For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases are defined and shall be construed as hereafter set out, unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended.
"Abandoned"
oil or water well includes any such well not actually and continuously used and any well, whether being used or not, the mouth or entrance of which is left open.
"Cistern"
means an artificial reservoir or tank or septic tank or wells for storing water.
(Prior code § 3500; 2802 § 1, 2011)
A person who digs, drills, excavates, constructs, owns, or controls any water well, oil well, or cistern and abandons such well or cistern, and a person who owns, possesses, or controls any premises on which an abandoned water well, oil well, or cistern exists shall cap or otherwise securely cover the mouth or entrance to the well or cistern. The capping or covering shall be so constructed and installed as to prevent any human being from falling into the well or cistern or from suffering any bodily injury, through accident or inadvertence, by reason of the existence of the well or cistern.
(Prior code § 3501; 2802 § 1, 2011)
Whenever any person fails or refuses to perform any act required by this chapter, the City may itself cap, cover, or fill such well. It is not necessary to follow the provisions of this section as a condition precedent to any criminal prosecution. In the event it is necessary for the City to cap, cover, or fill such well, the charge for such service will be against the property owner on which such well is located.
(Prior code § 3502; 2802 § 1, 2011)