Chapter 13.70
ASSESSMENTS, RATES, FEES AND CHARGES

Sections:

13.70.010    Purpose of chapter.

Article I. General Facility Charge—Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater

13.70.110    Purpose of general facility charge.

13.70.120    General facility charge calculation.

13.70.130    Calculation of equivalent residential units (ERUs).

13.70.140    ERU adjustment factor.

13.70.150    Expanding service calculation—Water and wastewater.

13.70.160    Payment of general facility charge.

13.70.170    Capacity credit—Water and wastewater.

13.70.180    CPI adjustment.

Article II. Front Footage Fees—Water and Wastewater

13.70.310    Purpose of front footage fees.

13.70.320    Front footage fee calculation.

Article III. Connection/Inspection Fees

13.70.410    Water.

13.70.420    Water service connection fee.

13.70.430    Payment of fee.

Article IV. Service Rates—Water

13.70.510    Water service rates.

13.70.520    CPI adjustment.

Article V. Service Rates—Wastewater

13.70.610    Wastewater service rates.

13.70.620    CPI adjustment.

13.70.630    Future rate adjustments.

Article VI. Service Rates—Stormwater

13.70.710    Stormwater service rates.

13.70.720    Stormwater service rate calculation.

13.70.730    CPI adjustment.

Article VII. Miscellaneous Fees and Charges

13.70.810    Miscellaneous fees and charges.

13.70.010 Purpose of chapter.

A.    General Purpose. This chapter provides for the establishment of assessments, connection fees, utility service rates and other service charges associated with connection to the utility system and the providing of utility services. Assessment fees, utility rates and other service charges shall include, but not be limited to, front footage-general facility charges, connection charges, utility service rates, account maintenance charges, plan check and system development fees and charges.

B.    Periodic Review. The city will periodically review all utility fees and charges set forth in Section 3.12.100 to determine its continuing ability to recover costs incurred by the utility in providing water, wastewater and stormwater services to its customers on a fair and equitable basis and to ensure that necessary funds are available for the operation and maintenance of the utility systems and meeting debt service obligations. (Ord. 2018-15 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2018: Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003; Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

Article I. General Facility Charge—Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater

13.70.110 Purpose of general facility charge.

A.    Fee to Be Charged. A general facility charge (GFC) shall be charged on all new or expanded service connections connecting to the utility system pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(A) for utility service. For the purposes of this section, the term “new or expanded service connections” includes discharges of stormwater into the city’s natural drainage systems, including but not limited to drainage swales, creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, and marine waters. The general facility charge shall be in addition to any special agreements or provisions for mitigation of impacts or requirements for expansion/upgrading to the utility system by any development or project.

B.    Utility System Defined. The utility system is defined as that infrastructure designed and constructed for the purpose of providing for delivery of services or natural drainage systems used for stormwater collection, conveyance, or treatment, and shall include, but not be limited to, water supply, treatment, transmission, storage and distribution facilities, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, and stormwater collection, treatment and detention facilities, including but not limited to drainage swales, creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, and marine waters.

C.    Equitable Share. The general facility charge shall be proportionate to the cost of providing facilities and services to previously unserviced property and all changes in use that increase demand on, or discharges into, the municipal utility system. The fee shall reflect the equitable share for that connection to the utility’s system and shall be computed based on equivalent residential units (ERUs) for water and wastewater and impervious surface units (ISU) for stormwater. (Ord. 2018-15 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2018: Ord. 2017-13 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2016-14 § 1 (part), 2016; Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003; Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.120 General facility charge calculation.

A.    The general facility charge for water and wastewater shall be calculated by multiplying the number of equivalent residential units (ERUs) associated with the service connection (as determined under Section 13.70.130) by an adjustment factor based on the type of service (as provided in Section 13.70.140) in order to arrive at an adjusted number of ERUs, and then multiplying the adjusted number of ERUs by the general facility connection cost set forth in Section 3.12.100.

General Facility Charge =

(Adjusted # ERU) x (General Facility Connection Cost)

Adjusted # ERU =

(# of ERU) x (Adjustment Factor)

B.    The general facility charge for stormwater shall be calculated by impervious surface unit (ISU) where one ISU is equal to three thousand square feet of impervious area as defined by Section 13.70.720(B). (Ord. 2018-15 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2018: Ord. 2016-14 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.130 Calculation of equivalent residential units (ERUs).

Single-family, multifamily, commercial buildings with transitory living units, and associated residential irrigation ERUs are calculated by multiplying the number of dwelling units by the appropriate ERU adjustment factor in Section 13.70.140. Commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential and associated irrigation ERUs are calculated based on the meter flow factor equivalent ERUs in the table set forth below. The meter flow factor equivalent ERUs are based on the water meter size and shall be calculated according to the average continuous flow factor of a displacement type meter where a five-eighth-inch or three-quarter-inch meter shall have a flow factor equivalent to one ERU. There is no adjustment factor for individual commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential uses.

Meter Size

Average Continuous Flow Factor (gpm)

Meter Flow Factor Equivalent ERUs

5/8" or 3/4"

10

1.0

1" (residential*)

10

1.0

1" (commercial)

25

2.5

1 1/2"

50

5.0

2"

80

8.0

3"

160

16.0

4"

250

25.0

6"

500

50.0

8"

800

80.0

*    One-inch (residential) meter size calculated at 1.0 ERU only for instances in which the residence is utilizing a flow through fire sprinkler system, as installed in construction built in or after 2014. The fire suppression system requires a one-inch service meter to operate properly. The meter has the capacity to flow at twenty-five gpm but would only be utilized at that capacity in the event of a fire. Additional information regarding meter size and operation is found in Section 3.12.100.

(Ord. 2019-02 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 2018-15 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2018: Ord. 2015-09 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.140 ERU adjustment factor.

Calculation of the general facility charge shall include an adjustment factor associated with the level of service required by the respective customer classes and shall be apportioned and assessed as noted:

Single-family residence

1.00 ERUs/unit

Duplex, triplex, four-plex

0.85 ERUs/unit

Apartments/condominiums
(five or more units)

0.80 ERUs/unit

Transitory living units (motels/hotels, care facilities)

0.40 ERUs/unit

Commercial/industrial

1.00 ERUs/unit

Irrigation systems

0.50 ERUs/unit

(Ord. 2019-02 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 2018-15 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2018: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.150 Expanding service calculation—Water and wastewater.

The calculation of the general facility charge for expanding services on previously serviced property shall be computed based on the difference in meter size and shall be calculated according to the standard flow factor of a displacement type meter where a five-eighth-inch by three-quarter-inch meter shall have a flow factor equal to one ERU. (Ord. 2018-15 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2018: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.160 Payment of general facility charge.

The general facility charge shall be assessed and paid at the time of issuance of the building permit and shall be in addition to other rates, fees, assessments, and charges established for service. (Ord. 2018-15 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2018: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.170 Capacity credit—Water and wastewater.

A.    Calculation of Credit. A fee credit associated with the assessment of the general facility charge may be given subject to petition by the property owner or developer for the value of off-site mitigation or improvements related to the providing of additional capacity beyond the requirements necessary to meet the property owner or the developer requirements, which benefit the utility system. The credits shall be proportional to the additional capacity provided by the planned capital improvement.

B.    Limit on Credit. The total credit, if any, as provided in this subsection shall not exceed the amount of the total general facility charge due and payable to the utility that applies to the property or development requiring service as a result of the improvements. (Ord. 2018-15 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2018: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.180 CPI adjustment.

In addition to such other changes as may be approved by city council, commencing January 1, 2010, and in January of each successive year thereafter, the fees, rates and charges in Section 3.12.100(A) shall automatically be adjusted based upon the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the year ending June 30th of the previous year with a minimum increase not less than two percent and a maximum increase not to exceed six percent. However, these fees shall not, in any case, decrease. (Ord. 2022-16 § 2 (Att. A), 2022; Ord. 2018-19 § 1 (part), 2018: Ord. 2018-15 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2018: Ord. 2009-02 § 3 (part), 2009)

Article II. Front Footage Fees—Water and Wastewater

13.70.310 Purpose of front footage fees.

A front footage fee (FFF) shall be collected on all utility system mains which were installed or funded by the utility pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(B) for utility service. (Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.320 Front footage fee calculation.

A.    Equitable Share. The front footage fee (FFF) shall be proportionate to and based on one-half of the cost of providing distribution and collection system mains to previously unserviced property desiring connection to a city-installed main. The fee shall reflect the equitable share for the connection to the utility’s system and shall be computed based on front footage of the property.

B.    Basis for Calculation. The calculation of the front footage fee shall be based on the total front footage of rectangular shaped parcels of property under individual ownership fronting the main and served by the main at the time of connection.

C.    Corner Lots and Nonabutting Properties. Properties situated on corner lots abutting utility mains on two sides shall have the front footage charge computed by averaging the two sides. Properties served which are not abutting a utility main and wherein it is undesirable to extend or install a utility main shall be assessed a front footage fee equivalent to fifty feet of footage.

D.    Irregular Shaped Parcels. Irregularly shaped parcels of property with frontage of less than fifty feet of frontage abutting a utility main shall be assessed a minimum front footage fee equivalent to fifty feet of footage.

E.    Payment of Front Footage Fees. The front footage fee shall be assessed and paid at the time of the issuance of the building permit and shall be in addition to rates and other fees, assessments, and charges established for service. (Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

Article III. Connection/Inspection Fees

13.70.410 Water.

A connection/meter fee shall be charged for all water service connections to the utility system pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100 for the water service connection connecting the property owner’s premises to the public utility system. (Ord. 2010-10 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.420 Water service connection fee.

Calculation of connection/meter fees shall be based on the estimated cost to provide the service and computed based on service size and method of installation as follows:

A.    Property Owner (Contractor) Installed Installations. A property owner subject to application and the conditions noted below may, at their option, provide for the installation of a water service connection to the city’s utility system and the service. The service shall be installed by a licensed contractor. Meter shall be provided by the city pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(C)(1).

B.    Municipal Installed Installations. Subject to application, a property owner may petition the city to provide for installation of a water service connection within the public right-of-way between the property owner’s property line and the city main pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(C)(2). In the event it should be necessary in order to install a service connection to remove and restore surface improvements, including but not limited to asphalt and concrete roadways and sidewalks, an additional fee shall be levied for replacement of same and shall be assessed actual labor and material costs plus a twenty percent administrative fee. (Ord. 2010-10 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.430 Payment of fee.

The connection/inspection fee shall be assessed and paid at the time of the issuance of the building permit. (Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

Article IV. Service Rates—Water

13.70.510 Water service rates.

A.    General. Service rates and fees to be charged for the water service shall be as set forth in Section 3.12.100(D) and shall be adequate, except in cases of emergency, to provide for administration, engineering and legal expenses, system operations and maintenance expenses; debt service requirements; funding of replacement reserves accounts and system improvement projects.

B.    Retail Water Rates. A general retail water rate shall be assessed all users of the city utility system for municipal service provided pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(D) for domestic water service. The rate shall be calculated at the conclusion of use and shall be based on the meter size and a commodity charge computed to the nearest one hundred cubic feet.

C.    Wholesale Water Service. The utility may sell surplus water to water districts or other public agencies that have been organized pursuant to the laws of the state that desire to purchase water from the city. Such service shall be through a wholesale contract, under such terms and conditions as shall be deemed fair and equitable by the city. All wholesale water contracts shall be subject to city council approval.

D.    Repealed by Ord. 2009-02.

E.    Repealed by Ord. 2003-35.

F.    Low Income Seniors and Disabled Citizens.

1.    Low income senior citizens and low income disabled citizens who live in a residence served directly by water and/or sewer facilities of the city of Poulsbo and who pay the water/sewer bill directly to the city may qualify for a discount.

2.    For the purposes of this section, “low income senior citizen” means a person who has attained the age of sixty-five years and whose total income from all sources, including that of his or her spouse, does not exceed thirty thousand dollars annually. For purposes of this section, “low income disabled citizen” means a person whose total income from all sources, including that of his or her spouse, does not exceed one hundred twenty-five percent of the U.S. Census Department poverty threshold, as published annually in February, and who is (a) a person qualifying for special parking privileges under RCW 46.16.381(1)(a) through (f); or (b) a blind person as defined in RCW 74.18.020; or (c) a disabled, handicapped, or incapacitated person as defined under any other state or federal program.

3.    All persons claiming the discount provided for in this section shall first be required to file an application with the city of Poulsbo finance department to initiate the reduction. The application shall be on forms prescribed by the finance director and shall provide information by which the finance director may verify the applicant’s eligibility to participate. Applicants shall be required to submit such additional information as may be required by the finance director to verify eligibility. In order to stay eligible for the program, an applicant must recertify their eligibility every twelve months. If the city determines that the applicant is ineligible for the reduction, the applicant will be notified by the city.

4.    If an applicant moves from the residence to which the service is provided or otherwise becomes ineligible for the reduced rate, the applicant shall be required to notify the finance department immediately.

5.    If false information is submitted to the city in connection with any application for a reduced utility rate, the applicant will automatically become ineligible to receive any future discounts and any discounts or reductions already given shall be fully repaid to the city, together with a penalty in the amount of one hundred percent of the repayment amount. This remedy shall be in addition to any other remedies the city may have for the giving of false information.

G.    Temporary/Construction Meters. Persons desiring temporary water service from a fire hydrant, hose connection, or meter for the purposes of construction, special events, or other activities that are limited in duration shall make application to the utility on the form provided and make a deposit pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(D)(4) for temporary/construction meters. (Ord. 2015-02 § 1 (part), 2015; Ord. 2009-02 § 4, 2009; Ord. 2003-35 § 1 (part), 2003; Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003; Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.520 CPI adjustment.

In addition to such other changes as may be approved by city council, commencing January 1, 2010, and in January of each successive year thereafter, the fees, rates and charges in Section 3.12.100(D) shall automatically be adjusted based upon the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the year ending June 30th of the previous year with a minimum increase not less than two percent and a maximum increase not to exceed six percent. However, these fees and charges shall not, in any case, decrease. (Ord. 2022-16 § 2 (Att. A), 2022; Ord. 2018-19 § 1 (part), 2018: Ord. 2009-02 § 3 (part), 2009: Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

Article V. Service Rates—Wastewater

13.70.610 Wastewater service rates.

A.    General. Service rates and fees to be charged for the wastewater service shall be as set forth in Section 3.12.100(E) and shall be adequate, except in cases of emergency, to provide for administration, engineering and legal expenses, system operations and maintenance expenses; debt service requirements; funding for replacement of reserve accounts and system improvement projects.

B.    Retail Wastewater Rates.

1.    A general retail wastewater rate shall be assessed on all users of the city’s wastewater system pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(E) for wastewater service.

2.    Winter billings shall be calculated on the billings for the months of November through May based on the amount of actual domestic water usage provided to the customer and shall be calculated based on domestic water meter readings and computed to the nearest one hundred cubic feet.

3.    Summer billings for the months of June through October for residential customers shall be based on the previous seven-month average of winter domestic water usage by the customer.

4.    In the event the customer was not connected to a public water supply that utilizes a domestic water meter, the flow shall be determined by the utility based on the average flow of the like customer class.

C.    Wholesale Wastewater Service. The utility may receive and convey wastewater from adjacent wastewater districts and other public agencies that have been organized pursuant to the laws of the state. Such service shall be through a wholesale contract, under such terms and conditions as shall be deemed fair and equitable by the city. All wholesale wastewater contracts shall be subject to city council approval.

D.    Bulk Transport Disposal Services. The utility shall levy charges for disposal of bulk-transported wastes from mobile tanks into the utility wastewater system pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(E)(3) for disposal services.

E.    Low Income Seniors and Disabled Citizens.

1.    Low income senior citizens and low income disabled citizens who live in a residence served directly by water and/or sewer facilities of the city of Poulsbo and who pay the water/sewer bill directly to the city may qualify for a discount.

2.    For the purposes of this section, “low income senior citizen” means a person who has attained the age of sixty-five years and whose total income from all sources, including that of his or her spouse, does not exceed thirty thousand dollars annually. For purposes of this section, “low income disabled citizen” means a person whose total income from all sources, including that of his or her spouse, does not exceed one hundred twenty-five percent of the U.S. Census Department poverty threshold, as published annually in February, and who is (a) a person qualifying for special parking privileges under RCW 46.16.381(1)(a) through (f); or (b) a blind person as defined in RCW 74.18.020; or (c) a disabled, handicapped, or incapacitated person as defined under any other state or federal program.

3.    All persons claiming the discount provided for in this section shall first be required to file an application with the city of Poulsbo finance department to initiate the reduction. The application shall be on forms prescribed by the finance director and shall provide information by which the finance director may verify the applicant’s eligibility to participate. Applicants shall be required to submit such additional information as may be required by the finance director to verify eligibility. In order to stay eligible for the program, an applicant must recertify their eligibility every twelve months. If the city determines that the applicant is ineligible for the reduction, the applicant will be notified by the city.

4.    If an applicant moves from the residence to which the service is provided, or otherwise becomes ineligible for the reduced rate, the applicant shall be required to notify the finance department immediately.

5.    If false information is submitted to the city in connection with any application for a reduced utility rate, the applicant will automatically become ineligible to receive any future discounts and any discounts or reductions already given shall be fully repaid to the city, together with a penalty in the amount of one hundred percent of the repayment amount. This remedy shall be in addition to any other remedies the city may have for the giving of false information.

F.    Wastewater Connection Penalty. Failure to physically hook up to the city’s wastewater system when service is available within two hundred feet of the property owner’s residence or facility as measured along the public rights-of-way or dedicated utility easements shall result in a monthly penalty as set forth in the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(E)(4) for wastewater service.

G.    Inflow and Infiltration of Stormwater. Illegal hookups or excess infiltration to the city wastewater system as determined by the city shall result in a monthly additional wastewater charge for estimated flow in excess of metered potable water. When an illegal hookup of roof drains or excess infiltration is found to exist, the public works director shall notify the property owner immediately that corrective action is required and shall require that this corrective action be accomplished within sixty days. If no corrective action is accomplished within sixty days, the public works director shall estimate the amount of unauthorized flow and the city shall bill the property owner an additional monthly charge for service pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(E) for wastewater service. (Ord. 2015-03 § 1, 2015; Ord. 2015-02 § 1 (part), 2015; Ord. 2010-10 § 1 (part), 2010; Ord. 2005-17 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003; Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.620 CPI adjustment.

In addition to such other changes as may be approved by city council, commencing January 1, 2010, and in January of each successive year thereafter, the fees, rates and charges in Section 3.12.100(E) shall automatically be adjusted based upon the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the year ending June 30th of the previous year with a minimum increase not less than two percent and a maximum increase not to exceed six percent. However, these fees and charges shall not, in any case, decrease. (Ord. 2022-16 § 2 (Att. A), 2022; Ord. 2018-19 § 1 (part), 2018: Ord. 2009-02 § 3 (part), 2009: Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003: Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.630 Future rate adjustments.

In addition to the CPI adjustment described in Section 13.70.620, commencing January 1, 2010, and in January of each successive year thereafter, the fees, rates and charges in Section 3.12.100(E) shall automatically be adjusted according to the following schedule:

January 2010

Five percent

January 2011, 2012, 2013

Four percent

January 2014

Two percent

(Ord. 2009-02 § 3 (part), 2009)

Article VI. Service Rates—Stormwater

13.70.710 Stormwater service rates.

A.    General.

1.    Service rates and fees to be charged for the stormwater service shall be as set forth in Section 3.12.100(F) and shall be adequate, except in cases of emergency, to provide for administration, engineering and legal expenses, system operations and maintenance expenses; debt service requirements; funding of replacement reserves accounts and system improvement projects.

2.    The stormwater service rate shall be assessed all property owners who contribute to or benefit from the city’s stormwater drainage and treatment system pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(F) for stormwater service; provided, however, that all parcels of property that remain undeveloped, unaltered or in their natural condition shall be exempt from stormwater assessment until such time as they are developed, altered, or improved.

B.    Residential Stormwater Rates.

1.    Residential accounts shall pay monthly service fees on the basis of billable impervious surface units (ISUs).

2.    All single-family residential accounts shall be considered equal to one equivalent imperious surface unit (ISU) for purposes of the monthly stormwater utility service fee.

C.    Multifamily/Commercial Stormwater Rate. Multifamily/commercial stormwater customers’ utility accounts shall pay monthly service fees on the basis of billable ISUs. Billable ISUs shall be determined and established for each non-single-family account on the basis of the property size and impervious area.

D.    Public Property. Except as otherwise provided in RCW 90.03.525 for state highways and as otherwise provided in this section, public entities and public property shall be subject to rates and charges for stormwater service to the same extent as private persons and property. All city-owned property shall be subject to the monthly charges based upon the categories set forth above; provided, that city streets shall not be charged a monthly stormwater fee in consideration of such streets being part of the stormwater conveyance system and thereby providing in-kind services and property to the drainage utility.

E.    Low Income Seniors and Disabled Citizens.

1.    Low income senior citizens and low income disabled citizens who live in a residence served directly by water and/or sewer facilities of the city of Poulsbo and who pay water, sewer, and storm utility bills directly to the city may qualify for a discount.

2.    For the purposes of this section, “low income senior citizen” means a person who has attained the age of sixty-five years and whose total income from all sources, including that of his or her spouse, does not exceed thirty thousand dollars annually. For purposes of this section, “low income disabled citizen” means a person whose total income from all sources, including that of his or her spouse, does not exceed one hundred twenty-five percent of the U.S. Census Department poverty threshold, as published annually in February, and who is (a) a person qualifying for special parking privileges under RCW 46.16.381(1)(a) through (f); or (b) a blind person as defined in RCW 74.18.020; or (c) a disabled, handicapped, or incapacitated person as defined under any other state or federal program.

3.    All persons claiming the discount provided for in this section shall first be required to file an application with the city of Poulsbo finance department to initiate the reduction. The application shall be on forms prescribed by the finance director and shall provide information by which the finance director may verify the applicant’s eligibility to participate. Applicants shall be required to submit such additional information as may be required by the finance director to verify eligibility. In order to stay eligible for the program, an applicant must recertify their eligibility every twelve months. If the city determines that the applicant is ineligible for the reduction, the applicant will be notified by the city.

4.    If an applicant moves from the residence to which the service is provided or otherwise becomes ineligible for the reduced rate, the applicant shall be required to notify the finance department immediately.

5.    If false information is submitted to the city in connection with any application for a reduced utility rate, the applicant will automatically become ineligible to receive any future discounts and any discounts or reductions already given shall be fully repaid to the city, together with a penalty in the amount of one hundred percent of the repayment amount. This remedy shall be in addition to any other remedies the city may have for the giving of false information. (Ord. 2015-02 § 1 (part), 2015; Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003; Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.720 Stormwater service rate calculation.

A.    General. Calculation of rates shall be determined by the approximate amount of impervious surface area of developed parcels of property, including publicly owned property and rights-of-way that either prevents or retards entry of water into the soil.

B.    ISU Computation. Impervious surface units (ISUs) shall be as computed as follows:

3,000 square feet of impervious area shall be equal to one impervious surface unit (ISU)

If a fraction of an ISU exists, the next higher ISU will be charged, e.g., 3.2 ISU will be rounded up and charged as four ISUs. Fractional multipliers will not be used. (Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)

13.70.730 CPI adjustment.

In addition to such other changes as may be approved by city council, commencing January 1, 2010, and in January of each successive year thereafter, the fees, rates and charges in Section 3.12.100(F) shall automatically be adjusted based upon the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the year ending June 30th of the previous year with a minimum increase not less than two percent and a maximum increase not to exceed six percent. However, these fees and charges shall not, in any case, decrease. (Ord. 2022-16 § 2 (Att. A), 2022; Ord. 2018-19 § 1 (part), 2018: Ord. 2009-02 § 3 (part), 2009)

Article VII. Miscellaneous Fees and Charges

13.70.810 Miscellaneous fees and charges.

A.    General. The utility shall set fees and charges to recover all or a portion of its administrative and operations expenses related to the services set forth herein.

B.    Service Fee—Utility Billing. A service fee shall be charged for all account maintenance, including, but not limited to, activation of the utility account changes, such as designated agents in the utility billing authorization form, and recording of property liens pursuant to the fees in the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(G)(1).

C.    Service Reactivation—Fee. Whenever the owner or occupant of any premises already connected with the city’s utility system desires to restore service which has been shut off by the city, that person shall notify the city and request that water be turned back on to the premises; provided, that service shall not be restored until all charges for utility service provided to the premises, together with all penalties due thereon, have been paid.

D.    Service Fee—Field.

1.    A service fee shall be charged for all service calls to the property owner’s premises pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(G) for utility service. Service calls shall include, but not be limited to, turn-on/turn-off of water services as a result of delinquent payment of accounts, door hanging notices prior to service shutoff, after hours utility location requests and repeat service calls during normal work hours.

2.    After hours, weekend and holiday service requests shall require acknowledgment by signature of the requesting party on the form which identifies the additional service and fee provided by the service specialist. The service fee shall be added to the regular utility billing for service.

E.    Shutoff Charges. Shutoff charges for failure to pay for water, sanitary sewer or stormwater services will result in the water being shut off and it shall not be turned on again until the charges, together with all penalties due thereon, are paid together with a shutoff and turn-on charge as set forth in Section 3.12.100(G)(2).

F.    Cross-Connection Control Inspections. The utility shall charge a fee, as set forth in Section 3.12.100(G)(6), for the required testing and inspection of backflow prevention devices if the customer requests the utility to perform such service.

G.    Stormwater Administrative Assessments. A stormwater administrative assessment shall be charged for the review, inspection and installation of all stormwater systems pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established in Section 3.12.100(G)(6).

H.    Inspections. Inspections of service connections installed by the property owner or their contractor to the city’s utility system shall be assessed a service charge for each inspection as set forth in Section 3.12.100(G)(6).

I.    Reimbursement/Delayed Benefit Agreement. A property owner installing sewer or water lines pursuant to written agreement, such as a delayed benefit agreement with the city, shall pay the costs required by the agreement, if so specified.

J.    Local Improvement District. The costs for the installation and construction of water and sewer lines pursuant to the terms of a local improvement district shall be paid for in accord with the ordinances adopted for the formation of the local improvement district and the assessment roles thereof.

K.    Other. Installation charges for water and sewer service that are not otherwise specified in this subsection shall be assessed based on the cost of time and materials plus any applicable taxes, together with an additional twenty percent for administrative overhead charge. (Ord. 2010-10 § 1 (part), 2010; Ord. 2003-33 § 10, 2003; Ord. 2003-16 § 32 (part), 2003; Ord. 2002-29 § 2 (part), 2002)