Title VIII
HEALTH AND SANITATION

1 Garbage

2 Storm And Surface Water Drainage

3 Protection Of Water Supply (Rep. by Ord. 4723,
5-11-98)

4 Water

5 Sewers

6 Solid Waste Utility

7 Noise Level Regulations

8 Aquifer Protection (Rep. by Ord. 4851, 8-7-00)

CHAPTER 1
GARBAGE¹

SECTION:

8-1-1: Purpose

8-1-2: Definitions

8-1-3: Garbage, Recyclables, And Solid Waste Collection

8-1-4: Unlawful Storage, Deposit, Disposal, Scavenging, And Hauling Of Solid Waste

8-1-5: Supervision

8-1-6: Violations Of This Chapter Declared A Public Nuisance

8-1-7: Violations Of This Chapter And Penalties

8-1-8: Schedule Of Collection

8-1-9: Billings And Collections; Lien And Enforcement

8-1-10: Rates For Services

8-1-11: Adoption By Reference

8-1-12: Severability

8-1-1 PURPOSE:

It is the purpose of this Chapter to further the maintenance of health, sanitation, safety and public welfare by making the collection, disposal and removal of solid waste within the City compulsory and universal. The provisions of this Chapter shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of that purpose. Collection of recyclables and yard waste shall be voluntary. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-2 DEFINITIONS:

ADJACENT: Lying next or near to or so close together that objects are not widely separated, although they may or may not touch.

ALLEY: A public or private way giving access to the rear of lots or buildings.

ANCILLARY DISPOSAL PROVIDER: A licensed person or business that offers delivery, maintenance or clean-up services that, by their nature, include a disposal function. Ancillary disposal providers must provide a legitimate service other than garbage collection and disposal services equivalent to those provided by a City contracted collection contractor. Examples of ancillary disposal providers include, but are not limited to, licensed businesses that deliver new appliances, carpets or other furnishings and remove and dispose of the replaced item; licensed contractors that self-haul construction, demolition and land clearing waste that they produce during the course of their regular business activities; and licensed clean-up services that include a container or truck loading function in addition to hauling and disposal.

ASHES: The solid residue left over when combustible material is burned or is oxidized by chemical means including but not limited to the residue from coal, wood and any other combustible materials or fuels.

BULKY WASTE: Large items of solid waste, including but not limited to items such as furniture; large household appliances, including but not limited to refrigerators, freezers, ovens, ranges, stoves, dishwashers, water heaters, washing machines, or clothes dryers; junk vehicles, vehicle hulks or any parts thereof as defined in RMC 6-1-1, as now worded or hereafter amended; and any other oversized solid wastes which would typically not fit into or be permitted for collection as garbage in garbage cans.

CDL: Solid waste generated from construction, demolition and land clearing.

CLINKER: A brick that has burned too much in a kiln or stony matter fused together by combustion or chemical reaction.

COLLECTION CONTRACTOR: That entity holding a valid current contract with the City to collect and dispose of municipal solid waste and/or collect, process and market recyclable and/or yard waste materials.

COLLECTION POINT: In multi-family residences, commercial, industrial and other nonresidential developments, the exterior location designated for garbage and recyclables collection by the City’s contractor or other authorized haulers.

COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER: Any business, institution, industrial site or multi-family residence within the City.

COMPOST: A process of creating humus for mulch to fertilize and condition land by combining a mixture consisting of decaying or decayed organic matter in a pile or receptacle. Such organic matter includes, but is not limited to, grass clippings, plant material, leaves, pine needles, wood chips, wood ashes, kitchen refuse including melon rinds, potato peelings, carrot peelings, tea bags, apple peelings and cores, banana peels, egg shells, or other vegetable or fruit matter.

CURBSIDE: On the owner’s property, within ten feet (10¢) of the public street without blocking sidewalks, driveways or on-street parking. For households currently receiving garbage pickup in an alley accessible by collection vehicles, “curbside” can be considered to be in the current alley location and within ten feet (10¢) of the edge of the alley. If extraordinary circumstances preclude such a location, curbside shall be considered a placement suitable to the resident and convenient to the collection contractor’s equipment and approved by the City.

DETACHABLE CONTAINER: A watertight, all metal container, compatible with the collection contractor’s equipment, not less than one cubic yard nor greater than eight cubic yards in capacity and equipped with a tight-fitting cover. The contents of detachable containers are typically unloaded into a collection vehicle at the customer’s site.

DROP-BOX CONTAINER: An all-metal container with ten cubic yard or more capacity that is loaded onto a collection contractor’s vehicle, transported to a disposal site, emptied and transported back to the customer’s site.

DUPLEX: A residence containing two (2) dwelling units. Each dwelling unit will be charged the single-family residential rate for collection.

ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLD:

A. Multi-Family Program: A residence containing three (3) or more dwelling units and receiving commercial garbage pickup services.

B. Residential Curbside Program: A residence containing not more than two (2) dwelling units and in which each unit receives individual garbage collection services.

EXTRA GARBAGE UNIT: A garbage unit in addition to the number of garbage cans or garbage units to which the customer has subscribed.

GARBAGE: This term shall be included within the definition of solid waste but shall not include all solid waste. Garbage shall exclude bulky waste, special waste, hazardous waste, construction, demolition, and land clearing waste, junk vehicles, vehicle hulks or parts thereof as defined in RMC 6-1-1, as now worded or hereafter amended, recyclable materials and yard waste, sewage, sludge or septage.

GARBAGE CAN: A City-approved container fabricated of material of similar size and weight to a container that is a watertight, galvanized sheet metal or plastic container not exceeding four (4) cubic feet or thirty two (32) gallons in capacity, weighing not over fifteen (15) pounds when empty or sixty-five (65) pounds when full; fitted with two (2) sturdy handles, one on each side, and a tight cover equipped with a handle; such can shall be rodent and insect-proof and be kept in a sanitary condition at all times.

GARBAGE CART: A City-approved, collection container contractor owned and provided by the contractor for the purpose of collecting garbage.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL SITE OR DISPOSAL SITE: The areas owned, leased, or controlled by the King County Solid Waste Division, for the disposal of garbage or solid waste, or such other site as may be approved by the City and any other governmental agency having jurisdiction thereover.

GARBAGE UNIT: Secure and tight bundles, none of which shall exceed three feet (3¢) in the longest dimension, and shall not exceed sixty-five (65) pounds in weight or such “garbage unit” may be packed in small discarded boxes, barrels or bags, or in securely tight cartons or other receptacles reasonably easy to be handled and loaded by one person onto a collection contractor’s vehicle. A garbage can may be a garbage unit.

HAZARDOUS WASTE: Any wastes included in the State of Washington, Department of Ecology Dangerous Waste Regulations, Chapter 173-303 WAC.

MINI-CAN: A City-approved container that is a watertight, galvanized sheet-metal or plastic container not exceeding ten (10) gallons in capacity or twenty-five (25) pounds in weight when full, fitted with a tight cover equipped with a handle.

MINIMUM SERVICE LEVEL: A single-family residential, multi-family residential or commercial service at a 10-gallon garbage can rate, or at adequate service as determined by the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator. The average weekly size and frequency of garbage service for a particular customer shall be determined by the Solid Waste Coordinator as the adequate service necessary to meet health standards of the Seattle-King County Health Department.

MODERATE RISK WASTE: Any waste that exhibits any of the properties of dangerous waste but is exempt from regulation under Chapter 70.102 RCW solely because the waste is generated in quantities below the threshold for regulation and any household wastes that are generated from the disposal of substances identified by the department as hazardous household substances.

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCE: A structure containing three (3) or more dwelling units. All multi-family residences shall be considered a commercial customer for charging of garbage rates.

PERSON: Every person, firm, partnership, business, association, institution or corporation in the City accumulating garbage requiring disposal. The term shall also mean the occupant and/or the owner of the premises for which service herein mentioned is rendered.

PLANNING/BUILDING/PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATOR: The official of the City holding that office, or the designated representative.

RECYCLABLES: Newspaper, uncoated mixed paper, aluminum, glass and metal, food and beverage containers, polyethylene terepthalate (PET #1) plastic bottles, high density polyethylene (HDPE #2) plastic bottles, and such other materials that the City and collection contractor determine to be recyclable.

RECYCLING BINS: A container provided by the City or collection contractor for the purpose of collecting recyclables.

RECYCLING CART: A 32, 65, or 90 gallon wheeled container with a tight-fitting lid, provided by the City or collection contractor, for the purpose of collecting recyclables.

RECYCLABLES DEPOSIT AREA: In multi-family residences, commercial, industrial and other nonresidential developments, the area(s) where recyclables will be stored.

RESIDENCE: A building or portion thereof containing not more than two (2) dwelling units.

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER: Those customers residing in single-family units and duplexes.

SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE: A residence containing not more than two dwelling units. Duplexes are considered single-family residences.

SOLID WASTE: All putrescible and nonputrescible solid and semi-solid waste including, but not limited to garbage, rubbish, swill, refuse, trash, debris, ashes, clinkers, bulky waste, construction, demolition and land clearing waste, junk vehicles, vehicle hulks or parts thereof as defined in RMC 6-1-1, as now worded or hereafter amended, recyclable materials and yard waste, but excluding special or hazardous waste, sewage, sludge or septage.

SOLID WASTE HANDLING: The management, storage, collection, transportation, treatment, utilization, processing and final disposal of solid waste, including the recovery and recycling of materials from solid waste, the recovery of energy sources from solid waste or the conversion of the energy in solid waste to more useful forms or combinations thereof, and the ownership or operation of a transfer station.

SOLID WASTE COORDINATOR: The official of the City holding that office, or the designated representative.

SOLID WASTE UTILITY: That enterprise fund of the City managing the financial and administrative responsibilities for solid waste collection and disposal.

SPECIAL WASTE:

A. Chemical waste from a laboratory. (This is limited to discarded containers of laboratory chemicals, lab equipment, lab clothing, debris from lab spills or cleanup and floor sweeping.)

B. Articles, equipment and clothing containing or contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s). (Examples are: PCB capacitors or transformers, gloves or aprons from draining operations, empty drams that formerly held PCB’s, etc.)

C. “Empty” containers of waste commercial products or chemicals. (This applies to a portable container which has been emptied, but which may hold residuals of the product or chemical. Examples of containers are: portable tanks, drums, barrels, cans, bags, liners, etc. A container shall be determined “empty” according to the criteria specified at 40 C.F.R. 261.7.)

D. Asbestos-containing waste from building demolition or cleaning. (This applies to asbestos-bearing waste insulation materials, such as wallboard, wall spray coverings, pipe insulation, flooring tiles, siding, etc.)

E. Commercial products or chemicals, off-specification, outdated, contaminated or banned. (This also includes products voluntarily removed from the marketplace by a manufacturer or distributor in response to allegations of adverse health effects associated with product use.)

F. Residue and debris from cleanup of spills or releases of a single chemical substance or commercial product, or a single waste which would otherwise qualify as a miscellaneous special waste.

G. Medical or infectious by-product waste from a medical or dental practitioner, individual(s), hospital, nursing home, medical testing laboratory, mortuary, taxidermist, veterinarian, veterinary hospital or animal testing laboratory, including but not limited to discarded needles or other “sharps.”

H. Animal waste and parts from slaughterhouses or rendering plants.

I. Pumpings from septic tanks used exclusively by dwelling units. (Single-family units, duplexes, apartment buildings, hotels or motels.)

J. Sludge from a publicly owned sewage treatment plant serving primarily domestic users (i.e., with no substantial industrial or chemical influent).

K. Grease trap wastes from restaurants or cafeterias not located at industrial facilities.

L. Washwater wastes from commercial car washes. (Note: this does not include facilities used for washing the exterior of bulk chemical or waste tank trucks, or for washing out the interior of any truck.)

M. Washwater wastes from commercial laundries or laundromats.

N. Chemical containing equipment removed from service. (Example: cathode ray tubes, batteries, fluorescent light tubes, compact fluorescent lights, computer monitors, televisions, etc.)

O. Waste produced from the demolition or dismantling of industrial process equipment or facilities contaminated with chemicals from the process.

P. Closed cartridge filters from dry-cleaning establishments. (Such filters being used to filter used dry-cleaning fluids or solids.)

STREET: A public or private way, other than “alleys,” used for public travel.

SUNKEN CAN: Garbage cans which are in a sunken covered receptacle specifically designed to contain garbage cans and where the top of the garbage can is approximately at ground level.

WASTE STREAM: The collection and disposal of solid waste and recyclable materials, excluding bulky waste, special waste, hazardous waste, construction, demolition and land clearing waste, junk vehicles, vehicle hulks or parts thereof as defined in RMC 6-1-1, as now worded or hereafter amended, sewage, sludge or septage.

YARD WASTES: Includes leaves, grass, pruning and clippings of woody as well as fleshy plants. Materials larger than two inches (2¢¢) in diameter and four feet (4¢) in length shall not be considered yard waste.

Christmas trees will be eligible for collection as yard waste; provided, that they have been cut into lengths of 4 feet or less and bundled, before being placed for collection.

YARD WASTE CART: A City-approved container at curbside or other approved point for the purpose of collecting yard wastes. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-3 GARBAGE, RECYCLABLES, AND SOLID WASTE COLLECTION:

A. Accumulation of Waste: All persons accumulating garbage in the City shall place and accumulate the same in garbage cans, garbage units or detachable containers. Recyclables may also be accumulated in recycling bins or recycling carts, and yard waste may also be accumulated in yard waste carts.

B. Collection of Garbage Required: Garbage collection shall be made by collection contractors as authorized by the City. All persons and properties within the City shall use the garbage collection system and service of the utility and collection contractor(s) of the City.

C.  Placement and Removal of Garbage Cans, Recycling Bins and Yard Waste Carts: Any single-family residence accumulating garbage, recyclables, and yard waste shall place their materials for collection at the curbside no earlier than 24 hours prior to their collection day. Likewise, all garbage cans, recycling bins and yard waste carts must be removed from the curbside within 24 hours of being collected and returned to a location adjacent to the residential structure or within a fully enclosed building or garage.

D.  Minimum Service Level: All persons and occupied property shall be subject to and responsible for the minimum service level and associated charges for service for residential and commercial garbage collection as applicable, whether or not such persons use the service. The Solid Waste Coordinator may, upon a showing that a person or property produces no garbage and recyclable materials, waive the minimum service level requirements of this Section.

E. Collection of Residential and Multi-Family Recyclables: Any person may collect residential and multi-family recyclables. However, once recyclables are placed at the curbside or other approved point of collection, then residential and multi-family recyclables may be collected only by the City’s collection contractor.

F.  Collection of Residential Yard Waste: Any person may collect residential yard waste. However, once residential yard waste is placed at the curbside or other approved point of collection, then residential yard waste may be collected only by the City’s collection contractor.

G.  Weight of Cans and Collection Access: No garbage can when filled shall weigh more than sixty-five (65) pounds but shall be so packed that the contents thereof will dump out readily when it is inverted. For residential customers, all garbage cans, recycling bins and yard waste carts shall be placed at curbside of the alley, street or road at which collection trucks are to be loaded. A residence located in an area that does not allow safe access, turn-around, or clearance for service vehicles or on a private drive will be provided service if materials are set out adjacent to a public street or private road or a location agreed to by the Solid Waste Coordinator and the City’s collection contractor.

H. Special Pickup Services: Special pickup services will be provided when authorized by the City, to those single-family residences and duplexes where there are handicapped or elderly people who cannot move their garbage cans, recycling bins, or yard waste carts to the curb. Single-family units and duplexes which are geographically located so as to make moving containers to the curb an unreasonable physical hardship must apply to the City for the special collection service and submit documentation to justify their application. Residences which qualify for this service will be determined by the Solid Waste Coordinator based upon submitted documentation. Special pickup services shall be from a convenient location, but such location shall be approved by both the City and the contractor.

I. Number of Cans; Condition: Sufficient garbage cans must be provided for the collection of all garbage as defined in this Chapter. All garbage cans, detachable containers, recycling bins or yard waste carts shall be kept tightly covered and in good and sanitary condition for garbage and recyclables storage and handling, and garbage cans, detachable containers, recycling bins, or yard waste carts which leak or have jagged edges or holes shall not be used. The Solid Waste Coordinator, independently or at the request of the City’s collection contractor, shall determine whether or not the condition of any garbage can, detachable container, drop box, recycling bin, or yard waste cart is satisfactory for use.

J. Commercial and Industrial: Subject to the approval of the City, agreement will be reached between the City’s collection contractor and commercial and industrial customers concerning security, location of detachable containers, frequency of removal, and receipts for removal.

K. Requirements for garbage, solid waste and recyclables deposit areas and collection point shall be designed and located as required by RMC 4-4-090 and this Chapter.

L.  Solid Waste Disposal System Designation: The County disposal system is designated for the disposal of all solid waste, including moderate risk waste generated and/or collected within the corporate limits of the City, and the County is authorized to designate disposal sites for the disposal of all solid waste, including moderate risk waste generated or collected within the corporate limits of the City, except for solid waste that is eliminated through waste reduction and/or waste recycling activities consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. No solid waste generated or collected within the City shall be diverted from the designated disposal sites without County approval.

1.   The following facilities, which are owned and operated by vendors with which the County has contracts for construction, demolition and land clearing waste (hereinafter referred to as “CDL waste”) handling or alternative facilities as the County may designate are hereby designated as the CDL receiving facilities for all nonrecyclable CDL waste generated within the corporate limits of the City.

Rabanco Disposal Company Facilities:

a. Rabanco Recycling and Waste Reduction Center, 2733 Third Avenue South, Seattle.

b. Regional Disposal Company Black River Transfer and Recycling Facility, Monster Road, Renton.

c. Such other facilities as hereafter may be designated by the County.

2.   All generators, handlers and collectors of CDL waste shall deliver or ensure delivery of all nonrecyclable CDL waste generated within the corporate limits of the City to a designated CDL receiving facility or to a back-up facility designated by the County.

3.   Recyclable CDL waste may be transported to any CDL recycling facility or to a recycling market within or outside of the City provided it contains CDL waste in amounts not exceeding ten percent (10%) of total weight per load.

4.   Mixed CDL waste shall be taken only to a designated CDL receiving facility, back-up facility or CDL recycling facility located in the County to the extent permitted by applicable law; provided, that if mixed CDL waste is taken to a CDL receiving facility, all residual CDL waste must be taken to a designated CDL receiving facility or back-up facility designated by the County.

M.  Restrictions: Garbage shall be collected and hauled through the streets of the City only by the City’s collection contractor or a person authorized to collect and haul garbage under RCW 35.13.280 (Franchise) or holding a valid permit from the Utilities and Transportation Commission, except that a person within the City may occasionally self-haul garbage and

      recyclables from his or her property to an approved collection or disposal site. “Occasionally” shall not mean on a regular or scheduled basis, or for the purpose of avoiding paying an increased rate for service under RMC 8-1-10 for regular collection service. A minimum level of service shall be charged for each customer within the City without regard to any self-hauling of garbage and recyclables, as provided in subsection D of this Section. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-4 UNLAWFUL STORAGE, DEPOSIT, DISPOSAL, SCAVENGING, AND HAULING OF SOLID WASTE:

A. Unlawful Hauling of Garbage and Recyclables: It shall be unlawful for any person other than the City’s collection contractor, or any other person authorized by the City to collect, haul, dump or dispose of garbage and recyclables within the City, except as provided in RMC 8-1-3M.

B.  Unlawful Hauling of Special or Hazardous Waste: It shall be unlawful for any person other than the City’s collection contractor or any other person authorized by the City, State or County to collect, haul, dump or dispose of special or hazardous waste within the City.

C. Unlawful Storage of Garbage and Recyclables: It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit, throw, dump, store, maintain, retain, keep or place garbage, recyclables or yard waste on private or public real property in the City, except in a garbage can or unit, recycling bin or yard waste cart for the purpose of storing such garbage, recyclables or yard waste until the next regular collection date by the City’s collection contractor or any other person authorized by the City to collect garbage or recyclables. This subsection shall not apply to yard waste in compost piles or receptacles so long as they are properly maintained free of all vectors and any odors traveling off-premises. Further, this subsection shall not apply to any business licensed to collect and store garbage and recyclables when done in an area zoned for the collection or disposal of garbage or recyclables.

D. Unlawful Deposit of Garbage or Recyclables: It shall be unlawful to deposit, throw, dump, dispose or place any garbage, recyclables, or yard waste in any lane, alley, street, road or other public way or place in the City, except for the purpose of depositing such garbage, recyclables or yard waste at curbside in an approved container or containers for the next regular collection by the City’s collection contractor or any other person authorized by the City to collect garbage or recyclables. It shall also be unlawful to deposit, throw, dump or place any garbage, recyclables or yard waste on private property owned by another person in the City, without the consent of the landowner or person in possession or control of the real property.

E. Unlawful Storage of Bulky Waste: It shall be unlawful for any person in the City to store, maintain, keep, retain, dump or accumulate bulky waste on private real property in the City, except for any licensed ancillary disposal provider or licensed business in connection with bulky waste collection or disposal in an area zoned for the collection or disposal of bulky waste.

F.  Unlawful Deposit of Bulky Waste: It shall be unlawful to deposit, throw, dump or place any bulky waste in any lane, alley, street, road or other public way or place in the City, except for bulky waste collection by the City’s collection contractor or any other person authorized by the City to collect bulky waste or a licensed ancillary disposal provider pursuant to a City permit. It shall also be unlawful to deposit, throw, dump or place any bulky waste on private real property owned by another person in the City, without the consent of the landowner or person in possession or control of the real property.

G. Unlawful Storage or Deposit of Special or Hazardous Waste: It shall be unlawful for any person in the City to store, maintain, keep, deposit, retain, dump or accumulate special or hazardous waste on private or public real property in the City. Any special or hazardous waste generated in the City shall be collected and disposed of in accordance with all Federal, State, County, and local statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, by a solid waste collection contractor licensed for such collection and disposal and stored and disposed of in an area zoned for the storage or disposal of special or hazardous waste.

H.  Unlawful Deposit or Disposal into the Waste Stream of Special or Hazardous Waste: It shall be unlawful to deposit, throw, dump or place any special or hazardous waste into the waste stream in garbage cans or units, recycling bins or yard waste carts for regular garbage or recyclables collection, or to dispose of special or hazardous waste in a transfer station, recycling station or otherwise in the City, except in accordance with Federal, State or County statutes or ordinances and in the manner approved by the State Department of Ecology or its successor, and by a person licensed by law for collection, transfer and disposal of special or hazardous wastes.

I.  Unlawful Deposit or Storage of CDL: It shall be unlawful to deposit, throw, dump, place or store any CDL on private or public real property in the City, except for any licensed ancillary disposal provider or business in connection with CDL collection or disposal at a facility zoned for and designated for receiving disposal of CDL.

J.  Unlawful Use of Garbage Cans or Units, Dumpsters, Recycling Bins or Yard Waste Carts: It shall be unlawful to place, deposit or throw garbage, recyclables or yard waste in the garbage can or unit, detachable container, dumpster, recycling bin or yard waste cart that is owned, leased or rented by another person, without the consent of the person paying for the collection service.

K.  Unlawful Placement and Removal of Garbage Cans, Recycling Bins and Yard Waste Carts: It shall be unlawful for a person residing in a single-family residence to place garbage, recyclables, or yard waste at the curbside for collection by the City’s collection contractor more than 24 hours prior to the regular collection date for his or her single-family residence. It shall also be unlawful for a person residing in a single-family residence to leave garbage cans, recycling bins or yard waste carts at the curbside more than 24 hours after collection by the City’s collection contractor. Further, it shall be unlawful for a person residing in a single-family residence to maintain, place or store any garbage cans, recycling bins or yard waste carts at a location other than adjacent to the residential structure or within a fully enclosed building or garage.

L. Unlawful Placement and Removal of Garbage Cans, Recycling Bins and Yard Waste Carts in Business Areas: It shall be unlawful for any person accumulating garbage, recyclables, and yard waste in the Center Downtown Zone, Center Neighborhood Zone, Commercial Arterial Zone, or Center Village Zone, as set forth in RMC 4-2-020, whose location requires the placing of garbage cans or units, recycling bins or yard waste carts on sidewalks or alleys for collection, to place garbage cans or units, recycling bins or yard waste carts on sidewalks or alleys earlier than 5:00 p.m. It shall also be unlawful for any person who owns, leases or rents any garbage can or unit, recycling bins or yard waste carts in the zones referenced above to fail to remove their garbage, recycling and yard waste containers from sidewalks or alleys by 9:30 a.m. following collection of the garbage, recyclables or yard waste, except that if collection has not occurred by the City’s collection contractor, then the garbage cans or units, recycling bins or yard waste carts shall be immediately removed following collection. (Ord. 5355, 2-25-08)

M.  Unlawful Deposit of Burning Material, Hot Ashes or Hot Clinkers for Collection: It shall be unlawful to deposit, throw, dump, or place burning material, incendiary hot ashes, hot clinkers or any other material or solid waste sufficiently hot to create combustion when the same come in contact with any garbage, into any garbage can or unit, recycling bin or yard waste cart for collection by the City’s collection contractor.

N.  Unlawful Scavenging: Once any garbage, recyclables or yard waste have been set out on the curbside for collection, or at such other location as authorized by the City, ownership of the garbage, recyclables and yard waste passes to the City’s collection contractor. It shall be unlawful for any person, other than the City’s collection contractor, to remove or collect any garbage, recyclables, or yard waste once it has been set out on the curbside or other approved location for collection. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-5 SUPERVISION:

The Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator of the City, or the Administrator’s duly authorized representative, is hereby authorized and directed to supervise the collection and disposal of all garbage, recyclables, and yard waste as herein defined. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-6 VIOLATIONS OF THIS CHAPTER DECLARED A PUBLIC NUISANCE:

Any person violating any Section or part of this Chapter shall be deemed to have created a public nuisance as defined in RMC 1-3-4, as now worded or hereafter amended, and such public nuisance may be abated in accordance with RMC 1-3-3, as now worded or hereafter amended. Any person creating a public nuisance in violation of this Chapter shall be responsible for removing any unlawful solid waste from the waste stream, including any and all cleanup costs, damages, costs of suit, including attorney’s fees and costs for experts incurred to enjoin such violation or removal of the unlawful solid waste from the waste stream, in addition to any remedies allowed pursuant to RMC 1-3-3, as now worded or hereafter amended. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-7 VIOLATIONS OF THIS CHAPTER AND PENALTIES:

A person violating any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Penalties for violations of any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be in accord with RMC 1-3-1, as now worded or hereafter amended. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-8 SCHEDULE OF COLLECTION:

All garbage, recyclables, and yard wastes as herein provided will be collected within the boundaries of the City as follows:

A. Regular collections from business firms and commercial enterprises will be made as often as required but shall not exceed one pickup per day, five (5) days per week, Monday through Friday, between the hours of four o’clock (4:00) A.M. and four o’clock (4:00) P.M., unless the City authorizes an extension of such time.

B. Regular collections of garbage from single-family units and duplexes shall be made one day per week between the hours of seven o’clock (7:00) A.M. and four o’clock (4:00) P.M., Monday through Friday, unless the City authorizes a temporary extension of hours. Regular collection of recyclables from single-family units, duplexes and multi-family residences shall be made one day per week between the hours of seven o’clock (7:00) A.M. and four o’clock (4:00) P.M., unless the City authorizes a temporary extension of hours or more frequent collection. Regular collections of yard waste from residences, except those located in mobile home courts, shall be weekly on the same day per week as regular garbage collection. Mobile home courts may have collection of yard wastes only upon agreement of the City and its collection contractor.

C. When a legal holiday falls during the workweek and the contractor does not work on such holiday, Saturday collections will be permitted. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-9 BILLINGS AND COLLECTIONS; LIEN AND ENFORCEMENT:

A. Billings and Collections:

1. Billings: Unless otherwise specified in any contract between the City and the City’s collection contractor, the City shall collect the charges for services rendered hereunder from the person as hereunto defined for whom collection services are furnished and/or the owner of the property for which the collection service is rendered. Such billing shall be made monthly or bimonthly and may include charges for other services rendered to the City to such person.

a. All charges for collection services rendered and billed hereunder shall be due and payable to the City within twenty-five (25) days from billing date.

b.   If the charges billed are not paid within the twenty (20) day period from the due date, such charges shall become delinquent. Once the charges become delinquent, there shall be added a late fee of ten percent (10%) of the past due charges but not less than fifty cents ($0.50) to compensate the City for handling the past due account, subsequent billings and any collection action taken.

c. Upon such delinquency occurring, and following at least one further billing for the charges, if the account is not paid within one hundred twenty (120) days of the rendering of the initial bill which has become delinquent, the City acting through its utility billing section, in conjunction with the Solid Waste Coordinator, shall notify the collection contractor to cease all further collections for said account until payment of accumulated fees has been made in full. The stoppage of services for nonpayment of collection charges shall be in addition to any and all other rights of the City to proceed for the collection of unpaid charges.

d. Following cessation of collection due to nonpayment of charges, the delinquent customer shall be penalized monthly an amount equivalent to the monthly services charged for collection as billed prior to the delinquency.

B. Lien and Enforcement: Any such delinquent charges shall become a lien against the property for which the garbage collection service is rendered. A notice of the City’s lien for garbage collection disposal service specifying the charges, the period covered by the charges, and giving the legal description of the premises sought to be charged, shall be filed with the office of the King County Auditor within the time required, and shall be foreclosed in the manner and within the time prescribed for liens for labor and material and as otherwise specified in RCW 35.21.140 et seq. All liens filed pursuant to the aforecited State statute shall be prior to any and all other liens and encumbrances filed subsequent to the filing of such lien with the office of the King County Auditor, except the lien for general taxes and local improvement assessments whether levied prior or subsequent thereto. The City shall have the right to claim its collection costs and attorney’s fees for foreclosure of the lien.

C. Responsibility for Charges: The customer receiving collection services shall have a personal obligation to pay charges for said services. This obligation is in addition to the obligations detailed in subsections A and B of this Section. The City’s Solid Waste Utility shall have the absolute authority, except as limited by State laws, to refuse to furnish service to, to discontinue service to, or to refuse to resume services to any applicant or customer on account of their failure to pay delinquent bills owing said utility by such person, whether such bills cover service at the premises sought to be served, or elsewhere within the City.

D. Appeal: Prior to the City terminating further collections, the City’s utility billing section shall send a notice to the responsible person or persons that the bill for services is delinquent and of the City’s intention to terminate service. The person or persons so notified shall have the right, within ten (10) days of receipt of such notification, to appeal to the Finance and Information Services Administrator, in writing, the declaration of delinquency and the City’s intention to terminate service. The notice shall be deemed received three (3) days following mailing of the notice. The Finance and Information Services Administrator’s inquiry shall be limited to whether or not a delinquency exists, and whether or not the City should terminate further collection services. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-10 RATES FOR SERVICES:

The following schedule is hereby adopted as the monthly charges to be paid to the City for services rendered in each category. These rates shall become effective with billings computed on or after January 1st of the year the budget is adopted.

A. Residential Customers:

1. For garbage cans and/or garbage units:

2002 Renton Service Level	SWU Monthly Rates
Mini-can	$ 6.40
1 can collected weekly	13.44
2 cans collected weekly	21.37
3 cans collected weekly	28.82
4 cans collected weekly	36.75
5 cans collected weekly	44.68
6 cans collected weekly	52.66
Each additional can weekly	8.00
Extra garbage, up to 15 gallons	4.00 per unit
Return trip charge	3.00
64 gallon contractor cart – new	23.33
96 gallon contractor cart – new	31.15

2. Senior and/or disabled customers who qualified under RMC 8-4-31C for low-income rates for a seventy-five percent (75%) subsidy prior to May 31, 2008, are eligible for a one dollar sixty cents ($1.60) fee for mini-can service. For services other than mini-can, the rate schedule above will apply. All senior and/or disabled customers qualifying under RMC 8-4-31C for low-income rates after May 31, 2008, are eligible for a fifty percent (50%) subsidy of the charges for the service level selected. (Ord. 5372, 4-28-08)

3. Miscellaneous Services: The City of Renton offers miscellaneous services. A trip charge of twenty dollars ($20.00) will be imposed for each pickup. In addition, the following rates per item will be charged:

Services Cost per Pickup On-Call Bulky Waste Collection	Per Item:
Refrigerators/freezers	$39.13
Washing machine/clothes dryer	16.91
Stove/range/oven	16.91
Dishwasher	16.91
Water heater	16.91
Other large appliances	16.91
Sofas/chairs	21.50
Mattresses/box springs	19.20

The City also offers the rental of a second 96-gallon yard waste cart for weekly pickup for one dollar ninety cents ($1.90) per month. Yard waste will now be picked up weekly.

B. Commercial Customers:

1. Garbage Cans: Customers have two types of service available in garbage cans – commercial can (32 gallons), or commercial mini-can (20 gallons).

2002 Renton Service Level	SWU Monthly Rates
Commercial mini-can (20 gallon)	$12.10
1 commercial can (32 gallon can or units)	13.88
2 commercial cans	27.75
3 commercial cans	41.63
Extra commercial cans (per pickup)	8.00

2. Hydraulically Handled Containers One (1) to Eight (8) Yards: The rate for the handling of hydraulically handled containers approved by the City’s contractor and the City for use by commercial, industrial and multiple-family residence establishments shall be as follows:

a. Monthly Rates:

2002 Renton Service Level	SWU Monthly Rates
64 gallon contractor cart	$  29.96
96 gallon contractor cart	48.23
1 yard container, 1 pickup/week	75.65
1 yard container, 2 pickups/week	142.32
1 yard container, 3 pickups/week	208.97
1 yard container, 4 pickups/week	275.62
1 yard container, 5 pickups/week	342.29
1.5 yard container, 1 pickup/week	103.59
1.5 yard container, 2 pickups/week	197.32
1.5 yard container, 3 pickups/week	291.05
1.5 yard container, 4 pickups/week	384.78
1.5 yard container, 5 pickups/week	478.50
2 yard container, 1 pickup/week	127.42
2 yard container, 2 pickups/week	243.66
2 yard container, 3 pickups/week	359.92
2 yard container, 4 pickups/week	476.17
2 yard container, 5 pickups/week	592.42
3 yard container, 1 pickup/week	181.18
3 yard container, 2 pickups/week	349.53
3 yard container, 3 pickups/week	517.88
3 yard container, 4 pickups/week	686.22
3 yard container, 5 pickups/week	854.58
4 yard container, 1 pickup/week	234.00
4 yard container, 2 pickups/week	453.99
4 yard container, 3 pickups/week	673.98
4 yard container, 4 pickups/week	893.98
4 yard container, 5 pickups/week	1,113.96
6 yard container, 1 pickup/week	331.80
6 yard container, 2 pickups/week	640.29
6 yard container, 3 pickups/week	948.78
6 yard container, 4 pickups/week	1,257.26
6 yard container, 5 pickups/week	1,565.75
8 yard container, 1 pickup/week	427.53
8 yard container, 2 pickups/week	826.57
8 yard container, 3 pickups/week	1,225.60
8 yard container, 4 pickups/week	1,624.63
8 yard container, 5 pickups/week	2,023.67
Extra commercial yards	15.38
1 yard compactor	624.48
1.5 yard compactor	661.59
2 yard compactor	715.49
3 yard compactor	806.48
4 yard compactor	913.18
6 yard compactor	989.79
Multi-family yard waste (incl. cart)	39.62

b. Rental Rates: Rental rates for one (1) to eight (8) yard containers will be paid in the monthly rates.

c. Minimum Pickups: Minimum pickups for containers and compactors between one (1) to eight (8) yards will be once per week.

3. Temporary containers are rented and billings are handled directly by Waste Management, Inc.

4. Extra Charges:

a. A ten dollar ($10.00) charge will be added for each occurrence of the following services:

(1) Container rollouts and rollbacks over fifteen feet (15¢) from the point of safe truck access.

(2) Commercial cans placed more than fifty feet (50¢) from the point of safe truck access.

(3) Opening and closing of container enclosure gates and/or locking and unlocking of container lids.

b. A twenty-five dollar ($25.00) charge will be added for each occurrence of the following services:

(1) Hydraulic disconnect and reconnect of compactors.

(2) Compactor roll-off box turnaround.

(3) Containers that are not available for collection at regularly scheduled pickup time and a request is made that the contractor make a special return trip.

c. Any extra yardage charges determined by the collection contractor due to overflowing containers will be charged per yard at the one (1) yard rate listed under subsection B2 of this Section.

5. Special Services: Whenever special services not contained within this schedule are required, the rate charged for those special services shall be negotiated by the customer with the City and the collection contractor.

C. Commercial Roll Off Customers: Commercial roll off customers are those who have a ten (10) to forty (40) yard container or compactor. These large disposal containers are lifted and weighed at the disposal facility. Commercial container customers pay a disposal pickup fee based upon the number of pickups, a weight-based fee and a container rental fee. Compactor customers pay a pickup fee based upon the number of pickups and a weight-based disposal fee.

1. Base Pickup Fees: The base pickup fees are as follows on a per occurrence basis:

Commercial Roll Off Rates are Per Pickup
10 yard containers	$ 92.40
15 yard containers	92.40
20 yard containers	100.85
30 yard containers	113.40
40 yard containers	125.53
10 yard compactor	130.46
20 yard compactor	130.46
30 yard compactor	226.80
40 yard compactor	302.40

The minimum pickup is twice per month.

2.   Rental Rates: The following are rental rates for roll off containers.

Monthly Rental Rates
10 yard container	$38.66
15 yard container	55.16
20 yard container	71.68
30 yard container	88.18
40 yard container	108.69

3. Disposal Fees: In addition to the base charge per pickup and the monthly rental fee,

the customer must pay weight-based disposal fees plus tax.

D. (Rep. by Ord. 4898, 3-19-2001)

E. Classification and Appeal: Service category classifications shall be on the basis of the type and volume of solid waste and the purpose and type of the dwelling or facility being served as determined by the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator of the City, or the Administrator’s duly authorized representative. Any person who shall deem their classification improper may appeal to the Solid Waste Coordinator within forty five (45) days following their classification or change of classification. After the decision of the Solid Waste Coordinator, if the party appealing is still aggrieved, then the party may appeal to the Planning/Building/ Public Works Administrator, whose decision shall be final. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-11 ADOPTION BY REFERENCE:

A. The following Federal, State and local environmental health laws, rules or regulations, at least one copy of which is on file with the City Clerk, are hereby adopted as applicable laws, rules and regulations governing the generation and collection of solid waste:

1. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.

2. Chapter 70.95 RCW, as amended.

3. King County Board of Health Rules and Regulations No. 8.

4. King County Code Title 10.

B. All waste generated or collected from within the corporate limits of the City which is delivered to the County system for disposal shall be in compliance with such provisions. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

8-1-12 SEVERABILITY:

If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Chapter is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this Chapter, it being herein expressly declared that this Chapter and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause and phrase thereof would have been adopted irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional. (Ord. 5133, 4-11-05)

CHAPTER 2
STORM AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE

SECTION:

8-2-1: Billing, Payment And Termination And Reinstatement Of Service

8-2-2: Rate Reductions

8-2-3: Determination Of Category Of Property And Calculation Of Charges

8-2-4: Adjustment Of Category Due To Development Or Changes

8-2-5: Appeal From Category Determination And Assessment

8-2-6: Severability

8-2-7: Surface Water System Development Charge

8-2-1 BILLING, PAYMENT AND TERMINATION AND REINSTATEMENT OF SERVICE:

A.  Billing Procedures: The utility, jointly with the Finance and Information Services Department, may establish procedures pertaining to the billing and collection of service charges and other fees imposed by the utility. (Ord. 4065, 5-11-87)

1.   Bills Due: All bills for storm drainage service as set forth in this Chapter, or as same may be amended from time to time, shall become due and payable at the office of the Finance and Information Services Administrator, or such other place as the City may designate, not later than twenty five (25) days from the date of billing. If the charges billed are not paid within the twenty (20) day period from the due date, such charges shall become delinquent. Once the charges become delinquent, there shall be added a late fee of ten percent (10%) of the past due charges but not less than fifty cents ($0.50) to compensate the City for handling the past due account, subsequent billings and any collection action taken.

2.   Determination of Delinquency: On the predetermined day of each and every month, it shall be the duty of the person collecting utility service charges to make out in duplicate and deliver to the Finance and Information Services Administrator a list of all delinquent customers and a description of the premises to which water service is being provided. Upon receipt of such delinquency list, it shall be the duty of the Finance and Information Services Administrator forthwith to notify the customer in writing of the delinquency and that the water service may be terminated within ten (10) days if the delinquency is not paid or an appeal is not filed. (Ord. 4460, 7-18-94)

3.   Notice of Delinquency: Notice of such delinquency shall be mailed in the manner provided herein for a bill. In lieu of a mailed notice, a delinquency notice may be served upon such user or occupant.

4.   Receipt of Mail: Notices and bills properly addressed and deposited in the mail to such user or occupant are deemed to have been received, and failure to receive such mail or rejection or return of the mail shall not be a valid defense for failure to pay any charge. Any change in ownership of property or change in mailing address must be properly filed in writing with the office of the Finance and Information Services Administrator or the duly designated representative by the current owner.

5.   Lien and Enforcement: Any such delinquent charges shall become a lien against the property for which the storm and surface water drainage collection service is rendered. A notice of the City’s lien for storm and surface water drainage collection service specifying the charges, the period covered by the charges, and giving the legal description of the premises sought to be charged, shall be filed with the office of the King County Auditor within the time required by RCW 35.67.210, shall be foreclosed in the manner set forth in RCW 35.67.240 and within the time prescribed in RCW 35.67.230. The City shall have the right to claim its collection costs and attorney’s fees for foreclosure of the lien. (Ord. 5275, 4-16-07)

6.   Responsibility for Charges: The customer receiving the collection services shall have a personal obligation to pay charges for said services. This obligation is in addition to the obligations detailed in this section. The City’s storm and surface water drainage utility shall have the absolute authority, except as limited by law, to refuse to furnish service to, to discontinue service to, or to refuse to resume services to any applicant or customer on account of their failure to pay delinquent bills owing said utility by such person, whether such bills cover service at the premises sought to be served, or elsewhere within the City. (Ord. 5275, 4-16-07)

B.  Appeals Procedures: Should an aggrieved person wish to appeal the delinquent notice, the following procedures shall be used:

1.   The aggrieved person shall notify the Administrator in writing within ten (10) days of receipt of the delinquency notice to request a review of said notice. The review shall be limited to the following issues:

a.   The existence of the delinquency.

b.   The amount of the delinquency.

c.   The manner in which the delinquency was calculated by the utility.

2.   The water service to the property which is the subject of the appeal shall not be terminated while an appeal is pending pursuant to this Section.

3.   The Finance and Information Services Administrator shall review the charges and determine the accuracy of the delinquency notice. If the existence of the delinquency or the amount thereof is in error, the Finance and Information Services Administrator shall correct the error and make the change on the City records. If the manner in which the delinquency is calculated is in error the Finance and Information Services Administrator shall request the utility to recalculate the charge and then make any resulting changes on the City records.

4.   The Finance and Information Services Administrator shall, as soon as practicable, notify the aggrieved party in writing of the results of the delinquency review. The aggrieved party shall have ten (10) days following receipt of the notice of the appeal decision to pay any remaining delinquency. Ten (10) days following the appeal decision the Administrator may cut off water service to the property in question if any delinquency remains unpaid.

C.  Termination of Water Service: Any person having received a delinquency notice and not having paid or appealed said delinquency may be subject to having the Finance and Information Services Administrator cut off water service to the property in question. (Ord. 4065, 5-11-87)

D.  Water Service Reinstatement: Should the Finance and Information Services Administrator cause the water service to be cut off for failure to pay a delinquency pursuant to this Section, such water service will remain cut off until the delinquency plus ten percent (10%) interest is paid, together with the sum of sixty dollars ($60.00) additional for the expense of turning the water off and on. (Ord. 4293, 10-15-90; amd. Ord. 5013, 6-23-03)

8-2-2 RATE REDUCTIONS:

A.  One Category: A rate reduction not to exceed one category shall be credited to any nonresidential parcel when acceptable storm water facilities have been installed in excess of those facilities which are required by City, County, State or Federal law, rules or regulations or in excess of facilities required to mitigate identified environmental impacts under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The storm water facilities which may be considered to qualify for rate reduction include but are not limited to storm retention, detention and recharge facilities. (Suspended by Ord. 4356, 6-15-92)

B.  Two Categories: A rate reduction not to exceed two (2) categories shall be credited to any nonresidential parcel providing a privately owned and maintained storm water drainage system which drains directly into Lake Washington; provided, that the drainage from the system meets or exceeds the water quality requirements of a permit which has been issued for said system by the State Department of Ecology.

      For any parcel five (5) acres in size or larger on which a portion of the on-site discharges into the City’s surface water utility system and a portion of which discharges directly to Lake Washington via a privately owned and maintained surface water drainage system. The one category rate reduction credit allowed herein shall be prorated as follows: the ownership shall be analyzed to determine the number of acres which drain into the Municipal system and the number of acres which discharge via the private system. That portion of the property which discharges into the Municipal system shall be charged the full service charge as determined by the initial “basic” category. That portion of the property which discharges via the private system shall be credited with a one-category rate reduction. (Suspended by Ord. 4356, 6-15-1992)

C.  Application: To obtain a rate reduction, an application for the reduction must be filed in writing with the Administrator setting forth the category of the property, the constructed facilities, on the property and the reason for the reduction pursuant to subsections A and B above. (Suspended by Ord. 4356, 6-15-1992)

D.  Assessments: No rate reduction shall be applied to an assessment until the Administrator has determined that the facilities which have been installed are functioning properly and fulfill the intent of this Section. If the facility for which the reduction is given should be discontinued or cease to be operated and maintained in a safe and effective manner then the reduction shall be withdrawn.

E.  Credit Adjustment: No credit adjustment can reduce a property assessment below the low intensity category.

F.  Credit For Amount Paid: (Rep. by Ord. 4657, 3-3-1997)

G.  Special Rates:

1.   For a seventy-five percent (75%) rate subsidy for senior and/or disabled low-income customers:

a.   Senior and/or disabled citizens who qualified under RMC 8-4-31C for low-income rates prior to August 1, 1994, are eligible for rates of one dollar fifty-four cents ($1.54) per month.

b.   Senior and/or disabled citizens who qualify under RMC 8-4-31C for low-income rates after August 1, 1994 and prior to May 31, 2008, are eligible for rates of one dollar eighty-five cents ($1.85) per month.

2.   All senior and/or disabled citizens qualifying under RMC 8-4-31C for low-income rates after May 31, 2008 are eligible for a fifty percent (50%) subsidy equal to a rate of three dollars and seventy-one cents ($3.71) per month. (Ord. 4461, 7-25-1994; Ord. 4567, 12-11-1995; Ord. 4643, 12-9-96; Ord. 4881, 12-11-2000; Ord. 5112, 12-20-2004; Ord. 5179, 12-12-2005; Ord. 5235, 11-27-2006; Ord. 5319, 11-26-2007; Ord. 5372, 4-28-2008)

8-2-3 DETERMINATION OF CATEGORY OF PROPERTY AND CALCULATION OF CHARGES:

A.  Evaluation Criteria: All properties other than single-family residential properties shall be evaluated using the following criteria to determine the category of the property. All public facilities, Municipal facilities and quasi-municipal facilities shall be rated in their appropriate category.

BASIC CATEGORY CRITERIA

CATEGORY CRITERIA

High Intensity Developed with 81 – 100% impervious surfaces.

Medium Intensity Developed with 51 – 80% impervious surfaces.

Low Intensity Developed with 0 – 50% impervious surfaces.

Special Class Gravel pits, fill sites, City streets, public alleys, County, State and Federal highways and properties under construction.

Undeveloped Lands in a natural state (lands which have been graded and/or been filled preparatory to development pursuant to a special permit are in the special class).

Exempt Golf course, dedicated, natural open space and properties belonging to City’s Water Works Utility.

B.  Percentage Calculation: To derive the “percentage of impervious surface coverage” the total area of impervious surface coverage of a parcel will be divided by the total parcel area exclusive of public streets and rights-of-way.

C.  Initial Basic Category: The following documents may be used to determine the initial basic category:

1.   King County Assessor’s records.

2.   Records of survey, both public and private.

3.   Plan records or aerial photogrammery.

4.   Field inspection.

D.  Calculations For Charges:

1.   A property which is less than one acre in size and which is developed with a use other than single-family residential will be assessed as follows:

a.   A parcel which is five-tenths (0.5) acres in size or smaller will be charged for one-half (1/2) acre at the rate established for the basic category.

b.   A parcel which is greater than five-tenths (0.5) acres in size but smaller than one acre will be charged for one acre at the rate established for the applicable category.

2.   A parcel which is greater than one (1.0) acre in size and which is developed with a use other than single-family residential will be charged using the formula: (total parcel size) times (rate per acre established for the applicable category). (Ord. 4065, 5-11-1987)

E.  Charges For Surface Water Utility:

1.   The following schedule is hereby adopted as the monthly charges to be paid to the City for surface water utility services:

a.	Single-family dwelling	$7.41 per unit
b.	Low intensity, 0.5 acre or less	$18.34 per acre
c.	Medium intensity, 0.5 acre or less	$26.53 per acre
d.	High intensity, 0.5 acre or less	$34.21 per acre
e.	Low intensity, more than 0.5 acre	$36.69 per acre
f.	Medium intensity, more than 0.5 acre	$53.04 per acre
g.	High intensity, more than 0.5 acre	$68.41 per acre
h.	Gravel pits	$73.76 per acre
i.	City streets	$18.39 per acre

(Amd. Ord. 4881, 12-11-2000; Ord. 5179, 12-12-2005; Ord. 5235, 11-27-2006)

2.   Senior and/or disabled citizens who qualify under RMC 8-4-31B shall be eligible, upon application, for special rates as detailed in RMC 8-2-2G. (Ord. 5319, 11-26-2007)

3.   (Rep. by Ord. 4898, 3-19-2001) (Ord. 4436, 2-21-1994; Ord. 4485, 12-5-1994; amd. Ord. 4815, 11-22-1999)

F.  Rate Revenue For Capital Purpose: A portion of the revenue generated from the above rates will be used for storm utility related capital improvement projects and/or debt services for the same as indicated in the adopted budget. Also included in the above rates are applicable State and local taxes.

G.  Penalty And Late Charges: Penalty and late charges are the same as in Section 8-1-8A1b. (Ord. 4253, 12-11-1989)

8-2-4 ADJUSTMENT OF CATEGORY DUE TO DEVELOPMENT OR CHANGES:

After the initial assessment of a property, any

further development which alters the storm drainage run-off shall result in a re-evaluation of the assessment category. The amended service charge shall become effective upon the date of issuance of a grading permit if necessary, or if not necessary, issuance of a foundation permit for new development or building construction permit for redevelopment.

8-2-5 APPEAL FROM CATEGORY DETERMINATION AND ASSESSMENT:

A.  Appeal: Any property owner who disputes the determination of property category, the area to be charged or the amount of a rate reduction, may file an appeal in accordance with the following procedure:

1.   The appeal petition shall be in writing, addressed to:

Planning/Building/Public
Works Administrator
Municipal Building
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, Washington 98055

2.   The petition shall be filed with the City Clerk in person or via certified or registered mail no later than thirty (30) days after the date of notification of the basis for charges or the initial monthly account billing.

3.   The petition shall include identification of property owner(s), any necessary details of the affected property, a description of existing improvements, and an explanation of the alleged errors or the basis for the appeal.

4.   The petition shall be accompanied or preceded by payment of any disputed charge, so that the account is current.

5.   Upon receipt of the petition, the City Clerk shall check that the appeal was filed within thirty (30) days of the date of the notice of basis for charges or the initial monthly account billing by the Finance and Information Services Department and confirm that payment of charges is current. The appeal shall then be forwarded to the Administrator.

6.   The Administrator shall review the appeal and shall notify the petitioner of the results of that review as soon as practicable. The date of mailing of such a notification shall constitute the response date.

7.   Any amendment to service charges, as a result of an appeal process, shall be applied as a credit to billings subsequent to the final appeal decision.

B.  Review Appeal: Any owner who disputes any determination under this Section made by the Administrator through the appeal process may, within thirty (30) days of the date of notification of the appeal finding, request a review appeal by petitioning the City’s Hearing Examiner in writing for a hearing as follows:

1.   Filing of Petition: The review appeal petition shall be filed in person or by certified or registered mail addressed to:

Land Use Hearing Examiner
Municipal Building
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, Washington 98055

2.   Fee: The petition shall be accompanied by payment of a seventy five dollar ($75.00) filing fee.

3.   Explanation: The review appeal shall be on the record that was submitted to the Administrator. The petition shall contain an explanation of the alleged errors in the appeal finding.

4.   Current Charges: Pending final decision, the owner shall pay current charges. Failure to pay current charges shall result in dismissal of the appeal by the Hearing Examiner.

5.   Hearing:

a.   Upon receiving such a petition, the Hearing Examiner shall schedule a hearing within thirty (30) days. Notice of the hearing shall be provided to the petitioner at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing. Following the hearing, a final determination shall be made in writing by the Hearing Examiner and the petitioner so notified within thirty (30) days.

b.   The Hearing Examiner shall affirm the Administrator’s decision unless the examiner finds the Administrator’s decision to have been clearly erroneous. If the decision was clearly erroneous, the Examiner may remand the matter to the Administrator or may recompute the applicable service charge.

c.   Following the Examiner’s decision, any aggrieved party may, within fourteen (14) days after the Examiner’s decision, petition for reconsideration by the Examiner in accordance with RMC 4-8-100G4.

d.   Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as granting any right of judicial review which did not previously exist in law. The original or reconsideration decision of the Hearing Examiner shall be final and conclusive, unless a writ of review is sought in the Superior Court of King County by an aggrieved party within twenty (20) calendar days of the mailing of the applicable Examiner’s decision. (Ord. 4065, 5-11-87)

8-2-6 SEVERABILITY:

If any provision of this Chapter or its application to any person or property is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Chapter or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected. (Ord. 4065, 5-11-87)

8-2-7 SURFACE WATER SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CHARGE:

See RMC 4-1-180I3. (Amd. Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)

CHAPTER 4
WATER

SECTION:

8-4-1: Definition

8-4-2: Application

8-4-3: Contract Of Individual

8-4-4: Connection To Water Main (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-5: Private Pipe Requirements (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-6: Water Meter Charges Original Installations (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-7: Conforming Pipes

8-4-8: Notification Of Connection; Inspection

8-4-9: Enlarging Or Removing Service Connections; New Taps

8-4-10: Discontinued Use Charge

8-4-11: No Remission Of Rates

8-4-12: Delinquent Charges

8-4-13: Accounts Charged Against Premises

8-4-14: Report Building Alterations Or Constructions (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-15: Tampering Prohibited (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-16: Emergency; Use Of Water

8-4-17: Water Prohibited On Streets Or Sidewalks

8-4-18: Violation Charge

8-4-19: Designation Of Hours

8-4-20: Water Use During Fire

8-4-21: Certain Rights Reserved By The City

8-4-22: All Water Apparatus Kept In Good Repair

8-4-23: Waste Of Water Prohibited

8-4-24: Fire Protection

8-4-25: Inspection Of Pipes And Fixtures

8-4-26: Public Works Director To Discontinue Service In Case Of Violation

8-4-27: Written Notice Served For Violation

8-4-28: Connection And Meters Property Of City

8-4-29: Meter Accuracy Question

8-4-30: Change Of Rates

8-4-31: Charges For Metered Water Service Inside City

8-4-32: Charges For Metered Water Service Outside City

8-4-33: When Due And Payable

8-4-34: Designation For Collection Of Water Charges

8-4-35: Interference With Fire Hydrants Prohibited

8-4-36: Interference With Water Mains And Other Appliances

8-4-37: Contaminating Reservoir

8-4-38: Obstructing Access To Fire Hydrant Prohibited

8-4-39: Connection Without Permission Prohibited (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-40: Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator’s Authority

8-4-41: Charges For Property Not Previously Assessed (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-42: Supervision; Mains To Extend Full Width Of Property (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-43: Developer Extensions To The Utility System (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-44: Appeal From Notice Of Intention To Cut Off Water Service

8-4-45: Cross Connection Control (Rep. by Ord. 4723)

8-4-46: Water Billing Adjustment For Water Leak

8-4-1 DEFINITION:

The word “Utilities Engineer” whenever used in this Chapter shall be held and construed to mean the Utilities Engineer of Water and any act in this Chapter required or authorized to be done by him, may be done on his behalf by any authorized employee of the Water Department. (Ord. 1754, 4-28-59; amd. Ord. 2823, 1-21-74, eff. 1-30-74)

8-4-2 APPLICATION:

A.  Any person desiring to have premises connected with the water supply system of the City shall make application therefor at the office of the Water Department.

B.  Application therefor shall be made upon a printed form furnished for that purpose, which application shall contain a description of the premises where such water supply is desired and shall fully state all of the purposes for which the water is to be used, the size of the service pipe and the number and kind of fixtures to be connected thereto and shall be signed by the owner of the premises to be served or by his duly authorized agent. (Ord. 1754, 4-28-59)

C.  At the time of filing such application the applicant shall pay to the Finance and Information Services Administrator, or the person appointed by him for the purpose of collecting water rates, the fee for installation of water service as provided in Section 4-1-190B. (Ord. 1754, 4-28-59; amd. Ord. 2823, 1-21-74, eff. 1-30-74; Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)

8-4-3 CONTRACT OF INDIVIDUAL:

The application provided for in the preceding Section shall contain a contract on the part of the person making the same to pay for the water applied for at the rate and in the manner specified in such contract and shall reserve to the City the right to charge and collect the rates and enforce the penalties provided, to change the rates at any time without notice to the consumer and shall specify that said contract is subject to all the provisions of this Chapter and of any laws of the City relating to the subject hereafter passed, and shall provide that the City shall not be held responsible for any damage by water or other cause resulting from defective plumbing or appliances on the premises supplied with water, installed by the owner or occupant of said premises and shall provide that in case the supply of water shall be interrupted or fail by any reason, the City shall not be held liable for damages for such interruption or failure, nor shall such interruptions or failures for any reasonable period of time be held to constitute a breach of contract on the part of the City or in any way relieve the consumer from performing the obligations of his contract.

All contracts shall take effect from the day they are signed and rates shall be charged from the day the premises are connected with the City’s water supply. (Ord. 1754, 4-28-59)

8-4-4 CONNECTION TO WATER MAIN:

(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)

8-4-5 PRIVATE PIPE REQUIREMENTS:

(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)

8-4-6 WATER METER CHARGES ORIGINAL INSTALLATIONS:

(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)

8-4-7 CONFORMING PIPES:

Before water will be turned on to any premises connected with the City’s mains, the service pipes upon such premises must be made to conform to the following regulations: the service pipes must be so located that the supply for each separate house or premises shall be controlled by separate stop and waste cocks of the best standard make, approved by the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator, with extension handles, properly protected from frost and so placed within the premises that all service pipes and fixtures may be thoroughly drained during freezing weather. Where sags or depression occur in the pipe and the stop and waste cock is not sufficient to fully drain all the pipes and fixtures within the premises, additional stop and waste cocks with extension handles must be so placed as to fully drain them. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52; amd. Ord. 2823, 1-21-74, eff. 1-30-74)

In cases where no fixtures are placed between the property line and the basement, the stop and waste cocks may be placed in the basement, provided said basement is not less than six feet (6’) in height and is provided with stairways or other means of access thereto; provided further, that where basements are enclosed in wooden walls the stop and waste cocks shall be placed at least twelve inches (12") below the surface of the ground and shall be provided with an extension handle. The connection between the City’s pipes at the property line and the service pipes on the premises must be made with a union. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52)

8-4-8 NOTIFICATION OF CONNECTION; INSPECTION:

Whenever the owner or occupant of any premises connected with the City’s water supply shall desire to use the water he shall notify the Utilities Engineer and request that the water be turned on to said premises. The owner shall leave his portion of the service exposed in the trench until it has been inspected and the water turned on, then he shall immediately cover the pipe. It shall be unlawful for any person whose premises are supplied with water to furnish water to additional premises. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52; amd. Ord. 2823, 1-21-74, eff. 1-30-74)

8-4-9 ENLARGING OR REMOVING SERVICE CONNECTIONS; NEW TAPS:

When new buildings are to be erected on the site of old ones and it is desired to increase the size of or change the location of the old service connection or where a service connection to any premises is abandoned or no longer used, the Utilities Engineer may cut out or remove such service connection, after which, should a service connection be required to said premises, a new service shall be placed only upon the owner making an application and paying for a new tap in the regular manner.

When a new main is laid in any street, owners of premises on said street who are being supplied with City water from a private main or a connection to a private service shall make application for tap and shall connect up with separate connection of the main in front of premises. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52)

8-4-10 DISCONTINUED USE CHARGE:

Whenever the owner or occupant of any premises desires to discontinue the use of water for a period of not less than one month, he shall make written application to have the water turned off and pay all arrearages in full. The water will be turned off and turned on again with a charge of sixty dollars ($60.00) payable at the time of turnoff, but no remission of water rates will be made. (Ord. 4079, 8-3-87; amd. Ord. 5013, 6-23-03)

8-4-11 NO REMISSION OF RATES:

When water has been shut off for any reason and is turned on again or allowed or caused to be turned on by the owner, no remission of rates will be made on account of its having been shut off, and the Utilities Engineer may then shut off the water at the main or remove a portion of the service connection in the street and shall charge the actual cost of cutting out and reinstating the water supply to the owner of the property. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52; amd. Ord. 2823, 1-21-74, eff. 1-30-74; Ord. 5013, 6-23-03)

8-4-12 DELINQUENT CHARGES:

A.  All charges for water service shall be charged against the premises to which the services were furnished and the City shall have a lien against the premises to which said water services were furnished for four (4) months’ charges due or to become due, but not for any charges more than four (4) months past due. Such lien may be enforced by cutting off the water service to the premises until such time as the delinquent unpaid charges, together with the sum of sixty dollars ($60.00) additional for the expense of turning the water off and on, have been paid to the Finance and Information Services Administrator or his/her designated representative.

B. Responsibility for Charges: The customer receiving the collection services shall have a personal obligation to pay charges for said services. This obligation is in addition to the obligations detailed in this section. The City’s water utility shall have the absolute authority, except as limited by law, to refuse to furnish service to, to discontinue service to, or to refuse to resume services to any applicant or customer on account of their failure to pay delinquent bills owing said utility by such person, whether such bills cover service at the premises sought to be served, or elsewhere within the City. (Ord. 4293, 10-15-90; amd. Ord. 5013, 6-23-03; Ord. 5275, 4-16-07)

8-4-13 ACCOUNTS CHARGED AGAINST PREMISES:

All accounts for water shall be kept in the name of the owner of the premises for which the service was installed, and not in the name of any tenant; provided, that persons holding under recorded lease may be supplied on their own account and in such cases the Utilities Engineer may require such a deposit of money with the Finance and Information Services Director as in his judgment shall be necessary to protect the City against any and all delinquent and unpaid charges for water or other charges on account of such service. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52; amd. Ord. 2823, 1-21-74; Ord. 2845, 4-15-74)

8-4-14 REPORT BUILDING ALTERATIONS OR CONSTRUCTIONS:

(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)

8-4-15 TAMPERING PROHIBITED:

(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)

8-4-16 EMERGENCY; USE OF WATER:

The Council shall establish policies implemented by the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator to arrange, reduce or limit the time for irrigation and sprinkling in cases of emergency, or whenever the public safety or health or the need for conservation of water so requires. Whenever there is, in the opinion of the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator, an insufficiency of water supply, the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator shall notify the Mayor and Council and take action necessary to reduce water system demand to a level that can be safely met with the water supply available. Any such action by the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator must be in accordance with the City water conservation plan, which must be approved by the Council and, within the operational constraints of the water system, must effect the same degree of water conservation from customers both inside and outside the City limits in a nondiscriminatory manner. The Planning/Building/Public Works Department may modify the water conservation plan as necessary to update the data and administrative information, but any change in policy must be approved by the City Council. (Ord. 4079, 8-3-87)

8-4-17 WATER PROHIBITED ON STREETS OR SIDEWALKS:

It shall be unlawful for any person wilfully to place an automatic sprinkling device or wilfully to place or hold any hose in such position or manner that water therefrom falls on any person while on any public street or sidewalk. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52)

8-4-18 VIOLATION CHARGE:

If any person shall violate any provision of Section 8-4-17, the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator shall, after reasonable notice to the user, shut off the water furnished to the premises upon which such violation is made, and shall charge sixty dollars ($60.00) for shutting off and turning on such water. Reasonable notice, for the purpose of this Section, shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8-4-19D. The determination to shut off water service pursuant to this Section shall be appealable to the City Finance and Information Services Director pursuant to Section 8-4-19E. (Ord. 4079, 8-3-87; amd. Ord. 5013, 6-23-03)

8-4-19 DESIGNATION OF HOURS:

A.  Restrictions: The Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator, in case of a shortage of water supply from any cause, may make an order forbidding or suspending the use of water for sprinkling or irrigation, or may direct customers that sprinkling or irrigation may only be done during certain hours or on certain days by giving notice through the appropriate media.

B.  Civil Penalty: Any person violating the order described in the prior subsection shall be subject to a fine as determined by the Public Works Director in an amount not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) for residential customers, and not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for all other customer classes. Written notice of the violation and the imposition of the civil penalty, together with a notice of the right of an appeal from the determination of the Public Works Director, shall be delivered to the violator and/or the customer by personal service, or by first class mail addressed to the billing address of the customer. In determining the amount of the penalty, the Public Works Director shall take into consideration all of the facts and circumstances, including but not limited to the following:

1.   Whether it is a first or subsequent offense;

2.   The extent and nature of the violation;

3.   Whether there was any loss of property or life which was caused or contributed to by the violation;

4.   The cost to the City in discovery of the violation and the processing of the violation; and

5.   The likelihood of a further or later violation if no significant penalty is imposed.

C.  Foreclosure: Such civil penalty shall be a lien against the real estate if the real estate at the location of the violation is owned by the violator, or the violator is the agent, employee, officer or director of the real property owner. Such lien may be foreclosed in the same manner as materialman’s liens under State law. In all instances the civil penalty shall also be enforceable as a fine against the person violating the restrictions on water usage.

D.  Water Shut-Off: In addition to the foregoing civil penalty, in the event of a violation of the restrictions imposed by this Section, the water service to the violating user may be shut off after reasonable notice to the user and not turned on again until such penalty has been paid. Reasonable notice, for the purpose of this subsection, shall mean not less than ten (10) days’ notice delivered by first class mail to the billing address of the user, unless the Public Works Director shall have determined that the violation is a substantial and imminent danger to the existing water supply. In such event, reasonable notice shall consist of the best, practical notice, if any, which can be delivered to the offending user under all of the circumstances.

E.  Appeal: Any person or legal entity aggrieved by the civil penalty or its amount, or the proposed shut off of water service, may appeal the propriety of the penalty or its amount, or the proposed shut off of water service, to the City of Renton Finance Director within ten (10) days of the date of the determination by the Public Works Director. The consideration of the Finance Director on the appeal shall be limited to a determination of the existence of the alleged violation, the amount of the civil penalty assessed, if any, and/or the determination, if any, to shut off water service. The decision of the Finance Director shall be final unless a writ of review is obtained from the King County Superior Court within twenty (20) days after the date of the Finance Director’s decision. (Ord. 4079, 8-3-87)

8-4-20 WATER USE DURING FIRE:

It shall be unlawful for any person to use water for irrigation or sprinkling during the progress of any fire in the City, unless for the protection of property and all irrigation and sprinkling shall stop when an alarm of fire is sounded, and shall not be begun again until the fire is extinguished.

8-4-21 CERTAIN RIGHTS RESERVED BY THE CITY:

The City reserves the right at any time, without notice, to shut off the water supply for repairs, extensions, nonpayment of rates or any other reason and the City shall not be responsible for any damage, such as bursting of boilers supplied by direct pressure, the breaking of any pipes or fixtures, stoppages or interruption of water supply or any other damage resulting from the shutting off of water. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52)

8-4-22 ALL WATER APPARATUS KEPT IN GOOD REPAIR:

The service pipes, connections and other apparatus within any private premises must be kept in good repair and protected from freezing at the expense of the owner or lessee, who will be responsible for all damages resulting from leaks and breaks. In case of neglect, to promptly repair and service any fixture or make any changes or alterations required in this Chapter, the Utilities Engineer shall have authority when deemed necessary to go on the premises and make or cause to be made such changes, alterations, or repairs and charge the same against the premises and the owner thereof. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52; amd. Ord. 2823, 1-21-74, eff. 1-30-74)

The owner of any service connection shall be responsible for damage to meters serving said premises caused by hot water and shall be charged for repairs to meters caused by such damage.

8-4-23 WASTE OF WATER PROHIBITED:

It shall be unlawful for any person to waste water or allow it to be wasted by imperfect or leaking stops, valves, pipes, closets, faucets, or other fixtures, or to use water closets without self-closing valves or to allow any pipes or faucets to run open and to prevent the service from freezing or for any other reason or to use the water for purposes other than those named in application upon which the rates for water are based or for any other purpose than that for which his contract provides or use it in violation of any provision of this Chapter. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-52)

8-4-24 FIRE PROTECTION:

A.  Fees For Private Water; Fire Service: The charges for such fire protection services are hereby established as follows:

1.   Fire Protection Charge: The private fire protection charges are hereby fixed in the following schedule:

Meter	Rate
1 inch	$3.60
1-1/2 inch	$4.02
2 inch	$5.17
3 inch	$13.65
4 inch	$16.80
6 inch	$24.13
8 inch	$32.50
10 inch	$41.93

(Ord. 5112, 12-20-2004; Ord. 5179, 12-12-2005; Ord. 5235, 11-27-2006; Ord. 5319, 11-26-2007)

2.   Water Used For Extinguishing Fires: No charge will be made for water used in extinguishing fire if the owner or occupant of the premises where such fire occurs gives written notice to the office of the Utilities Engineer within ten (10) days from the date of such fire. In no case will any tap be made upon any pipe used for fire service purposes or any tank connected therewith, nor shall the use of any water be permitted through any fire service nor through any pipes, tanks or other fixtures therewith connected for any purposes except the extinguishing of fire on such premises or testing flows for fire control purposes.

B.  Whenever any change in the use, occupancy or construction of any premises or purposes as hereinabove defined require any increased fire and hydrant protection, the owner, owners or person in charge of such premises shall proceed promptly toward securing adequate protection and all such installation or changes to be completed providing for such increased fire protection, prior to the use or occupancy of such facilities.

C.  Unlawful Conduct: It shall be unlawful for any person to own, occupy or use any building or structure as hereinabove defined in this Section unless such building or structure is located within one hundred sixty five feet (165’) of any fire hydrant.

D.  Violation; Penalties: Any person violating any provision or term of this Section shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 2434, 9-23-1968; amd. Ord. 4441, 2-28-1994; Ord. 4567, 12-11-1995; Ord. 4723, 5-11-1998)

8-4-25 INSPECTION OF PIPES AND FIXTURES:

It shall be unlawful for any person to fail, neglect or refuse to give the Administrator of Planning/Building/Public Works or his duly authorized representatives free access at all reasonable hours to all parts of premises supplied with water from the City’s mains for the purpose of inspecting the condition of pipes and fixtures, noting the amount of water and the manner in which it is used. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-1952; amd. Ord. 2823, 1-24-1974, eff. 1-30-1974)

8-4-26 PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO DISCONTINUE SERVICE IN CASE OF VIOLATION:

If any owner or occupant of any premises supplied with City water shall violate any provision of the preceding Section, the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator may, after reasonable notice to the user, shut off such service; and such owner or occupant shall be required to pay any or all delinquent and unpaid charges against such premises together with a charge of sixty dollars ($60.00) for shutting off and turning on such water before the same shall be again turned on. “Reasonable notice” for the purpose of this Section shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8-4-19D. The determination to shut off water service pursuant to this Section shall be appealable to the City of Renton Finance and Information Services Administrator pursuant to Section 8-4-19E. (Ord. 4079, 8-3-1987; amd. Ord. 5013, 6-23-03)

8-4-27 WRITTEN NOTICE SERVED FOR VIOLATION:

In case of violation of any of the preceding sections the Administrator of Planning/Building/Public Works may cause written notice thereof to be served on the owner or occupant of the premises where such violation takes place, which notice shall require the payment of the charges hereinbefore provided and if such charges be not paid within twenty four (24) hours from the time of the service of such notice, the water shall be turned off from such premises and shall be in no case turned on until the charges have been paid. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-1952)

8-4-28 CONNECTION AND METERS PROPERTY OF CITY:

All service connections and meters, unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator of Planning/Building/Public Works, shall be and remain the property of the City and will not be removed unless the use of water on the premises is to be entirely stopped or the service connection discontinued or abandoned. In all cases where meters are lost, injured or broken by carelessness or negligence of owners or occupants of premises, they shall be repaired or replaced by or under the direction of the Administrator of Planning/Building/Public Works and the cost charged against the owner or occupant and in the case of nonpayment the water shall be shut off and will not be turned on until such charge and the charge for turning on the water are paid. In the event of the meter getting out of order or failing to register properly the consumer shall be charged on an estimate made by the Administrator of Planning/Building/Public Works on the average monthly consumption during the last three (3) months that the same was in good order or from what he may consider the most reliable data at his command. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-1952)

8-4-29 METER ACCURACY QUESTION:

Where the accuracy of record of a water meter is questioned it shall be removed at the consumer’s request and shall in his presence be tested in the shop of the Water Department, by means of the apparatus there provided, and a report thereon duly made. Both parties to the test must accept the findings so made. If the test disclosed an error against the consumer of more than three percent (3%) on the meter’s registry, the excess of the consumption on the three (3) previous readings shall be credited to the consumer’s meter account and the Water Department will bear the entire expense of the test and the deposit required as hereinafter prescribed shall be returned. On the other hand, where no such error is found, the person who has requested the test shall pay the charge fixed for such test.

Before making a test of any meter the person requesting such a test shall, at the time of filing his request with the Administrator of Planning/Building/Public Works, make a deposit with the Administrator of Finance and Information Services of the amount charged for such test, subject to the conditions herein stated, which charges are as follows:

For testing 3/4" through 2" meter	$40.00
For testing meters larger than 2"	Time and Materials ($60.00 refundable deposit prior to test)

      No meter shall be removed or in any way disturbed, nor the seal broken except in the presence or under the direction of the Planning/Building/Public Works Administrator. (Ord. 4287, 8-13-1990)

8-4-30 CHANGE OF RATES:

The City shall have the right at any time it may desire to change from a flat rate to meter rate on any connection now or hereafter to be made to the City water system, and install a meter, and thereupon the meter rates will be charged for such connection and the flat rate will be discontinued. (Ord. 1437, 8-28-1952)

8-4-31 CHARGES FOR METERED WATER SERVICE INSIDE CITY:

A.  Customer Classifications: There will be five (5) new customer classes for the water utility. They will be single-family/duplex, multi-family, non-residential, private irrigation, city irrigation. (Ord. 4441, 2-28-1994)

B.  Metered Rates:

1.   The minimum rates for metered water supplied within the City in one month or fractional period thereof are hereby fixed in the following schedule:

Size of service	Single-family/duplex, multi-family, non-residential	Private irrigation, city irrigation
3/4"	$10.10	$6.08
1"	$20.91	$10.85
1-1/2"	$38.63	$18.52
2"	$60.54	$28.37
3"	$124.39	$60.05
4"	$189.82	$89.30
6"	$370.18	$169.13
8"	$724.62	$322.50
10"	$1,080.10	$476.93
12"	$1,571.90	$687.26

2.   Commodity Rates: Three (3) consumption blocks will be established for single-family and duplex customers. The size of the first block will be less than 600 cubic feet of water consumed per month. The second block will be 600 to 1,400 cubic feet of water consumed per month. The third block will be over 1,400 cubic feet of water consumed per month. The rates for these three (3) blocks are as follows:

Less than 600 cubic feet	$1.47
600 – 1,400 cubic feet	$1.97
Over 1,400 cubic feet	$2.47

      Customers that are multi-family, non-residential, private irrigation, and city irrigation will pay for consumption at the following rates per one hundred (100) cubic feet.

Multi-family	$1.90
Non-residential	$2.01
Private Irrigation	$3.20
City Irrigation	$2.27

      (Ord. 5112, 12-20-2004; Ord. 5179, 12-12-2005)

3.   (Rep. by Ord. 4898, 3-19-2001) (Ord. 4567, 12-11-1995; amd. Ord. 4815, 11-22-1