Chapter 12.20
WATER SYSTEM EXTENSIONS

Sections:

12.20.010    Application – Policy.

12.20.020    Utility extensions within the town.

12.20.030    Outside town limits.

12.20.010 Application – Policy.

(1) Application for water system extension shall be made to the town’s water superintendent on forms provided by the town. The town may prepare the design or may require the applicant to submit detailed plans and specifications designed or approved by a licensed civil engineer.

(2) This water system extension policy does not apply to water service extensions to wholesale water customers of the town of La Conner such as the Swinomish Tribal Community and Shelter Bay. The policy of the town of La Conner is to have separate water supply agreements with each of its wholesale customers.

(3) Application and inspection fees are required in accordance with the town’s established practices.

(4) The cost of all materials and labor for extension of water mains and all required hydrants, valves, and other appurtenances shall be paid by the applicant, except as otherwise clarified in this chapter.

(5) The applicant, following appropriate town approvals, shall be responsible for completing the construction of the water system extension. The new construction shall be inspected and approved by the water superintendent prior to being placed in service. At its discretion, the town may elect to undertake the construction of the extension as part of its comprehensive water system development.

(6) The water superintendent may require water pipelines, valves, and other appurtenances to be oversized with respect to the town’s standards. This may be in order to comply with the town’s comprehensive water plan, to furnish required fire flows, or in order to provide the capability to serve potential future development in the same general area. The responsibility of the town and/or applicant for paying for these costs is set forth in this chapter. [Ord. 532 § 1, 1985.]

12.20.020 Utility extensions within the town.

(1) Standards. Water system extensions within the town limits shall meet town standards with respect to size, materials, construction details, and any other applicable requirements.

(2) Cost. The applicant for an extension shall pay all costs of the water system construction required to meet the town’s standards. This includes all required water mains, hydrants, valves, and other appurtenances. If booster pumping or other special installations are required to deliver water to the customer, this expense shall also be borne by the customer.

(3) Oversizing. The town shall pay the cost of any oversizing of water system extensions within the town limits. However, where the costs for the additional capacity associated with the extension will not be recovered from the area to be benefited within a reasonable time period, as determined solely by the town, the town may disapprove the utility extension and/or require the applicant to pay the cost of oversizing.

(4) System Charges. In addition to the cost of the extension, the applicant shall pay the cost of installation of the water service connections.

(5) Water Rates. The applicant shall pay the town water rates then in effect for the appropriate class of customer and customer meter size and shall be subject to any subsequent rate increases as may from time to time be adopted by the town. [Ord. 532 § 2, 1985.]

12.20.030 Outside town limits.

The following provisions shall apply to extensions outside of the La Conner town limits:

(1) Standards. All water system facilities must meet the minimum water system standards set forth in the town of La Conner comprehensive water plan.

(2) Cost. The applicant shall pay all costs for the materials and construction required for the water system extension. This includes water mains, hydrants, valves, and other appurtenances. If booster pumping, reservoir, or other special installations are required to deliver water to the customer, this expense shall also be borne by the customer.

(3) Oversizing. The town may pay the cost of any oversizing required by overall system planning and development considerations in order to be able to supply water to the area in the future. However, if in the judgment of the town the additional costs for oversizing will not be recovered from the area to be benefited within a reasonable time period as determined solely by the town, the town may either decline to extend the water system or may require the applicant to pay the oversizing costs.

(4) Water Rates. The applicant shall pay the town water rates then in effect for the appropriate meter size and customer class including any system development charge and/or rate surcharge that may apply to customers outside the town limits. The applicant shall become subject to any subsequent rate increases as may from time to time be adopted by the town. The town reserves the right to establish separate water customer classifications in areas outside the town limits and to establish rates and charges based upon accepted cost of service principles. [Ord. 532 § 3, 1985.]