The ordinance gives the county power to enforce state regulations governing these systems.
It also sets a schedule of fines for violators and sets up a process for appealing those violations.
“The impact is farther reaching because over 75 percent of Brown County is in the Monroe County, Lake Monroe Watershed,” said Commissioner Diana Biddle.
But critics say some parts of the ordinance are redundant, including a section requiring builders to get a permit for a septic system before laying the foundation for a new home.
“What prevents people from moving in, the safety mechanism, without septic is they don’t have a certificate of occupancy yet. They are not going to be given a certificate of occupancy until planning and zoning approve it,” said local realtor Erika Bryenton.
Commissioners Diana Biddle and Chuck Braden voted for the ordinance; Commission Chair Jerry Pittman voted against it.
