"Accessory dwelling"
is defined as a small, secondary housing unit, usually the size of a studio apartment, located on the same lot as an established detached single-family residence. The accessory dwelling can be a detached cottage, a unit attached to a garage, or in a portion of an existing house. An accessory dwelling is an accessory structure and shall comply with the accessory structure standards of Chapter
16.180 and more particularly Section
16.180.040, Accessory Dwelling Standards.
"Applicant"
is defined as any person, corporation, association, or agency
applying for water service.
"Approved air gap"
is defined as a physical separation between the free-flowing
discharge end of a potable water supply pipeline and an open or non-pressurized
receiving vessel. An "approved air gap" shall be at least twice the
diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the overflow
rim of the vessel and in no case less than one inch (2.54 cm), and
in accord with Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code.
"Approved backflow prevention assembly"
is defined as a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention
assembly, reduced pressure principle-detector backflow prevention
assembly, double check valve back-flow prevention assembly, double
check-detector backflow prevention assembly, pressure vacuum breaker
backsiphonage prevention assembly, or spill-resistant pressure vacuum
breaker backsiphonage prevention assembly, of a make, model, orientation,
and size approved by the Oregon Health Authority. Assemblies listed
in the currently approved backflow prevention assemblies list developed
by the University of Southern California, Foundation for Cross-Connection
Control and Hydraulic Research, or other testing laboratories using
equivalent testing methods, are considered approved by the Oregon
Health Authority. Approved assemblies include the attached shutoff
valves on the inlet and outlet end of the assembly, assembled as a
complete unit.
"Auxiliary water supply"
is defined as any water supply on or available to the premises
other than the City's approved public water supply. These auxiliary
waters may include water from another City's public potable water
supply or any natural source(s) such as a well, spring, river, stream,
harbor, etc., or used waters or industrial fluids. These waters may
be contaminated or polluted or they may be objectionable and constitute
an unacceptable water source over which the City does not have sanitary
control.
"Backflow"
is defined as the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures,
or substances into the distribution pipes of a potable supply of water
from any sources other than its intended source, and is caused by
backsiphonage or backpressure.
"City"
is defined as City of Warrenton, its staff and/or designee
(authorized representative).
"City service line"
is defined as any pipe and fittings which connect a water
main to a water meter or customer service line.
"Commercial"
is defined as one who is engaged in commerce and uses water
during the course of a business where profit is a chief aim.
"Cross connection"
is defined as any actual or potential unprotected connection
or structural arrangement between the public or user's potable water
system and any other source or system through which it is possible
to introduce into any part of the potable system any used water, industrial
fluid, gas, or substance other than the intended potable water with
which the system is supplied. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections,
removable sections, swivel or change-over devices and other temporary
or permanent devices through which, or because of which, backflow
can or may occur are considered to be cross connections.
"Customer service line"
is defined as any pipe, valves, and fittings leading from
the water meter or City service line into the premises served or the
point of ultimate use.
"Inaccessible to read"
is defined as a water meter of any size or type which is
not conveniently accessible for purpose of reading, inspecting, repairing,
and connecting or disconnecting service.
"Industrial"
is defined as a business involved in the commercial production
and sale of goods.
"Institutional"
is defined as an organization or foundation dedicated to
education, public places of worship or culture, e.g., schools, rest
homes (including adult foster homes), hospitals, jails.
"Living unit"
is defined as any living quarters in which cooking or toilet
facilities are provided.
"Multi-family"
is defined as a building or portion thereof designed for
occupancy of two or more families.
"Person(s) responsible"
is defined as a person, including a buyer under a land sales
agreement, lawfully occupying a property to which utility services
are provided pursuant to an agreement with the owner.
"Property owner"
is defined as an individual or organization that has legal
ownership as evidenced by a deed filed with the County for the service
address. It is further understood that any individual or organization
that is listed on the deed (no matter the percentage ownership) is
authorized to conduct business for the service address and to incur
charges accordingly.
"Public Works Director, their designee or State Health Official"
is defined as the City of Warrenton Public Works Director
in charge of the water department, their designee or the representative
of the State of Oregon Health Department who is invested with the
authority and the responsibility for the implementation of an effective
cross-connection control program and for the enforcement of the provisions
of this chapter.
"Service"
is defined as a combined facility made up of both a City
service line and a customer service line.
"Single-family"
is defined as one who uses water for normal residential use.
"User"
is defined as any person(s), corporation, or other entity
using water through an established service line.
"Water main"
is defined as any pipe owned by the City of Warrenton laid
in a street, alley, or easement, and used or intended to be used for
the distribution of water to customers through service lines.
"Water meter"
is defined as any device used for the measurement of water
delivered to an individual location or user.
"Water service disconnection"
is defined as permanent removal of both water and sewer connections
from City mains. The sewer service is required to be capped as close
to the sewer main without cutting into the road surface. Sewer connections
shall be capped prior to the City removing the water meter. A Public
Works Department representative shall be present during the capping
of services. All costs for capping of water and sewer services will
be borne by the property owner.
(Ord. 1157-A § 1, 2012; Ord. 1222 § 1, 2018)
A. New
Water Meter Connection. An application for the installation of a new
water meter connection shall be made to the Public Works Department.
Upon completion of the new water meter application process and prior
to the physical installation of the meter, the applicant shall apply
for a utility account with the Finance Department.
B. Utility
Account Application. An application for an existing water service
shall be made to the Finance Department in person, on printed forms
to be furnished by the City. The applicant must state fully and truly
all purposes for which the water may be required and must agree to
conform to rules and regulations as a condition for the use of water.
The owner of each property to be served must sign for such service;
if the property is to be rented, leased or occupied by other than
the owner, and if it is the stipulation of the owner that such occupant,
hereafter referred to as person(s) responsible, must pay for the water
service, then this person must also complete and sign an application
form. A new application must be made for each change in use or ownership.
C. Outstanding
Account Balances. The City will not allow a new utility service to
customers with an outstanding balance on their account(s) with the
City until the entire balance that has accrued to the former account(s)
has been paid in full.
D. Water
User. Any person supplied with water from the City main will not be
entitled to use it for any purpose other than that stated in the application,
or to supply it in any way to other person(s) or families not mentioned
in the application. Penalties and shutoff will apply.
E. Change
of Ownership or Person(s) Responsible. Any tenant moving from or change
of property ownership must indicate their release of responsibility
by notifying the City prior to the date of leaving.
F. Property
Ownership Responsibility. The property owner of record shall be ultimately
responsible for the payment of all charges prescribed in this chapter.
If the person(s) responsible fails to pay the charges, the City shall
submit the bill to the property owner.
(Ord. 1157-A § 2, 2012; Ord. 1192-A § 2, 2014; Ord. 1222 § 2, 2018)
A. Installation.
A new service may be installed upon an approved water availability
and payment of current water connection fee, any additional costs
for labor and materials and System Development Charges (SDCs), as
set by resolution. All meters shall be installed only in the public
right-of-way adjacent to: (1) the property to be served, or (2) a
recorded easement which allows placement of utilities, which easement
benefits the property to be served.
B. Water
Availability Statements. New water service can be applied for through
the Public Works Department. The City makes no guarantee of water
availability. Water will be determined available if a water main is
within 100 feet of the property line where the meter would be placed
and no other restrictions apply. The property line may be adjusted
in the case of an easement granting the property owner the right to
a utility easement for water. If a water main is not available then
the applicant is responsible to extend an adequately-sized water main
in an established right-of-way (ROW) or dedicated utility easement
across the full frontage along the ROW of the property being developed
in accordance with the City of Warrenton Engineering Standards. These
applications will expire after 90 days from the date of issuance if
the appropriate connection fees listed on the statement are not paid
in full. Applicant has the right to reapply if the previous application
has expired. Meter connection charges that have been paid for but
not installed after 12 months from the date of payment for connection
charges will be refunded in full and the water availability statement
will be void. Applicant has the right to reapply for a water availability
statement.
1. The
water availability statement will note the size of meter, purpose
of water use, fees, conditions and responsibilities of the owner/contractor.
2. The
applicant must state fully and truly all purposes for which the water
may be required and must agree to conform to rules and regulations
as a condition for the use of water.
3. Unexpired
water availability applications, that have not been paid and meter(s)
installed, will be subject to increased fees, as set by resolution.
C. Single-Family
Residential Water Meter Connection. All single-family residential
properties, including new subdivision development lots, shall be required
to use water meters, the kind or make of said meter to be approved
or designated by the Public Works Department.
1. Where
an existing City service line is installed, approval by all required
departments has been received, and the applicant's payment, of all
associated charges and fees have been paid in full, a water meter
will be dropped-in by the Public Works Department within two business
days.
2. Upon
the applicant's payment, in full, of both current meter connection
fees and SDCs, the full installation of the City service line with
meter box and meter shall be installed by the Public Works Department.
The department will attempt to make any and all installations within
30 days or as soon as possible, in the order received.
D. Commercial,
Industrial and Multi-Family Water Meters. All water meter(s), the
kind or make of said meter(s) to be approved or designated by the
Public Works Department and service connections will be installed
by the owner/contractor. All meter information and numbers will be
delivered to the Public Works Department upon installation. A single
water meter will be installed to serve multiple living units, such
as duplexes, apartment houses, etc., unless the owner requests a separate
service for each unit. If a separate service is requested, each such
service will be metered and charged the appropriate rate. An approved
backflow prevention assembly is required immediately behind the water
meter on the customer's service line, for premises isolation.
1. Water
services including all infrastructure, water meters and meter boxes
with lids the size and type required by the City Public Works Department
will be installed by the owner/developer and the meter information
will be remitted to the City at the time of installation. All meters
larger than one inch will be flanged. A daily inaccessible to read
penalty will apply if meter information is not submitted at the time
of installation.
(Ord. 1157-A § 3, 2012; Ord. 1172-A § 1, 2012; Ord. 1222 § 3, 2018)
A. Accessibility
of Meters. The person(s) responsible for any property where a water
meter is located shall see that said meter is free from obstructions
and conveniently accessible at all times for the purpose of reading,
inspecting or repairing. Failure to do so shall result in a letter
of warning and may result in water service disconnection. Meters shall
be located 12 inches inside the public or street right-of-way. A daily
inaccessible to read penalty will apply when meters are blocked for
more than two business days.
B. Canceling
Accounts/Meter Removal. Voluntary account cancellations/disconnections
require prepayment of fees and will apply to garbage, sewer and storm
sewer utilities associated with this water service. Involuntary account
cancellations will have all applicable fees assessed on the utility
bill. All costs associated with water service disconnection are the
responsibility of the property owner, whether voluntary or involuntary.
Utility base rates shall not apply to cancelled accounts. The property
owner will be required to reapply for water service and pay all applicable
water connection fees as set by resolution to be reconnected to the
utility system.
The City of Warrenton will have the discretion to disconnect
a property from the utility system with or without the property owner's
permission. If a structure is damaged or falls into a state of serious
disrepair, after 90 days the City may remove the water meter from
the property thereby disconnecting the property from the utility system.
A notice of intent to disconnect will be sent to the property owner
30 days prior to disconnection. The property owner will have the right
to present the City any relevant information to forgo forced disconnection,
though not all reasons shall be deemed sufficient.
A petition for cancellation shall only be allowed under the
following conditions:
1. Existing
accounts associated with properties that have no structure.
2. Structures
that are not required to have water service per building code and/or
fire code.
3. A dangerous building or structure that has been ordered abated by order of the Building Official or Fire Chief and will be removed according to Section
15.08.100.
4. Owners of buildings or structures that have been extensively damaged by fire, earthquake or other catastrophic event and will not be rebuilt may petition to have a meter removed upon review by the Building Official and/or Fire Chief according to Section
15.08.100.
Once a petition is approved by the City Manager and the applicant
has met all the requirements of the Public Works Department for water
service disconnection, the City will remove the water meter service
associated with the account and the account will be cancelled. The
fee for meter removal is set by resolution.
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C. Service
Pipe. Service pipe(s) of any size between the main and the meter shall
be of the type and material specified by City of Warrenton Engineering
Standards. Service pipe(s) between the main and meter shall be maintained
by the City Public Works Department. The water service line from a
meter to the premises shall be maintained by the property owner. If
check valves restricting backflow are installed on a customer's service
line, a proper relief system shall also be installed to protect from
thermal expansion, as required by Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code.
D. Repair
and Protection. All service pipes except that portion between the
connection from the City main to the curb stop or meter must be kept
in repair and protected from freezing at the expense of the owner,
lessee or agent, who will be responsible for all damages resulting
from leaks or breaks. Failure to comply will result in discontinuance
of service.
E. Meter
Repair—Three-Quarter Inch and One Inch. The expense of maintaining
three-quarter inch and one inch water meters will be borne by the
City; provided, however, that where replacements, repairs, or adjustments
of a meter are made necessary by an act of negligence or carelessness
of the person(s) responsible for the premises, the expense to the
City caused thereby may be charged and collected from the party that
caused such act, negligence, or carelessness whether property owner
or person(s) responsible for the premises.
F. Meter
Repair—Larger Than One Inch. The expense of maintaining meter
assemblies larger than one inch and corresponding vault(s) will be
borne by the property owner. The City may require testing of the water
meter at any time in which the readings of the meter reflect a significant
drop in usage and the owner has not provided a reasonable explanation
for such change in usage. The property owner will be notified prior
to such testing.
The City may require immediate replacement of the water meter
with a meter of the same size, type and style that meets City standards
should it cease to function as designed and a repair is not possible.
Water meters will be replaced by the City at the owners expense. No
water will be supplied to unmetered service connections.
Meters that are currently in place and do not meet the City
meter specification standard at the passage date of the ordinance
codified in this chapter, will be maintained and replaced by the City.
Upon replacement by the City, the person(s) responsible will then
become responsible for all maintenance and replacement costs of the
meter assembly.
G. Private
Shut-Off. A shut-off on the customers side of the water meter shall
be installed and maintained by the owner for each service and made
available for emergency use. The shut-off is required to be placed
directly behind the water meter on the customer service line.
H. Meter
Out of Order. If a meter is out of order and not registering accurately,
the consumption charge shall be computed on the basis of a monthly
average of the previous 12 months when the meter was functioning properly,
such time sequence being necessary to encompass seasonal use.
I. Tampering.
No person shall connect, remove, repair, turn-on, turn-off or otherwise
disturb any water meter or service after once set; but, at the discretion
of the City, a meter may be removed by the City for an unpaid account.
Water services that have been locked off for non-payment of a utility
bill, and turned back on by anyone other than a City official shall
be reported to the Police Department as theft of service.
J. Damages.
The person(s) responsible or property owner shall be responsible for
any damages to the locking device affixed at the time of shut-off,
or to any meter or meter box which gives evidence of having been damaged
by carelessness or vandalism. These charges will be billed separately;
however, failure to pay within 90 days shall result in meter removal
and be subject to connection charges for reconnection as set by resolution.
(Ord. 1157-A § 3, 2012; Ord. 1172-A § 1, 2012; Ord. 1222 § 4, 2018)
A. Billing,
Due Dates and Past Due Penalties.
1. Bills
are sent on a monthly basis, regardless of occupancy or if the water
is off. Each bill rendered shall contain the final date on which payment
is due. If the bill is not paid by that date, the account shall be
considered delinquent. Water charges for consumption in the previous
month shall be billed at the beginning of the following month and
are due and payable at Warrenton City Hall on the last business day
of the same month in which the bill is issued. All payments on account
shall reference the appropriate customer number.
2. If
payment in full is not received by 5:00 p.m. on the last business
day of the month, a late charge penalty set by resolution will be
added. If the account is still unpaid on the first of the month following
the date the payment was due, a bill will be mailed to the person(s)
responsible showing all charges due with a past due notification.
3. The
City will send a reminder letter of these late charges to the property
owner and person(s) responsible (if they are not the same) on or near
the seventh of the month.
4. A
door hanger will be hung on or near the 14th day of the month stating
water service will be shut-off on, or a specified date near, the 20th
of that month if the account remains unpaid. Once a door hanger has
been sent, payment must be made in full for
the past due amount to avoid service termination. The customer will
be charged a door hanger penalty as set by resolution. A door hanger
will be hung on the subject property and the corresponding fee will
be attached to the past due account, even if the prior person(s) responsible/owner
no longer resides at the property.
5. Water
service will be shut off if past due balance is not paid before 5:00
p.m. on the date specified on the door hanger. Past due accounts will
be charged a shut-off penalty as set by resolution. Water service
shall not be restored until all charges and penalties are paid in
full.
6. When
payment has been made in full and the request for restoration has
been made before 2:00 p.m., same day service is available. If an immediate
restoration is required after 2:00 p.m., an emergency turn on fee
will apply.
7. In
the event the City is unable to physically terminate service to a
customer for non-payment, the customer will still be charged a shut-off
penalty. It is the responsibility of the person(s) responsible or
owner to make certain payment in full has been received by the City
in a timely manner.
8. If
the past due amount on a closed account remains unpaid at shut-off
day, the shut-off penalty will be assessed to the previous person(s)
responsible/owner even though the water is not shut-off. No new utility
applications will be taken until such time that all accounts at the
address associated with the past due account are paid in full.
9. Owners
and/or person(s) responsible shall be notified of and have the opportunity
to be heard by the Finance Director or employee empowered to resolve
any valid objections to the billing prior to the disconnection.
10. Properties whose service has been shut-off for non-payment for 12 months with no payments made on the City billing accounts or any balances in collections will be disconnected from the utility system. A fee for meter removal, as set by resolution, as well as any cost to remove garbage, sewer or storm sewer utilities will be assessed to the utility billing account and billing for utilities will discontinue as of the date of meter removal. Any outstanding balances may be referred to a collection agency. The property owner will be required to reapply for water service, pay applicable water connection fees as set by resolution and pay all outstanding balances including any balances in collections in order to be reconnected to the utility system. The property owner will be required to pay the balances owed or establish an approved payment plan with the City in order to avoid forced disconnection. See Section
13.04.040(B) Canceling Accounts/Meter Removal.
B. Meter
Reading. Water meters will be read monthly on a regularly scheduled
basis. The charge for each meter shall be made from one reading to
the next on a monthly basis. In the event it is not reasonable to
read the meter on a monthly basis due to inclement weather or City
emergency, the monthly charge may be estimated based on the prior
12 month's read.
C. Mixed
Use Structures. Where a structure has a commercial use and a residential
use or any other combination of uses, the higher monthly rate will
apply.
D. Multi-Units.
Where two or more units are served through one master meter, the owner
or authorized agent will be billed for the meter use, on a monthly
basis. If separate units in a multi-unit complex have separate individual
connections, the individual units will be billed individually on a
monthly basis.
E. Service
Calls. A fee set by resolution will be assessed to a customer requesting
a service call to their address. Final reads are considered a service
call. For the protection of the account holder's property, residents
may request to have their water turned off for a fee, as set by resolution.
Upon request, the City will then turn the service back on for an additional
fee. Base rates, including water, sewer, storm drain, garbage and
recycling will apply regardless of whether or not the water meter
is on or off.
F. Notice
for Service. The Public Works Department requests two business days
notice be given in order to schedule service calls; however, whenever
possible, requests for service will be handled as promptly as possible.
G. Refund.
Customers who have closed their utility accounts with the City and
have credit-account balances equal to or greater than $3.00 will receive
refunds. No refunds will be issued for accounts with less than $3.00.
Refund checks that have not cleared the City's bank within 90 days
of issuance will be cancelled and will be referred to the State of
Oregon Unclaimed Property Division. Customers who have an active account
at a different address with the City will have their credit balance
applied to their active account unless the customer requests otherwise.
H. Leaks.
When a leak occurs on the customer's side of the meter, it is the
responsibility of the owner to have the leak repaired within 10 days
of the discovery or notification by the City of the leak.
1. Adjustment
for Leaks. If the leak has caused the monthly charge to be excessive,
the responsible person may submit a written request for an adjustment.
If the excessive charge exceeds the average monthly charge by 300%
or more, the responsible person may be granted a reduced payment equal
to the average monthly charge plus 20% of the excessive charge. In
order to receive the reduced payment option, the person(s) responsible
must submit a completed leak adjustment request form attesting to
the repair of the leak and with all available substantiating documents
and receipts attached. All others will be responsible for the total
charge while the leak adjustment is in process. A completed leak adjustment
request form with the substantiating documents and receipts is required
for all leak adjustments. Leak adjustments will be processed once
the water consumption has returned to a normal level based on the
pre-leak period. The formula for the leak adjustment is average monthly
charge plus 20% of the excessive charge. Leak adjustments will be
made for a maximum of the six months prior to the repair of the leak
that demonstrates leak consumption. Adjustments will not be made for
leak consumption occurring outside the most recent six-month period.
Only two separate adjustments may be made per account per calendar
year.
2. Shut-Off
Due to Waste. The City of Warrenton Water Department shall not knowingly
furnish water to premises where there is an ongoing leak. When there
is a defective or leaking fixture, leaking customer service line,
irrigation system, or there is no shutoff device on the customer side
and the customer fails to take prompt corrective action to repair
the leaking line or fixture, the City may at its option, within 60
days of customer notification, shut off the water on the City side
of the meter. All monthly charges, fees and penalties will apply if
the City must shut off the water meter to ensure water conservation.
I. Special
Charges. A fee will be charged for any returned payments. Customers
have five business days to make returned payments good. The returned
transaction is only made good with cash including the returned payment
fee, as set by resolution.
1. The
City will immediately contact the customer to notify them of the returned
payment. If direct contact is not made, then the City will leave messages
at the phone numbers of record. If no phone contact is made, the City
will post notice on customer's residence. This will suffice to give
notice to customer that the payment must be made good and advise them
of the policy of the City.
2. The
five business days begins the day the City receives notice from the
bank and ends on the fifth business day at 5:00 p.m. (counting the
day of notice to the City).
3. The
City will assess the status of the account and if the returned payment
transaction is not made good within the five business days, then the
City will enforce all collection policies as per this section.
4. Returned
payment fees attach to all returned payment transactions including
checks, auto-pay and online payments.
5. Any
account that has three returned payments during a 12 month period
will be placed on a cash only status for 12 calendar months from the
date of the last returned transaction.
J. Water
Liens. All service, usage, penalty and fees shall be a lien against
the premises served. Ledger and other records will be accessible for
inspection by anyone interested in ascertaining the amount of such
charges against the property with the submission and approval of a
public records request, if applicable.
K. Billing
Addresses. Billing will be addressed exactly as the applicant has
directed on the application for service. The Finance Department must
be notified immediately of any change of billing address. Should the
proper address not be supplied by the customer and/or owner, the City
will attempt to solicit this information by delivery of a door hanger,
which will list a date on which the water will be shut-off if no reply
is forthcoming.
L. Rates.
All rates, charges, penalties and fees will be designated by resolution
and approved by the Warrenton City Commission.
M. Vacancy/Vacation.
City of Warrenton water customers may request a temporary billing
suspension for a period not to exceed six months. This temporary billing
suspension is limited to six months in a 12 month period. Customers
will be charged a temporary suspension fee, as set by resolution,
at the time their temporary billing suspension is to take effect.
The customer will be required to pay their account balance, including
all utility charges up to the date of suspension and the temporary
suspension fee, at the time the service is suspended. The billing
will continue and there will be no service suspension if the utility
account has a balance. Upon the effective date of the temporary billing
suspension, the City will turn off and lock the water meter. Upon
the termination of the temporary billing suspension period, the water
meter will be turned on and a temporary suspension fee will be assessed
to the utility account for reactivating the meter and reconnection
of service. Upon meter activation, billing for utility service will
restart. At the end of the six month temporary billing suspension
period, the water meter will be turned on and billing will be reinstated
regardless of property occupancy status. Customers with special surcharge(s)
or fee(s) attached to their utility bill are not eligible for a vacancy/vacation
rate.
N. New
Construction Rates. All service accounts associated with new construction
projects shall be subject to the minimum base water rate plus consumption
upon water meter installation. Rates for all other services will apply
upon issuance of occupancy permit.
O. Use
of a Collection Agency. Past due amounts from prior renters or owners
may be sent to collection after the City has attempted to collect
for 90 days. The owner of the property is the responsible party and
therefore, the owner will be sent to collection for renter's past
due charges. The City will not shut-off water on a new tenant but
will send past due amounts to collection. The City will shut-off water
on a new property owner if prior owner left any outstanding balance
(the new property owner assumes any liens on the property). A collection
fee of 50% of the principal amount owing will be added to the balance
at the time of referral to the collection agency.
(Ord. 1157-A § 4, 2012; Ord. 1172-A §§ 2, 3, 2012; Ord. 1192-A § 4, 2014; Ord. 1222 § 5, 2018)
A. Unlawful
Connection. It shall be unlawful for any person to attach or detach
from any water main or service pipe or other connection through which
water is supplied by the City, or to interfere in any manner with
such pipes or connections.
It shall be unlawful for any auxiliary water supply to be connected
with the municipal supply in any way. If such connection is found
to exist, the City water service will be disconnected and penalties
will be assessed to the utility account.
It shall be unlawful for any unit, with the exception described
for multi-units, to be occupied or used, either as a residence or
as a place of business, without an individual connection and meter
if required.
All unlawful connections found shall be reported to the Police
Department for theft of service and subject to unauthorized use penalties.
B. Supply
to Vessel. It shall be unlawful for any person operating a vessel
to obtain water for its use from City mains except through a meter
and from persons duly authorized to supply such water.
C. Electrical
Connections. It shall be unlawful to ground any electrical appliance
to any pipe connected to the water system.
D. Prohibited
or Restricted Use. The City may prohibit the use of water for any
purpose, such regulation being within the authority of the City Manager,
Public Works Director or their designee or the Oregon Health Authority
Drinking Water Program Official. These precautions are to promote
the health and safety of the inhabitants of the City of Warrenton
water system.
If a shortage of water shall exist, the City Manager shall have
authority at any time to restrict the use of water. Failure to comply
may result in penalties.
E. Turn-On/Off
by Other Than City Crew. It is in violation of this chapter for any
unauthorized person to tamper with the City's shut-off valve; however,
in case of emergency, City personnel may grant permission to the property
owner or person(s) responsible to turn the water off or on, but only
upon making notation of the account number, name of the permittee,
date, address, meter number and whether or not the shut-off is to
be temporary or permanent. Such information must be provided to the
City for entry into the records within 48 hours of granting permission.
When permission has been granted to the owner or person(s) responsible
for emergency turn on/turn off of the meter and where replacements,
repairs, or adjustments of a meter are made necessary by an act of
negligence or carelessness of the person(s) responsible for the premises,
the expense to the City caused thereby may be charged and collected
from the party that caused such act, negligence, or carelessness whether
property owner or person(s) responsible for the premises.
(Ord. 1157-A § 5, 2012; Ord. 1222 § 8, 2018)
A. Inspection.
For the purpose of inspecting the condition of the pipes and fixtures,
and the manner in which water is used, the City Manager or designee
shall have free access, at proper hours of the day, to all parts of
any building or premises in which water is delivered from City mains.
B. Realtor
Inspections. A licensed realtor who wishes to have a property's water
turned on and then off, for a house inspection, may pay an advance
fee as set forth by City resolution (disconnect/reconnect), for a
maximum of 24 hours.
C. Repairs.
The water may be shut-off from the mains, without notice at any time,
for repairs or other necessary purposes, and the City of Warrenton
Public Works Department and its delegates shall not be responsible
for any consequent damages.
D. Surplus
Water. The water department may furnish surplus water which would
not affect the City's supply to areas outside the City boundaries,
and charge the rates currently in force. Furnishing of water shall
be conditioned by terms of a contract drawn for this service.
E. Liability.
Any person violating any provision of this chapter, causing the City
to bring civil action against that person, shall be liable for court
cost and reasonable attorney fees to be set by the court, including
any appellate court fees, in the event the City is successful.
F. Fine.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter may, upon
conviction thereof, be punished by a minimum fine of $1,000.00.
G. Validity.
In case any portion or provisions of this chapter should be held to
be invalid for any reason whatsoever by any court, then all other
provisions shall be held and considered to be independent of, and
separable from, such invalid portions and shall not be affected or
rendered void by the invalidity of such other portions.
H. Effective
Date. The ordinance codified in this chapter took effect 30 days after
adoption.
(Ord. 1157-A § 6, 2012; Ord. 1222 § 9, 2018)