The owner of all new houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation or other purposes, is required at his or her expense to install suitable plumbing facilities therein and connect such facilities directly with the city water system prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, or, in the case of residential subdivisions containing five or more lots, prior to final plat approval. Provided, that the construction of accessory buildings, such as a garage or storage shed, that do not include plumbing shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(Ord. 1622 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2017)
Payment of a water system general facility charge (GFC) is required for connection to the city's water system. The water system GFC shall be set forth in the city's taxes, rates and fees schedule, and shall be deposited in the city's water system capital improvement fund, which shall be used for the purpose of providing capital improvements to the city's water system.
A. 
New Construction. Each single-family dwelling (NBMC § 18.06.030) shall be one equivalent residential unit (ERU). Each multifamily dwelling (NBMC § 18.06.030) shall be 0.7 ERU. For development other than single-family or multifamily, an ERU shall be 28 cubic meters per month of anticipated water usage. For development other than single-family or multifamily, the general facility charge shall be calculated by dividing the anticipated monthly cubic meter water usage by 28 then multiplying the quotient by the required general facility charge per ERU. Anticipated use shall be determined by the city engineer based upon anticipated property use, water supply line size, plumbing fixture count, and after consultation with accepted state and federal manuals.
B. 
Existing Structures. In the case of an existing water service where there is an intended change in use, or an increase in the intensity of use, then an additional general facility charge shall be paid equal to the number of ERUs in increased anticipated water use.
(Ord. 1622 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2017)
A. 
The water system general facility charge shall apply to all new connections and to all expansions of buildings, structures, or uses that have previously been connected where fire flow demand is increased or a new residential unit or its equivalent is added; provided, that the residential unit equivalent charge shall only apply to the number of units or their equivalent being added and not to preexisting units or their equivalent.
B. 
A general facility charge for a use within the historic district or property adjacent to the historic district may be waived by the city administrator; provided, that the amount of the specific waiver shall be based upon and proportionate to identified tenant improvements planned for and built on or in any commercial building for retail, restaurant, brewery, or similar social and entertainment use. Any waiver shall be based on the specific tenant improvements identified and itemized by the applicant during the building permit application process.
(Ord. 1622 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2017; Ord. 1632 § 1, 2017)
The property owner may appeal the city's determination of the calculation of any connection charge assessed under this chapter within 21 calendar days of the date the charge is assessed; provided, that the disputed charge must be paid to the city prior to the expiration of the appeal period.
An appeal under this section shall be heard by the city hearing examiner at an open record hearing. The examiner's decision shall be final and conclusive unless a written appeal is filed in superior court according to the city's appeal procedures set forth in Chapter 20.06 NBMC, as now in effect or as may subsequently be amended.
(Ord. 1622 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2017)
All new construction within the city shall be served by sufficient water flow in order to meet the fire flow policies set forth in the city's currently approved water system plan. The construction of any and all public utilities to meet said fire flow requirements shall be deemed a cost to be paid for by the proponent of any new construction project.
(Ord. 1622 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2017; Ord. 1666 § 9, 2018)
The requirements set forth in this chapter are the minimum requirements which must be met. It is recognized that with respect to specific situations, obligations do now and in the future may exist which exceed these requirements, and it is further recognized that other specific provisions of this city code may be supplemental or more stringent, and continue to apply. The requirements of this chapter do not limit the obligations already entered into regarding particular circumstances and uses, nor do they limit the authority of the city to impose more strict requirements should this appear desirable, such as incident to SEPA review.
(Ord. 1622 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2017)