The bill amends the Revised Code to update regulations for household sewage treatment systems in Ohio, focusing on enhancing public health protections while providing flexibility for property owners. Key changes include the requirement for the director of health to adopt rules for local health board approvals, site evaluations, and standards for installation and maintenance. Property owners can request soil evaluations, which are not mandatory unless a public health concern arises. The bill emphasizes repairing existing systems over replacement and outlines criteria for the siting, design, and operation of sewage treatment systems.

Additionally, the bill modifies inspection requirements, stating that annual inspections cannot be mandated without probable cause or a good-faith complaint. It allows for the installation of systems on slopes and in disturbed areas, provided the soil meets functionality requirements. The bill also establishes a framework for local boards of health to adopt stricter regulations while considering economic impacts on property owners and creates a sewage treatment system appeals board for each county to handle appeals from property owners. Existing sections of the Revised Code related to these regulations are repealed to streamline the legal framework.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3718.02, 3718.021, 3718.11, 6111.44, 6111.441