The following rules and regulations for wastewater discharge and sanitary sewer collection and treatment services by the City of Norco are hereby adopted.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
[1]
Prior legislation: Ords. 534, 538, 569, 582, 594, 596, 626, 735, 743, 809, 828 and 897.
Under the provisions of the California Constitution and this chapter, the City owns and operates a public utility service for sanitary sewer collection and treatment for the citizens and businesses of Norco.
This chapter sets forth uniform requirements for all persons and private or public entities that discharge wastewater into the sewage system of the City of Norco, and also sets forth procedures for complying with requirements imposed upon the City of Norco by other regulatory agencies. All discharges of wastewater into the City of Norco's collection system are subject to the requirements set forth in this chapter. This chapter enables the City of Norco to comply with all applicable State and Federal regulations established by the Clean Water Act of 1977 and the General Pretreatment Regulations set forth in 40 CFR 403.
The objectives of the Sewer Utility are to protect and preserve the health and safety of the citizens and personnel of the City and comply with Federal, State and local laws and regulations and permits in the discharge of wastewater. This chapter provides for regulation through issuance of permits to all dischargers of regulated wastewater, including certain industrial users, and enforcement of general requirements for other users. This chapter also authorizes monitoring and enforcement activities and user reporting, and provides for the setting of fees for the equitable distribution of costs for sewer service.
It is recognized that the City Council is the governing body of the City and as such is ultimately responsible to the citizens of Norco for the Sewer Utility. With the City Manager's direction and guidance, the City's Public Works Department management and supervisory personnel shall continually anticipate the sewer service and related needs of all the customers in the community and shall be responsive to their needs and requirements. Public Works staff shall strive to maintain the highest level of service possible within the capability of the personnel that manage and maintain the Sewer Utility.
It is understood the wastewater treatment plant may be limited in its capacity to treat effectively the wastewaters of the City. The City, acting by and through its City Council, shall have the authority to declare from time to time moratoria on the granting of connection permits under this chapter if and when the Council determines in its discretion that the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant at any such time is insufficient to treat adequately or effectively the then-current and/or the then-projected future discharges of wastewater to the wastewater facilities.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The area in which sewer service is or will be furnished by the Sewer Utility is that area which is within the City boundaries as the boundaries now prevail or may from time to time exist. The Sewer Utility may provide sewer service to a customer outside its service area if there is no other agency with infrastructure to provide said sewer service or with permission of the applicable sewer provider. The rate for providing said sewer service out of the service area will be based on the currently adopted rate by the City.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this chapter:
means the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act, as amended.
means the person, association, developer, corporation, or governmental agency applying for water service.
means a written request to the Sewer Utility, on a form supplied by Utility Billing, for service, as distinguished from an inquiry as to the availability of or charges for such service.
means a responsible corporate official, if the user is a corporation, of the level of president, secretary, treasurer or vice president in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs similar policy or decision-making functions for the corporation; or the manager of one or more manufacturing, production or operating facilities, if authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures; or a general partner or proprietor if the user submitting the required reports is a partnership or sole proprietorship respectively; or the duly authorized representative of the individual.
means the time interval for monthly billing shall be considered a period of between 28 to 32 days.
means the Code of Federal Regulations.
means the City of Norco, California, a municipal corporation.
means the City Clerk of the City of Norco, California.
means the City Council of the City of Norco, California.
means the categories of sewer service established by the various rate schedules. The classes of sewer service are: residential, commercial, industrial, multifamily and municipal.
shall mean the combined pipes, conduits, manholes, lift stations and other structures, above and below ground, and all wastewater conveyance and sewerage systems owned, operated and maintained by the City.
means the class of sewer service rendered to premises devoted primarily to operations for profit or nonprofit.
means the cost of labor, material, transportation, supervision, engineering, legal services and all other necessary overhead expenses.
means the person in whose name service is rendered as evidenced by the signature on the application, contract, or agreement for that service, or, in the absence of a signed instrument, by the receipt and payment of bills regularly issued in his name, regardless of the identity of the actual user of the service.
means the address specified in a customer's application or contract, or any other address subsequently given to Utility Billing by the customer, to which any notice or other communication is to be mailed.
means a prepayment requirement for establishment of any water service.
means the Chief Administrative Officer of the Department of Public Works of the City of Norco, California.
shall mean any person who discharges or causes a discharge of wastewater directly or indirectly into the City's collection system.
shall mean the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
means the Chief Administrative Officer of the Fiscal and Support Services Department of the City of Norco, California, which oversees the day-to-day operation of Utility Billing.
shall mean any substance capable of creating imminent endangerment to health or the environment, including, but not limited to, any substance designated under 40 CFR 310.11(d) or any hazardous chemical substance subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 USCA 2601 et seq. In general, hazardous substances and materials include, but are not limited to, substances which are toxic, explosive, corrosive or flammable, or which generate pressure through heat or decomposition (for example, heavy metals and pesticides, strong acids or bases, distillate fuels and oxidants).
means the class of sewer service rendered to premises where the water is used primarily in manufacturing or processing activities shall mean any discharger or potential discharger of industrial wastewater into the City's collection system.
shall mean the regulatory permit issued to users and enforced by the Director of Public Works to control the discharge of wastewater into the City's collection system or POTW per Chapter 14.08—Public Sewerage System Wastes. At the discretion of the Director of Public Works, the industrial user permit may be issued to an individual facility with specific site information and requirements, or as a general permit to businesses with similar process and treatment requirements, such as restaurants, car washes, film developing, and the like.
shall mean all water-carried wastes of the City and community service areas, excluding domestic wastewater as defined, and shall include all wastewater from any producing, manufacturing, processing, institutional, governmental, commercial, service, agricultural or other operation. These may also include wastes of human origin similar to domestic wastewaters. All liquid wastes hauled by truck, rail or other means shall be considered industrial wastewater, regardless of the original source of the wastes. Hauled domestic wastewater from septic tanks, cesspools, seepage pits and private disposal systems is also included in the category of industrial wastewater.
shall mean a water conditioning apparatus that is designed to remove hardness or other impurities from a user's incoming potable water supply.
means the class of water service rendered to premises where the water is used solely in watering of landscape areas such as turf and shrubs. These services shall not be subject to any sewer rates since there is no direct discharge to the sewer system.
means a penalty assessed to a customer who fails to make the full payment of the utility bill by the specified date.
shall mean any business engaged in the hauling of liquid wastes from septic tanks, seepage pits, cesspools or any other private disposal systems.
Any notice or other communication will be considered "mailed" when it is enclosed in a sealed envelope, properly addressed, and deposited in any United States post office box, postage prepaid.
means an apartment building, duplex, court group, or any other group of residential units located upon single premises (minimum of four units/condos), providing the residential units therein meet the requirements for a single-family accommodation. Hotels, guest or resort ranches, tourist camps, motels, auto courts, and trailer courts consisting primarily of guest rooms and/or transient accommodations are not classed as multifamily accommodations.
means the class of sewer service for buildings or facilities operated and maintained by the City of Norco or other governmental institutions.
means a fee assessed to a customer to set up a new sewer service.
A "notification" shall be considered provided to a customer if such notification is provided by mail or automated phone messaging system.
means the person or the persons in whose name the legal title to the property appears by deed duly recorded in the County Recorder's office, or the person in possession of the property or buildings under claim of or exercising acts of ownership over same for himself/herself, or as executor, guardian or trustee of the owner.
means any individual, group, firm, company, developer, partnership, or organization operating as a single entity.
means a fee assessed in order to compensate the sewer utility to review submittals or plans for a construction project.
shall mean, but is not limited to, any solid waste, infectious waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological matters, radioactive materials, rock, sand, dirt, industrial waste, governmental waste and agricultural waste.
shall mean a publicly owned treatment works, including devices, equipment and systems used in the conveyance, storage, treatment, recycling and reclamation of municipal sewage, sludge or industrial wastes of a liquid nature, designed to provide treatment to wastewater generated by the City in community service areas, and maintained and operated by the City.
means a lot or parcel of real property under single ownership, except that any separate structure under one roof shall be deemed separate premises. Apartment houses, motels, office buildings and structures of like nature may be classified as single premises.
shall mean the reduction in the amount of pollutants, the elimination of pollutants or the alteration of the nature of pollutant properties in wastewater to a less harmful state prior to, or in lieu of, discharging or otherwise introducing such pollutants into the City's collection system or the POTW. The reduction or alteration may be obtained by physical, chemical or biological processes, process changes or by any other means except as prohibited by dilution.
shall mean a parcel of real property of record as shown in the County Assessor's maps on file in the Planning Department of the City of Norco or the offices of the County Recorder of the County of Riverside.
means the class of sewer service provided to single-family accommodations (three or less units/condos) for household purposes, including water used on the premises for sprinkling lawns, gardens, and shrubbery, washing vehicles, and other similar and customary purposes pertaining to single or multifamily accommodations.
shall mean all retail establishments selling prepared foods and drinks for consumption on or off the premises, and lunch counters and refreshment stands selling prepared foods and drinks for immediate consumption. Retail establishments selling prepared food and drink, lunch counters and drinking places operated as a subordinate service facility by other establishments shall also be included.
means a fee assessed for any check that is returned for any reason.
shall mean any overflow, spill, release, discharge or diversion of untreated wastewater from a sanitary sewer system. SSOs include:
Overflows or releases of untreated or partially treated wastewater that reach waters of the United States;
Overflows or releases of untreated or partially treated wastewater that do not reach waters of the United States; and
Wastewater backups into buildings and on private property that are caused by blockages or flow conditions within the publicly owned portion of the sanitary sewer system.
shall mean a combination of water or waterborne wastes conducted from a premises.
shall mean those pipe lines, plant facilities and appurtenances constructed, maintained and operated by the City primarily for the collection of sewage and the conveyance thereof to a sewage treatment plant for the treatment of the sewage.
shall mean an approved plan adopted by the City to control and reduce the occurrence and impact of sanitary sewer overflows.
means a division of the City of Norco Department of Public Works responsible for managing, operating and maintaining the City of Norco sanitary sewer collection system.
shall mean any building, structure, facility or installation from which there is or may be the discharge of pollutants, including, but not limited to, photo finishing shops, laboratories, commercial laundries and dental/medical/veterinary clinics.
means an area which may be identified by filed subdivision plans or as an area in which a group of dwellings may be constructed about the same time, either by a large scale builder, or by several builders working on a coordinated basis.
shall mean any person, persons or entities (public or private) of a residential, industrial, commercial, governmental or institutional nature that discharge or cause to be discharged wastewater or waterborne wastes into the sanitary sewer collection system of the City or community service areas.
means a document provided to each customer on a monthly basis that reports the amounts owed to the City of Norco for services provided, such as water, sewer, and trash service.
means a subdivision of Fiscal and Support Services Department responsible for providing customer assistance regarding water, sewer and trash services.
The term refers to the utilization, under certain circumstances, of facilities or practices not ordinarily employed which contribute to the overall efficiency of the Sewer Utility's operations. It does not refer to customer convenience or to the use of facilities or adoption of practices required to comply with applicable laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations, or similar requirements of public authorities.
shall mean the liquid, water and solids carried along with industrial and/or domestic wastes from dwellings, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, governmental facilities and institutions which may be present, whether treated or untreated, which is contributed into or permitted to enter the public sewage system.
Per Chapter 3.40 this fee is intended to provide funds for the construction of facilities to insure a continuing collection and treatment of wastewater including pipelines, manholes, lift stations, siphons, force mains and treatment facilities.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
Customer Classifications.
1.
Residential Service. The class of sewer service collecting sanitary discharges from single and multifamily accommodations (three or less units/condos) for household purposes.
2.
Multifamily Service. An apartment building, duplex, court group, or any other group of residential units located upon single premises (minimum of four units/condos), providing the residential units therein meet the requirements for a single-family accommodation. Hotels, guest or resort ranches, tourist camps, motels, auto courts, and trailer courts consisting primarily of guest rooms and/or transient accommodations are not classed as multifamily accommodations.
3.
Commercial Service. The class of sewer service rendered to premises devoted primarily to operations or services for profit or nonprofit.
4.
Industrial Service. The class of sewer service rendered to premises where the water is used primarily in manufacturing or processing activities.
5.
Municipal Service. The class of sewer service for buildings or facilities operated and maintained by the City of Norco or other governmental institutions.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
Application for Service. Each applicant for sewer service may be required to sign an application on a form provided by Utility Billing, and upon request will be required to furnish to following information:
1.
Name of applicant;
2.
Date and place of application;
3.
Location of premises to be served;
4.
Date applicant will be ready for service;
5.
Social security number and/or driver's license;
6.
Customer's mailing address and contact number;
7.
Whether applicant is owner, tenant of, or authorized representative for the premises;
8.
Legal owner information;
9.
Information to establish credit of applicant;
10.
Such other information as Utility Billing may reasonably require.
The application is a request for service and does not in itself bind the Sewer Utility to serve, except under its adopted rate schedules, nor does it bind the customer to take service for a longer period than the minimum requirements of the rate schedule.
All new accounts will be assessed a one-time new account setup fee as specified in the adopted fee resolution. No new account setup fee shall be charged if the applicant already has a water service account.
B.
Individual Liability for Joint Service. Two or more persons who join in one application or contract for service shall be jointly and severally liable thereunder and shall be billed by means of a single periodic bill mailed to the person designated on the application to receive the bill.
C.
Owner/Renter Liability. In the event any fees and other charges due from any occupant for any customer class, as provided for in this section, should become due and payable and fall delinquent, the owner or owners of the premises, whether or not other than the occupant, shall forthwith be jointly and severally liable for the payment of all such fees and charges which have fallen delinquent. For this reason, the owner of the property must provide written authorization to the renter to sign up for service using the appropriate form provided by Utility Billing.
D.
Change in Customer's Equipment or Operations. Customers shall give the Sewer Utility written notice of the extent and nature of any material change in operations for which the Sewer Utility collection of wastewater may change prior to making any such change.
E.
Deposit. Any applicant with a preexisting water account in good standing shall not be required to provide a deposit when adding sewer services to the same property.
The Sewer Utility's deposit policy is designed to assess the credit risk associated with all customer applications for new or continued service, while protecting the assets of the Sewer Utility. No Sewer Utility service shall be provided to any applicant for the commencement of such services or for the restoration of such services until said applicant has paid to Utility Billing a deposit in the amount specified in the adopted fee resolution. Said deposit shall be made in the form of cash, money order, credit, or debit unless waived by the Finance Officer or his/her duly appointed representative.
Said deposit shall be retained by Utility Billing until the sewer services have been terminated by the customer or by Utility Billing for nonpayment of billings for services within the time established by appropriate City of Norco ordinances and resolutions. Upon the termination of said services, Utility Billing shall credit the deposit toward any outstanding billing due and owing, by the applicant, for any or all services. After Utility Billing has made such credit, if there be such, that portion of the deposit not so credited shall be refunded to the applicant. The Finance Officer or his/her duly appointed representative may waive all or a portion of the deposit at his/her discretion.
Residential customers may request a refund of any deposit held on their account after a period of 18 months. Said refund will only be granted if the customer had a payment history that was on-time and without any fees for 18 consecutive billing periods. The deposits for all other customer classifications are not eligible for a refund until the account is closed.
F.
Change of Address. Sewer service shall not be given to any customer upon change of address until all delinquent charges owing thereon at a former place of residence or business have been paid.
G.
Other Conditions of Service. Before sewer service will be provided by the Sewer Utility, the customer shall obtain any approval of facilities furnished or installed by customer who may be required by the Building Department of the City of Norco or any other authority whose approval is required by law.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
Service Requiring Contracts. Contracts, other than applications, may be required prior to service, under the following conditions:
1.
Where required by provisions in these rules and regulations.
2.
When a sewer main extension is to be made under the provisions of Section 14.07.160 it is subject to refunds.
3.
For any service to be furnished at rates or under conditions other than the rates and conditions contained in these rules and regulations.
4.
For connections with other sewer utilities.
B.
Contract. Contracts shall become effective only after authorization by the Department of Public Works and City Attorney's office.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
As stated in various sections of this chapter, the City Council shall establish and approve all rates, fees, charges, and deposits by resolution and within proper public notification guidelines as required by Federal or State rules and regulations. A copy of all current rates, fees, charges, and deposits shall be provided upon request and listed on the City's website.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
Establishment of Credit—All Classes of Service. Each applicant for Sewer Utility service shall be required to satisfactorily establish credit which will be deemed established upon qualifying under any one of the following:
1.
If applicant makes a deposit to secure payment of bills for service as prescribed in Section 14.07.060.
2.
If applicant furnishes a guarantor, satisfactory to Utility Billing, to secure payment of bills for service requested.
3.
If applicant's credit is otherwise established to the satisfaction of Utility Billing.
B.
Establishment and Reestablishment of Credit.
1.
An applicant who previously has been a customer of the Sewer Utility and whose service has been discontinued by Utility Billing during the past 12 months of that prior service because of nonpayment of bills may be required to reestablish credit by depositing the amounts prescribed in Section 14.07.060 for that purpose, and by paying utility bills regularly due.
2.
A customer who fails to pay bills before they become past due as prescribed in Section 14.07.120 and who further fails to pay such bills by the date indicated on the automated "discontinuance of service" phone notice for nonpayment of bills may be required to pay said bills and reestablish credit by depositing the amount prescribed in Section 14.07.100. This rule will apply regardless of whether or not service has been discontinued for such nonpayment.
3.
A customer may be required to reestablish credit in accordance with this section in case the conditions of service or basis on which credit was originally established have, in the opinion of Utility Billing, materially changed.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
General. No sewer service shall be provided to any applicant for the commencement of such services or for the restoration of such services until said applicant has paid to Utility Billing a deposit.
1.
No sewer service shall be provided until the applicant has established financial responsibility to the satisfaction of the City's Finance Officer or his/her duly appointed representative. This can be accomplished by providing the following:
a.
Existing water services account in good standing at the same location;
b.
Non-interest-bearing deposit established and adopted fee resolution;
c.
Letter from a California department provider indicating one or more years of satisfactory payment history;
d.
A prior account with the City of Norco within the previous two years with one year satisfactory payment history.
B.
Amount of Deposit.
1.
The amount of deposit for a new account shall be as specified in the adopted fee resolution.
2.
In case the new service requested is for a vacant property that is for sale or between rental tenants, the owner of listing party shall pay a deposit amount listed as deposit for "clean and show" in the fee resolution adopted by City Council.
3.
The Finance Officer or his/her duly appointed representative can establish additional financial responsibility requirements for individual accounts which had late penalties or have had service discontinued.
4.
The Finance Officer or his/her duly appointed representative may waive all or a portion of the deposit at his/her discretion.
C.
Method of Payment. Deposit shall be made in the form of cash, money order, debit or credit card unless waived by the Finance Officer or his/her duly appointed representative.
D.
Return of Deposit. Residential customers may request a refund of any deposit held on their account after a period of 18 months. Said refund will only be granted if the customer had a payment history that was made in full, on time, and without any fees for 18 consecutive billing periods. The deposits for all other customer classifications are not eligible for a refund until the account is closed.
E.
Interest on Deposits. There shall be no interest paid on deposits collected by the Utility Billing.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
Notices to Customers. When notices from Utility Billing to a customer are required, they will normally be given in writing, either mailed to the customer's mailing address or hand delivered, by automated phone notification, or posted in the local newspaper of record, except that in emergencies the Sewer Utility may give notices in the manner most suitable under the existing conditions (radio, television, telephone, etc.).
B.
Notice from Customers. Notices from a customer to the Utility Billing may be given by written communication mailed to Utility Billing or City Clerk's office.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
Rendering of Bills. Bills for sewer service will be rendered monthly via the utility bill, or as otherwise provided in the rate schedules. The Finance Officer may change the billing period of a customer if such change is considered in the best interests of the Sewer Utility.
B.
Payment of Bills.
1.
All bills are due and payable on or before the due date shown on the bill. Payment shall be made to the City of Norco or Utility Billing.
2.
Charges for reconnection of service, and payments of deposits or payments to reinstate deposits as required under these rules and regulations, shall be paid before service will be reconnected.
3.
If payment of a bill is not received by Utility Billing's office on or before the due date, a late charge as designated in the fee resolution adopted by City Council will be added to the total amount due.
C.
Returned Check Charge. Utility Billing shall require a charge for any check returned from the bank unpaid. The amount of said charge shall be per the fee resolution adopted by City Council.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
Billed Sewer Discharges. A customer who believes that the sewer portion of the utility bill is in error must first contact Utility Billing by phone or in writing before the due date on the bill stating the nature of their dispute. Utility Billing shall contact the customer within 10 days from the date the dispute is received with a determination. Once a determination has been provided by Utility Billing the customer shall submit payment for the total or adjusted utility bill before the existing due date listed on the bill or within seven days from Utility Billing's determination if the due date has already expired.
B.
Disputed Sewer Bill Appeal.
1.
If the customer is not satisfied with the determination by Utility Billing, the customer may formally appeal the disputed bill in question to the Director of Public Works for review by submitting a written statement setting forth the reasons why the customer believes the bill is incorrect. The customer must submit the appeal within seven days of the initial dispute determination to the Director of Public Works, City of Norco, 2870 Clark Avenue, Norco, California 92860. However, in order to have the disputed bill considered by the Director of Public Works, the customer must submit a payment equal to the customer's most recent paid utility bill to Utility Billing (payable to the City of Norco). Upon timely receipt of the written statement and payment, the Director of Public Works or his/her designee will review the basis of the billed amount, and communicate the results of the review and determination to the customer. Once a determination has been provided by the Director of Public Works the customer shall submit payment for the total or adjusted utility bill before the existing due date listed on the bill or within seven days from the Director of Public Works' determination if the due date has already expired.
A customer who formally disputes the accuracy of the sewer portion of a utility bill will not have the sewer service discontinued for nonpayment and will not be responsible for any late fees that may occur during the review period. If before completion of the Director of Public Works review, an additional bill becomes due the customer must send payment (payable to the City of Norco) for the entire amount of the additional bill. Failure to do so will constitute acceptance by the customer of the bill(s) as rendered, and authorize discontinuance of service in accordance with Section 14.07.140.
2.
Failure of the customer to file a written appeal with the Director of Public Works and provide a good faith payment to Utility Billing within the required seven-day period will constitute acceptance by the customer of the initial bill determination rendered, and Utility Billing may authorize discontinuance of service in accordance with Section 14.07.140.
3.
If the customer is not satisfied with the written determination of the Director of Public Works the customer may submit a written appeal to the City Council. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the City Council, City of Norco, 2870 Clark Avenue, Norco, California 92860, together with reasons for the dispute within 10 days following receipt of the Director of Public Works' determination. In the absence of a timely filed appeal, the decision of the Director of Public Works shall be final. Upon receipt of a timely appeal, the City Clerk shall then place the matter on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the City Council for consideration. A written decision of the City Council determination shall be delivered to the customer by personal delivery or certified mail within 10 days following the appeal hearing. Once a determination has been provided by the City Council the customer shall submit payment for the total or adjusted utility bill before the existing due date listed on the bill or within seven days from the City Council's determination if the due date has already expired.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
Past Due Utility Bills. Utility bills rendered shall be considered past due if not paid before the due date shown on the bill.
B.
Nonpayment of Utility Bills.
1.
When a utility bill has become past due and a discontinuance of service notification for nonpayment has been issued, service may be discontinued if the bill is not paid within the time required by such notice.
2.
Discontinuance of service or a shut-off notice may be delivered by standard mail, hand delivered, or by automated phone messaging system.
3.
In order to effect a shutoff or discontinuance of sewer services, the Sewer Utility may shut off a customer's water service for nonpayment of a bill for service previously rendered customer at any location served by the Sewer Utility provided such bill is not paid within 15 days after presentation of a notice that present service will be discontinued for nonpayment of such bill for prior service. The customer will continue to be charged the monthly sewer service charge during the period the meter has been disconnected due to nonpayment.
4.
If a property is receiving more than one sewer service, any or all water services may be discontinued when any sewer service, regardless of location, is discontinued for nonpayment. However, single-family residential service will not be discontinued because of nonpayment of bills for other classes of service, except when other classes of service serve the same premises.
5.
Under no circumstances may service be discontinued for nonpayment of a bill to correct previously billed incorrect charges for a period in excess of the preceding four months, unless such incorrect charges have resulted from the customer not abiding by the rate schedules.
C.
Fraud. The Sewer Utility may refuse or discontinue service if the acts of the customer or the conditions upon the premises are such as to indicate intent to defraud the Sewer Utility.
D.
Failure to Establish or Reestablish Credit. If, for an applicant's convenience, Utility Billing should provide service before credit is established or should continue service to a customer when credit has not been reestablished in accordance with Section 14.07.090, and fails to establish or reestablish credit, the Sewer Utility may discontinue service.
E.
Noncompliance. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section, the Sewer Utility may discontinue service to a customer for noncompliance with the rate schedules and the rules and regulations, if, after written notice of at least five days, the customer has not complied with the notice. The Sewer Utility may dispense with the giving of such notice in the event there exists, in the Sewer Utility's opinion, a dangerous condition, thus rendering the immediate discontinuance of service to the premises imperative.
F.
Customer's Request for Service Discontinuance. When a customer desires to terminate responsibility for service, Utility Billing shall be given not less than two days' notice of intention. The customer shall state the date on which termination becomes effective. A customer may be held responsible for all services furnished at the premises until two days after receipt of such notice by Utility Billing or until the date of termination specified in the notice, whichever date is later.
G.
Restoration—Reconnection Charge. As a condition to reestablish service, the Finance Officer or his/her designee may elect to require the customer to provide an additional deposit toward the account.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
General Information. The names and addresses of customers of the City, or correspondence of the City, shall not be publicly available, except to the extent required by law, and no mailing lists shall be provided by the City or by any of its officers or employees, which mailing lists are compiled from records of the City. The Sewer Utility will maintain, open for public inspection at its offices, pertinent information regarding the service rendered, including the following:
1.
Rates and Rules. A copy of the current adopted rate schedules, consisting of the rates, fees, charges, deposits, and general rules of the Sewer Utility.
2.
New or Revised Rates. Should new or revised rates be established after the time application is made, the Sewer Utility will, within a reasonable time, use such means as may be practicable to bring them to the attention of those of its customers who may be affected thereby.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
General Provisions.
1.
Applicability.
a.
Wastewater Infrastructure Facilities Fee. New development shall be imposed a wastewater infrastructure facilities fee (see Chapter 3.40) that is intended to provide funds for the construction of facilities to insure a continuing collection and treatment of wastewater including pipelines, manholes, lift stations, siphons, force mains and treatment facilities. However, any property that previously paid a sewer assessment as part of an established sewer assessment district shall not be subject to wastewater infrastructure facilities fee.
b.
All extensions of collection and transmission mains from the Sewer Utility's existing sewer system to serve new customers shall be made under the provisions of this rule.
c.
The Sewer Utility may extend transmission and collection mains prior to development at its cost, provided these extensions are considered to be in the best interests of the Sewer Utility. The total cost of any such extension shall be reimbursed to the Sewer Utility by the owner or developer of properties benefited by said extension by payment of sewer infrastructure facilities fee at the time application for water service is made.
d.
The Sewer Utility may approve extensions under this rule in easements or rights-of-way where final grades have not been established or where street grades have not been established. If extensions are made when grades have not been established and there is a reasonable probability that the existing grade will change, the Sewer Utility shall require that the applicant or applicants for the main extension deposit the estimated net cost of relocating, raising, or lowering facilities upon establishment of final grade.
f.
Main extensions shall generally be located within dedicated City streets or in rights-of-way granted to the City of Norco or sewer main location. Under no circumstances shall any building or private structure be placed over or around any sewer main or extension, unless first approved by the Director of Public Works along with conditions such as provisions for ready and easy access to any and all parts or points of such main or extension.
g.
Materials and standards of construction shall be those which have been adopted and are used by the Sewer Utility for the area and class of service to be provided.
h.
The design, location, materials, and standards of construction of any and all extensions shall be approved by the Director of Public Works or his/her designee.
i.
All extensions shall originate at the nearest adequate existing main as determined by the Director of Public Works or his/her designee and shall extend the full length of the property to be provided with sewer service.
2.
Special Conditions.
a.
Special conditions of service and related matters applicable to these rules and regulations not expressly covered shall be resolved by the Director of Public Works.
b.
In unusual circumstances, when the application of these rules appears impractical or unreasonable, the applicant may refer the matter to the Director of Public Works for special ruling or for the approval of special conditions, which are agreed upon prior to commencing construction. If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved with the Director of Public Works, the applicant may petition the City Council for final determination.
B.
Extensions to Serve Individuals, Subdivisions, Tracts, and Commercial and Industrial Developments.
1.
Collection System Mains. Where a collection system main must be extended to a new subdivision or development, the entire cost of the main shall be paid for and be installed by the developer of the property to which the system is extended.
The Director of Public Works may determine that the best interests of the collection system would be served by a collection main larger than that required by the applicant's needs and require the applicant to install a larger size main. Applicants shall be responsible for the entire cost of all collection system mains up through 12 inches in diameter.
2.
Transmission Collection System Mains. A transmission collection main extension which is larger than 12 inches in diameter shall be designated as a transmission collection main. Transmission collection mains shall be paid for jointly by the Sewer Utility and the developer extending the main. The Sewer Utility shall pay only those costs attributable to the larger size main on an incremental basis, not on a proportional basis. The cost to be paid by the Sewer Utility for said incremental difference shall be the subject of an agreement between the Sewer Utility and the developer and shall be based on current estimates or actual bid prices.
3.
The Developer's Responsibility.
a.
Complete engineering of the main extension shall be by a registered civil engineer and shall include submission of a full set of detailed improvement plans of a scale acceptable to the Sewer Utility, along with applicable plan check and inspection fees.
b.
After all changes, modifications, and additions requested by the Sewer Utility have been made on the plans and they have been approved, the owner or developer shall file a complete set of reproducible permanent transparencies of the approved plans with the Sewer Utility. Said transparencies shall become the property of the City.
c.
The developer shall have the required installation performed by a contractor who possesses a current City of Norco business license, California Class A contractor's license permitting this type of construction work and shall furnish the necessary surety as required under the Norco Municipal Code.
d.
If the developer plans to enter into a reimbursement agreement with the Sewer Utility, the collection main must be competitively bid with at least three bids. The applicant shall provide the Sewer Utility with copies of all bids and, upon completion of the project, a statement of actual construction cost in reasonable detail.
e.
All testing required in connection with the newly installed system shall be performed by a State of California licensed contractor. All charges shall be borne by the developer.
f.
Newly installed collection mains must be pressure tested prior to acceptance by the Sewer Utility.
g.
The developer shall dedicate the collection main extension to the Sewer Utility, free of all liens, together with all necessary rights-of-way for future maintenance and upkeep.
4.
City's Responsibility.
a.
The submitted plans shall be examined for conformance with the Sewer Utility's specifications and standards and other requirements. Any errors and omissions found by the Sewer Utility will be indicated on the plans, and they shall be returned to the engineer for correction.
b.
The Sewer Utility shall charge the actual cost for time spent checking plans and inspecting the construction of collection main extensions. The Sewer Utility shall estimate the plan check fee and the inspection fee when plans are first submitted, and this estimated cost shall be deposited before plan check begins.
c.
The Sewer Utility's inspector shall inspect all facilities installed by the developer's contractor to insure compliance with the plans and specifications.
d.
Upon completion and acceptance of the work, the Sewer Utility shall prepare a final accounting of the plan checking and inspection and either bill for the additional amount owed or refund excess payments.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
Cesspools, septic tanks and other private disposal systems within the City are declared to be a nuisance. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to construct, replace, expand or upgrade any cesspool, septic tank, or similar apparatus on a lot within a distance of 200 feet from any public sewer.
Upon the transfer of property ownership, those properties that house cesspools, septic tanks and other private disposal systems must be connected to the City's sanitary sewer collection system provided the property is within 200 feet of a sanitary sewer. This requirement will be recorded as an exception to title for each property not connected to the City's sewer system on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prevent the City from commencing administrative or civil proceedings to ensure connection to the sanitary sewer in the event that the property is transferred and connection is not made.
The Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) wastewater treatment plant is fully operational, all property owners with access to the publicly owned treatment works (POTW) will be required to pay their share of costs of the plant, whether or not they are hooked up.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
It is unlawful for any person to:
1.
Place, deposit or permit to be deposited in any unsanitary manner on public or private property within the City, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City, any human or animal excrement, or garbage.
2.
To discharge to any natural outlet within the City or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City any wastewater or other polluted waters unless suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
3.
To deposit or discharge or cause to be deposited or discharged into any sump which is not impermeable or into any pit or well, or on the ground, or into any storm drain or watercourse any material which by seeping underground or by being leached or by reacting with the soil exceeds the range and effects of ordinary nonindustrial land uses or underground wastes into which such wastes may seep, or which will violate any rules, regulations or other requirements of Santa Ana River Regional Water Quality Control Board or any other governmental agency having jurisdiction.
4.
To construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of wastewater, except as provided in this chapter.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A.
Purpose. The purpose of a reimbursement agreement is to reimburse the developer for sewer improvements required by the City to be installed for the benefit of property not within the City or to be installed for the benefit of property not within the subject development and required by the City to be dedicated to the public. In addition, the City may enter into a reimbursement agreement to recover costs incurred by the City whenever sewer improvements are constructed, at the City's expense, for the development of private property.
B.
Amount of Refund. Amount of refund shall not exceed the portion of the cost of installation of the sewer improvements, including an amount attributable to interest, in excess of the construction required for the subject development.
C.
Source of Revenue. The developer, City or other entity to be reimbursed by the terms of an agreement entered into pursuant to this chapter shall be paid solely from revenues collected by the City under a reimbursement charge levied against persons and entities benefiting from such improvements and from such areas utilizing the facilities subject to refund. The Director of Public Works or City Engineer shall determine the area to benefit from such improvements installed that are subject to reimbursement.
D.
Term. The term of any executed reimbursement agreement shall be a maximum of 10 years from the date of execution. The agreement shall not be transferred or assigned except upon written consent of the City Council.
E.
Administration Costs. In consideration of the administration, financial, engineering and planning assistance to be rendered by the City in connection with the subject development and the reimbursement agreement entered into pursuant thereto, the developer shall pay to the City an amount equal to the reasonable cost of providing said services as determined by the City.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
No person(s) shall maliciously, willfully, or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or equipment which is a part of the wastewater facilities or the wastewater treatment works.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
Construction of private wastewater disposal systems will only be permitted under the following conditions:
A.
For residential purposes only one house per lot on lots existing at the time of implementation of the chapter;
B.
The lot to be served is beyond 200 feet from the nearest public sewer;
C.
A letter is received from the Riverside County Health Department stating they approve of the design and percolation rate of the septic system;
D.
All sewer connection fees are paid for the property;
E.
The property owner deposits a sum of money to be determined by the Director of Public Works or City Engineer equal to the cost to abandon the septic tank and connect to the City sanitary sewer collection system at such time as sewers become available to serve the property;
F.
The owner agrees to abandon the septic tank and connect to the City sanitary sewer collection system within 90 days after that system has been constructed.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
Until a public sanitary sewer is available within 200 feet of any lot, the building sewer on such lot shall be connected to a private wastewater disposal system complying with the provisions of this section and all applicable laws, rules and regulations of any governmental agency, including, without limitation, the Riverside County Health Department. Private wastewater systems existing as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter may be expanded, upgraded or reconstructed if a City sewer is not within 200 feet of the subject lot.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
Before commencement of construction for the expansion, upgrade or reconstruction of a private wastewater disposal system serving an existing development, the owner of the land shall first obtain a written permit from the Riverside County Health Department. The application for such permit shall be made on a form furnished by the Riverside County Health Department, which the owner shall supplement by any plans, specifications and other information deemed necessary by the Department. A permit and inspection fee established by the City Council and imposed by ordinance shall be paid to the City at the time the application is filed.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The operation of the expanded, upgraded or reconstructed private wastewater disposal system shall not commence until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the Riverside County Health Department. The Riverside County Health Department shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction, and, in any event, the owner shall notify the Department when the work is ready for final inspection, and before any underground portions are covered. The inspection shall be made within three working days of the receipt of such notice.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The type, capacities, location and layout of the expanded, upgraded or remodeled private wastewater disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the Riverside County Health Department. No permit shall be issued for any private wastewater disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities where the soil is such that there will not be adequate absorption and leaching of such wastewater as determined by the Riverside County Health Department or any other governmental agency having jurisdiction. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any natural outlet.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The owner shall at all times operate and maintain the private wastewater disposal facilities in a sanitary manner and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, all at no expense to the City of Norco.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed to limit any additional requirements that may be imposed by any governmental body or officer having jurisdiction of private wastewater disposal facilities or abrogate the need for obtaining any other permits and approvals required therefor.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
No person, except by City permit or except any City employee acting within the scope of his/her employment, shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written connection permit from the Public Works Department.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
There shall be two classes of connection permits:
A.
Single-family residential service; and
B.
Commercial, multifamily, municipal or industrial user service. In either case, the owner or his agent shall make application on a special form furnished by the Building Department. The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications and other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the Department. A permit and inspection fee shall be paid to the City at the time the application is filed.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A sewer connection fund is a separate fund that was created for previously collected sewer connection fees associated with sewer assessment districts. Amount in this fund will be used to install new sewer laterals to any property that paid this fee but no sewer lateral was installed at the time the sewer collection system was originally constructed using sewer assessment district fees.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
No commercial connection permit shall be granted by the Building Department unless the Director of Public Works has determined, and any such permit shall be deemed granted on the general condition, that the wastewater to be discharged conforms to the requirements of Chapter 14.08, and the Director shall be authorized to grant connection permits upon such other conditions as he/she shall determine are reasonably intended to ensure such discharges do so conform to such requirements, including, without limitation, pretreatment of wastewaters to a condition conforming to the requirements of Chapter 14.08, limits on quantities and rates of discharge and payments to the City of the costs of handling and treatment the wastewaters so discharged in excess of the then average per-user cost of treatment to the City.
Any such permit shall also state the nature of the proposed use of the premises for which the permit is granted, the volume of wastewater the user may discharge on a daily basis and the constituents thereof, and such permit shall be deemed granted on the conditions that such use shall not change, the amount of wastewater discharge shall not exceed that volume stated therein and such constituents shall not substantially or materially vary in the opinion of the Director of Public Works and/or the operator from those stated therein.
In the case of a commercial facility, any such connection permit granted under this chapter shall be deemed personal to the user thereof, and prior to any change in user (or the sale or transfer of the ownership of any such user), the new user shall have in accordance with this chapter made application for and received a new connection permit upon such conditions as may be imposed under this chapter.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
All costs and expenses incidental to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner of the property served thereby. The owner shall indemnify the City from any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the installation of the building sewer.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building unless otherwise approved by the Building Department.
Existing building sewers may not be used in connection with the construction and use of new buildings unless and until found, on examination by the Building Department, to meet all requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The size, slope, alignment and materials of construction of a building sewer and the methods to be used in excavating, placing of the pipe, jointing, testing, and backfilling the trench, shall all conform to the requirements of all applicable building and plumbing codes and other applicable rules and regulations of the City and all other governmental agencies having jurisdiction.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage or industrial wastewater carried by such building drain shall be lifted by an approved means and discharged to the building sewer.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
No person shall connect roof downspouts, foundation drains, driveway drains or other conduits of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sewer or building drain which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public sanitary or common sewer.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The connection of the building sewer to the public sewer shall conform to the requirements of all applicable building and plumbing codes and other applicable rules and regulations of the City.
The applicant for the building sewer permit shall notify said Building Department when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer. The connection and testing shall be made under the supervision of the Building Department.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
All excavations for building sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights so as to protect the public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks, parkways, and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the City.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
Notwithstanding any other provision of any building law to the contrary, no building permit or certificate of use or occupancy shall be issued for any premises on which there is new construction and a public sanitary sewer is available within 200 feet of the subject lot unless and until a sewer connection permit has been granted hereunder for such construction.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The maintenance responsibilities of the sewer private lines shall be as follows:
A.
The maintenance of the private service lateral shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner. The private service lateral shall extend from building to the point of connection at the public sewer main.
B.
Routine maintenance for cleaning and clearing of the private service lateral shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
C.
If there is a blockage in the private service lateral that requires excavation of the sewer lateral:
1.
The owner may obtain his own contractor to do the work. An encroachment permit will be required;
2.
The City may do the work with its own forces or by obtaining a contractor. The property owner must place a deposit with the City for the estimated cost of the work;
3.
If it is found that the problem is a result of workmanship by City employees or by a contractor employed by the City, then the City shall reimburse the property owner for the cost of the contractor or shall refund the deposit, whichever is applicable. The deposit less costs to the City shall be refunded if the obstruction is not due to workmanship by the City's contractor.
D.
If it is found that cleaning problems or that damage exists due to the intrusion of roots from street trees into the private service lateral, then the City shall be responsible to remove the roots and/or repair the house service lateral. At the request of the property owner or at its own request the City may remove the street trees.
E.
Prior to an owner requesting reimbursement for repair costs from the City, the owner of the sewer lateral shall have a third party perform a video inspection to determine the cause of a sewer lateral blockage. A copy of the video will be presented to the Department of Public Works for evaluation and determination. If the City determines the sewer lateral blockage by tree roots is verified by the video inspection, the City will reimburse the property owner for reasonable costs of the video inspection.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The Director of Public Works, or his representatives, may inspect any premises where wastewater is generated or discharged to ascertain whether the provisions of this chapter are being met or hazardous substance or material may exist. Occupants of any such premises shall allow the Director or such representatives ready access at all reasonable times to all parts of such premises for inspection, observation, measurement, testing or sampling pertinent to any discharge to the public sewer or in performance of any of their other duties. Where the user has security measures in force which would require proper identification and clearance before entry into such premises, the user shall make necessary arrangements for their security guards so that upon presentation of suitable identification, the Director or such representatives will be permitted to enter without undue delay for the purpose of carrying out their specific responsibilities.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The Director of Public Works, his representatives and other duly authorized employees of the City shall be permitted to enter all premises in, over or under which the City holds an easement for the purposes of, but not limited to, inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, repair and maintenance of any portion of the wastewater facilities lying within said easement. All entry and subsequent work, if any, on the easement shall be done in full accordance with the terms of the easement agreement pertaining to the premises involved.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)
The Director of Public Works may also require commercial or industrial users to provide information needed to determine compliance with this chapter. These requirements may include:
A.
Wastewaters discharge peak rate and volume over a specified time period;
B.
Chemical analysis of wastewaters;
C.
Information on raw materials, processes and products affecting wastewater volume and quality;
D.
Quantity and disposition of specific liquid, sludge, oil, solvent or other materials relative to sewer use control;
E.
A plan of drains and sewers on or in the user's property showing drains, sewer and pretreatment facility locations;
F.
Details of systems to prevent and control the loss of materials through spills to the public sewer; and
G.
Such other information concerning commercial processes which have a direct or indirect bearing on the kind and source of discharge to the wastewater collection system subject to the limitations of this section.
(Ord. 1039 Sec. 1, 2018)