[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of Franklin as indicated in article histories. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 9-8-1988 by Ord. No. 88-11 (Ch.
132 of the 1988 Code)]
This article shall be known as the "Water: Drought
Emergency Ordinance of the Township of Franklin."
The governing body of the Township of Franklin
is authorized by statute to make, enforce, amend and repeal all such
ordinances, resolutions and regulations as it may deem necessary for
the protection of the public water supply. The intent of this article
is to provide a mechanism for the reduction of water use during periods
of water shortages. This article is intended to reduce nonessential
uses of water by prohibiting certain activities during periods of
drought emergency.
The Township Committee of the Township of Franklin
may declare by resolution a drought emergency in the event of the
following:
A.
The water level in the lakes, streams or ponds of
the Township have fallen below safe levels;
B.
The rainfall levels are 1/2 or less of the average
rainfall levels as reported by the United States Weather Service;
or
C.
It is imperative to the public well-being that certain
uses of water not essential to the health, welfare and safety of the
public be restricted.
A.
In the event that a drought emergency is declared,
the uses and withdrawal of water in the Township of Franklin by any
person or entity for the following purposes may be prohibited as follows:
(1)
Watering yards. The sprinkling, watering or irrigating
of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, flower gardens,
flowers or any other vegetation except vegetable gardens or crops.
(2)
Washing mobile equipment. The washing of automobiles,
trucks, motorcycles, trailers, trailer houses, farm tractors or any
other type of mobile equipment.
(3)
Cleaning outdoor surfaces. The washing of sidewalks,
driveways, filling station aprons, porches, decks and other outdoor
surfaces.
(4)
Cleaning buildings. The washing of the outside of
dwellings, businesses, offices or other buildings.
(5)
Ornamental fountains. The operation of any ornamental
fountains or other structures making use of water.
(6)
Filling swimming pools. The filling of any pool, pond
or other facility for swimming purposes.
(7)
Escape through defective plumbing. The escape of water
through defective plumbing, which shall mean the knowing permission
for defective plumbing to remain out of repair.
(8)
Extraction of water for commercial resale. The extraction
of water for resale either within or outside of the Township.
[Added 12-1-1988 by Ord. No. 88-13]
B.
The Township Committee by resolution may prohibit
all or some of the foregoing activities and may limit the days or
hours such activities are permitted.
[Amended 12-1-1988 by Ord. No. 88-13]
Notice of any resolution adopted by the Township
Committee declaring a drought emergency shall be posted in the Township
Municipal Building and published in the newspaper of record designated
for publication of legal notices by the Township.
[Amended 10-31-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-12]
The Zoning Officer of the Township of Franklin or his designee shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this article by ordering the immediate abatement of any prohibited water use. Penalties for violation of this article and any resolution adopted hereunder shall be punishable as provided in Chapter 1, Article I, General Provisions.
