Title 13
WATER, SEWERS, AND STORM DRAINAGE

Chapters:

13.04 Water System

13.06 Water Meter and Water Main Installation Standards

13.08 Sewer System

13.09 Side Sewer Contractors

13.10 Mobile Wash Facility

13.12 Developer’s Agreement

13.14 Latecomer Agreement

13.16 Fire Hydrants

13.18 Storm Drainage and Surface Water Management Utility

Chapter 13.04
WATER SYSTEM

Sections:

13.04.010 Rules established.

13.04.020 Permit application – Minimum deposit.

13.04.030 Water accounts.

13.04.040 Water bills – When due – Penalty.

13.04.050 Delinquent accounts – Shutoff and reconnect fees.

13.04.060 Connection with other water supply.

13.04.070 Connections outside of city limits.

13.04.080 Connections within city limits.

13.04.090 Installation and connection charges.

13.04.095 Water capital facility charges.

13.04.100 Water main extensions – Fees.

13.04.110 Corporation stops.

13.04.120 Connections from meter at owner’s expense and care.

13.04.130 Plumber’s permit for turn on and off.

13.04.140 Fire hydrant – Permit required for use – Violation.

13.04.150 Fire hydrant – Operation restrictions.

13.04.160 Fire hydrant – Operation by inspector – Cost borne.

13.04.165 Fire hydrant – Quick disconnect steamport fittings.

13.04.170 Fire hydrant – Monthly rates for water consumption.

13.04.180 Turn on and turn off service by public works department employees only – Violation.

13.04.190 Vacant premises – Service discontinuance procedures.

13.04.200 Emergency shutoff without notice – Responsibilities of owners.

13.04.210 Irrigation and sprinkling shutoff orders – City council authority – Violation.

13.04.220 Inspection of premises authorized when.

13.04.230 Piling rubbish on meters prohibited.

13.04.240 Meter rates for water service within city limits.

13.04.250 Rates for water service outside city limits.

13.04.260 Repealed.

13.04.270 Fire protection service – Standby charges.

13.04.280 Fire protection service – Equipment installation and maintenance.

13.04.290 Backflow prevention devices defined – Required.

13.04.300 Cross-connections – Prohibited when.

13.04.310 Meter installation – City rights – Costs.

13.04.320 Meters – Testing procedures and charges.

13.04.330 Advisory board created.

13.04.340 Violation – Penalty – Additional liability.

13.04.010 Rules established.

The rules and regulations set forth in this chapter and such rules and regulations as may from time to time be adopted by the city council are established for fixing, regulating and controlling the use and price of water supplied by the city. (Ord. 666 § 1, 1982).

13.04.020 Permit application – Minimum deposit.

All applications for permits for the use of water shall be made to the community development director. Such application shall be made by the owner of the property to which the water is to be furnished. The applicant shall state fully and truly the purposes for which the water may be required, and must agree to conform to the rules and regulations thereof that may be established from time to time as conditions for the use of water. The applicant shall be required to pay a nonrefundable permit fee of $100.00 to the clerk-treasurer. (Ord. 1270 § 1, 1997; Ord. 666 § 2, 1982).

13.04.030 Water accounts.

All accounts for water shall be kept in the name of the property owner and all charges shall be made against the property as well as the owner thereof; and no change of ownership or occupancy shall affect the application of this section. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to notify the city upon change of ownership. (Ord. 666 § 3, 1982).

13.04.040 Water bills – When due – Penalty.

The billing date shall be the last calendar day of February, April, June, August, October, and December of each year. Water bills are due and payable on the last calendar day of the month following the applicable billing date (“due date”). A water bill is considered delinquent if not paid in full by the applicable due date. A penalty of $10.00, or 10 percent of the water bill amount, whichever is greater, shall be assessed on all delinquent accounts on the fifth calendar day after the account becomes delinquent (“penalty date”). However, when the penalty date is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the penalty shall not be assessed if the full payment is received by the next succeeding business day. (Ord. 1578-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 666 § 4, 1982).

13.04.050 Delinquent accounts – Shutoff and reconnect fees.

A. The water service shall be discontinued if the water bill is not paid in full within 10 calendar days after the penalty date.

B. If the water service is discontinued, then before service will be reconnected, the delinquent water bill, outstanding penalties and the reconnection fee must be paid in full.

C. The reconnection fee shall be the following:

1. Fifty dollars for reconnection during regular business hours, on the same business day as payment received, if payment is received by 3:00 p.m., and on the next business day if payment is received after 3:00 p.m.;

2. One hundred dollars for reconnection other than during hours as described in subsection (A) of this section;

3. Reconnect for unauthorized turn-on by other than employees of the city shall be billed at the actual cost incurred. (Ord. 1578-06 § 2, 2006; Ord. 666 § 5, 1982).

13.04.060 Connection with other water supply.

No service connection shall be allowed from the city mains to any premises supplied by water from any other source, unless special permission is given by the public works superintendent, which special permission may be terminated at any time if, in the judgment of the public works superintendent, the public interests will be best served. (Ord. 666 § 6, 1982).

13.04.070 Connections outside of city limits.

A. Whenever any one or more persons outside the corporate limits of the city, not already furnished with water by the city, desire the system to be extended so as to furnish any premises with water which are not already connected with the system, such person or persons shall apply to the city to have such water service so extended. Such application shall designate the premises to be supplied and the number of services desired, together with the plans and specifications for the extension. Should such permits be granted, the applicants shall, at their own expense, install all necessary mains or pipes according to the specifications of the city, and furnish or perform all labor, and shall also, at their own expense, install a separate meter for each premises to be supplied for such extension. Before connecting such pipe with the municipal water system, the property owner to be supplied by such extension shall execute a bill of sale to the city for the water main and appurtenances together with an easement, if required by the city, for the water main and appurtenances. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all rules and regulations of this chapter shall govern the use of water for such extension.

B. The connection charges outside the corporate limits of the city shall include permit fees, connection charges, inspection fees, and shall be at the same rates, fees and charges as within the corporate limits of the city plus a 50 percent surcharge. (Ord. 926 § 1, 1987; Ord. 873 § 1, 1986; Ord. 666 § 7, 1982).

13.04.080 Connections within city limits.

Whenever there is need for extension, repair or replacement of distribution mains, the following methods are available:

A. Formation of a local improvement district as set forth in the Revised Code of Washington;

B. Private funding with the option of latecomer agreement;

C. Other funding methods allowed by law and approved by the city council;

D. Before connecting such pipe with the municipal water system, the property owner to be supplied by such extension shall execute a bill of sale to the city for the water main and appurtenances together with an easement, if required by the city, for the water main and appurtenances;

E. The connection charges shall include assessments in lieu of LID, charges under latecomer agreements, permit fees, connection charges, inspection fees and any additional fees imposed by the city. (Ord. 873 § 2, 1986; Ord. 666 § 8, 1982).

13.04.090 Installation and connection charges.

A. A permit will be issued for the use of water after the following connection charge is paid:

5/8” x 3/4''	$ 1,200.00
3/4''	1,500.00
1"	1,700.00
1-1/2''	2,000.00

B. Any service in which the meter is over one and one-half inches in size shall be charged the actual cost of the time and materials required for installation of the service, plus 15 percent to cover the city’s overhead.

C. All new construction, residential and commercial, on property which is located within 200 feet of a water main of the city shall be required to extend the water main to and across the entire frontage of their property and connect to the city water system prior to the occupancy of the building. No new wells except municipal wells shall be constructed and no alterations to existing wells except municipal wells shall be permitted on properties that can be served, within 200 feet of a water main of the city, or are now served by the city water system.

D. Sprinkler connections shall be constructed at the property owner’s expense, subject to approval

and inspection by the community development department.

E. Water connection charges may be reduced, with proper approval of the community development director or designee, if the connection is constructed and paid for by the property owner. The community development department must review plans of proposed connection, and inspect and approve the connection prior to the service being activated. A $200.00 connection/engineering review fee shall be paid at the time of application. All inspection fees shall be $50.00 an hour per call-out; a minimum of one hour shall be charged.

F. Any person, firm or corporation desiring to construct any new or the replacement of water service systems, water mains or side water lines which are to be constructed by anyone other than the city shall first submit a plan for said construction to the community development department. To assure that an as-built plan is submitted for the city records and approved by the community development department, the water meter shall be secured in the off position and remain that way until the as-built plan is received and approved.

G. From January 21, 2000 until July 21, 2000, owners of property fronting on Harry Smith Road or Dale Lane shall be eligible to obtain a permit for use of city water supplies after paying connection and permit charges of $580.00 for a five-eighths-inch meter or $605.00 for a three-fourths-inch meter. After this time period, permits will be issued as per the rate schedule set out in subsection A of this section. Those owners with property fronting on Harry Smith Road or Dale Lane who have already paid a fee in excess of these respective amounts shall be eligible during the time period set out herein to apply for a rebate of that fee in an amount that makes their total water connection fee as established in this subsection. (Ord. 1467 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1376 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1270 § 3, 1997; Ord. 778 § 1, 1984; Ord. 678 § 1, 1982; Ord. 666 § 9, 1982).

13.04.095 Water capital facility charges.

A. Prior to connecting to the city’s water system, the property owner shall pay, in addition to other applicable charges, a general facility charge of $3,040 per equivalent residential unit (ERU). The rate shall be adjusted in April, 2004, and annually in April of each year thereafter by the Engineering News Record (ENR) Construction Cost Index 20-city average based on the April, 1999, number of 6008.

B. An ERU for this purpose is 230 gallons per day for nonresidential connections. An ERU for residential connections is one single-family house, apartment unit, condominium unit, or townhouse unit.

C. If after connection of a nonresidential service, the actual water usage has increased or the property use expanded so that there is a greater number of ERUs being used on the property than for which the general facility charge was paid, the property owner shall pay to the city an additional general facility charge based upon the new or expanded use. The additional general facility charge shall be based upon the general facility charge rate in effect at the time the increased use is requested and/or detected, whichever first occurs.

D. A credit against the general facility charge may be applied for those property owners that pay final assessments through a local improvement district formed by the city council where such local improvement district is formed to finance the construction of any of the improvements that are a basis for calculating the value of the general facility charge. The credit shall be the smaller of the following:

1. The portion of the final assessments, not including interest, that are directly applicable to the construction of the improvements that are a basis for the value of the general facility charge; or

2. That proportionate amount of the general facility charge that is attributable to the water facilities constructed in the local improvement district.

The credit shall be applied at the time of payment of the general facility charge and shall not be used to reduce any assessments in the local improvement district. Credits to the general facility charge shall not be applicable to: (a) local improvement districts finalized prior to the effective date of the ordinance establishing this general facility charge; (b) omitted properties for a local improvement district formed after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section. Omitted properties are properties benefited by the improvements constructed in the local improvement district but for which the property was not included in the local improvement district at the time of its formation.

E. A credit against the general facility charge may be applied for those property owners that construct at their own expense any of the improvements that are a basis for calculating the value of the general facility charge or for those property owners that pay a latecomer’s fee toward those same improvements. The credit shall be the smaller of the following:

1. That portion of the design and construction costs or latecomer’s fees that are directly applicable to the construction of the improvements that are a basis for the value of the general facility charge; or

2. That proportionate amount of the general facility charge that is attributable to the water facilities either constructed by the property owner or paid through a latecomer’s fee.

The credit shall be applied at the time of payment of the general facility charge and shall not be used to reduce any latecomer fees. Credits to the general facility charge shall not be applicable to facilities constructed or latecomer’s fees established prior to the effective date of the ordinance establishing this general facility charge.

F. Any single-family residence existing at the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section and desiring to hook up to water is exempt from paying this general facility charge for a period of six months from the date water becomes available in front of the property.

G. Any lots that were already platted and zoned as “single-family residential” and existing at the effective date of Ordinance 1347 (codified at FMC 13.04.095, and effective April 21, 1999) and desiring to hook up to water are exempt from paying this general facility charge for a period of six months from the date water becomes available in front of the property. For such lots that are unimproved when water becomes available, the six-month time period shall begin to run when a permit has been issued for new construction.

H. Any water service that has been legally hooked up to the city’s system shall be deemed to vest the property on which such service exists for water general facility charges equal to the number of ERUs provided under this section, provided that a water bill is paid for such service for at least four months of each rolling 12-month period and that the account is no more than six months in arrears. The required four months payment shall be due regardless of whether any water is used, and shall be calculated at the minimum current rate for the service size if no water is used. If less than four months water service bills have been paid in a given rolling 12-month period, or the account is more than six months in arrears, the rights to water service shall be forfeited, the service disconnected, and service not restored until after payment of new water general facility charges, meter fees, and connection fees at the rate then in effect. The city clerk shall review utility account records after the end of each billing period and shall twice notify any property owner subject to forfeiture of water service rights under this section, allowing at least 30 days after the first such notice and seven days after the second such notice before declaring the service forfeited. Once notice has been mailed, all fees must be paid in full or the service forfeiture will proceed as scheduled.

I. Any rights to water service vested under this section shall run with the property and may offset general facility charges applied to development or redevelopment of the property or to the property and contiguous adjoining properties developed or redeveloped under a single plan with unified permits. Such rights may not be otherwise transferred.

J. The city clerk shall cause to be recorded with the Pierce County auditor a notice declaring the forfeiture of the service right, and that any new service will be subject to the city codes, regulations and fee schedules in effect at the time water service is requested. (Ord. 1479-03 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1479 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1416 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1379 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1365 § 1, 1999; Ord. 1347 § 1, 1999).

13.04.100 Water main extensions – Fees.

All water main extensions financed by other than city funds must have the design plans approved by the city. Plan review fees will be as required in FMC 3.80.010(B), and/or actual cost of consulting engineer fees, if required by the public works director. Inspection fees will be at the actual cost of field and office time expended including the hourly wage of the inspector plus benefits and administrative overhead. Plan review fees shall be paid prior to issuing the associated water permit. Inspection fees shall be paid prior to acceptance of the improvements by the city. (Ord. 1416 § 2, 2000; Ord. 1366 § 3, 1999; Ord. 666 § 10, 1982).

13.04.110 Corporation stops.

All service pipes must come direct from the street main and shall be laid at such depth and at such point as the public works department designates. No bib or fixture of any kind shall be installed between the main and the meter. All corporation stops and connections thereto shall be maintained and under the control of the public works department. (Ord. 666 § 11, 1982).

13.04.120 Connections from meter at owner’s expense and care.

All pipes and connections from the meter located on or near the property line shall be put in at the expense of the property owner, who shall be responsible for all damages resulting from leaks and breaks. (Ord. 666 § 12, 1982).

13.04.130 Plumber’s permit for turn on and off.

No plumber or other person will be allowed to make connection with the city’s mains or make alterations in conduit, pipe or other fixtures connecting therewith, or to connect pipes when they have been disconnected, or to turn water off or on, upon any premises at the city’s corporation stops without approval of the public works department. (Ord. 666 § 13, 1982).

13.04.140 Fire hydrant – Permit required for use – Violation.

A. Any person, firm or corporation desiring water service from a fire hydrant or hose connection shall first make application for a hydrant use permit to the city and pay an annual fee, due January 1st of each year, in the sum of $50.00.

B. Any person, firm or corporation making connections to or alterations in any pipe wherever water may be drawn from the city’s mains or taking water from any fire hydrant, bib pipe or fixture of any kind, without first having secured and having in their possession a hydrant use permit for the same from the city, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. All fines collected under this section shall be placed to the credit of the water/sewer operating fund. (Ord. 666 § 14, 1982).

13.04.150 Fire hydrant – Operation restrictions.

It is unlawful for any person, other than properly authorized employees of the city or members of the fire department, to operate fire hydrants and hose outlets unless permission has first been granted by the public works department and proper arrangements have been made with the clerk-treasurer for payment of the water to be used. (Ord. 666 § 15, 1982).

13.04.160 Fire hydrant – Operation by inspector – Cost borne.

When it is deemed necessary by the public works department, the city will furnish an inspector to operate a fire hydrant or hose connection to avoid damage and to obtain the necessary information for computing the volume of water consumed. The expense for the services of the inspector and equipment furnished shall be paid by the applicant, and in no case shall the charge be less than $30.00. (Ord. 666 § 16, 1982).

13.04.165 Fire hydrant – Quick disconnect steamport fittings.

Every fire hydrant required to be installed within the city, whether on public or private property, shall be equipped with quick disconnect steamport fittings as approved by the community development director or his designee (Storz fittings or their equivalent). (Ord. 1033 § 1, 1990; Ord. 950 § 1, 1988).

13.04.170 Fire hydrant – Monthly rates for water consumption.

The monthly rate for the water consumed from fire hydrants shall be $45.00 for 1,000 cubic feet or less, plus $1.50 per 100 cubic feet over. The user shall be billed for the service until the city is notified in writing that the service is to be discontinued. (Ord. 1311 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1038 § 1, 1990; Ord. 912 § 2, 1987; Ord. 666 § 17, 1982).

13.04.180 Turn on and turn off service by public works department employees only – Violation.

A. No person, except employees of the public works department, will be allowed to turn the water on or off at the city’s corporation stops, after the plumbing has been completed and the water turned on by the public works department.

B. Should the water be turned on to the premises by anyone other than an employee of the public works department, after it has been turned off at the city’s angle meter stop, it will be turned off at the main and will not be turned on again until the charges as prescribed in this chapter have been paid. (Ord. 666 § 18, 1982).

13.04.190 Vacant premises – Service discontinuance procedures.

Should it be desired to discontinue the use of water supplied to vacant premises for a period of not less than 30 days, notice in writing must be given to the clerk-treasurer. The water will then be turned off and turned on again on written application for a fee of $30.00. No remission of charges will be made for a period less than 30 days, or without the notice. (Ord. 666 § 19, 1982).

13.04.200 Emergency shutoff without notice – Responsibilities of owners.

A. The water may at any time be shut off from the mains without notice, for repairs, extensions or other necessary purpose, and persons having boilers supplied by direct pressure from the mains are cautioned against danger of explosion or collapse, and where meters are in use or to be used on such service, a safety valve shall be placed between the boiler on such service and the meter, at the owner’s expense, and said person shall be held responsible to the city for any and all damages to meters or injuries to persons caused by hot water.

B. The city will not be responsible for the safety of boilers or other fixtures on the premises of any water consumer.

C. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to place on record with the city, life-support equipment data that requires water for its operation or function. The city shall not be responsible for service interruption but shall endeavor to give prior notice if possible.

D. Newly constructed apartment buildings shall be charged for the number of units actually occupied for the first six months following the date of completion of construction. It shall be the duty of the owner of the apartment building to report to the city each month the number of units occupied the previous month. If the information is not received from the owner by the tenth of the following month, the full number of units will be billed. After the expiration of the six-month period, the apartment building shall be charged a monthly rate for all units whether occupied or not. (Ord. 666 § 20, 1982).

13.04.210 Irrigation and sprinkling shutoff orders – City council authority – Violation.

A. The right to make an order, in case of shortage, or for any good and sufficient reason, suspending the use or hours of use of water for irrigation sprinkling purposes, is reserved to the city council, at its discretion; which order shall take effect from and after its publication in the official newspaper of the city unless an emergency is declared and thereupon no prior notice must be given.

B. Violations of such order shall be deemed a misdemeanor. All fines collected under this section shall be placed to the credit of the water-sewer operating fund. (Ord. 666 § 21, 1982).

13.04.220 Inspection of premises authorized when.

Employees of the public works department shall have free access at all times in the day to all parts of buildings in which water may be supplied from the city mains, for the purpose of inspecting the condition of the pipes and fixtures, and the manner in which the water is used. (Ord. 666 § 22, 1982).

13.04.230 Piling rubbish on meters prohibited.

All persons are prohibited from piling rubbish of any kind on water meters and covers so as to prevent free access thereto by employees of the public works department. (Ord. 666 § 23, 1982).

13.04.240 Meter rates for water service within city limits.

A. Meter rates shall be as follows:

1. Effective January 1, 2000, the minimum monthly rate for water supplied through meters to users within the city limits and the associated base usage amounts shall be as follows:

Meter Size (in inches)	Minimum Charge Per Month	Monthly Base Amount
5/8 x 3/4 or 3/4	$12.65	300 cubic ft. or less
1	$42.15	1,000 cubic ft. or less
1-1/2	$75.90	1,800 cubic ft. or less
2	$105.40	2,500 cubic ft. or less
3	$210.85	5,000 cubic ft. or less
4	$316.25	7,500 cubic ft. or less
6	$632.50	15,000 cubic ft. or less

For every 100 cubic feet of water supplied through meters to users within the city limits in excess of the monthly base usage amounts above, $1.50 (in the year 2000), $1.55 (in the year 2001), or $1.60 (in the year 2002 and after) will be charged.

2. Effective January 1, 2007, the minimum monthly rate for water supplied through meters to users within the city limits and the associated base usage amounts and commodity charges shall be as follows:

Meter Size (in inches)	Minimum Charge Per Month	Monthly Base Amount
5/8 x 3/4 or 3/4	$13.28	300 cubic ft. or less
1	$44.26	1,000 cubic ft. or less
1-1/2	$79.70	1,800 cubic ft. or less
2	$110.67	2,500 cubic ft. or less
3	$221.39	5,000 cubic ft. or less
4	$332.06	7,500 cubic ft. or less
6	$664.13	15,000 cubic ft. or less

For every 100 cubic feet of water supplied through meters to users within the city limits in excess of the monthly base usage amounts above, $1.68 will be charged.

3. Effective January 1, 2008, the minimum monthly rate for water supplied through meters to users within the city limits and the associated base usage amounts and commodity charges shall be as follows:

Meter Size (in inches)	Minimum Charge Per Month	Monthly Base Amount
5/8 x 3/4 or 3/4	$13.94	300 cubic ft. or less
1	$46.47	1,000 cubic ft. or less
1-1/2	$83.69	1,800 cubic ft. or less
2	$116.20	2,500 cubic ft. or less
3	$232.46	5,000 cubic ft. or less
4	$348.66	7,500 cubic ft. or less
6	$697.34	15,000 cubic ft. or less

For every 100 cubic feet of water supplied through meters to users within the city limits in excess of the monthly base usage amounts above, $1.76 will be charged.

B. Tandem water connections involving residences or residence-commercial combinations having a common water meter shall be billed the prevailing minimum rate for residences and/or businesses in place of the standard meter-size minimum charge, and shall be allowed the minimum cubic feet allowed for the meter size, and in addition shall be charged the excess over such cubic feet at the prevailing rate per 100 cubic feet.

C. Users with water service meters for landscape irrigation only shall not be charged from November 1st through April 30th unless the meter shows usage during said months; in which event, a charge shall be made for the billing period in which the water was used.

D. Reduced Water Rates.

1. Residential Service. The standard charge for water supplied inside and outside the city for residential service shall be discounted by 30 percent for those customers who qualify under the following criteria.

2. Applicability. To water customers who reside in single-family dwelling units or individually metered multiple dwelling units who:

a. Are 62 years of age or older and have a maximum income, if single, of not more than 70 percent of the Washington State median income for a one-person household, as computed annually by the state or the city, or whose annual income, if married, together with that of the spouse does not exceed 70 percent of the Washington State median income for a two-person household as computed annually by the state or the city; or receive supplemental security income pursuant to 42 USC Sections 1381 through 1383; or are disabled and receive funds from a disability program as a result of a disability that prevents them from working consistent with the equivalent of 42 USC Section 401 et seq. and whose annual household income, together with all household members, does not exceed 70 percent of the Washington State median income for the number of individuals in the household as computed annually by the state or the city; and

b. Are a single occupant or head of household or the spouse of the head of the household; and

c. Reside in the dwelling unit; and

d. Are billed or are the spouse of a person billed by the city.

Eligibility shall be certified by the city clerk in conjunction with the appropriate organization. (Ord. 1609-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1421 § 1, 2001; Ord. 1416 § 3, 2000; Ord. 1367 § 1, 1999; Ord. 1311 § 2, 1998; Ord. 1292 § 1, 1997; Ord. 1038 § 2, 1990; Ord. 911 § 1, 1987; Ord. 894 § 1, 1986; Ord. 801 § 1, 1985; Ord. 797 § 1, 1985; Ord. 666 § 24, 1982).

13.04.250 Rates for water service outside city limits.

The minimum monthly rates for water supplied for purposes of building sprinkler fire protection or through meters to users outside the city limits shall be an additional surcharge of 50 percent of all rates, fees and charges. (Ord. 666 § 25, 1982).

13.04.260 Charge when LID assessment not made.

Repealed by Ord. 1120.

13.04.270 Fire protection service – Standby charges.

The monthly rate for water supplied for the purpose of building sprinkler systems and fire hydrants on private property shall be as follows:

Size of Service (in inches)	Monthly Charge (per connection)
2 or less	$ 3.00
3	5.00
4	7.00
6	9.00
8	11.00
10	13.00
12	15.00
Fire hydrant	12.00	(per hydrant)

(Ord. 1038 § 3, 1990; Ord. 666 § 27, 1982).

13.04.280 Fire protection service – Equipment installation and maintenance.

A. Pipes for fire protection purposes must be fitted with such fixtures only as are needed for fire protection and such fixtures shall be sealed by the fire marshal, and in no case shall such seal be bro-

ken, except in case of fire or by the fire chief for the purpose of testing the pipes, fixtures or hose.

B. When seals are broken in case of fire, it shall be the duty of the owner or tenant of the premises to notify the fire marshal within 24 hours after its occurrence, and the seal shall be replaced by the fire marshal.

C. Violation of this section shall be deemed a misdemeanor. All fines collected shall be placed to the credit of the water/sewer operating fund.

D. No domestic water services shall be allowed to be connected to a dead-end water main that is designed to be installed on private property for fire protection. All domestic water services shall be connected to the water system within the rights-of-way unless approved by the public works superintendent. (Ord. 666 § 28, 1982).

13.04.290 Backflow prevention devices defined – Required.

A. “Backflow” means a flow, other than the intended direction of flow, of any foreign liquids, gases or substances into the distribution system of a public water supply.

B. “Backflow prevention device” means a device approved by the state department of social and health services or such other as shall have jurisdiction over the subject matter, and by the American Water Works Association, used to counteract back pressure or prevent back-siphonage into the distribution system of a public water supply.

C. “Cross-connection” means any physical arrangement whereby a public water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool storage reservoir, plumbing fixture or other device which contains or may contain contaminated water, sewage or other wastes or liquids of unknown or unsafe quality, which may be capable of imparting contamination to a public water supply as a result of backflow.

D. Backflow prevention devices shall be required subject to the decision of the public works superintendent. (Ord. 666 § 29, 1982).

13.04.300 Cross-connections – Prohibited when.

A. It is unlawful for any person to install or maintain any cross-connection which would endanger the purity of the city of Fife water supply. Any such cross-connection now existing or hereafter installed is hereby declared unlawful and shall be abated immediately by the owner or person having the right to occupy the premises upon which any such cross-connection exists.

B. Wherever cross-connections with the Fife water system cannot be eliminated then backflow prevention devices shall be installed and tested as required by WAC 246-290-490. The installer shall arrange for inspection by the city at the time of installation. Thereafter, the owner or person entitled to occupy the premises served by the backflow device shall have the device inspected annually by an inspector approved by the city and shall cause the inspection report to be sent to the city.

C. The director of community development or his designated representative shall have access to inspect cross-connections and backflow prevention devices during reasonable business hours. If the owner or occupant of premises upon which a cross-connection or backflow prevention device exists does not consent to an inspection, then an inspection shall be conducted pursuant to an administrative search warrant or pursuant to a warrant issued upon probable cause to believe that a violation exists.

D. WAC 246-290-490 is hereby adopted by reference as though fully set forth herein.

E. The current edition of the Accepted Procedure and Practice in Cross-Connection Control Manual – Pacific Northwest Section – American Water Works Association, is hereby adopted by reference as though fully set forth herein as the minimum cross-connection control operating policy of the city of Fife. The director of community development may adopt procedural rules relating to the enforcement of said requirements.

F. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 1181 § 1, 1994; Ord. 1066 § 1, 1991; Ord. 666 § 30, 1982).

13.04.310 Meter installation – City rights – Costs.

The right is reserved to the city, through its public works superintendent, to place a water meter on any service for the purpose of measuring the water used on the premises by such service, and payment for installation and water used shall be made by the property owner in the manner as prescribed in this chapter. (Ord. 666 § 30, 1982).

13.04.320 Meters – Testing procedures and charges.

In the event of the meter’s getting out of order and failing to properly register the amount of water used, the property owner shall be charged at the average rate of monthly consumption as shown by the meter when in order. When the property owner requests that the meter be checked for errors and upon checking it is found that the meter complies with the requirements of the laws of the state in regard to water meters, a charge of $50.00 shall be made and added to the billing of the property owner. If said meter is found to be incorrect, then no charge shall be made for the meter check. (Ord. 666 § 32, 1982).

13.04.330 Advisory board created.

An advisory board shall be created for the purpose of recommending water connections and/or rate considerations for special or unusual conditions either within or outside the city and the establishment of LIDs or ULIDs. It shall consist of the director of public works, the clerk-treasurer or designee and at least one member of the city council. All recommendations of the advisory board shall be submitted to the city council. (Ord. 894 § 2, 1986; Ord. 666 § 33, 1982).

13.04.340 Violation – Penalty – Additional liability.

Any knowing violation of the provisions of this chapter or any knowing failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter or any of the provisions of any other ordinances of the city relating to

water regulations, shall be a misdemeanor and any person, firm or corporation found guilty thereof shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment in jail not to exceed 90 days or by both such fine and imprisonment, and the water shall be turned off and remain so until the penalty and all other charges due are paid; provided, that the penalties shall not apply to violations of sections of the water ordinances of the city for which specific penalties have been provided. In addition thereto, any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be liable to the city for any expense, loss or damage occasioned by the city by reason of such violation. (Ord. 842 § 13, 1986; Ord. 666 § 34, 1982).

Chapter 13.06
WATER METER AND WATER
MAIN INSTALLATION STANDARDS

Sections:

13.06.010 Adoption.

13.06.010 Adoption.

The publication entitled “City of Fife Water Meter and Water Main Installation Standards,” dated November 1992, is hereby adopted by reference, as amended by Ordinance No. 1151, dated May 25, 1993. No water meter or water main shall be installed within the city or its service area unless the equipment, material, and installation meet the standards set forth in said publication. (Ord. 1151 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1138 § 2, 1993).

Chapter 13.08
SEWER SYSTEM

Sections:

13.08.010 Definitions.

13.08.020 Unsanitary deposit of waste unlawful.

13.08.030 Discharging polluted waters prohibited – Exceptions.

13.08.040 Privies, septic tanks and cesspools prohibited – Permit issuance.

13.08.050 Property required to connect to public sewer.

13.08.055 New construction – Extension of sewer.

13.08.060 Private disposal system – Permitted when.

13.08.070 Private disposal system – Construction permit required.

13.08.080 Private disposal system – Effective date of permit.

13.08.090 Private disposal system – Discharge restrictions.

13.08.100 Repealed.

13.08.110 Private disposal system – Operation and management.

13.08.120 Connections – Permit required.

13.08.130 Installation and connections – Property owner responsibility.

13.08.140 Separate sewer required for each building – Exceptions.

13.08.150 Old sewers – Conditions for use.

13.08.160 Materials – Approval required when.

13.08.170 Cleanouts – Number required.

13.08.180 Cleanouts – Size and extension specifications.

13.08.190 Cleanouts – Placement.

13.08.200 Pipe connections – Diameter.

13.08.210 Water supply lines separate from sewer lines.

13.08.220 Building sewer – Size and slope.

13.08.230 Building sewer – Location and installation.

13.08.240 Building sewer – Sewage lifted by artificial means when.

13.08.250 Building sewer – Excavations – Pipe and backfill requirements.

13.08.260 Building sewer – Joints and connections to be made gastight and watertight.

13.08.270 Building sewer – Inspection and connection.

13.08.280 Building sewer – Excavations – Safeguarding – Restoration of surface.

13.08.290 Discharging unpolluted waters into system prohibited.

13.08.300 Stormwater and unpolluted drainage.

13.08.310 Matter excluded from all sewers designated.

13.08.320 Surface drainage – Water excluded from sanitary sewers.

13.08.330 Inspection of sewers and attachments – Notices.

13.08.340 Sewer waste tests permitted when – Obstruction of officer while testing unlawful.

13.08.350 Discharging septic tank waste into system prohibited.

13.08.360 Determination of character of waste matter required before discharge.

13.08.370 Pretreatment of sewage.

13.08.380 Grease, oil and sand interceptors – Required when – Specifications.

13.08.390 Maintenance of interceptors.

13.08.400 Maintenance of preliminary treatment facilities.

13.08.410 Manhole required when – Installation – Maintenance.

13.08.420 Measurements, tests and analyses.

13.08.430 Special agreements with industrial concerns not prevented.

13.08.440 Damaging or tampering with system prohibited.

13.08.450 Public works superintendent powers and authority.

13.08.460 Sewer permits – Connection and inspection fees.

13.08.465 Sanitary sewer capital facility charges.

13.08.468 Pierce County surcharge.

13.08.470 Sewer account.

13.08.480 Sewer bills – When due – Penalty.

13.08.490 Sewer bills – Enforcement of collections.

13.08.500 Water-sewer fund.

13.08.510 Sewer service – Schedule of rates.

13.08.520 Repealed.

13.08.530 Sewer main extensions – Plans and fees required when.

13.08.535 Repealed.

13.08.537 Sanitary sewer connection fee surcharge.

13.08.540 Service outside city – Rates and charges.

13.08.550 Failure to connect building sewer – City to perform work when – Costs.

13.08.560 Advisory board created.

13.08.570 Violation – Penalty – Additional remedies.

13.08.580 Sewage works design standards.

13.08.010 Definitions.

Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this chapter are as follows:

A. “Building drain” means that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system which receives the discharge from soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the building sewer, beginning five feet outside the inner face of the building wall.

B. “Building sewer” means the extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal.

C. “Garbage” means solid wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage and sale of products.

D. “Garbage disposal unit” means any mechanical device that is used to reduce the size of solid matter to facilitate the solid to pass through a private or public sewer line.

E. “Industrial wastes” means the liquid wastes from industrial processes.

F. “Natural outlet” means any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface water or groundwater.

G. “Properly shredded garbage” means the wastes from preparations, cooking and dispensing of food that have been shredded to such degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than one-half inch in any dimension.

H. “Public works director” means the director of the water and sewage works of the city, or his authorized deputy, agent or representative.

I. “Sanitary sewer” means a sewer which carries sewage, and to which storm, surface and groundwaters are not intentionally admitted.

J. “Sewage” means a combination of the water-carried waste from residences, business buildings, institutions and industrial establishments.

K. “Sewage treatment plant” means any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.

L. “Sewage works” means all facilities for collecting, pumping, treating and disposing of sewage.

M. “Sewer” means a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have equal rights, and is controlled by public authority.

N. “Storm sewer” or “storm drain” means a sewer which carries storm and surface waters and drainage, but excludes sewage and polluted industrial wastes.

O. “Suspended solids” means solids that either float on the surface of, or are in suspension in water, sewage or other liquids, and which are removable by laboratory filtering.

P. “Watercourse” means a channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently. (Ord. 981 § 5, 1989; Ord. 679 § 1, 1982; Ord. 667 § 2, 1982).

13.08.020 Unsanitary deposit of waste unlawful.

It is unlawful for any person to place, deposit, or permit to be deposited in an unsanitary manner upon public or private property within the city, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the city, any human or animal excrement, garbage, or other objectionable waste. (Ord. 667 § 2, 1982).

13.08.030 Discharging polluted waters prohibited – Exceptions.

It is unlawful to discharge to any natural outlet within the city, or any area under the jurisdiction of the city, any sanitary sewage, industrial wastes or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with subsequent provisions of this chapter. This section shall go into effect when sewers are operable. (Ord. 667 § 3, 1982).

13.08.040 Privies, septic tanks and cesspools prohibited – Permit issuance.

Except as hereinafter provided, it is unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, tank, cesspool or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewerage; provided, however, that privies may be installed on agricultural property by special permit during the harvest season. The permit shall be issued by the building inspector who shall approve the location of the privy and the duration of the permit. (Ord. 667 § 4, 1982).

13.08.050 Property required to connect to public sewer.

In any area under the jurisdiction of the city the owner of each lot or parcel of real property within a utility local improvement district, or any portion of a lot or parcel located within a horizontal plane of 300 feet perpendicular to any permanent wastewater facilities is hereby required, at his or her expense, to connect all applicable plumbing outlets from such building(s) or structure(s) directly to the public sewer, in accordance with the provisions of the FMC. The owners of all such properties located outside the boundary of a utility local improvement district (ULID) shall be required to submit a connection application to the public works department, obtain a building sewer permit and pay all applicable charges and fees and take any other action required by the provisions of the FMC. Exceptions to this section are as follows:

A. When the city or a developer extends permanent sewer service into an area not included within the boundaries of an utility local improvement district (ULID), existing structures in a single drainage area will not be required by the city to connect to the public system unless the owners of such structures voluntarily elect to connect to the public system and pay all fees/capital charges to the utility. If septic tank systems serving existing structures fail, however, then the owners of such existing structures shall be required to connect to the public sewer system immediately and at their own expense and pay all fees/capital charges to the utility.

B. Additional exemptions inside or outside the boundaries of a ULID may be granted for good cause as determined by the city’s director of public works. Such requests shall be in written form to the director and include but not be limited to the following:

1. Applicant’s name and address;

2. Reason for the request;

3. Map of applicant’s property including location of nearest existing sanitary sewer system;

4. Legal description of property including parcel number; and

5. Cost documentation excluding sewer connection charges.

Decisions by the director may be appealed to the city council for a hearing. (Ord. 988 § 1, 1989; Ord. 667 § 5, 1982).

13.08.055 New construction – Extension of sewer.

All new construction, residential or commercial, required to be connected to the public sewer shall, at the property owner’s expense, extend the sewer main to and across the entire frontage of each lot or parcel prior to connection to the public system. Frontage definition, sewer size and sewer depth shall be as necessary to provide service in accordance with city sewer plans. (Ord. 1468 § 1, 2002).

13.08.060 Private disposal system – Permitted when.

A. Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of FMC 13.08.050, the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewer disposal system complying with the provisions of this chapter.

B. Where a single-family lot is adjacent to an existing city sanitary sewer collection facility that does not have capacity to serve the single-family lot, and there is not a condition of subdivision approval for the lot that requires the construction of sanitary sewer facilities to serve the lot, then any residence constructed upon the lot may connect to a temporary sanitary sewer disposal system complying with the terms of this chapter, and subject to the following conditions: (1) when capacity becomes available in the public system, the residence will be disconnected from the private system and connected to the public system at the property owner’s expense within 60 days of notice from the city of available public sanitary sewer capacity; and (2) the sanitary sewer system general facility charge and applicable connection charges in effect at the time the connection is to be made to the public system shall be paid prior to connection. The exemption from connecting to the public sanitary sewer system created by this subsection shall not apply to applications received after January 1, 2001.

C. Except as authorized by subsection (E) of this section, no commercial or industrial use shall be permitted to connect to a private system, the provisions of any other section or subsection of this chapter notwithstanding, unless all of the following conditions apply:

1. A local improvement district has been formed for the purpose of providing public sanitary sewer service to the property upon which the commercial or industrial use is to be located;

2. The private system is designed by a licensed professional engineer so the system does not allow the discharge of any effluent other than into a holding facility located on the property to be served by the private system;

3. The system meets all Department of Health requirements;

4. The property owner agrees, upon demand by the city, to disconnect from and remove the private system and connect to the public system at the property owner’s expense;

5. The property owner signs an agreement with the city prior to commencing construction on the private system agreeing to indemnify and hold the city harmless from any liability that results from the approval or operation of the private system; said agreement to be in a form approved by the city attorney;

6. Prior to commencement of construction of the private system the property owner posts a performance bond in an amount to be determined by the city engineer that equals 150 percent of the estimated cost of removing the private system and connecting to the public system; the performance bond to be in a form approved by the city attorney;

7. The property owner will pay all city fees associated with processing, reviewing and approving the application for an on-site system; and

8. Prior to approval of the on-site system, the property owner shall pay the sanitary sewer general facility charges in effect at the time the application is filed.

D. No application for exemption from connecting to the public sanitary sewer system shall be processed unless accompanied by a complete building permit application. The exemption shall expire at the same time that the building permit expires.

E. If the owner of an industrially zoned parcel intends to convert an existing structure to living quarters to be used to provide on-site security, and public sanitary sewer is not available to the property, then the public works director is authorized to allow the use of an alternative sanitary sewage disposal system upon such conditions as he determines are necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare, so long as his conditions of approval include compliance with the provisions of subsections (C)(2) through (C)(8) of this section. (Ord. 1644-07 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1415 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1348 § 1, 1999; Ord. 667 § 6, 1982).

13.08.070 Private disposal system – Construction permit required.

Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, i.e., septic tanks and drain fields, the owner shall first obtain a written permit from the Pierce County health department and submit the same to the city’s public works director. The application for such permit shall be to the Pierce County health department. The applicant shall supplement any plans, specifications and other information as are deemed necessary by the Pierce County health department. (Ord. 981 § 5, 1989; Ord. 667 § 7, 1982).

13.08.080 Private disposal system – Effective date of permit.

A permit for a private sewage disposal system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the Pierce County health department. (Ord. 667 § 8, 1982).

13.08.090 Private disposal system – Discharge restrictions.

No septic tank, cesspool or other private system shall be permitted to discharge to any public sewer or natural outlet without special approval of the public works director. (Ord. 981 § 5, 1989; Ord. 667 § 9, 1982).

13.08.100 Private disposal system – Connection to system required when.

Repealed by Ord. 988. (Ord. 667 § 10, 1982).

13.08.110 Private disposal system – Operation and management.

The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the city. (Ord. 667 § 11, 1982).

13.08.120 Connections – Permit required.

No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connection with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof, without first obtaining a written permit from the utility superintendent. (Ord. 667 § 12, 1982).

13.08.130 Installation and connections – Property owner responsibility.

All costs and expenses incident to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner, including a cleanout at the property line, which shall be required on all installations, and a backwater valve on all basement sanitary drains. (Ord. 667 § 13, 1982).

13.08.140 Separate sewer required for each building – Exceptions.

A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building, except where approved by the public works superintendent. However, in special situations, such as a school or a business complex, the number of connections may vary with approval of the public works superintendent. The charges shall be the same as for separate hookups. (Ord. 667 § 14, 1982).

13.08.150 Old sewers – Conditions for use.

Old building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are approved by the public works superintendent and meet all requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 667 § 15, 1982).

13.08.160 Materials – Approval required when.

The types of sewer materials permitted shall be approved by the public works superintendent. (Ord. 667 § 16, 1982).

13.08.170 Cleanouts – Number required.

Not less than two cleanouts shall be provided for each side sewer and/or each total change of 45 degrees of grade or alignment; minimum cleanouts will be required at the connection of the side sewer to a riser on the public sewer and a cleanout outside of the building. (Ord. 667 § 17, 1982).

13.08.180 Cleanouts – Size and extension specifications.

Cleanouts shall be full side-sewer diameter and shall not be extended to a point not less than six inches nor more than 12 inches below the finished ground surface, and shall be plugged with a removable stopper which will prevent passage of dirt or water. When specified, the property owner shall install an approved meter box set to finish grade which will provide ready access to the cleanout stopper. (Ord. 667 § 18, 1982).

13.08.190 Cleanouts – Placement.

Cleanouts shall be placed at intervals of not more than 100 feet in straight runs. Cleanouts in the line shall utilize a 45-degree wye branch at the side sewer. (Ord. 667 § 19, 1982).

13.08.200 Pipe connections – Diameter.

Side sewers shall not be less than four inches in diameter for residential and six inches for all other connections, unless otherwise approved by the public works superintendent. (Ord. 667 § 20, 1982).

13.08.210 Water supply lines separate from sewer lines.

All sanitary sewer lines shall be separated at least 10 feet horizontally from any water line unless approved by the public works superintendent. (Ord. 671 § 1, 1982; Ord. 667 § 21, 1982).

13.08.220 Building sewer – Size and slope.

The size and slope of the building sewer shall be subject to the approval of the public works superintendent but in no event shall the diameter be less than four inches. The slope of such four-inch pipe shall not be less than three percent grade, unless approved by the public works superintendent. (Ord. 667 § 22, 1982).

13.08.230 Building sewer – Location and installation.

No building sewer shall be laid parallel to or within three feet of any bearing wall, which might thereby be weakened. The depth shall be sufficient to afford protection from frost. The building sewer shall be laid at uniform grade and in straight alignment insofar as possible. Changes in direction shall be made only with properly curved pipe and fittings. (Ord. 667 § 23, 1982).

13.08.240 Building sewer – Sewage lifted by artificial means when.

In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such drain shall be lifted by approved artificial means and discharged to the building sewer. (Ord. 667 § 24, 1982).

13.08.250 Building sewer – Excavations – Pipe and backfill requirements.

All excavations required for the installation of a building sewer shall be open-trench work, unless otherwise approved by the public works superintendent. Pipe laying and backfill shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of the city. No backfill shall be placed until the work has been inspected. (Ord. 667 § 25, 1982).

13.08.260 Building sewer – Joints and connections to be made gastight and watertight.

All joints and connections shall be made gastight and watertight. (Ord. 667 § 26, 1982).

13.08.270 Building sewer – Inspection and connection.

The applicant for the building sewer permit shall notify the public works superintendent when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer. The connection shall be made under the supervision of the public works superintendent or his representative. (Ord. 667 § 27, 1982).

13.08.280 Building sewer – Excavations – Safeguarding – Restoration of surface.

All excavations for building sewer installations 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. 667 § 28, 1982).

13.08.290 Discharging unpolluted waters into system prohibited.

No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, cooling water or unpolluted industrial process waters to any sanitary sewer. (Ord. 667 § 29, 1982).

13.08.300 Stormwater and unpolluted drainage.

Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated as storm sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the public works superintendent. Industrial cooling water or unpolluted process waters may be discharged, upon approval of the public works superintendent, to a storm sewer or natural outlet. (Ord. 667 § 30, 1982).

13.08.310 Matter excluded from all sewers designated.

Sewage, waste or any matter having the following characteristics, shall, under no conditions, be discharged into, be placed where they might find their way into, or be allowed to run, leak or escape into any part of the sewer system:

A. Ashes, cinders, sand, earth, gravel, coal, rubbish or any matter which is chemically or physically stable for at least five days at 20 degrees centigrade, or which would form a deposit or obstruction, or damage or reduce the capacity of the sewer into which it was placed;

B. Flammable, explosive or poisonous liquids, gases or solids or any matter which after entrance into a sewer might reasonably be expected to form in any way such flammable, explosive or poisonous liquids, gases or solids;

C. Matter of any nature at a temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit;

D. Liquid matter of any nature containing suspended solids in excess of 1,000 parts per million;

E. Matter of any nature containing five-day biochemical oxygen demand in excess of 300 parts per million;

F. Animal or vegetable greases, oils or matter containing animal or vegetable grease or oil of any nature, in excess of 300 parts per million, or any petroleum products;

G. Liquid matter with a hydrogen ion concentration below five and five-tenths or above nine and zero-tenths;

H. Any matter that may be prohibited by the city of Tacoma sewage treatment agreement;

I. Any matter which, in the opinion of the public works superintendent, might interfere with the satisfactory operation of any treatment plants or any portion of the sewer system; provided, however, with the written approval of the public works superintendent being first obtained, sewage, wastes or other matter herein excluded may be discharged into the sewage system upon the payment to the city of the additional costs for processing the same as hereinafter provided and set forth;

J. Garbage disposal units are prohibited except in single-family and multifamily residential living units. (Ord. 679 § 2, 1982; Ord. 667 § 31, 1982).

13.08.320 Surface drainage – Water excluded from sanitary sewers.

In addition, all surface drainage-water shall be excluded from all parts of the sewer system designated as the sanitary sewer system. (Ord. 667 § 32, 1982).

13.08.330 Inspection of sewers and attachments – Notices.

The public works superintendent or employees of the city, bearing proper credentials, shall have the right to enter upon any premises at all reasonable hours to ascertain whether the provisions of the ordinances of the city of Fife and the city of Tacoma relative to sewage have been complied with. If the sewer or its attachments are in conflict with the provision of any law or ordinance in regard thereto, the owner of the premises, or his agent, shall be notified to cause the sewer or its attachments to be so altered, repaired or reconstructed as to make them conform to the requirements of the laws and ordinances within 15 days from the date of receipt of such notice. (Ord. 667 § 33, 1982).

13.08.340 Sewer waste tests permitted when – Obstruction of officer while testing unlawful.

The public works superintendent or other employees of the city, or a representative of the city of Tacoma sewer department, bearing proper credentials and identification, shall be permitted to enter upon any and all premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing of sewage waste in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; and it is unlawful for any person to prevent or attempt to prevent any such entrance, or obstruct or interfere with any such officer or employee while so engaged. (Ord. 667 § 34, 1982).

13.08.350 Discharging septic tank waste into system prohibited.

It is unlawful for anyone to discharge the contents of any septic tank, cesspool or chemical toilet into the sewer system of the city. (Ord. 667 § 35, 1982).

13.08.360 Determination of character of waste matter required before discharge.

Before any matter of any nature may be discharged into the sewer system, which discharge might reasonably be considered a violation of this chapter, the controlling characteristic of such matter shall be determined to the satisfaction of the public works superintendent and the city of Tacoma sewer department. The responsibility of initiating such determination, the costs involved, and of submitting the determination, the costs involved, and of submitting the results of the determination for approval, lie solely with the party or parties desiring to discharge the matter into the sewer system. Verification of these results and the decision as to whether or not a permit shall be issued shall be the responsibility of the utility superintendent. The fact that any matter has been discharged into the sewer system prior to the passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter or subsequent thereto, without objection, does not constitute a valid right to so discharge such matter. Upon discovery by the public works superintendent that any matter being discharged into the sewer does not conform to the requirements of this chapter, the public works superintendent may immediately stop the discharge of such matter into the sewer system. (Ord. 667 § 36, 1982).

13.08.370 Pretreatment of sewage.

When at the time it becomes necessary or desirable to discharge into the sewer system any matter from any source which does not conform to the requirements previously outlined, it is required that before such matter may be discharged into the sewer system, the producer thereof shall pretreat same at his own expense to a degree that will produce an effluent which does conform to the requirements. Such pretreatment plans shall be understood to include grease traps, chemical or biochemical plants, sedimentation chambers and any other devices which effect a change of any nature in the characteristics of the matter being treated. Any and all such devices and equipment shall be subject to the approval of the public works superintendent, shall not be put into operation without a written permit of approval issued by the public works superintendent, shall be provided with all necessary features of construction to permit inspection of operations and testing of material passing through them, and shall be open to the inspection of the public works superintendent at any time; provided, however, that the producer, in lieu of the treatment of the sewage, as hereinabove provided for, may, with the written approval of the public works superintendent being first obtained, discharge the sewage, waste or other matter into the sewage system, and be subject to the payment of the additional cost of the treatment thereof. (Ord. 667 § 37, 1982).

13.08.380 Grease, oil and sand interceptors – Required when – Specifications.

A. Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the administrative authority, the building official, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts or any flammable wastes, sand and other harmful ingredients. All interceptors shall be in compliance with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Uniform Plumbing Code, the edition currently adopted by reference by the city and in effect at said time; and shall be located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.

B. Grease and oil interceptors shall be constructed of impervious materials capable of withstanding abrupt and extreme changes in temperature. They shall be of substantial construction, watertight and equipped with easily removable covers which, when bolted in place, shall be gastight and watertight. (Ord. 888 § 1, 1986; Ord. 667 § 38, 1982).

13.08.390 Maintenance of interceptors.

Where installed all grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be maintained by the owner, at his expense, in continuously efficient operation at all times and subject to inspection as required by the public works superintendent. In the event the owner fails to properly maintain the interceptor, which in the opinion of the public works superintendent causes clogging of the sewer lines and/or pump stations, the cost of the city, time and material, in cleaning the sewer lines and/or pump stations shall be charged to the owner of the interceptor. For the purpose of this paragraph, the owner shall be the person, firm or corporation named on the sewer account, as provided in FMC 13.08.470. Any costs not paid by the owner within 30 days from the date of the billing shall be added to and become part of the sewer bill and shall become a lien against the real property, as provided by FMC 13.08.490. (Ord. 725 § 1, 1983; Ord. 667 § 39, 1982).

13.08.400 Maintenance of preliminary treatment facilities.

Where preliminary treatment facilities are provided for any waters or wastes, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his expense and subject to inspection as required by the public works superintendent. (Ord. 667 § 40, 1982).

13.08.410 Manhole required when – Installation – Maintenance.

When required by the public works superintendent, the owner of any property served by a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be accessible and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the public works superintendent. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his expense, and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all times. (Ord. 667 § 41, 1982).

13.08.420 Measurements, tests and analyses.

All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of the waters and wastes to which reference is made in FMC 13.08.310, 13.08.340 and 13.08.360 shall be in accordance with the city of Tacoma sewerage standards and shall be determined at the control manhole provided for in FMC 13.08.410 or upon suitable samples taken in the control manhole. In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the building sewer is connected. (Ord. 667 § 42, 1982).

13.08.430 Special agreements with industrial concerns not prevented.

No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the city of Fife, the city of Tacoma and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the city for treatment, subject to payment therefor by the industrial concern. (Ord. 667 § 43, 1982).

13.08.440 Damaging or tampering with system prohibited.

No unauthorized person shall maliciously, wilfully or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or equipment which is a part of the municipal sewage works. (Ord. 667 § 44, 1982).

13.08.450 Public works superintendent powers and authority.

The office of public works superintendent is created for the purpose of administering this chapter and such other duties as found necessary. The mayor shall appoint the public works superintendent, who shall hold office at the pleasure of the mayor. (Ord. 667 § 45, 1982).

13.08.460 Sewer permits – Connection and inspection fees.

A. An application for a permit to connect to the city sewer system shall be made to the public works director. Such application shall be made by the owner of the property to which the sewer service is to be provided. The applicant shall state fully and truly the purposes for which the permit is required, and must agree to conform to all rules and regulations thereof that may be made and established from time to time, and conditions for connection and service of the sewer system. Every connection to the sewer system of the city shall be required to pay connection and inspection fees as follow:

1. One hundred dollars connection fee;

2. Actual field and office costs of inspection including the hourly wage of the inspector plus benefits and administrative overhead.

B. In addition to the connection/inspection fees, there may also be assessments for latecomer agreements, LIDs, ULIDs or other assessments of record levied against the property.

C. All connection fees are payable to the clerk-treasurer prior to issuance of the permit.

D. All connections and any repairs or any work requiring excavation in the streets and other thoroughfares of the city shall be done by employees of the city or by bonded contractors, as determined and directed by the public works director, or his authorized representative. All costs associated with a side sewer connection shall be borne by the property owner.

E. Any person, firm or corporation desiring to construct any new or replacement sewer lines which are to be constructed by anyone other than the city shall first submit a plan for said construction to the public works department. Payment for plan review and processing costs as required in FMC 3.80.010(B) shall be made prior to issuance of the associated sewer permit. To assure that an as-built plan is submitted for the city records and approved by the public works department, the water meter shall be secured in the off position and remain that way until the as-built plan is received and approved. Plan review and inspection fees shall not be applicable to repair work but shall apply only to new construction.

F. Before connecting such pipe with the municipal sewer system, the property owner to be serviced by such extension shall execute a bill of sale to the city for the sewer main and appurtenances together with an easement, if required by the city, for the sewer main and appurtenances. (Ord. 1416 § 2, 2000; Ord. 1366 § 4, 1999; Ord. 874 § 1, 1986; Ord. 779 § 1, 1984; Ord. 667 § 46, 1982).

13.08.465 Sanitary sewer capital facility charges.

A. Prior to connecting to the city’s sanitary sewer system, the property owner shall pay, in addition to other applicable charges, a general facility charge equal to $4,015 per equivalent residential unit (ERU).

B. An ERU for this purpose is 230 gallons per day for nonresidential connections. An ERU for residential connections is one single-family house, apartment unit, condominium unit, or townhouse unit.

C. If after connection of a nonresidential service, the actual sewer usage has increased or the property use expanded so that there is a greater number of ERUs being used on the property than for which the general facility charge was paid, the property owner shall pay to the city an additional general facility charge based upon the new or expanded use. The additional general facility charge shall be based upon the general facility charge rate in effect at the time the increased use is requested and/or detected, whichever first occurs.

D. A credit against the general facility charges may be applied for those property owners that pay final assessments through a local improvement district formed by the city council where such local improvement district is formed to finance the construction of any of the improvements that are a basis for calculating the value of the general facility charge. The credit shall be equal to the amount of property owner’s final assessments, not including interest.

The credit shall be applied at the time of payment of the general facility charge and shall not be used to reduce any assessments in the local improvement district. Credits to the general facility charge shall not be applicable to: (a) local improvement districts finalized prior to the effective date of the first ordinance that established a general facility charge and was codified in this section; or (b) omitted properties for a local improvement district formed after the effective date of the first ordinance that established a general facility charge and was codified in this section. Omitted properties are properties benefited by the improvements constructed in the local improvement district but for which the property was not included in the local improvement district at the time of its formation.

E. A credit against the general facility charge may be applied for those property owners that construct at their own expense any of the improvements that are a basis for calculating the value of the general facility charge or for those property owners that pay a latecomer’s fee toward those same improvements. The credit shall be the smaller of the following:

1. That portion of the design and construction costs or latecomer’s fees that are directly applicable to the construction of the improvements that are a basis for the value of the general facility charge; or

2. That proportionate amount of the general facility charge that is attributable to the sewer facilities either constructed by the property owner or paid through a latecomer’s fee.

The credit shall be applied at the time of payment of the general facility charge and shall not be used to reduce any latecomer fees. Credits to the general facility charge shall not be applicable to facilities constructed or latecomer’s fees established prior to the effective date of the ordinance establishing this general facility charge.

F. Any property within the city limits which is north of Interstate Highway 5 and is required to connect to the Pierce County sewer transmission lines shall be exempt form the general facility charge imposed by this section. In lieu of the general facility charge, the property owner will pay a special facility charge based upon the pro rata cost of construction of city sewer lines, if any, connecting the property to the Pierce County transmission lines. The special facility charge shall not apply to connecting lines paid for by the property owner The public works director shall base the special facility charge upon the anticipated flow from the property owner’s property as compared to the anticipated flow at total buildout for the city connecting lines. The special facility charge, if any, will be paid prior to connecting to the city system.

G. Any single-family residence existing in the city on December 18, 2002, and desiring to connect to the city’s sanitary sewer system is exempt from paying this general facility charge for a period of six months from the date connection to the city’s sanitary sewer system becomes available to the property.

H. Any lots that were platted and zoned as “single-family residential” and existing in the city on December 18, 2002, and desiring to connect to the city’s sanitary sewer system are exempt from paying this general facility charge for a period of six months from the date connection to the city’s sanitary sewer system becomes available to the property. For such lots that are unimproved when sanitary sewer becomes available, the six-month time period shall begin to run when a permit has been issued for new construction.

I. Any sanitary sewer service that has been legally hooked up to the city’s system shall be deemed to vest the property on which such service exists for sanitary sewer general facility charges equal to the number of ERUs provided under this section, provided that a sewer bill is paid for such service for at least four months of each rolling 12-month period and the account is no more than six months in arrears. The required four months payment shall be due regardless of whether the sanitary sewer service is used, and shall be calculated at the minimum current rate for the service size if not used. If less than four months sanitary sewer service bills have been paid in a given rolling 12-month period, or the account is more than six months in arrears, the rights to sanitary sewer service shall be forfeited, the service disconnected, and service not restored until after payment of new sanitary sewer general facility charges, connection fees, and other fees at the rates then in effect. The city clerk shall review utility account records after the end of each billing period and shall twice notify any property owner subject to forfeiture of sanitary sewer service rights under this section, allowing at least 30 days after the first such notice and seven days after the second such notice before declaring the service forfeited. Once notice has been mailed, all fees must be paid in full or the service forfeiture will proceed as scheduled.

J. Any rights to sanitary sewer service vested under this section shall run with the property. Such rights may offset general facility charges applied to development or redevelopment of the property or to the property and contiguous adjoining properties developed or redeveloped under a single plan with unified permits. Such rights may not be otherwise transferred.

K. The city clerk shall cause to be recorded with the Pierce County auditor a notice declaring the forfeiture of the service right, and that any new service will be subject to the city codes, regulations and fee schedules in effect at the time sewer service is requested. (Ord. 1526-04 §§ 1, 2, 2004; Ord. 1492-03 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1479-03 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1479 §§ 2, 3, 2002; Ord. 1416 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1392 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1380 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1365 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1342 § 1, 1999).

13.08.468 Pierce County surcharge.

Prior to allowing a connection to the city’s sanitary sewer system, the property owner shall pay, in addition to any applicable charges, the amount to be assessed, if any, by Pierce County to the city for the use of any Pierce County facilities directly attributable to the property that is seeking connection to the system. (Ord. 1336 § 1, 1999).

13.08.470 Sewer account.

All accounts for sewer service shall be kept in the name of the property owner and all charges shall be made against the property as well as the owner thereof. No change of ownership or occupancy shall affect the application of this section. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to notify the city upon change of ownership. (Ord. 667 § 47, 1982).

13.08.480 Sewer bills – When due – Penalty.

The billing date shall be the last calendar day of February, April, June, August, October, and December of each year. Sewer bills are due and payable on the last calendar day of the month following the applicable billing date (“due date.”) A sewer bill is considered delinquent if not paid in full by the applicable due date. A penalty of $10.00, or 10 percent of the sewer bill amount, whichever is greater, shall be assessed on all delinquent accounts on the fifth calendar day after the account becomes delinquent (“penalty date”). However, when the penalty date is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the penalty shall not be assessed if the full payment is received by the next succeeding business day. (Ord. 1578-06 § 3, 2006; Ord. 667 § 48, 1982).

13.08.490 Sewer bills – Enforcement of collections.

The sewer system of the city having been incorporated into and made a part of the water system of the city, the enforcement of collections of all rates and charges set forth in this chapter, is the same as for the rates and charges for water consumption, including the cutting off of water service to force payment of sewerage charges, as provided by the laws of the state of Washington. In addition, the city shall have a lien for delinquent sewerage charges on the parcel to which such service has been furnished or is available, as provided in RCW 35.67.200 and 35.67.210, except such lien shall be effective for a total not to exceed one year’s delinquent sewerage charges without the necessity of any writing or recording of the lien with the county auditor, as provided in RCW 35.67.215. (Ord. 1599-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 667 § 49, 1982).

13.08.500 Water-sewer fund.

All revenues from sewer or water systems will remain in a water-sewer fund to discharge obligations or to finance expansions. (Ord. 667 § 50, 1982).

13.08.510 Sewer service – Schedule of rates.

A. Commencing July 1, 2004, every residence, building, plant or other structure to which sanitary sewer service is available, namely, property required to be connected to public sewers pursuant to ordinance, rules and regulations, whether or not a connection to the public sewers of the city has been made, shall be subject to the following monthly rates:

1. Residential: $34.90.

2. Commercial, stores, businesses, offices, hotels and motels, etc., connected to the water system of the city: $17.81 per commercial meter, plus $6.40 per 100 cubic feet of water used.

3. Commercial, stores, businesses, offices, hotels and motels, etc., not connected to the water system of the city: $95.96, zero to four employees; $120.97, five to seven employees; $241.94, eight to 12 employees; $333.83, 13 to 20 employees.

4. Apartments: $34.90 per unit. Newly constructed apartment buildings shall be charged for the number of units actually occupied for the first six months following the date of completion of construction. It shall be the duty of the owner of the apartment building to report to the city each month the number of units occupied the previous month. If the information is not received from the owner by the tenth of the following month, the full number of units shall be billed. After the expiration of the six-month period, the apartment shall be charged a monthly rate of $34.90 per month for all units, whether occupied or not.

5. Mobile homes, motels (residents): $34.90 per unit.

6. RV trailer parks: $34.90 per unit.

7. Service stations: $146.43 plus $27.40 for trailer dump service. Service stations with restaurants and/or convenience stores shall be charged at the commercial rate.

8. Group homes: $34.90 per dwelling.

9. Buildings/offices (with a master meter with multiple unmetered business within): $219.25, two to five businesses; $438.51, six to 10 businesses; $657.77, 11 to 15 businesses; $877.01, 16 to 20 businesses; $1,096.28, 21 to 25 businesses, or the commercial rate, whichever is greater. Buildings, office complexes and warehouses with minimal water usage shall be billed on available units, regardless of whether or not the units are occupied.

10. The sewer rate for newly constructed, unoccupied commercial buildings (stores, business offices, warehouses, etc.) which are connected to the city water system shall be $95.96 per month for each metered unit. Once occupied, the sewer charge shall be based on water usage, as computed by subsections (A)(2) and (3) of this section. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to notify the city when a unit is occupied. Failure to notify the city shall result in a retroactive rate charge to the date of first occupancy.

B. Commencing January 1, 2005, and on the first day of January in the years 2006, 2007, and 2008, the rates set forth in subsection (A) of this section shall increase 3.52 percent each year, compounded. On January 1, 2009, the rates shall increase another 2.57 percent, and on January 1, 2010, the rates shall increase another 2.19 percent. The city manager shall cause to be prepared a rate worksheet setting forth the future rate amounts for each of the categories set forth in subsection (A) of this section, based on the percentage increases set forth herein, and said worksheet shall be available to the public. (Said worksheet is attached as Exhibit “A” to the ordinance codified in this section. The abbreviated classifications used in Exhibit “A” are for reference only; the descriptions and conditions of subsection (A) of this section shall govern.)

C. Where two or more classifications apply, the larger rate shall be charged.

D. Special or unusual situations may have rates established by contract. Special contracts require the approval of the city council.

E. All billings shall be on a monthly and/or bimonthly basis, including new connections.

F. Where it is evident that the customer disposes of the bulk of his water purchased from the city in a manner that does not affect the city’s sewer system, the clerk-treasurer shall determine the method used for calculation of the sewer rate.

G. Any surcharge costs billed to the city of Fife by the city of Tacoma shall be passed on and billed to the customer(s) of the city of Fife who is responsible for the surcharge cost, together with a 15 percent administrative fee.

H. Reduced Sewer Rates.

1. Residential Service. The standard charge for sanitary sewer supplied inside and outside the city for residential service shall be discounted by 30 percent for those customers who qualify under the following criteria.

2. Applicability. To sanitary sewer customers who reside in single-family dwelling units or individually metered multiple dwelling units who:

a. Are 62 years of age or older and have a maximum income, if single, of not more than 70 percent of the Washington State median income for a one-person household, as computed annually by the state or the city, or whose annual income, if married, together with that of the spouse does not exceed 70 percent of the Washington State median income for a two-person household as computed annually by the state or the city; or receive supplemental security income pursuant to 42 USC Sections 1381 through 1383; or are disabled and receive funds from a disability program as a result of a disability that prevents them from working consistent with the equivalent of 42 USC Section 401 et seq., and whose annual household income, together with all household members, does not exceed 70 percent of the Washington State median income for the number of individuals in the household as computed annually by the state or the city; and

b. Are a single occupant or head of household or the spouse of the head of the household; and

c. Reside in the dwelling unit; and

d. Are billed or are the spouse of a person billed by the city.

Eligibility shall be certified by the city clerk in conjunction with the appropriate organization. (Ord. 1521-04 § 1, 2004; Ord. 1478 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1421 § 2, 2001; Ord. 1284 § 1, 1997; Ord. 1225 § 1, 1996; Ord. 1039 § 1, 1990; Ord. 895 § 1, 1986; Ord. 754 §§ 1, 2, 1984; Ord. 682 § 1, 1982; Ord. 667 § 51, 1982).

13.08.520 New sewer systems – Deadline for connection.

Repealed by Ord. 988. (Ord. 667 § 52, 1982).

13.08.530 Sewer main extensions – Plans and fees required when.

All sewer main extensions financed by other than city funds must have the design plans approved by the city. Payment of plan review fees, as required in FMC 3.80.010(B), and/or the actual cost of the consulting engineer fees, if required by the public works director, shall be made prior to issuance of the associated sewer permit. Inspection fees will be at the actual cost of field and office time expended including the hourly wage of the inspector plus benefits and administrative overhead. Inspection fees shall be paid prior to acceptance of the facilities by the city. (Ord. 1416 § 2, 2000; Ord. 1366 § 5, 1999; Ord. 667 § 53, 1982).

13.08.535 Sanitary sewer service to properties omitted from LID No. 98-2.

Repealed by Ord. 1507-03. (Ord. 1340 § 1, 1999).

13.08.537 Sanitary sewer connection fee surcharge.

A. In addition to all applicable general facility charges and connection charges, there shall be an additional surcharge paid prior to the time of connection to the city’s sanitary sewer system for improvements installed and paid for by the city that specially benefits the properties to which the surcharge shall apply.

B. The properties to which the surcharge shall apply are pictorially illustrated in Attachment A and listed in Attachment B to the ordinance codified in this section, along with the amount of the surcharge. (Ord. 1341 § 1, 1999).

13.08.540 Service outside city – Rates and charges.

A. Sewer service rates, fees, connection charges, permit fees and inspection fees for connections outside the corporate limits of the city shall be at the same rates, fees and charges as within the corporate limits of the city, plus a 50 percent surcharge.

B. Before connection is made with the municipal sewer system, the property owner whose property is to be serviced by such extension shall execute a bill of sale to the city for the sewer main

and appurtenances, and an easement, if required by the city, for the sewer main and appurtenances. (Ord. 927 § 1, 1987; Ord. 874 § 2, 1986; Ord. 667 § 54, 1982).

13.08.550 Failure to connect building sewer – City to perform work when – Costs.

In the event the building sewer and connection are not made within the time provided for in this chapter, following notice, the public works superintendent is authorized and directed to cause the same to be made and to file a statement of the cost with the clerk-treasurer, and thereupon a warrant shall be issued under the direction of the city attorney against the water-sewer fund for the payment of such cost. The cost, together with a penalty of 15 percent thereof, plus interest at the rate of 18 percent per year upon the total amount of the cost and penalty, shall be assessed against the property upon which such building sewer and connection has not been placed as required, and shall become a lien thereon as provided in this chapter. Such total amount, when collected, shall be paid into the water-sewer fund. (Ord. 667 § 55, 1982).

13.08.560 Advisory board created.

An advisory board shall be created for the purpose of recommending sewer connections and/or rate considerations for special or unusual conditions either within or outside the city, and the establishment of LIDs or ULIDs. It shall consist of

the director of public works, the clerk-treasurer or designee and at least one member of the city council. All recommendations of the advisory board shall be submitted to the city council. (Ord. 895 § 2, 1986; Ord. 667 § 56, 1982).

13.08.570 Violation – Penalty – Additional remedies.

Any knowing violation of the provisions of this chapter or any knowing failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter or any of the provisions of any other ordinances of the city relating to sewer regulations shall be a misdemeanor and any person, firm or corporation found guilty thereof shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and the water shall be turned off and remain so until the penalty and all other charges due are paid; provided, that the penalties shall not apply to violations of sections of the sewer ordinances of the city for which specific penalties have been provided. In addition thereto, any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be liable to the city for any expense, loss or damage occasioned by the city by reason of such violation. (Ord. 842 § 14, 1986; Ord. 667 § 57, 1982).

13.08.580 Sewage works design standards.

All sewage works constructed within the city shall be designed in accordance with the latest edition of the Washington State Department of Ecology’s “Criteria For Sewage Works Design”; provided, if another section of this chapter imposes a more stringent standard, then the sewage works shall be designed to the more stringent standard. (Ord. 1324 § 1, 1998).

Chapter 13.09
SIDE SEWER CONTRACTORS

Sections:

13.09.010 Definition.

13.09.020 License – Required.

13.09.030 License – Bond required prior to issuance.

13.09.040 License – Fee.

13.09.010 Definition.

A. “Side sewer” means a pipe or sewer line connecting any house, building or structure with the public sewer, whether situated in a street, alley or an easement provided therefor.

B. “Side sewer contractor” means every person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of laying side sewers or of making side sewer connections. (Ord. 1183 § 2, 1994; Ord. 246 § 2, 1971. Formerly 5.36.010).

13.09.020 License – Required.

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of laying side sewers or making side sewer connections in the city without first having obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1183 § 2, 1994; Ord. 246 § 1, 1971. Formerly 5.36.020).

13.09.030 License – Bond required prior to issuance.

No side sewer contractor’s license shall be issued until the applicant has first filed with the city a bond in the sum of not less than $1,000, the form to be approved by the city attorney and with surety approved by the clerk-treasurer. Such bond shall be conditioned on the faithful conformance with the provisions of this chapter and shall be further conditioned to indemnify and save harmless the city from any and all judgments, costs or expenses arising from injuries or damage to any persons or property on account of such work, and shall be further conditioned that the permit applicant shall carry out and complete such work within the specified time and according to the terms of such permit furnished by the utility superintendent. Such bond shall be continuously in effect from the date of issue, and may be further conditioned to cover all permits issued to the applicant; provided, that such bond by its terms provides that the same shall not be canceled unless and until the utility superintendent is given written notice of such intent to cancel a minimum of 10 days before the effective date of the cancellation. Such bond shall further provide that it shall remain in full force and effect until the completion of any and all work which has been commenced or is to be commenced pursuant to any permit issued prior to the effective date of cancellation. (Ord. 1183 § 2, 1994; Ord. 246 § 3, 1971. Formerly 5.36.030).

13.09.040 License – Fee.

The license fee for a side sewer contractor’s license is fixed at $10.00 per year, payable in advance. (Ord. 1183 § 2, 1994; Ord. 246 § 4, 1971. Formerly 5.36.040).

Chapter 13.10
MOBILE WASH FACILITY

Sections:

13.10.010 Definitions.

13.10.020 Permit required.

13.10.030 Minimum standards.

13.10.040 Inspection.

13.10.050 Revocation.

13.10.060 Exemptions.

13.10.010 Definitions.

A. “Mobile wash facility” shall mean any wash facility where the method of washing is mobile, is not contained in a permanent structure, and does not contain the waste water for discharge through an approved sanitary system after approved treatment.

B. “Sewer discharge permit” shall mean a permit issued by the appropriate public sanitary sewer utility which authorizes the permit holder to discharge waste water into the sanitary sewer, subject to the permit conditions. (Ord. 1146 § 1, 1993; Ord. 1136 § 2, 1993).

13.10.020 Permit required.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a mobile wash facility in the city without first having obtained from the city a business license and a sewer discharge permit for each wash location, or to operate said mobile wash facility in violation of the standards set forth in the sewer discharge permit or in this code.

B. A permit shall be valid for the calendar year in which it is obtained. The initial permit application fee, and the permit renewal application fee shall each be $10.00. (Ord. 1146 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1136 § 3, 1993).

13.10.030 Minimum standards.

All mobile wash facilities shall meet the following standards:

A. Have a defined, marked area for actual washing that is impervious to water. The marked area and surface shall be approved by the community development director.

B. Have a method to collect the wash water. If an existing catch basin is proposed, the method to be used shall seal the catch basin to prevent waste water entering the storm system. Drain plugs are not permitted to be used. The method of collection shall be approved by the community development director.

C. If a catch basin is dedicated to a reclaim system only, the method of cover when it is not in use shall be approved by the community development director.

D. Provide a method of treatment (if required) of the waste prior to discharge into the sanitary sewer. The discharge shall comply with the requirements of the public sewer authority that treats the sewer. Testing of the discharge shall be undertaken twice a year at the operator’s expense to see that it is meeting these requirements, unless the community development director requires more frequent testing. The location of the discharge into the sanitary sewer shall be approved by the community development director.

E. Operate only during the hours and days specified on the sewer discharge permit.

F. Washing will be cosmetic (outside) only, and no engines, or chassis shall be washed.

G. A sediment trap and/or oil/water separator may be required to be used by the community development director. (Ord. 1146 § 3, 1993; Ord. 1136 § 4, 1993).

13.10.040 Inspection.

The mobile wash operation shall be available for inspection by the city of Fife and the public sewer authority that treats the sewage generated from the facility. The community development director may require a log be kept of maintenance of the facility, catch basin, oil/water separator or trap. (Ord. 1146 § 4, 1993; Ord. 1136 § 5, 1993).

13.10.050 Revocation.

Failure to meet the requirements of the sewage discharge permit or this code shall be grounds for revoking the permit. (Ord. 1146 § 5, 1993).