift stations, treatment
plants, sewage lagoons and outfalls located within the City's right-
of-way;
q) Sanitary Waste means water-carried wastes from residential,
commercial, institutional, and industrial establishments, but
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excludes Prohibited Waste.
5. Powers and Duties of the Director
5.1
All the design, operation, maintenance, repair, improvement and extension
of the Sanitary and Drainage Systems will be under the control and
supervision of the Director.
5.2
The Director may give written notice to an Owner in which the Owner must
do some or all of the following work within the time specified by the
Director:
a) conduct tests and investigations, including smoke testing, dyed
water testing, closed circuit television inspection or other
procedures on the parcel to detect leakage, Cross Connections, and
Inflow and Infiltration;
b) provide reports prepared by a registered professional with respect
to the repair of any leakage or the removal of any Cross
Connections, and Inflow and Infiltration;
c) repair any Private Sanitary System or Private Drainage System or
other works to prevent leakage, Cross Connections, and/or Inflow
and Infiltration; or
d) remove or dispose of any contaminant that is deposited into any
part of the Sanitary System from the Private Sanitary System.
5.3
Despite section 5.2, the City may temporarily or permanently discontinue
the sanitary and/or drainage service immediately without prior notice to
the premise where:
a) a person violates any of the provision of this bylaw;
b) the Director or Public Health Authority so determines; or
c) Council determines that it is in the public interest to require such
discontinuance.
6. Right of Entry
6.1
The Owner of every parcel and the Occupier of every premise will at all
reasonable times allow, suffer and permit the Director, Operations
Supervisor, Building Inspector or authorized representative to enter into or
upon the parcels and premises to inspect any Private Sanitary System,
Sanitary Connection, Private Drainage System, Drainage Connection, and
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to inspect for actual or potential leakage, Cross Connection, and Inflow and
Infiltration in order to ascertain whether or not the provisions of this bylaw
are being complied with.
7. Responsibilities of Users
7.1
A person must not alter, connect to, disconnect from, add to, remove from
or otherwise interfere with the Sanitary or Drainage System without written
permission of the Director.
7.2
A person must not tamper, destroy or damage in any manner any part of
the Sanitary or Drainage System.
7.3
A person must not bury, cover or obstruct, at any time or in any manner,
the access to any inspection chamber or any other fixture connected to the
Sanitary or Drainage System.
7.4
A person must not discharge, deposit or cause, allow or permit to be
discharged or deposited into any part of the Sanitary or Drainage System
any Prohibited Waste or Restricted Waste that may accumulate in, attack
or weaken the Sanitary or Drainage System without written permission of
the Director.
7.5
Every Owner will operate and maintain their Private Drainage System and
Private Sanitary System, valves, oil and grease traps, fixtures and other
related devices in good condition whereas the Private Drainage System
and Private Sanitary System will:
a) be clear of all obstructions, including roots, grease deposits, debris
and other solids, which may impede the flow or obstruct the
transmission of fluids;
b) be free of any structural defects, including cracks, breaks, openings,
rodent holes or missing portions, which may allow the introduction
of extraneous flow or debris into the Sanitary or Drainage System,
or allow the discharge of Sanitary Waste onto the parcel; and
c) be uniform and without sags.
7.6
Every Owner will prevent:
a) the discharge of ground water, rain water, surface water, Prohibited
Waste or Restricted Waste into the Sanitary System; and
b) the discharge of Sanitary Waste, Prohibited Waste or Restricted
Waste into the Drainage System or to the environment.
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SANITARY SEWER AND DRAINAGE BYLAW
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8. Parcel to be Connected
8.1
Unless specifically exempted in this bylaw, every Owner must:
a) ensure that all Sanitary Waste originating from any building located
on such Owner's parcel is connected to and discharged into the
Sanitary System when such system is within 45m of the Owner's
parcel or available to the parcel as determined by the Director;
b) ensure that all surface water originating from such Owner's parcel is
contained entirely on that parcel and connected to and discharged
into the Drainage System when such system is within 45m of the
Owner's parcel or available to the parcel as determined by the
Director; and
c) obtain a connection permit in accordance with section 9.
8.2
A Drainage Connection will not be required if the Owner installs an
effective alternate method for the disposal of storm water in accordance
with the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw.
8.3
Each building must be separately and independently connected to the
Sanitary and Drainage System, providing however, that where two or more
buildings are situated on the same parcel, one Sanitary Connection and
one Drainage Connection for the buildings may be permitted with the
approval of the Director.
8.4
Where the Owner does not connect their parcel to the Sanitary and/or
Drainage System, as required in section 8.1, the Director may:
a) serve the Owner a notice of non-compliance giving the Owner thirty
(30) days from the date on the notice to comply with the provisions
of this bylaw; and
b) direct that the City may enter the parcel to undertake such
connections at the cost of the Owner after the expiration of the thirty
(30) day period.
8.5
Any costs incurred by the City under the provisions of section 8.4, if not
paid by December 31st of that year in which they were incurred, are
considered to be taxes in arrears on the parcel in question.
9. Connection Application
9.1
Every Applicant wishing to connect a parcel to the Sanitary or Drainage
System must, prior to installation:
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a) apply for a permit from the City, in the form prescribed by the
Director, to make the connection(s);
b) pay to the City the connection fees specified in Schedule "A", as
applicable;
c) submit a design plan or a drawing of each proposed connection if
requested by the Director, including:
(i) existing services;
(ii) proposed services;
(iii) the location of buildings, trees, driveways and sidewalks; and
(iv) minimum building elevation (MBE);
in which the plan or drawing has been prepared by a professional
engineer in accordance with the Subdivision and Development
Servicing Bylaw; and
d) in the case of any commercial or industrial premises, submit a design
and layout of the protective devices proposed to neutralize the
discharge of any Restricted Waste or Prohibited Waste.
9.2
The Director may refuse a Sanitary and/or Drainage Connection if, in their
opinion, the respective Sanitary or Drainage System has insufficient
capacity to service the parcel for the purpose set out in the application.
9.3
New Sanitary and Drainage Connections are required at the Applicant's
cost whenever:
a) a new house or building is to be constructed; or
b) an existing house or building is to be renovated and the estimated
construction value is greater than $100,000 and the works results in
an increased demand upon the Sanitary and/or Drainage System
after renovations are complete. (Bylaw No. 3036, 2025)
9.4
Despite section 9.3, the Director may approve the use of an existing
Sanitary and/or Drainage Connection provided that it meets the other
requirements of this bylaw, and the Director is satisfied that it is suitable for
continued use considering the size, material, condition, age, and other
factors deemed by the Director.
9.5
Any fees applicable to the above connection permit do not include works
within the parcel of the Applicant, except the inspection of the Applicant's
Private Drainage System and/or Private Sanitary System at the point of
connection.
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9.6
The issuance of a connection permit for a parcel does not constitute
approval of any development proposed for the parcel.
10. Connection Location
10.1 The location of Sanitary and Drainage Connections will be at the discretion
of the Director.
10.2 If an Applicant requests that a connection be installed at a location other
than that proposed by the Director, and if the Director approves such
location, the Applicant will pay all additional costs associated with
installation at that location. The Director may use a previously disconnected
connection, if appropriate.
11. Septic Tanks
11.1 Pursuant to the Public Health Act, an Applicant must decommission a
septic tank that is no longer in use within thirty (30) days of completion of
a Sanitary Connection to the parcel.
12. Application for Disconnection Permit
12.1 Every Applicant wishing to disconnect or demolish a building connected to
the Sanitary or Drainage System must:
a) apply for a permit from the City, in the form prescribed by the
Director, to make the disconnection(s);
b) pay to the City the disconnection fees specified in Schedule "A", as
applicable;
c) have the Private Sanitary System and/or Private Drainage System
inspected for any leakage, Cross Connection, and Inflow and
Infiltration;
d) submit a security of $5,000 in the form of cash or irrevocable letter
of credit (LOC), if the disconnection permit is in conjunction with a
demolition permit; and
e) pay to the City the total cost of works associated with disconnection,
including but not limited to removal of the Sanitary and/or Drainage
Connection back to the Main.
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13. Connection Installation
13.1 Upon approval of the application, the City will request a minimum of two
quotes from the City's pre-qualified list of contractors, including any
associated City costs, or provide a City estimate. Once provided to the
Applicant, these estimates are valid for sixty (60) days.
13.2 All Sanitary and Drainage Connections are to be installed by the City's
successful pre-qualified contractor or by the City, at the cost of the
Applicant. Works by others will not be permitted, unless otherwise
approved by the Director.
13.3 The diameter of every gravity draining:
a) Sanitary Connection will be 100mm (4"); and
b) Drainage Connection will be 150mm (6").
13.4 Despite section 13.3, the Director may approve a larger-sized connection
if, in their opinion:
a) the Sanitary or Drainage System is capable of adequately servicing
the parcel for the purpose set out in the application; and
b) the proposed use will not detrimentally affect the other users of the
Sanitary or Drainage System.
13.5 At the point where the Private Sanitary System is joined to the Sanitary
Connection, at the property line, a 200mm (8") inspection chamber will be
installed at the Applicant's cost in accordance with the Subdivision and
Development Servicing Bylaw.
13.6 At the point where the Private Drainage System is joined to the Drainage
Connection, at the property line, a 200mm (8") inspection chamber will be
installed at the Applicant's cost in accordance with the Subdivision and
Development Servicing Bylaw.
13.7 Should an Owner install a Private Sanitary System and/or Private Drainage
System, it will be done is accordance with the City's Building Bylaw, B.C.
Building Code and other applicable provincial regulations.
13.8 All Private Sanitary Systems and Private Drainage Systems must pass City
inspection prior to backfilling at the point of connection.
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14. Sanitary User Rates
14.1 The Owner will pay, in addition to all other rates, charges and fees for the
use of the Sanitary System, the amounts specified in Schedule "B" of this
bylaw.
14.2 The rates set out in Schedule "B" are payable to the City on or before the
due date. Such rates are payable whether or not:
a) the dwelling(s) or building(s) on a parcel are occupied;
b) any Owner or Occupier of a parcel makes use of any of the service;
or
c) the service is interrupted or altered in any manner.
15. Sanitary Residential Rates
15.1 Upon issuance of a building permit to construct a dwelling that will be
serviced under this bylaw, excluding a multi-family residence and a
secondary suite, the Owner of the subject parcel will pay, in advance, the
per diem rate set out in Schedule "B" for the balance of the year following
120 days after building permit issuance.
15.2 Upon issuance of a building permit to construct a multi-family residence
that will be serviced under this bylaw, the Owner of the subject parcel will
deposit to the City, in the form of cash or irrevocable letter of credit, the
deposit amount per unit as set out in Schedule "B".
15.3 Prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit for a multi-family residence,
the Owner of the subject parcel will pay, in advance, the per diem rate set
out in Schedule "B". The amount due will be deducted from the deposit
provided for in section 15.2. Any shortfall owing to the City will be paid
prior to issuance of an occupancy permit and any surplus owed by the City
to the Owner will be paid within thirty (30) days.
15.4 Secondary suites identified before the due date are considered separate
dwellings and pay an unregistered suite fee, except when the secondary
suite is registered and licensed with the City before the due date in which
case the Owners pay forty percent (40%) of the residential dwelling rate for
the secondary suite.
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16. Sanitary Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Rates
16.1 Upon issuance of a building permit to construct a building for industrial,
commercial or institutional use that will be serviced under this bylaw, the
Owner of the subject parcel will pay, in advance, the per diem rate set out
in Schedule "B" for the balance of the year following 120 days after
building permit issuance.
17. Unpaid Rates or Charges
17.1 When any rates or charges due by any person under this bylaw remain
unpaid on the 31st of December, the same will be deemed to be taxes in
arrears in respect of the parcel for which the service was provided and such
sum will be recoverable under the provisions of the Community Charter.
18. Offences and Penalties
18.1 Any person who:
a) violates any provision of this bylaw or neglects or fails to do anything
required to be done by this bylaw, or
b) causes or permits any other person to violate any provision of this
bylaw or neglects or fails to do anything required to be done by this
bylaw with respect to the parcel of which they are the Owner,
commits an offence under this bylaw and is subject to the imposition of any
and all penalties or remedies available to the City pursuant to this bylaw or
to other applicable bylaws or legislation.
18.2 Any person who:
a) acknowledges that they are the Owner or Occupier of the parcel, or
b) is apparently the Owner or Occupier and is in occupation of the
parcel at the time of the offence, in respect of which the violation,
neglect or failure has occurred,
is deemed to be a person who falls within the definitions provided in
section 18.1.
18.3 Any person who commits an offence pursuant to section 18.1 will be liable,
upon conviction, to a minimum fine of two hundred dollars ($200) and not
more than the maximum fine provided by the Offence Act. Where the
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offence is a continuing one, each day that the offence is continued will
constitute a separate offence.
19. Schedules
19.1 The following schedules are attached to, and form part of, this bylaw:
a) Schedule A - Charges and Fees
b) Schedule B - Sanitary User Rates
READ a FIRST, SECOND and THIRD time on February 15, 2022.
ADOPTED on March 1, 2022.
Bill Dingwall
Mayor
Kate Barchard
Corporate Officer
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SCHEDULE "A"
CHARGES AND FEES
Permit for Sanitary & Drainage Connection
Non-refundable application fee
*Note this fee covers application for all utilities applied for at one
time (water, sanitary, and drainage)
All connections will be at the actual cost of all direct materials,
labour, equipment, inspections plus an administration charge as
specified in the Administration Services Fee Setting Bylaw.
$100.00
varies
Permit for Sanitary & Drainage Disconnection
Non-refundable application fees
*Note this fee covers application for all utilities applied for at one
time (water, sanitary, and drainage)
All connections will be at the actual cost of all direct materials,
labour, equipment, inspections plus an administration charge as
specified in the Administration Services Fee Setting Bylaw.
$100.00
varies
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SCHEDULE "B" (Bylaw No. 3044, 2026)
The following charges for use of the sanitary sewer system shall apply to all real
property served by the sanitary sewers owned, operated and maintained by the
Municipality:
USES
USER RATE
A.
Residential Units
Rate per dwelling unit and mobile home space:
$609.00
B.
Hotel, Motel, Auto Court, Boarding Houses and like units
Rate per room available for hire:
$150.00
C.
Restaurants, Cafes, Eating Establishments
Minimum rate for the first 50 seats:
Plus - rate per additional 10 seats or any fraction thereof:
$609.00
$62.00
D.
Laundromats, Dry Cleaners
Minimum rate for the first 5 machines installed therein
Plus - rate per additional machine installed
$1012.00
$120.00
E.
Schools
Rate per classroom:
$486.00
F.
Commercial and Institutional Units (not specified)
Rate per unit:
$609.00
G.
Industrial Units (including ice arenas, golf courses, car washes
and warehouses)
Minimum rate for the first 1,000,000 gallons of annual
water usage recorded by City meters:
Plus - rate per additional 1,000,000 gallons or fraction
thereof:
$1218.00
$4,876.00
H.
Per Diem Rates
Residential building per dwelling unit:
Industrial, Commercial or Institutional building per unit:
$1.67/day
$1.67/day
I.
Deposit Amounts
Multi-family residence
$100/unit