Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Divisions of Water and Sewerage and Drainage would like to amend Chapters 1105 and 1137 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, regarding front footage fees assessed for properties that are tapping into City sewer and water lines. The intent of the code is to assess a front footage fee when the main sewer or water line was constructed and paid for by the City; the current language does not clearly convey this intent.
FISCAL IMPACT: It is estimated that there will be no fiscal impact due to the addition of this verbiage.
Title
To amend Chapters 1105 and 1137 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, regarding front footage fees assessed for properties that are tapping into City sewer and water lines.
Body
WHEREAS, the Divisions of Water and Sewerage and Drainage would like to amend Chapters 1105 and 1137 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, regarding front footage fees assessed for properties that are tapping into City sewer and water lines, and
WHEREAS, the intent of the code is to assess a front footage fee when the main sewer or water line was constructed and paid for by the City, and
WHEREAS, the current language does not clearly convey this intent, and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Divisions of Water and Sewerage and Drainage, Department of Public Utilities, to authorize the Council of the City of Columbus to amend Chapters 1105 and 1137 of the Columbus City Codes, regarding front footage fees assessed for properties that are tapping into City sewer and water lines, now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That Chapter 1105 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, be amended by changing the following language:
1105.11 Water main front foot connection charge.
Each applicant shall pay the sum of twenty-two dollars ($22.00) effective January 1, 1999 per front foot of the property to be served provided that this charge shall not be imposed for the replacement of a tap or increase in size of an existing tap. This charge shall not be imposed if the owner of the property concerned can show that said property owner or their predecessor in title paid, or is paying a special assessment for the construction of any of the water mains which provide such service or at their own expense at no expense to the water enterprise fund constructed any of the water mains which provide such service. The number of feet to be paid for shall be determined by one of the following methods:
Section 2. That Chapter 1137 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, be amended by changing the following language:
1137.01 Tapping sewer where property not assessed.
Upon application being made to tap any main trunk or lateral sewer built or owned by the city for the purpose of draining the house sewer of any property directly into such main trunk or lateral sewer the director of public utilities shall cause a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) effective January 1, 1997; thirty-five dollars ($35.00) effective January 1, 1998 and forty-five dollars ($45.00) effective January 1, 1999 per foot of width of said property to be exacted for the privilege of making such a direct connection from the house sewer to such main or lateral sewer before a permit is issued therefore, provided that this charge shall not be imposed if the owner of the property concerned can show that he or his predecessor in title paid, or is paying, a special assessment for the construction of the main trunk or lateral sewer sought to be tapped or at his own expense at no expense to the sanitary enterprise fund constructed all or a part of such main trunk or lateral sewer sought to be tapped. The number of feet to be paid for shall be determined by one of the following applicable methods:
Section 3. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.