Chapter 14.20
WATER METERS*
Sections:
14.20.010 Property of City—Damaged or Lost Meters.
14.20.040 Tampering with Meters Prohibited.
14.20.060 Meters Inside Premises.
14.20.070 Construction Water Meter.
* Prior history: 1949 Code §§ 7227—7231; Ords. 695, 934, 1768 and 1849.
14.20.010 Property of City—Damaged or Lost Meters.
A. All meters, unless otherwise authorized by the Utilities Director, 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.
B. In all cases where meters or meter boxes are lost, injured or broken by carelessness, or by the negligence of the owners or occupants of premises, they shall be replaced or repaired by the Utilities Department and the cost charged against the owner or occupant; and in the case of nonpayment, the water shall be shut off as provided in Section 14.12.090.
C. In the event the meter is out of order, or fails to register properly, the consumer shall be charged on an estimate made by the City on the average monthly consumption during the last three months that the meter was in good order, or from what he may consider to be the most reliable data at his command. (Ord. 2023-22 § 663, 2023; Ord. 2018-8 §§ 1—3, 2018; Ord. 2011-30 § 4, 2011: Ord. 96-22 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 92-56 § 2, 1993: Ord. 92-31 § 15 (part), 1992)
14.20.020 Meter Tests.
Where the accuracy of record of a water meter is questioned, it shall be removed at the consumer’s request and shall be tested by a contractor selected by the City. A report will be provided to the customer. Both parties to the test must accept the findings so made. If the test discloses an error against the consumer of more than three percent of the meter’s registry, the excess of the consumption on the three previous readings shall be credited to the consumer’s meter account and the City will bear the entire expense of the test. On the other hand, where no such error is found, the person who has requested the test can be charged the full fixed costs of the test. (Ord. 2011-30 § 5, 2011: Ord. 96-22 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 92-31 § 5 (part), 1992)
14.20.040 Tampering with Meters Prohibited.
No meter shall be removed, or in any way disturbed, nor the seal broken except in the presence of and under the direction of a duly authorized agent or employee of the City. (Ord. 96-22 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 92-31 § 5 (part), 1992)
14.20.050 Meter Placement.
All meters of the City shall be placed at the curb-line of the street or near the property line in alleys, whenever and wherever practicable, and be protected and maintained as a part of the operation of the City. (Ord. 2011-30 § 7, 2011: Ord. 96-22 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 92-31 § 5 (part), 1992)
14.20.060 Meters Inside Premises.
When a water meter is placed inside the premises of a consumer, for the convenience of the consumer, provisions shall be made for a convenient meter reading and repairing by representatives of the City. Failure to make such provisions by the consumer shall be sufficient cause for removal of such meter at the option of the Utilities Director and the withholding of service until connection is made at the curb-line as herein provided. (Ord. 2023-22 § 664, 2023; Ord. 2011-30 § 8, 2011: Ord. 96-22 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 92-31 § 5 (part), 1992)
14.20.070 Construction Water Meter.
All persons requesting water from a City-owned fire hydrant for the purposes of construction or other uses shall obtain a construction meter. Individuals who request a construction meter shall complete an application and pay the appropriate related fees identified by Council resolution. Applications are available at the Revenue Division located at City Hall. Once the application and fees have been accepted, a hydrant meter will be delivered and installed at the site. (Ord. 2011-30 § 9, 2011)