Chapter 9.10
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE

Sections:

9.10.010    Plan requirements.

9.10.020    Backflow damage—Procedure for claims.

9.10.030    Installation of backflow valve—Cost of construction.

9.10.010 Plan requirements.

Any building plan presented to the building inspector for a building permit shall accurately state the depth of the city sewer main to which the building sewer line will hook up and the depth of the building sewer line at the point it leaves the building. (Ord. 1179 § 1, 1991).

9.10.020 Backflow damage—Procedure for claims.

In the event that a property owner suffers damage from backflow from a city sewer line and a claim for damages has been filed with the city of Omak, such property owner is required to do one of two things, to wit:

(a)    The property owner may, within a reasonable time after filing a claim for such initial damage, cause to be installed in the building sewer line on his own property a backflow valve of suitable construction and design that will close in the event there is a backflow to the property from the municipal line in such a way that it will prevent any sewage flowing toward such building from flooding, or damaging such property, and such installation and expense shall be done at the sole cost of the property owner; or

(b)    Such property owner may execute and file with the city clerk a good and sufficient waiver of claim for any future damages resulting from a backflow of sewage resulting from the clogging of the city municipal lines, releasing the city from any future and further damages or expense, and such waiver shall be in suitable form for recording and shall be recorded on the public records and run with the land and be binding upon future owners of the land and the successors and assigns of such property owner. (Ord. 1179 § 2, 1991).

9.10.030 Installation of backflow valve—Cost of construction.

If such property owner who has once suffered sewage damage and has filed a claim therefor with the city does not, within a reasonable time thereafter, execute, deliver and file with the city clerk a waiver of claims for any future damage resulting from a backflow of sewage resulting from the clogging of the city municipal lines, from any claims and releasing the city from any future and further damage or expense, in suitable form for recording, or, if in such event said property owner does not, within a reasonable time, install a backflow valve in his building sewer line as provided in this chapter, the city of Omak may, if its engineers or water and sewer superintendent deem that it is fitting and proper to do so, proceed as follows:

(a)    A notice shall be given to the property owner in writing that the city intends to enter upon the property and install a backflow valve, which notice shall state a time and place for hearing thereon before the city council, and, if after such hearing the city council deems it fitting and proper, it shall order the water and sewer department to proceed to excavate and install a backflow valve of suitable design and construction to prevent a reoccurrence of flooding damage to the property resulting from the flow of sewage from the municipal line to the damaged property.

(b)    If the property owner, after such installation has been made by the city, fails, neglects or refuses to pay the reasonable cost of such construction and installation, including labor, material and parts and rental equipment, the city may file a lien therefor against the property and foreclose the lien in superior court in the manner provided by statute for the foreclosure of a mechanic’s or materialmen’s lien. (Ord. 1179 § 3, 1991).