A. 
Each applicant for water service shall be required to sign an application form provided by the water department or make application by letter showing the date of application, location of premises to be served, mailing address, date applicant desires service, and such other information as may be required.
B. 
Each application shall be accompanied by a deposit in an amount set by city council resolution. The water clerk is authorized to refund the deposit if, after one full year, the customer has paid each monthly water and sewer billing in full and in a timely manner, as determined by the finance director of the city, or if the customer terminates service and all of the customer's accounts are paid in full.
(Prior code § 16-106; Ord. 537 § 2, 1977; Ord. 579, 1982; Ord. 647 § 4, 1990)
As the type of business occupying the premises determines the service rates, responsibility for water service and all other applicable fees and charges may be assumed by the proprietor of that business; provided, however, that the owner shall remain liable for those charges in the event the owner has applied for the service.
(Ord. 579, 1982)
An application for service will not be honored unless payment in full has been made for water service previously rendered to the applicant by the city.
(Prior code § 16-107)
The city engineer/director of public works shall have the discretion to issue a conditional water use and connection permit to the following premises:
A. 
Premises located within the incorporated territory of the city shall have primacy for water service and shall be eligible for arid may be granted a conditional water use and connection permit under the following circumstances:
1. 
The applicant and all persons with an interest in the premises to be connected to the water distribution system shall execute an application for conditional water use and connection permit formulated by the city; and
2. 
The applicant has paid all fees required to be paid; and
3. 
The applicant has complied with all other provisions of the Crescent City Municipal Code and regulations of the public works department; and
4. 
No applicant or person with an interest in the premises connected to the water distribution system shall sell, transfer, assign or otherwise alienate the conditional water use and connection permit to the premises for which it was originally granted, for the use of any other premises, without the express written consent of the city council or its designee.
B. 
The city engineer/director of public works shall have the discretion to issue a conditional water use and connection permit to those premises located within the urban services area under the following circumstances:
1. 
Whenever the city council resolves that the city's water system has more capacity than is needed to serve city residents and unincorporated water customers then receiving service; and
2. 
The applicant and all persons with an interest in the property to be connected to the water distribution system shall execute an application for conditional water use and connection permit formulated by the city; and
3. 
The applicant has paid all fees required to be paid; and
4. 
All persons with an interest in the property applying for water service shall execute the "waiver of the right to protest annexation" formulated by the city in a form suitable for recordation. To facilitate the waivers preparation, the applicant shall provide the city with all documents the public works department requires to ascertain the identity of all persons having an interest in the property and to ascertain the identity of the authorized representatives of any business entity having an interest in the property; and
5. 
The applicant shall provide evidence of a valid building permit that unconditionally authorizes the erection or construction of a residential or nonresidential structure upon the property; and
6. 
Does not require the construction of a water mainline extension unless such extension is required and is consistent with the neighborhood water service plan for the area in which the premises is located; and
7. 
The applicant has complied with all other provisions of the Crescent City Municipal Code and regulations of the public works department; and
8. 
A major water user shall not be granted a conditional water use and connection permit unless the permit is approved by the affirmative majority vote of the city council members voting (excluding blanks or abstentions) in a meeting at which a quorum is present; and
9. 
The applicant and all persons with an interest in the premises to be connected to the water distribution system are expressly prohibited from selling, transferring, assigning or otherwise alienating the conditional water use and connection permit to the premises for which it was originally granted to any other premises without the express written consent of the city.
C. 
The city engineer/director of public works shall have the discretion to issue a conditional water use and connection permit to those premises located outside the urban services area under the following circumstances:
1. 
Whenever the city council resolves that the city's water system has more capacity than is needed to serve city residents and unincorporated water customers then receiving service and all anticipated development within the urban services area; and
2. 
The applicant and all persons with an interest in the property to be connected to the water distribution system shall execute an application for conditional water use and connection permit formulated by the city; and
3. 
The applicant has paid all fees required to be paid; and
4. 
All persons with an interest in the property applying for water service shall execute the "waiver of the right to protest annexation" formulated by the city in a form suitable for recordation. To facilitate the waivers preparation, the applicant shall provide the city with all documents the public works department requires to ascertain the identity of all persons having an interest in the property and to ascertain the identity of the authorized representatives of any business entity having an interest in the property; and
5. 
A residence is situated upon the premises; and
6. 
Connection would not require the construction of a main installation or distribution mainline extension; and
7. 
The applicant has complied with all other provisions of the Crescent City Municipal Code and regulations of the public works department; and
8. 
The applicant and all persons with an interest in the premises to be connected to the water distribution system are expressly prohibited from selling, transferring, assigning or otherwise alienating the conditional water use and connection permit to the premises for which it was originally granted to any other premises without the express written consent of the city; and
9. 
The premises is presently being served by a well that has been verified as being rendered unsafe from contamination; or
10. 
The premises was intended to be served by a water well that has an insufficient water flow to serve its needs that meets the following criteria:
a. 
The provision of municipal water to the premises shall not promote the creation of a subdivision of the parcel proposed to receive water service,
b. 
The premises to be served contains no more than one single-family dwelling which dwelling shall have already been issued a valid building permit for the residence's erection,
c. 
There is no other feasible alternative water source to the premises,
d. 
The need for municipal water service is the result of unintentional and exceptional circumstances that are not the product of improper well design, maintenance or any failure to undertake diligent efforts to pursue the development of a well consistent with the state of the then-present technology. The applicant shall provide such evidence to the city as the public work's director requests,
e. 
The provision of municipal water service must not conflict with any California or Del Norte County adopted laws, regulations, policies or standards for the provision of municipal water services outside the urban services boundary,
f. 
The applicant is granted encroachment permits and/or easements that permit the applicant to construct a water service lateral from an existing main,
g. 
The service lateral shall not exceed the length of six hundred feet;
11. 
The premises is located along a main line extension during the term of an applicable developer reimbursement agreement; or
12. 
The premises is located within the service area of a community service district which district has a presently existing water service agreement directly with the city; or
13. 
Is the reactivation (but not the transfer of the location) of a previously existing water service to the premises.
(Ord. 683 § 4, 2000; Ord. 690 § 3, 2001; Ord. 694 § 4, 2003)
Water services will be installed in size and at the location desired by the applicant where such requests are reasonable. Service installations will be made only to property abutting on public streets or to such distribution mains as may be constructed in alleys or rights-of-way at the convenience of the water department. Services installed in new subdivisions prior to the construction of streets or in advance of street improvements, must be accepted by the applicant in the installed location.
(Prior code § 16-108)
A. 
Charges for new services shall be set annually by the city council by resolution and in no case shall such charges be less than the actual cost to the city of labor and materials necessary to provide such service.
B. 
A deposit shall be required in advance, such deposit to be estimated by the public works department on request by the water clerk.
C. 
Applicable charges shall be those in effect at the time of the actual installation, not at the time of the estimate or deposit.
(Prior code § 16-109; Ord. 579, 1982)
Mains will be extended to serve new customers under the following terms and conditions. No main extensions will be made by the city, except on an approved dedicated street, alley; or recorded easement:
A. 
Prior to construction of the main, every applicant for water service shall enter into a written form agreement for such extension and shall deposit with the water department an amount equal to ten percent of the estimated cost of extension, including engineering and administration. The estimated cost shall be based on the actual size of facilities required to meet the service demands from that extension; except, that the city reserves the right to fix the minimum size pipe considered for general use. Should the water department desire to install facilities greater than are needed to meet such service demands, the cost of the excess size of facilities shall be borne by the city. The water department shall then proceed with plans and specifications and shall solicit and open bids for the proposed work. On the basis of the approved bid, plus engineering and administrative costs, the water department shall inform the applicant as to the cost of the proposed extension. Upon receipt by the city of an amount which with the original deposit, is equal to the cost of the work, the water department shall proceed with the construction of the extension.
B. 
In the event that the applicant or applicants fail to deposit the required funds within sixty days after determination of the cost, the extension will not be made and no refund of the ten percent deposit will be made; except, that where actual costs are less than the amount of such deposit, the city may refund the unused amount.
(Prior code § 16-110(1))
Immediately upon completion of the water extension the water superintendent shall prorate the entire cost thereof against all lots or property that may ultimately be benefited by direct connection to such water extension in proportion to the frontage thereof, or if the lots be irregular in shape, then in such manner as may, in the opinion of the water superintendent, provide an equitable distribution of costs. In no case shall any applicant pay an amount less than the prorated cost of the extension for the length of his frontage as determined above. The main extension charges as described in this chapter shall be in addition to the specified service connection charges.
(Prior code § 16-110(2))
A. 
The original applicant or applicants shall up to ten years from the date of signing the form agreement be entitled to a refund for each connection made to the extension, based on the prorated cost as determined in Section 13.12.060 for each lot or parcel. The water department may make extensions to facilities constructed under this regulation without obligation to the applicant, and refunds will not be made for services connected to such additional extensions.
B. 
No interest shall be paid on or accrue on such deposits for water main extension. Refunds of the deposit shall be made only if, as and when water main extension charges are collected from other consumers requiring service from this water main extension.
(Prior code § 16-110(3))
A. 
The city shall have the right and power to contract separately with governmental agencies, including school districts, for the construction of water main extensions and for the sale and delivery of water thereto, within or outside the corporate limits of the city, at times, places and prices to be fixed and agreed upon by resolution of the council of the city. In the event of any such contract the city council shall fix the period within which such governmental agency will be entitled to a refund for each connection made to the extension. Such refund shall be based on either:
1. 
The prorated cost as determined in the manner provided in Section 13.12.060; or
2. 
Such other calculations as shall be fixed by resolution of the city council; providing an equitable distribution of the entire cost of the water main extension against all lots or property that may ultimately be benefited by connection to such extension. The area to be benefited and to share the cost of the main extension shall be designated on a map or plat and such map or plat shall be attached as an exhibit to the resolution of the city council fixing the prorated cost of the extension.
B. 
Refunds of the cost incurred and paid by any such governmental agency for such water main extension shall be made only if, as and when water main extension charges are collected from other consumers requiring service from the water main extension involved.
(Prior code § 16-110(4))
Where water main extensions are required for subdivisions, it will be the responsibility of the owner or subdivider to pay the entire cost for complete installation of all water facilities required within the subdivision and for extension of water transmission mains from the subdivision to the nearest existing main of adequate capacity for the area to be served. Such transmission mains shall be subject to all the requirements as set forth in Title 16 and to any and all modifications and supplements to such regulations. Upon official acceptance by the city, the city shall assume full ownership, maintenance and control of such mains.
(Prior code § 16-111)
A. 
Number of Services to Separate Premises. Separate premises under single control or management will be supplied through individual service connections unless the water department elects otherwise.
B. 
Service to Multiple Units. Separate houses, buildings, living or business quarters on the same premises or on adjoining premises, under a single control or management, may be served, at the sole discretion of the public works director, by either of the following methods:
1. 
Through separate service connections to each or any unit; provided, that the pipeline system from each service is independent of the others, and is not interconnected;
2. 
Through a single service connection to the entire premises. The responsibility for payment of charges for all water furnished to combined units supplied through a single service connection must be assumed by the applicant.
(Prior code § 16-112; Ord. 647 § 4, 1990)
A. 
Installation and Removal. All meters installed shall be located only in and upon streets, alleys and rights-of-way and easements that have been formally dedicated and accepted for public use and shall be owned by the city.
This subsection shall not apply to Bauer Redwood Manor Unit No. 2 in the city.
B. 
Change in Location of Meters. Meters moved for the convenience of the customer will be relocated at the customer's expense.
C. 
Cost of Changes in Size of Meter. The cost of changes in size of meter on existing services will be paid for by the customer.
(Prior code § 16-113)
A. 
Meters will be read at regular intervals for the preparation of regular bills, and as required for the preparation of opening bills, closing bills and special bills.
B. 
Should a monthly billing period contain less than twenty-six or more than thirty-four days, a pro rata correction will be made. For bimonthly billing, if the period contains less than fifty-two or more than sixty-eight days, a pro rata correction will be made.
(Prior code § 16-114 (1); Ord. 579, 1982)
The regular billing period will be monthly or bimonthly at the option of the water department as authorized by the city manager.
(Prior code § 16-114 (2); Ord. 579, 1982)
A. 
Opening bills, closing bills and monthly bills rendered for periods smaller or greater than normal will be prorated.
B. 
For metered service, if actual use is greater than the monthly minimum, the charge shall be based on actual consumption.
(Prior code § 16-114 (3); Ord. 579, 1982)
A. 
Periodic bills are due and payable on presentation. Payment may be made at the water department's office or to an authorized collector.
B. 
Closing bills, if service is to be discontinued, are due and payable on presentation. Collection will be made at the time of presentation.
C. 
Water charges are delinquent twenty days after the date shown on the invoice.
D. 
When bills are delinquent, the water department may demand that the full amount of both delinquent and current bills be paid.
(Prior code § 16-114 (4); Ord. 579, 1982; Ord. 647 § 4, 1990)
Each meter on customer's premises will be considered separately and the readings of two or more meters will not be combined unless specifically provided for in the rate schedule, or unless the water department's operating convenience required the use of more than one meter, or of a battery of meters. The minimum monthly charge for such combined meters will be based on the diameter of the total combined discharge areas of the meters.
(Prior code § 16-114 (5))
A. 
Meter Test.
1. 
Generally. Prior to installation, each meter will be tested and no meter found to register more than two percent fast or slow under conditions of normal operation will be placed in service.
2. 
On Customer Request.
a. 
A customer may, giving not less than one week's notice, request the water department to test the meter serving his premises.
b. 
The water department may require the customer to deposit an amount to cover the reasonable cost of test, such amount to be determined annually by the city council by resolution.
c. 
This deposit will be returned if the meter is found to register more than two percent fast. The customer will be notified, not less than five days in advance, of the time and place of the test.
d. 
A customer shall have the right to require the water department to conduct the test in his presence, or in the presence of his representative.
e. 
A written report giving the results of the test will be shown to the customer within ten days after completion of the test.
B. 
Adjustment of Bills for Meter Error. When, upon test, a meter is found to be registering more than two percent fast, under conditions of normal operations, the water department will refund to the customer the full amount of the overcharge, based on corrected meter readings for the period, not exceeding six months, that the meter was in use.
(Prior code § 16-114 (6); Ord. 579, 1982)
The water department may bill the customer for water consumed while the meter was not registering. The bill will be at the minimum monthly meter rate or will be computed upon an estimate of consumption based either upon the customer's prior use during the same season of the year or upon a reasonable comparison with the use of other customers receiving the same class of service during the same period and under similar circumstances and conditions.
(Prior code § 16-114 (7))
A. 
Nonresidential Service. Water service may be discontinued if all water charges are not paid on or before the thirtieth day following the date of invoice. The water clerk shall cause all water service to the account debtor to be terminated if any delinquency is not paid on or before ten days following the mailing of notification to the account debtor of said delinquency. The finance director may proscribe the manner of giving notice of delinquency to account debtors.
Water service to all nonresidential locations of water use by a delinquent-account debtor may be terminated when payment for water service furnished to any location is not timely made.
B. 
Residential Service. Residential water service may only be discontinued in accordance with the policy adopted by formal resolution of the city council.
(Ord. 647 § 4, 1990; Ord. 818 § 2, 2019)
A. 
Generally. Generally the water department may refuse to furnish water and may discontinue service to any premises where apparatus, appliances or equipment using water is dangerous, unsafe, or not in conformity with any laws or ordinances.
B. 
Ground Wire Attachments. All individuals or business organizations are forbidden to attach any ground wire or wires to any plumbing which is or may be connected to a service connection or main belonging to the water department; the water department will hold the customer liable for any damage to its property occasioned by such ground wire attachments.
C. 
Inspections. The water department does not assume liability for inspecting apparatus on the customer's property. The water department does reserve the right of inspection, however, if there is reason to believe that unsafe apparatus is in use.
(Prior code § 16-115 (2))
A. 
The water department may refuse to furnish water and may discontinue service to any premises where the demand is greatly in excess of the past average or seasonal use, and where such excessive demands by one customer are or may be detrimental or injurious to the service furnished to other customers.
B. 
The water department may refuse to furnish water and may discontinue service to any premises where excessive demands by one customer will result in inadequate service to others.
(Prior code § 16-115 (3))
The water department shall have the right to refuse or to discontinue water service to any premises in order to protect itself against fraud or abuse. For any water service disconnected for nonpayment of bills, a reconnection fee as established by city council resolution shall be charged, and a special deposit equal to double the standard deposit established by the city council may be required prior to reconnection of the service. This deposit is refundable as provided by these regulations.
(Prior code § 16-115 (4); Ord. 579, 1982)
The water department may, unless otherwise provided, discontinue water services to a customer for noncompliance with any of these regulations if the customer fails to comply with them within five days after receiving written notice of the water department's intention to discontinue service. If such noncompliance affects matters of health and safety, and conditions warrant, the water department may discontinue water service immediately.
(Prior code § 16-115 (5))
A customer may have his water service discontinued by notifying in writing the water department reasonably well in advance of the desired date of discontinuance. He or she will be required to pay all water charges until the date of such discontinuance.
(Prior code § 16-115 (6))
The water department shall charge such fee as is annually reviewed and adopted by the city council by resolution for restoring water service which has been discontinued because of noncompliance with these rules.
(Prior code § 16-115 (7); Ord. 537 § 3, 1977; Ord. 579, 1982)
A private nonmetered fire protection service connection in three-inch to ten-inch size will be furnished only if adequate provision is made to prevent the use of water from such services for purposes other than fire extinguishing.
(Prior code § 16-116 (1); Ord. 579, 1982)
The applicant will be required to sign an application that will be furnished upon request.
(Prior code § 16-116 (2))
The applicant will be required to make payment in advance of the estimated cost of installing the service connection and meter.
(Prior code § 16-116 (3))
A. 
Water For Fires. No charge will be made for water used to extinguish accidental fires.
B. 
Water for Fire Storage Tanks. Occasionally water may be obtained from a private fire service for filling a tank connected with the fire service, but only if written permission is secured from the water department in advance and an approved means of measurement is available. The rates for general use will be applied.
C. 
Other. Water lost through leakage or in testing, or used in violation of the water department's regulations, shall be paid for by the applicant at double the rate charged for general use.
D. 
Standby Water Availability Charge. The applicant will be required to pay a monthly standby charge as established annually by the city council by resolution.
(Prior code § 16-116 (4); Ord. 579, 1982)
If water is used from a fire service in violation of the agreement or of these regulations, the water department may, at its option, discontinue and remove the service.
(Prior code § 16-116 (5))
The service connection and all equipment appurtenant thereto, including the meter. shall be the sole property of the water department, and no part of the cost thereof will be refunded to the applicant.
(Prior code § 16-116 (6))
The water department assumes no responsibility for loss or damage because of lack of water or pressure and merely agrees to furnish such quantities and pressures as are available in its general distribution system. All connections, pumps, tanks, chlorinators or other appurtenances installed at any point in the line between the meter and the customer's water outlets shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner, both as to the original installation and as to the maintenance and upkeep. Such installations must be approved by the water department.
(Prior code § 16-116 (7))
A. 
Temporary service will be furnished in conformity with the general regulations applicable and as additionally specified in this regulation.
B. 
Temporary service connections shall be disconnected and terminated within six months after installation unless an extension of time is granted in writing by the water department.
C. 
The applicant shall deposit, in advance, the estimated cost of installing and removing the facilities required to furnish such services. Upon discontinuance of service the actual cost shall be determined and an adjustment made as an additional charge, refund or credit.
D. 
All facilities for temporary services to the customer connection shall be made by the water department and shall be operated in accordance with its instructions.
(Prior code § 16-118)
The rates for regular service shall be applicable for water used from all temporary services. Where it is not practical to install a meter, the water consumption may be estimated on a basis agreeable to both the customer and the water department. The applicant shall pay the estimated cost of water in advance or shall be otherwise required to establish credit. The minimum charge for water shall be the minimum as established annually by the city council by resolution.
(Prior code § 16-119; Ord. 579, 1982)
Fire hydrants will be installed only at the request of an applicant, whether a private individual or the fire district or fire department having jurisdiction in the installation area. A deposit will be required from the applicant as estimated by the director of public works. Upon completion of the installation, the applicant shall pay any additional charge necessary to reimburse the city for its full costs of installation or a refund will be made, whichever is applicable.
(Ord. 579, 1982)
No person, other than those designated and authorized by the proper authority, or by the water department, shall open any fire hydrant, attempt to draw water from it or in any manner damage or tamper with it. Any violation of this regulation will be prosecuted according to law.
(Prior code § 16-120(1))
If temporary service is supplied through a fire hydrant, a permit for the use of the hydrant shall be obtained from the proper authority. It is specifically prohibited to operate the valve of any fire hydrant other than by the use of a spanner wrench designed for this purpose. The deposit and rental fee for the hydrant meter shall be established annually by the city council by resolution; the rates for regular service shall be applicable for water used through the hydrant.
(Prior code §16-120 (2); Ord. 579, 1982)
When a fire hydrant has been installed in the location specified by the proper authority, the water department has fulfilled its obligation. If a property owner or other party desires a change in the size, type or location of the hydrant, he or she shall bear all costs of such changes, without refund. Any change in the location of a fire hydrant must be approved by the proper authority.
(Prior code § 16-120 (3))
There shall be a fire hydrant charge as established annually by city council resolution. This charge shall be an amount sufficient to cover the cost of water availability, inspections, maintenance and a reserve for future hydrant installation and replacement. The charge per hydrant shall be apportioned among all water system users within a fire district according to the benefits derived, as established by the fee schedule set up by the applicable district.
(Prior code § 16-120 (4); Ord. 579, 1982)
The customer shall, at his own risk and expense, furnish, install and keep in good and safe condition all equipment that may be required for receiving, controlling, applying and utilizing water, and the city shall not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by the improper installation of such water equipment, or the negligence, want of proper care or wrongful act of the customer or of any of his tenants, agents, employees, contractors, licensees or permittees in installing, maintaining, using, operating, or interfering with such equipment. The city shall not be responsible for damage to property caused by spigots, faucets, valves and other equipment that are open when water is turned on at the meter, either when water is turned on originally, or when turned on after a temporary shutdown.
(Prior code § 16-121 (1))
The customer shall be liable for any damage to a meter or other equipment or property owned by the city which is caused by an act of the customer or his tenants, agents, employees, contractors, licensees or permittees, including the breaking or destruction of locks by the customer or others on or near a meter, and any damage to a meter that may result from hot water or steam from a boiler or heater on the customer's premises. The city shall be reimbursed by the customer for any such damage promptly on presentation of a bill.
(Prior code § 16-121 (2))
A. 
The customer shall install a suitable valve, as close to the meter location as practicable, the operation of which will control the entire water supply from service.
B. 
The operation by the customer of the curb stop in the meter box is not permitted. This provision will also apply where no meter is installed.
(Prior code § 16-122)
The city shall not be liable for damage which may result from an interruption in service from a cause beyond the control of the water department. Temporary shut-downs may be made by the water department to make improvements and repairs. Whenever possible and as time permits all customers affected will be notified prior to making such shut-downs.
(Prior code § 16-124)
Representatives from the water department shall have the right of ingress and egress to the customer's premises at reasonable hours for any purpose reasonably connected with the furnishing of water service.
(Prior code § 16-125)