Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 16 of the City Code thereby updating the causes for disconnection of water service.
Body
Presently the City has no authority to turn off water to a customer that has a water leak or other defective private plumbing that is causing a public nuisance or causing damage to public infrastructure or adjacent properties. Leaking water services or irrigation systems can damage roadways or foundations on adjacent properties. In addition, these leaks can result in high water bills that lead to complaints and/or writing off a portion of utility bills to resolve complaints.
City staff requests the changes to the City code to add Section 16-4(6) to provide City staff with authority to disconnect water service as an enforcement tool to require property owners to make repairs to private plumbing systems to resolve leaks that are causing a public nuisance. Staff will develop appropriate standard operating procedures regarding notice requirements to account for the severity of the leak, impact to infrastructure and/or adjacent properties.
Recommended/Desired Action
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance.
Attachment(s)
Ordinance
Drafter
Matthew Holzapfel, P.E.
Head of Department