Council tables septic ordinance for more study

The Bella Vista City Council voted unanimously to table an ordinance regarding septic system size to allow further research into an issue.

The tabled ordinance would require a minimum two-person septic system for a 1,500 square foot or smaller structure, a three-person minimum septic system on a structure between 1,500 square feet and 2,500 square feet, a four-person for a structure between 3,500 square feet and 3,500 square feet and a larger system for any structure over 3,500 square feet.

During the Feb. 16 work session, Community Development Services director Doug Tapp said that undersized septic systems are an issue, but the department doesn’t have a mechanism to prevent it.

“We have to take a builder at their word … we approve it as a two-bedroom with an office and a spare,” he said.

Defining a bedroom may not be the only thing that needs to be done, he said, but it could be

a good start.

Staff will be working with septic, development, and real estate professionals to come up with a more nuanced approach to this issue, he explained.

Councilmember Jim Wozniak said he doesn’t want something the council will continue to debate excessively and would like to see city staff get it right before something is brought in for a council vote.

“If it takes longer, take the time,” he said.

Councilmember Doug Fowler said that he’s concerned about new construction but also about existing homes that could be sold to unsuspecting buyers — something the proposed ordinance did not address.

“I think we’ve got this holistic problem and we’re only addressing one portion right now.”

Councilmember John Flynn said that, while he’s concerned about existing structures, there has been a great deal of residential construction in the city and it would be better to address this issue sooner rather than later.

It may be wise to focus on addressing loopholes used in new construction first, he said.

The council approved a lease for additional Community Development Services office space.

Mayor Peter Christie said this space is at Village Center off Lancashire Blvd., in the former Linden’s Jewelry location.

This additional space will allow the currently-crowded office to better space its workers for social distancing, he explained.

The council also approved an amended rezoning request for a Castleford Drive property, a rezoning request for a Bella Vista Way property, changes to the definition and requirements for special events in city code, adjustments to the city’s budget, contracts to purchase two new city vehicles, a contract to remount an ambulance, appointments to the planning commission and appointing Tapp as the city’s representative on the Benton County Regional Solid Waste Management District board.