County discusses septic system permit
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 01:53 p.m., February 14, 2008
Updated 01:53 p.m., February 14, 2008
A city zoning regulation could prevent an area resident from getting a permit for a septic system he had installed, Lyon County commissioners learned during Wednesday’s study session.
Resident P.D. Miller, who owns property in the 1800 block of North Highway 99, recently put in a request for a conditional use permit to allow a mobile home in an agriculture district. While there is ample land available for Miller’s request, there may be a hitch when it comes to approving the septic system. The issue stems from the property being located in a flood plain. Anne Mayo, of the Lyon County Health Department, said the system has not been permitted and in 2007 the department had not received an application for a permit.
“I can’t deny a permit that I haven’t received yet,” Mayo said.
Even if they do receive an application, Mayo and other officials present at Wednesday’s meeting are unsure if it can be permitted. Regulations state that location of wastewater systems can not be located in a flood plain.
“I don’t know that we can permit it in a flood plain, this is a new home. I don’t think we can.” Mayo said.
Kevin Hanlin, zoning enforcement officer, expressed concerns about approving the septic system.
“This would set a precedent,” Hanlin said. “Each time we allow something like this it’s more red flags to FEMA in our participation in the flood insurance plan.”
Lyon County commissioners will take up the item again today during their action session.
In other business:
F Commissioners discussed the purchase of window treatments for the new Lyon County Extension Office. County Controller Dan Slater said there is no money budgeted for the purchase this year. Commissioners are set to discuss the item again today.