The Common Council of the City of Oneonta finds that the use of fire suppression systems in buildings in the City of Oneonta represents a benefit to the people of the city, to the fire prevention activities of the City Fire Department and to the protection of the occupants of such buildings. In order to advance such protection, while at the same time protecting the public water supply, this article is adopted.
A permit for the introduction of a fire suppression sprinkler system shall be required. Charges for such permit shall be the same as for the introduction of any other water service.
Flow tests to determine sprinkler system design shall be performed by the Water Department or, as authorized, by an approved private agency for a charge established from time to time by the Common Council. If a flow test is performed without prior approval or in a manner detrimental to the city water supply system, there shall be levied a usage fee of an amount twice the cost of such service if provided by the city, under the provision of this article. Such fee shall be levied against the property for which the permit is being sought.
There shall be an annual charge for operable sprinkler services which are connected to a nonmetered water lateral. Such charge shall be equal to the annual minimum charge for metered water service laterals.
It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to maintain fire suppression sprinklers according to design specifications. Certification of maintenance will be required to be filed with the City Code Enforcement Office. If flow tests are required for such maintenance, such tests will be coordinated as nearly as possible with the city main flushing schedule. Failure to obtain prior approval from the Water Department shall result in a levied usage fee as provided under in § 126-20 above.
When fire hydrants, regardless of location, are used by private agencies for annual flow tests or for any other purpose, such use must receive prior written approval from the Water Department. Use of a hydrant without prior approval is prohibited.
Violation of any provision of this article shall subject the premises to levies or penalties pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Board of Public Service.