Chapter 13.05
UTILITY RATES
Sections:
13.05.010 Purpose.
13.05.020 Definitions.
13.05.030 Utility confirmed.
13.05.040 Utilities funds established and maintained.
13.05.050 Transfer of property to respective utility funds.
13.05.060 Authority – Construction.
13.05.070 Applications – Water, sanitary sewer and storm water service.
13.05.080 Water meters.
13.05.090 Water service to City residents solely unless approved.
13.05.100 Water service connection/installation – General.
13.05.110 Water service capital improvement and installation fees.
13.05.120 Water service fees – General.
13.05.130 Utility charges – Water service to single-family residences.
13.05.140 Utility charges – Water service to multifamily structures, duplexes and mobile home parks.
13.05.150 Utility charges – Commercial and/or industrial.
13.05.160 Utility charges – Water service for irrigation.
13.05.170 Cross-connections eliminated.
13.05.180 Unlawful acts.
13.05.190 Sanitary sewer service to City residents solely unless approved.
13.05.200 Sanitary sewer capital improvement and installation – General.
13.05.210 Sanitary sewer capital improvement and installation fees.
13.05.220 Payment of water and sanitary sewer capital improvement and service fees exceptions.
13.05.230 Sanitary sewer service fees – General.
13.05.240 Service to single-family residences.
13.05.250 Service to multifamily structures or duplexes and mobile home parks.
13.05.260 Commercial and/or industrial – Service to other than single-family residences or multifamily structures.
13.05.270 Service to nonmetered properties.
13.05.280 Nonapplicability of sanitary sewer rates.
13.05.290 Unlawful acts.
13.05.300 Exception to connections to sanitary sewer system.
13.05.310 Storm water utility – Administration.
13.05.320 Liability disclaimer.
13.05.330 Storm utility charge system established – Charges imposed.
13.05.340 Storm water capital improvement fee.
13.05.350 Description of rate structure.
13.05.360 Rate adjustments and appeals.
13.05.370 Billing, payment and delinquency.
13.05.375 Discount for low income senior citizens.
13.05.380 Illegal connections.
13.05.390 Violations – Penalty.
13.05.010 Purpose.
This chapter is intended to establish rates and charges to provide a method for payment of all or any part of the cost and expense of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water, and to secure issuance of general obligation or revenue bonds for such services as the need should arise. Imposition of these rates and charges is also necessary in order to promote the public health, safety and welfare by minimizing uncontrolled storm water, erosion, and water pollution to preserve and utilize the many values of the City’s natural drainage system including water quality, open space, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, education, and urban separation and drainage facilities; and to provide for the comprehensive management and administration of water service, sanitary sewer and storm water. (Ord. 2394 § 1, 2005).
13.05.020 Definitions.
A. “Backflow” means the 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. “Buy-in fee” means an amount charged to new development in order to reimburse the City’s water, sanitary sewer and storm water utilities for a proportionate share of past and future utility improvements designed to serve development. Also referred to as a “capital improvement fee.”
C. “Capital improvement fee” means an amount charged to new development in order to reimburse the City’s water, sanitary sewer and storm water utilities for a proportionate share of past and future utility improvements designed to serve development. Also referred to as a “buy-in fee.”
D. “Comprehensive storm water program” means a plan and all implementing regulations and procedures including but not limited to capital projects, public education activities, land use management regulations adopted by ordinance for managing storm water facilities and features within the City.
E. “Commercial” or “industrial” means nonresidential establishments other than single-family residences or multifamily structures including, but not limited to, churches, schools or institutions.
F. “Connection fee” means the combined charge of the “capital improvement fee” and “installation fee.”
G. “Cross-connection” means any physical arrangement whereby a public water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water supply as a result of backflow, by-pass arrangements, jumper connections, and other temporary or permanent devices through which, or because of which, backflow could occur.
H. “Developed parcel” means any parcel altered from the natural state by the construction, creation, or addition of impervious surfaces.
I. “Domestic sewage” means sanitary waste normally collected from residential establishments, and shall include commercial and industrial wastes of similar strength or quality and other commercial and/or industrial wastes that are pretreated in accordance with King County/Metro, City of Edmonds and City of Mountlake Terrace requirements meeting the Washington State Department of Ecology and United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
J. “Drainage basin” means the geographic region within which water drains into a particular aquatic system or other body of water.
K. “Drainage facility” means the system of collecting, conveying, and storing storm water runoff. Drainage facilities shall include but not be limited to all storm water conveyance and congruent facilities including streams, pipelines, channels, ditches, swamps, lakes, wetlands, closed depressions, infiltration facilities, retention/detention facilities, water quality treatment facilities, erosion/sedimentation control facilities, and other drainage structures and appurtenances, both natural and constructed.
L. “Duplex” means a building occupying a lot containing two dwelling units.
M. “Dwelling unit” means a building or portion thereof providing complete housekeeping facilities for one family.
N. “Impervious surface” means a hard surface area which either prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil mantle as it entered under natural conditions prior to development, and/or a hard surface area which causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased area of flow from the flow present under natural conditions prior to development. Common impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, roofs, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots, storage areas, areas which are paved, graveled or made of packed or oiled earthen materials, or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of surface and storm water. Open, uncovered retention-detention facilities shall not be considered as impervious surfaces for the purpose of this chapter.
O. “Installation fee” means the amount charged by the City for physically extending a service connection from a public water, sanitary sewer, or storm water facility to a right-of-way margin or edge of utility easement.
P. “Maintenance” means the act or process of cleaning, repairing or preserving a system, unit, facility, structure, or piece of equipment.
Q. “Multifamily” means a building occupying a lot containing two or more dwelling units.
R. “Natural surface water drainage system” means such landscape features as rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. This system circulates water in a complex hydrological cycle.
S. “Parcel” means the smallest separately segregated unit or plot of land having an identified owner, boundaries and surface area which is documented for property tax purposes and given a tax lot number by the Snohomish County Assessor.
T. “Person” means every person, firm, partnership, association, institution, or corporation in the City. The term shall also mean the occupant and/or the owner of the premises for which service herein mentioned is rendered.
U. “Property owner of record” means a person or persons shown in the records of the County Assessor to be the owner of property and to whom property tax statements are directed.
V. “Rate category” means the classification in this chapter given to a parcel in the service area based upon the parcel and the percentage of impervious surface area contained on the parcel.
W. “Rates” means the dollar amount charged per unit of service.
X. “Residence” means a building or structure, or portion thereof, designed for and used to provide a place of abode for human beings. The term “residence” includes the term “residential” or “residential unit” as referring to the type of, or intended use of, a building or structure.
Y. “Retention/detention facility” means a type of drainage facility designed either to hold water for a considerable length of time and then release it by evaporation, plant transpiration and/or infiltration into the ground; or to hold runoff for a short period of time and then release it to the storm water system.
Z. “Service charges” means charges and user fees to property owners for water service, sanitary sewer service and storm water services.
AA. “Single-family residence” means a detached building containing one dwelling unit.
BB. “Storm water” means the water originating from rainfall and other precipitation that is found in drainage facilities, rivers, streams, springs, seeps, ponds, lakes, and wetlands as well as shallow ground water.
CC. “Storm water services” means the services provided by the storm water utility, including but not limited to basin planning, facilities maintenance, regulation, financial administration, public involvement, drainage investigation and enforcement, aquatic resource restoration, surface and storm water quality and environmental monitoring, natural surface water drainage system planning, intergovernmental relations, and facility design and construction.
DD. “Storm water system” means constructed drainage facilities and any natural surface water drainage features which collect, store, control, treat and/or convey surface and storm water.
EE. “Undeveloped parcel” means any parcel that has not been altered from its natural state by the construction, creation, or addition of impervious surface(s).
FF. “Utility” means the Mountlake Terrace water, sanitary sewer and storm water utility created under the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2394 § 2, 2005).
13.05.030 Utility confirmed.
A water utility, a sanitary sewer utility, and a storm water utility, as originally established by Ordinances 1710 and 2077 of the City of Mountlake Terrace, are hereby reestablished and confirmed. The utilities herein created or reestablished shall be administered and enforced by the Mountlake Terrace City Manager or his/her duly authorized designee. The City Manager, or his/her duly authorized designee, shall be responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and construction of the City water, sanitary sewer and storm water system of the City of Mountlake Terrace. (Ord. 2394 § 3, 2005).
13.05.040 Utilities funds established and maintained.
The following utilities are hereby created and separate funds shall be established as follows:
A. “Water Fund” is hereby reestablished, confirmed and maintained.
B. “Sanitary Sewer Fund” is hereby reestablished, confirmed and maintained.
C. “Storm Water Fund” is hereby reestablished, confirmed and maintained.
All service charges for the respective funds shall be deposited in that fund, to be used only for the purpose of paying all or any part of the cost and expense of providing services or to pay or secure the payment of all or any portion of any issue of general obligation or revenue bonds issued for each respective utility. (Ord. 2496 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2394 § 4, 2005).
13.05.050 Transfer of property to respective utility funds.
The City Council directs that the funds currently held for City water, sanitary sewer and storm water be transferred to the appropriate respective funds established and created herein. Accordingly, all the City’s above-mentioned facilities pertaining to the respective utilities, including the rights and interests as a part thereof or as they relate to or concern water, sanitary sewer, and storm water, are hereby directed to be transferred to their respective utility funds created by this chapter. (Ord. 2394 § 5, 2005).
13.05.060 Authority – Construction.
This chapter constitutes an exercise of the police power of the City to promote the public health, safety and welfare, and its provisions shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of that purpose. (Ord. 2394 § 6, 2005).
13.05.070 Applications – Water, sanitary sewer and storm water service.
All applications for water, sanitary sewer and storm water service shall be made at the City on the printed forms furnished by the City by the owner or agent of the property to be served. Each single-family residence, multifamily residential unit, and nonresidential structure shall be considered an individual consumer. Each single-family residence, multiple-family residential structure and nonresidential structure shall be supplied water through a separate meter and service connection. (Ord. 2394 § 7, 2005).
13.05.080 Water meters.
All water meters shall be, and remain, the property and responsibility of the City. Owners of water services are responsible for all leaks or damage from privately owned services defined as those lines between the water meter and the structure or use being served. Property owners shall be responsible for ensuring that the City-owned water meter(s) are kept free of any and all obstructions and/or coverings that would prevent in any manner access, inspection or reading, maintenance or replacement of the water meter(s) by City personnel. An area around the meter shall be kept clear; this clearance area shall be at three feet on three sides of the meter and one-half foot on the fourth side and six feet in height. Meters installed after December 1, 2005, and meters not enclosed by a fence prior to that date, shall not be enclosed by fencing. (Ord. 2394 § 8, 2005).
13.05.090 Water service to City residents solely unless approved.
Water service shall be provided only to structures within the corporate limits unless otherwise approved by the City Council. (Ord. 2394 § 9, 2005).
13.05.100 Water service connection/ installation – General.
The fee for new water services shall consist of a “capital improvement/buy-in fee” plus the cost of any improvements installed by the City, referred to as an “installation fee.” These two fees (capital improvement/buy-in and installation) combined are referred to as the “connection fee.”
A. All water services from existing mains to the property line, meter or easement edge shall be made by the City, except that the owner/developer shall install water meters greater than two inches in size, together with the corresponding meter vault, and complete service lines.
B. All water services for new subdivisions and site developments requiring installation of new water mains shall be accomplished by the owner/developer at the expense of the owner/developer. Water meters, two inches in size or smaller shall be installed by the City into the services constructed by the owner/developer.
C. Water meters and meter boxes installed by owners/developers shall be subject to approval by the City prior to their installation. All materials for water installation shall be in compliance with City standards.
D. All water installations performed by owners/developers shall be subject to appropriate plan review and permit fees, in addition to capital improvement fees and appropriate installation fees.
E. Water meters shall be sized based on procedures and criteria established by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), American Water Works Association (AWWA) or other methods approved by the City. (Ord. 2394 § 10, 2005).
13.05.110 Water service capital improvement and installation fees.
Water capital improvements fees shall be imposed on new water connections and installations as follows:
A. Meters less than one inch shall be charged according to the schedule of capital improvement and installation fees. The fees are fully due and payable prior to the installation.
B. Meters one inch and larger shall be installed on a time and expense basis. The customer shall be required to pay the capital improvement fee and provide an installation deposit based upon the City’s estimate of the final installation cost. When the actual installation costs are less than the installation deposit, the difference will be returned to the customer. When the actual installation costs are more than the installation deposit, the difference will be billed to the customer and is due prior to granting occupancy permits.
C. Meters serving only single-family residential fire sprinkler systems will not be charged a capital improvement/buy-in fee.
|
Meter Size |
ERU Weighting Factor |
Capital Improvement (Buy-In) Fee |
City Installation |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5/8" x 3/4" |
1 |
$2,980 |
$1,130 |
$4,110 |
|
1" |
2.5 |
$7,450 |
Actual Cost* |
$7,450 |
|
1-1/2" |
5 |
$14,900 |
Actual Cost* |
$14,900 |
|
2" |
8 |
$23,840 |
Actual Cost* |
$23,840 |
|
3" |
16 |
$47,680 |
NA |
$47,680 |
|
4" |
25 |
$74,500 |
NA |
$74,500 |
|
*Owner/developer installation fee shall be based on time and material costs for City portion of installation, e.g., meters. |
||||
(Ord. 2556 § 1, 2010; Ord. 2394 § 11, 2005).
13.05.120 Water service fees – General.
The charges for water service shall be comprised of a base bimonthly charge and a commodity charge based on the metered volume of water consumption. Bimonthly billing will commence at the time the water service, meter and meter box are installed.
A. Upon shutoff of a water supply due to nonpayment or an approved request, the consumer will continue to be billed the bimonthly water service charge for the entire period of disconnection.
B. Bimonthly water service charges shall not be applied to a customer that has his or her meter removed and the service line is capped. The customer shall incur and be responsible for the charges associated with the removal of the meter and capping of the service line. The customer shall also be responsible for the charges associated with reinstallation of the meter and reactivation of the account.
C. Bimonthly water service charges shall not be applied upon demolition of the structure or upon declaration by the Building Official that the unit is uninhabitable.
D. An account charge based upon cost of service for time and materials will be made for each customer request to have the accuracy of the service meter checked. If the test results indicate that the allowable error of measurement is greater than that set by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), such that the account has been overcharged, the account charge will be rescinded.
E. In the event any connection to the City water system is made without paying the charges required by this chapter, the owners of the property to which the connection is made shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter and be subject to a civil infraction in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. A person is guilty of a separate violation for each day during which he commits, continues, or permits a violation of any provision or regulation made pursuant to this chapter. The City hearing examiner is authorized to hear and decide contested civil infractions issued for any violations of this chapter. (Ord. 2394 § 12, 2005).
13.05.130 Utility charges – Water service to single-family residences.
The base charge (billed bimonthly) for water service for each single-family residence shall be based on the number of nonirrigation water meter installations and the water delivered through the service meter(s).
Usage charge: Three consumption blocks will be established for single-family. The size of the first block will be less than zero to 1,000 cubic feet of water consumed per month. The second block will be 1,001 to 2,000 cubic feet of water consumed per month. The third block will be over 2,000 cubic feet of water consumed per month. (Bimonthly equals zero to 2,000 cubic feet, 2,001 to 4,000, and over 4,000 cubic feet/two months.)
The charge, which is effective January 1st, for the year specified herein, and all subsequent years unless and until amended by the City Council, shall be as follows:
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Base chg./bi-mo. |
$15.55 |
$16.26 |
$16.83 |
$17.40 |
$18.10 |
$18.80 |
|
Usage chg./CCF |
$2.48 |
$2.59 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
0 – 2,000 cubic feet/bi-mo. |
– |
– |
$2.60 |
$2.70 |
$2.80 |
$2.90 |
|
2,001 – 4,000 cubic feet/bi-mo. |
– |
– |
$2.80 |
$2.90 |
$3.00 |
$3.10 |
|
Over 4,000 cubic feet/bi-mo. |
– |
– |
$3.10 |
$3.20 |
$3.30 |
$3.40 |
(Ord. 2540 § 1, 2010; Ord. 2435 § 1, 2006; Ord. 2394 § 13, 2005).
13.05.140 Utility charges – Water service to multifamily structures, duplexes and mobile home parks.
The base charge and rates (billed bimonthly) for each unit of a multifamily structure or mobile home park shall be based on the number of residential units served and the water delivered through the nonirrigation service meter(s). The charge, which is effective January 1st, for the year specified herein, and all subsequent years unless and until amended by the City Council, shall be as follows:
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Base chg./bi-mo. |
$15.55 |
$16.26 |
$16.83 |
$17.40 |
$18.10 |
$18.80 |
|
Usage chg./CCF |
$2.48 |
$2.59 |
$2.68 |
$2.80 |
$2.90 |
$3.00 |
(Ord. 2540 § 2, 2010; Ord. 2435 § 2, 2006; Ord. 2394 § 14, 2005).
13.05.150 Utility charges – Commercial and/or industrial.
The base charge and rates (billed bimonthly) for water service to other than single-family residences or multifamily structures shall be based on the number of nonirrigation water meter installations and the water delivered through those service meter(s). The charge for each nonirrigation meter(s), which is effective January 1st, for the year specified herein, and all subsequent years unless and until amended by the City Council, shall be as follows:
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Base chg./bi-mo. |
$15.55 |
$16.26 |
$16.83 |
$17.40 |
$18.10 |
$18.80 |
|
Usage chg./CCF |
$2.48 |
$2.59 |
$2.68 |
$2.80 |
$2.90 |
$3.00 |
(Ord. 2540 § 3, 2010; Ord. 2435 § 3, 2006; Ord. 2394 § 15, 2005).
13.05.160 Utility charges – Water service for irrigation.
The base charge and rates (billed bimonthly) for water service to single-family residences, multifamily structures or commercial/industrial properties for irrigation shall be based on the number of irrigation meter installations and the water delivered through the irrigation service meter(s). The charge, which is effective January 1st, for the year specified herein, and all subsequent years unless and until amended by the City Council, shall be as follows:
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Base chg./bi-mo. |
$15.55 |
$16.26 |
$16.83 |
$17.40 |
$18.10 |
$18.80 |
|
Usage chg./CCF |
$2.48 |
$2.59 |
$2.68 |
$2.80 |
$2.90 |
$3.00 |
(Ord. 2540 § 4, 2010; Ord. 2435 § 4, 2006; Ord. 2394 § 16, 2005).
13.05.170 Cross-connections eliminated.
WAC 248-54-285 mandates that water purveyors protect their customers from contamination due to cross-connections. WAC 248-54-285 and Chapter 13.45 MTMC require that all potential and actual cross-connections be eliminated, or that state-approved backflow prevention assemblies be installed.
A. Furnishing of service shall be contingent upon the customer providing cross-connection control approved by the appropriate health authority and the City for protecting the City water supply from backflow. Backflow prevention assemblies required to be installed shall be models approved by the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services.
B. When inspection and annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies are required by these regulations, water customers with water systems containing these assemblies shall be responsible for having the inspections and tests performed, and filing the inspection and test results with the City to document that the assemblies are functioning properly. The cost of inspecting, testing, repairing, replacing and maintaining the assemblies, and filing the results, shall be borne by the water customer. Filing of inspection and test results shall be done within 30 days of notification from the City. Inspection and testing of backflow prevention assemblies shall be performed by a state-certified backflow assembly tester (BAT).
C. City personnel will maintain and conduct a program of inspections of premises of water customers to identify cross-connections. If potential or actual cross-connections exist, the water customer shall be notified and directed to eliminate the condition. The water supply shall be discontinued (terminated) to any premises for failure to comply with the provisions of this section.
D. If in the opinion of the City an immediate hazard to health is caused by the cross-connection, water service to the premises shall be immediately discontinued (terminated) until the cross-connection has been eliminated or protected. (Ord. 2394 § 17, 2005).
13.05.180 Unlawful acts.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or other organization of any type whatsoever to take, or allow to be taken, water from the Mountlake Terrace water system without a valid approval by the City of Mountlake Terrace.
A. Any person, including the officers and/or directors of any firm, corporation or other organization of any type, who shall take water from the City of Mountlake Terrace water system without such permit shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a penalty of up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. In addition to such penalties, there shall be a charge by the City of Mountlake Terrace for the taking of such water at a minimum of $200.00 plus a charge at double (two times) the current rate of water taken. Said water charge may be charged against the premises from which the water was taken and enforced by available liens or, where applicable, against the individual, firm, corporation or other organization of any type, including the officers and directors thereof, who took, or caused to be taken, said unauthorized water.
B. In addition to any penalty provided for in this chapter, any person violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter may be assessed a civil penalty by the City Manager, or his/her designee, in the maximum amount of $1,000 per violation. For continuing violations, each day of violation shall be considered a separate offense and a separate civil penalty may be assessed for each day the violation continues. (Ord. 2394 § 18, 2005).
13.05.190 Sanitary sewer service to City residents solely unless approved.
Sanitary sewer service shall be provided only to structures within the corporate limits unless otherwise approved by the City Council. (Ord. 2394 § 19, 2005).
13.05.200 Sanitary sewer capital improvement and installation – General.
The fee for new sanitary sewer services shall consist of a capital improvement/buy-in fee plus the cost of any improvements installed by the City, referred to as an installation fee. These two fees (capital improvement/buy-in and installation) combined are referred to as the “connection fee.”
A. Except as provided elsewhere, all sanitary sewer service laterals from existing mains to the property line or easement edges, to existing single-family residential uses shall be made by the City, except that the City may transfer the responsibility to the owner/developer, including where the cost of installation exceeds the City’s flat fee; provided, that the contractor is qualified to do the work.
B. All sanitary sewer services for new subdivisions, site developments, and other non-single-family residential uses shall be accomplished by the owner/developer.
C. All materials for sanitary sewer installation shall be in compliance with City standards.
D. All sanitary sewer installations performed by owners/developers shall be subject to appropriate plan review and permit fees, in addition to capital improvement fees and appropriate installation fees. (Ord. 2394 § 20, 2005).
13.05.210 Sanitary sewer capital improvement and installation fees.
Sewer capital improvement and installation fees shall be imposed on new sewer connections. The sanitary sewer capital improvement and installation fees are fully due and payable prior to the installation/connection. Meters serving only single-family residential fire sprinkler systems will not be charged a capital improvement/buy-in fee. Fees shall be charged according to the schedule of capital improvement and installation as follows:
|
Meter Size |
ERU Weighting Factor |
Capital Improvement (Buy-In) Fee |
City Installation* |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5/8" x 3/4" |
1 |
$4,080 |
$1,700 |
$5,780 |
|
1" |
2.5 |
$10,200 |
$1,700 |
$11,900 |
|
1-1/2" |
5 |
$20,400 |
$1,700 |
$22,100 |
|
2" |
8 |
$32,640 |
$1,700 |
$34,340 |
|
3" |
16 |
$65,280 |
NA* |
$65,280 |
|
4" |
25 |
$102,000 |
NA* |
$102,000 |
|
*For individual single-family residential installations. Installations for development other than individual single-family residential (e.g., subdivisions, multifamily, commercial or industrial) will be the responsibility of the owner/developer. |
||||
(Ord. 2556 § 2, 2010; Ord. 2394 § 21, 2005).
13.05.220 Payment of water and sanitary sewer capital improvement and service fees exceptions.
All capital improvement and installation fees shall be paid in full prior to connection to the existing City water or sanitary sewer system. (Ord. 2394 § 22, 2005).
13.05.230 Sanitary sewer service fees – General.
The charges for sewer service shall be comprised of a base bimonthly charge and a treatment charge based on the metered volume of water consumption.
A. Bimonthly billing for sewer will commence at the time the water meter is connected, or at the time the sewer connection is completed, or upon expiration of the 90-day period following written notice that sewer service is available if no connection is made. When connection to the sewer system is delayed as allowed in accordance with MTMC 13.20.040, the bimonthly billing for sewer will be at 50 percent of the base rate for the period of approved delay.
B. Upon shutoff of a water supply due to nonpayment or an approved request, the consumer will continue to be billed the base bimonthly sewer service charge for the entire period of disconnection.
C. Bimonthly sewer service charges shall not be applied to a customer that has his or her water meter removed and the water service line capped. The customer shall incur and be responsible for the charges associated with the removal of the water meter and capping of the water service line. The customer shall also be responsible for the charges associated with reactivation of the account.
D. Bimonthly sewer service charges shall not be applied upon demolition of the structure, or upon determination by the Building Official that a unit is uninhabitable. (Ord. 2394 § 23, 2005).
13.05.240 Service to single-family residences.
The charges for sewer service to single-family residences shall be based on the water delivered through the water service meter(s) except for the flow through meters used exclusively for irrigation. The usage charge shall be based on the lesser of the following two methods: (1) the consumption amount of the current billing period; or (2) the third-lowest consumption amount of the most recent six billing periods; unless consumption for either method is zero, in which case the other method will be used for the basis of the usage charge. The base charge and rates (billed bimonthly), effective January 1st, for sanitary sewer for single-family residences shall be as follows for the year specified herein, and all subsequent years unless and until amended by the City Council:
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Base chg./bi-mo. |
$34.32 |
$35.52 |
$36.60 |
$37.70 |
$38.85 |
$40.00 |
|
Usage chg./CCF |
$2.39 |
$2.47 |
$2.52 |
$2.60 |
$2.70 |
$2.80 |
(Ord. 2540 § 5, 2010; Ord. 2435 § 5, 2006; Ord. 2394 § 24, 2005).
13.05.250 Service to multifamily structures or duplexes and mobile home parks.
The charges for sewer service to multifamily structures shall be based on the number of units served by water meter installations and the water delivered through the water service meter(s), excluding the number of and flow through meter(s) used exclusively for irrigation. The usage charge shall be based on the lesser of the following two methods: (1) the consumption amount of the current billing period; or (2) the third-lowest consumption amount of the most recent six billing periods. If consumption for either method is zero, then the other method will be used for the basis of the usage charge. The base charge and rates (billed bimonthly), effective January 1st, for sanitary sewer for multifamily structures shall be as follows for the year specified herein, and all subsequent years unless and until amended by the City Council:
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Base chg./bi-mo. |
$34.32 |
$35.52 |
$36.60 |
$37.70 |
$38.85 |
$40.00 |
|
Usage chg./CCF |
$2.49 |
$2.58 |
$2.62 |
$2.70 |
$2.80 |
$2.88 |
(Ord. 2540 § 6, 2010; Ord. 2435 § 6, 2006; Ord. 2394 § 25, 2005).
13.05.260 Commercial and/or industrial – Service to other than single-family residences or multifamily structures.
The charges for sanitary sewer service to other than single-family residences and multifamily structures shall be based on the number of water meter installations and the water delivered through the service meter(s), excluding the number of and flow through meter(s) used exclusively for irrigation. The base charge and rates (billed bimonthly), effective January 1st, for sanitary sewer for other than single-family residences or multifamily structures shall be as follows for the year specified herein, and all subsequent years unless and until amended by the City Council:
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Base chg./bi-mo. |
$25.37 |
$26.26 |
$36.60 |
$37.70 |
$38.85 |
$40.00 |
|
Usage chg./CCF |
$2.71 |
$2.81 |
$2.87 |
$2.96 |
$3.05 |
$3.14 |
(Ord. 2540 § 7, 2010; Ord. 2435 § 7, 2006; Ord. 2394 § 26, 2005).
13.05.270 Service to nonmetered properties.
The base charge and rates (billed bimonthly), effective January 1st, for sewer service per residential unit for which no metered volume is available on a continuing basis shall be as follows for the year specified herein, and all subsequent years unless and until amended by the City Council:
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Combined Base Bimonthly and Volume Treatment Charge |
$73.57 |
$76.15 |
$78.45 |
$80.80 |
$83.20 |
$85.70 |
(Ord. 2540 § 8, 2010; Ord. 2435 § 8, 2006; Ord. 2394 § 27, 2005).
13.05.280 Nonapplicability of sanitary sewer rates.
The sanitary sewer rates, provided for herein, do not apply to single-family residences, multifamily structures, commercial businesses, industries or manufacturing concerns which discharge other than domestic sewage or waste. These, together with other activities not covered in this chapter, shall be dealt with on a special basis and have special rates set for the particular single-family residences, multifamily structures, commercial businesses, industries or manufacturing concerns by the City Manager, or his/her designee, and the City Manager, or his/her designee, is authorized and directed to administratively set such fees. (Ord. 2394 § 28, 2005).
13.05.290 Unlawful acts.
The following connections to the sanitary sewer system are prohibited and unlawful: gutter drains, down spouts, storm water collection systems, cesspools, septic tank privy vaults, cisterns, footing drains or any other connection determined by the City Manager, or his/her designee, to be principally a storm drain or which is principally a conduit for storm water.
In addition to any penalty provided for in this chapter, any person violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter may be assessed a civil penalty by the City Manager, or his/her designee, in the maximum amount of $1,000 per violation. A person is guilty of a separate violation for each day during which he commits, continues, or permits a violation of any provision or regulation made pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. 2394 § 29, 2005).
13.05.300 Exception to connections to sanitary sewer system.
MTMC 13.05.290 is not applicable to commercial or industrial customers who presently have approval, or obtain approval, from the City to divert storm water runoff to the sanitary sewer system. Those customers with valid approval shall pay on a special basis and have special rates set for the particular single-family residences, multifamily structures, commercial businesses, industries or manufacturing concerns by the City Manager, or his/her designee, and the City Manager, or his/her designee, is authorized and directed to administratively set such fees. (Ord. 2394 § 30, 2005).
13.05.310 Storm water utility – Administration.
The Mountlake Terrace storm water utility shall be administered and enforced by the Mountlake Terrace City Manager or his/her duly authorized designee. The City Manager, or his/her duly authorized designee, is hereby authorized to specify such storm water facility operation, maintenance, and performance standards as necessary to implement the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 2394 § 31, 2005).
13.05.320 Liability disclaimer.
Floods from storm water runoff may occasionally occur which exceed the capacity of storm drainage facilities constructed and maintained by funds made available under this chapter. The City’s adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter does not imply that property liable for the storm water drainage charge shall always be free from storm water flooding or flood drainage. Further, this chapter does not purport to reduce the need or the necessity for any property owner to obtain flood insurance. (Ord. 2394 § 32, 2005).
13.05.330 Storm utility charge system established – Charges imposed.
Effective January 1, 2000, the City Manager, or his/her designee, shall classify all properties in the City into rate categories according to their degree of impervious surface coverage. Effective January 1, 2000, the City will impose on all property located within the City limits a storm water service charge. (Ord. 2394 § 33, 2005).
13.05.340 Storm water capital improvement fee.
Storm water capital improvement fees shall be imposed on all new development. One storm water ERU (2,282 square feet of impervious surface) shall be $245.00.
A. Single-Family Residential. Each single-family residential lot will be assessed a capital improvement fee equal to one storm water ERU. The fee shall be assessed at the time water and/or sanitary sewer capital improvement fees are assessed.
B. Multifamily, Industrial and Commercial. Multifamily, industrial and commercial lots will be assessed a storm water capital improvement fee at such time as new construction results in greater than 1,141 square feet of impervious surface area (one-half of a storm water ERU). The capital improvement fee will be due upon obtaining a construction permit or obtaining a water meter, whichever occurs prior to construction. The capital improvement fee for multifamily, industrial and commercial lots shall be calculated proportionate to a storm water ERU.
impervious surface area/storm water ERU area = storm water factor
storm water capital improvement fee = storm water factor × $245.00
(Ord. 2394 § 34, 2005).
13.05.350 Description of rate structure.
The bimonthly service charges shall be based on the relative contribution of increased storm water runoff from a given parcel to the storm water system. The percentage of impervious surfaces on the parcel and the total parcel acreage will be used to indicate the relative contribution of increased storm water runoff from the parcel to the storm water system. The relative contribution of increased storm water runoff from each parcel will determine that parcel’s share of the service charge revenue needs. The service charge revenue needs of the program are based upon all or any part, as determined by the Council, of the cost of storm water services or to pay or secure the payment of all or any portion of any issue of general obligation or revenue bonds issued for such purpose.
A. Establishment of Equivalent Residential Unit. All single-family residential accounts shall be considered equal to one equivalent residential unit (ERU) for billing purposes. For all other customers, each account shall be billed on the basis of billable ERUs. Billable ERUs shall be determined and established for each non-single-family residential account on the basis of impervious area of the property and contribution of runoff of each property to the total system. The following method shall be adopted and used to establish billable ERUs for each account:
Step 1: Total ERUs is determined by calculating the following equation:
|
Impervious Area per Lot (in square feet) |
|
2,282 square feet (base ERU equivalent). |
Step 2: Determine the total billable ERUs by applying the appropriate runoff contribution factor to each ERU based on the percentage imperviousness of the property. The following table provides the runoff contribution factors:
|
Runoff Impervious Area |
Contribution Factor |
|---|---|
|
0% |
|
|
1% – 20% |
0.50 |
|
21% – 40% |
1.00 |
|
41% – 70% |
1.50 |
|
Over 70% |
2.00 |
|
Total ERUs × Runoff Contribution Factor = Total Billable ERUs. |
|
Step 3:
|
Total Billable ERUs × ERU Bimonthly Rate = Total Bimonthly Bill. |
B. The service charge for each parcel within the service area shall be determined under the following methodology. Rates listed for each subsequent year shall be in effect on January 1st of the year listed unless and until amended by City Council action.
Bimonthly Service Charge:
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Bimonthly Billable ERU Charge |
$16.14 |
$18.16 |
$20.66 |
$21.38 |
$22.14 |
$22.90 |
C. The bimonthly billing for storm water service shall commence simultaneously with the start of billing for either water or sanitary sewer service, whichever commences first. When impervious area is created on a parcel that is not served by City water or sanitary sewer service, the bimonthly billing shall commence no earlier than the point in time that the parcel is one percent impervious, nor later than the time of completion of construction, as determined by the City Manager, or his/her designee.
D. Minimum Service Charge. The minimum service charge in any class shall be $5.00 per month per ERU.
E. City Reserves the Right to Make Changes. The City may supplement or alter charges within subareas of the City so as to charge properties or parcels of one subarea for improvements, studies, or maintenance which the City Council deems to provide service or that benefit the property owners of one subarea. (Ord. 2585 § 1, 2011; Ord. 2509 § 1, 2009; Ord. 2490 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2435 § 9, 2006; Ord. 2394 § 35, 2005).
13.05.360 Rate adjustments and appeals.
A. Any person billed for storm water service charges may file a “request for rate adjustment” with the City Manager, or his/her designee, within six months of the date from which the bill was sent. However, filing of such a request does not extend the period for payment of the charge.
B. Requests for rate adjustment may be granted or approved by the City Manager, or his/her designee, only when one of the following conditions exists:
1. The acreage of the parcel charged is in error.
2. The impervious area of the parcel charged is in error.
3. The parcel is non-single-family residential and the actual impervious surface coverage of the parcel charged places it in a different rate category than the rate category assigned by the City Manager or his/her designee.
4. The parcel is non-single-family residential and is served by retention/detention and storm water quality facilities required pursuant to the City’s approved operation, maintenance and performance standards, or these facilities can be demonstrated by the property owner to provide retention/detention and water quality for storm water to the City’s operation, performance and maintenance standards. Non-single-family residential parcels may be eligible for either of the reductions in charges, set forth as follows:
a. Properties with private detention and storm water quality systems would be eligible for a 25 percent reduction in the total storm water service charge if they:
i. Are owned, operated and maintained by the property owner in accordance with the ordinances of the City of Mountlake Terrace and the City of Mountlake Terrace storm water utility operation and maintenance standards; and
ii. Meet the City design standards current at the time of the most recent development or redevelopment of the parcel.
b. Properties with private detention and water quality systems would be eligible for a 50 percent reduction in the total storm water service charge if they:
i. Are owned, operated and maintained by the property owner in accordance with the ordinances of the City of Mountlake Terrace and the City of Mountlake Terrace storm water utility operation and maintenance standards; and
ii. Meet the most current City design standards.
C. Requests for rate adjustments shall be conditioned on the following:
1. The property owner shall have the burden of proving that the rate adjustment sought should be granted.
2. Decisions on requests for rate adjustments shall be made by the City Manager, or his/her designee, based on information submitted by the applicant and by the City within 30 days of the adjustment request except when additional information is needed. The applicant shall be notified in writing of the City Manager’s, or his/her designee’s, decision. If an adjustment is granted which reduces the charge, the applicant shall be refunded the amount overpaid from the date of the applicant’s request.
3. If the City Manager, or his/her designee, finds that a service charge bill has been undercharged, then either an amended bill shall be issued which reflects the increase in the service charge or the undercharged amount shall be added to the next bill. This amended bill shall be due and payable under the provisions set forth herein. The City Manager, or his/her designee, may include in the bill the amount undercharged for no more than a six-month period.
4. Decisions of the City Manager, or his/her designee, on requests for rate adjustments shall be final unless, within 30 days of the date the decision was mailed, the applicant files a petition for a writ of certiorari in the superior court with jurisdiction.
5. If a 50-percent reduction is granted based on a system meeting current design standards or requirements, the reduction will be changed to a 25-percent reduction if design standards and requirements change and the facility no longer meets the most current design standards and requirements. (Ord. 2394 § 36, 2005).
13.05.370 Billing, payment and delinquency.
A. All accounts for utilities shall be kept in the name of the owner of the property, and the current owner shall be held responsible for all utility charges. The tenant may be a secondary name on the utility account, although the addition of a tenant name does not release the property owner from any responsibilities for fees and charges or penalties.
B. There is authorized and directed the establishment of a consolidated utility billing for water, sanitary sewer, and storm water.
C. All charges for each utility service shall be due and payable on or before the thirtieth day after the billing date. Any charges not paid before the thirty-first day after the billing date shall be delinquent. An additional charge of 10 percent of the current charges shall be added to any account not paid before the thirty-first day after the billing date.
D. All charges for connection and services provided in this chapter, or as may be hereafter amended, together with penalties and interest thereon, shall be a lien upon the property with which such connections are made or to which such services are rendered, superior to all other liens and encumbrances whatsoever, except for general taxes and local special assessments. Enforcement of such lien or liens shall be in the manner provided by law. As an additional and concurrent method of enforcing the lien of said delinquent charges, the City Manager or representative is authorized after the date of the first delinquency to shut off the water service.
E. All sums received on the utility billing shall be applied to each account in the following order:
1. Penalties;
2. Service fees;
3. Storm water charges;
4. Sewer charges;
5. Water or irrigation charges.
F. The City will provide notification of service termination due to nonpayment of the utility bill to the property owner and tenant of record, if any. In addition, a notice will also be sent to the occupant. Notices will be sent via U.S. mail. Any customer may, within 10 days of written notification, appeal the pending termination of water service to the City Manager, or his/her designee, by filing a written notice of appeal setting forth the grounds therefor with the City Clerk. The City Manager, or his/her designee, shall respond within 10 days of receiving the written notice of appeal. After considering the appeal, the City Manager shall, after appropriate findings of fact and conclusion of law, affirm, modify, or overrule the termination of water service and may impose any terms upon the continuance of water service which the City Manager may deem advisable. No termination of water/sewer shall take effect until 10 days after mailing of the notice of the City Manager’s determination to the customer.
G. Except in case of danger to life or property, no disconnection shall be accomplished on Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, or on any other day on which the utility cannot reestablish service on the same or following day.
H. When the City Manager, or his/her designee, declares a public epidemic, arson threat, or public disaster, no water service shall be turned off unless it is in the interest of public protection until such time as the City Manager, or his/her designee, determines the disaster or the threat is ended.
I. The City Manager, or his/her designee, is authorized to administratively set the fee for the following occurrences which shall include recovery of costs for field and office time:
1. Delinquent account turn-off/on occurring during regular posted business hours.
2. Delinquent account turn-on after regular posted business hours.
3. Delinquent account lock-off/meter pull.
4. Broken padlock/angle stops.
5. Current account turn-off/on after regular posted business hours.
6. New account setup for changing account records to reflect change of property owner or change of tenant.
7. In addition, the City Manager is authorized to set other cost-based service fees as the need arises.
J. In addition, in the event that a utility customer has permitted a utility account to become delinquent as hereinabove defined, then the City Manager, or his/her designee, may at his discretion require a security deposit in an amount equal to the estimated bimonthly charge therefor as a condition to continuance of utility service. Notice of the requirement of such security deposit shall be given to the customer in writing by mail addressed to the premises served.
K. The delinquent account turn-off fee applies at the moment of dispatch.
L. Emergency turn-off and turn-on requests, which necessitate immediate action, will be completed without fee during regular posted business hours.
M. A new account set-up fee of $10.00 will be charged for changing account records to reflect change of property owner or change of tenant. (Ord. 2394 § 37, 2005).
13.05.375 Discount for low income senior citizens.
Mountlake Terrace property owners over the age of 62 living on the property in a household with an aggregate income equal to or less than 140 percent of the established federal poverty level as now or hereinafter amended shall be eligible to qualify for a 30 percent discount on water, sewer and storm water charges. To qualify for the discount, applicants must complete an application form provided by the City and submit proof of income to the City Manager or designee. The discount will be effective with the next regular billing following approval of an application. (Ord. 2435 § 10, 2006).
13.05.380 Illegal connections.
No person shall make any connection with either the water, storm water or sanitary sewer system, or add to an existing connection, without first obtaining a permit as herein required. (Ord. 2394 § 38, 2005).
13.05.390 Violations – Penalty.
In addition to all civil rights of collection, liens, shutoff and other remedies available to the City of Mountlake Terrace as prescribed by Washington statute and ordinance for unauthorized use and/or nonpayment of charges, and/or unlawful acts prescribed by this chapter, any person, firm, corporation or other organization, including any officers, directors and managers thereof, who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. (Ord. 2394 § 39, 2005).