Local brief
Broad septic-ban proposal put on hold for more review
The draft would cover new public and private development except single-family and two-family dwellings. The committee voted 4–0 to hold it.
Atlanta’s City Utilities Committee voted 4–0 on Oct. 27 to hold a proposed septic-tank ban for additional information and further review, according to the committee’s draft minutes. The action was a hold, not approval of a new sewer requirement.[1]
The stakes extend beyond businesses. As our earlier account of the ban’s reach explained, the proposal defines “commercial development” as all public and private development except single-family and two-family dwellings. Every covered new development would have to connect to public sewer.[2]
Ordinance 26-O-1583 would prohibit constructing septic tanks and other private sewage-disposal facilities for those developments. Its operative language contains no exception based on how far away the public sewer lies.[1][2]
The committee’s hold entry does not identify the specific information or revisions members want.[1]
The proposed effective-date clause requires adoption by the full City Council and approval by the mayor or a designee. The Oct. 27 committee vote did neither.[1][2]
Sources
2 official sources cited in this report. The bracketed numbers in the text link here.
Reporting history
Newest first. Articles reflect what was known at publication.