Lanai over or near cesspool?

[KiminPL]

I would suppose one should not/cannot build a lanai above a cesspool, even partially, is that correct? Searching online, I could not find regulations about required distance from a cesspool to a structure. The best garden view for a new lanai location may be in conflict with my cesspool location -- how close can I get with posts and piers?

[Tink]

I believe the "setback" is 5 feet from a structure from what information I was given by the Health Dept. I was told long ago that the reasoning is for maintenence in that the truck that comes to suck out the solids has proper room and ventilation to access cesspool or septic tank. I know this is somewhat irrelevant to the porosity of the soils in the islands, but the "rule" was created long ago on the mainland somewhere where the soils are not as forgiving, and now that this section is governed by the EPA and passed down to the State, change or modification to the rule would more than likely be very difficult at least. The EPA definition of a cesspool is a "holding tank", and not a "leach field" as what cesspools on the islands are in reality.

Community begins with Aloha

[kalakoa]

I would pick apart the definition of "structure" and the point at which any "setback" is measured, then look at the required "access" (deck with trapdoor enough? what if the deck is 5' over the cesspool cap?)

[KiminPL]

Thanks for the info, Tink. I'm sure I could provide "proper room and ventilation" even infringing on that 5-feet rule. I guess it will come down to what is permittable -- as in "building permit".

[Rob Tucker]

A deck less than 30" in height off grade does not required a permit.

[HI_Someday]

Never having been around a cesspool I need to ask - don't they smell bad? Are they sealed or do they vent into the immediate area? Are you going to be sitting on your lanai enjoying the Ode De Toilet?

[Rob Tucker]

Properly done you may very well not know it is there or be sure how to find it later.

The cesspool at my home is 70+ years old and has never needed servicing.

[terracore]

quote:

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Originally posted by HI_Someday

Never having been around a cesspool I need to ask - don't they smell bad? Are they sealed or do they vent into the immediate area? Are you going to be sitting on your lanai enjoying the Ode De Toilet?

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If you think you can smell your cesspool, you have a problem. But it's probably not your cesspool.

[Chas]

quote:

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Originally posted by Rob Tucker

Properly done you may very well not know it is there or be sure how to find it later.

The cesspool at my home is 70+ years old and has never needed servicing.

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Really? I have a septic tank (on the mainland) which consists of a tank and drain field. Normal maintenance is to have it pumped out every couple of years. If you don't, the solids will build up to the point where they will go into the drain field and clog it up. Then you have to replace the whole thing.

Mine is about 60 years old and works well, however it has always been pumped out regularly.

[leilaniguy]

Cesspools don't need to be pumped here, since they are in porous rock that doesn't hold solids. They don't smell because they are capped with a concrete slab.