Chapter 13.04 WATER

The water department of the town is hereby created. It shall administer the operation and maintenance of the water system of the town. [Code 1986 § 14-110.]

13.04.020 Superintendent.

There is hereby created the position of superintendent of the water department. [Code 1986 § 14-111.]

13.04.030 Duties of the superintendent.

The superintendent of the water system shall manage and supervise the town water system pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and pursuant to resolutions, rules and regulations adopted by the town council from time to time prescribing his powers and duties and directing the manner and frequency with which he shall make reports to the mayor relating to the water system. All of the functions and activities of the superintendent shall be carried on under the direction of the mayor. [Code 1986 § 14-112.]

13.04.040 Application for water connection.

Any person, other than a subdivider or developer seeking multiple connections, who desires or is required to secure a new connection to the town water system, shall file with the water department for each such connection a written and signed connection application in substantially the following form:

MAYFIELD, UTAH

APPLICATION FOR WATER CONNECTION

TO THE TOWN OF MAYFIELD.

I hereby apply to the town of Mayfield for permission to connect my premises at _____________________ with the Town of Mayfield water system and hereby agree as follows:

1. (a) The Town shall make the requested connection from its water main to and including the water meter and up to my property line or to the meter if the meter is installed within my property. I agree to pay the Town the connection charges and fees as may be fixed by the town council by resolution or ordinance including a reservoir charge if so provided.

Additionally, I agree to pay $300.00 for inspection and overhead charges and other miscellaneous costs of the Town as may be fixed by the Town Council by resolution or ordinance.

The work of extending the water connection from the point to which the Town installs it to the place at which the water is to be used shall be my responsibility and shall be performed at my sole cost.

(b) The connection so made by the Town, including the meter, shall remain the property of the town at all times, and the town shall have access thereto at all times.

2. The location of the meter, whether on my premises or at some point near my premises, may be decided solely by the Town.

3. Before making connection with the water system, I shall cause the plumbing upon my premises to be inspected by the town and if the plumbing is not approved, I will cause the plumbing to be rectified at my own expense to meet the requirements of the town or of any other governmental agency having jurisdiction to regulate the water system within the Town.

4. I will be bound by the rules, regulations, resolutions or ordinances enacted now or hereafter by the town applicable to the town’s water system.

5. The purpose for which the water connection will be used is _______________.

6. The Town shall have free access to the lines and meters installed under this agreement and, at reasonable times, through my property if necessary.

Dated this _________ day of _________ , 20____.

________________________

(Applicant)

[Code 1986 § 14-113.]

13.04.050 Application for water connection by subdivider.

Whenever a subdivider or developer desires or is required to install water connections and extensions for a subdivision or development, the subdivider or developer shall enter into a written extension agreement which shall constitute an application for permission to make the extensions and connections and an agreement specifying the terms and conditions under which the water extensions and connections shall be made and the payments that shall be required. [Code 1986 § 14-114.]

13.04.060 Application for water service.

Any person who desires or is required to secure water service when such service is available from the town water system shall file with the water department a written application and agreement for the service which shall be in substantially the following form:

MAYFIELD, UTAH

APPLICATION FOR WATER SERVICE

TO THE TOWN OF MAYFIELD, UTAH

The undersigned hereby applies for water service from the Town of Mayfield, Utah, for premises located at _______________ and hereby agrees:

1. To pay charges for such water service as are fixed from time to time by the Town Council until such time as I shall direct such service to be discontinued.

2. In the event of a failure to pay water charges within the due dates fixed by the Town Council or of a failure of the occupant of the premises to conform to the ordinances and regulations established by the Town Council regulating the use of the water system, that the Town shall have the right to discontinue the water system service at its election, pursuant to five days’ written notice of the Town’s intention, until all delinquencies and any reconnection fees imposed are paid in full or until any failure to conform to this chapter or regulations issued thereunder is eliminated.

3. To be bound by the rules, regulations, resolutions, or ordinances enacted or adopted by the Town Council applicable to the Town’s water system.

Applicant does hereby deposit $________ with the Town on the filing of this application for water service, and it is agreed and understood that the Town may, but need not, apply the deposit upon bills due for prior service and that the right of the Town to shut off service as above provided shall exist even though the deposit has not been applied to the payment of past due bills for services. On final settlement of applicant’s account, any unused balance of the deposit will be refunded to applicant upon return of the security deposit receipt issued by the Town at the time the deposit is made.

4. That the deposit shall not be considered as an advance payment for any service. Charges and unpaid accounts shall be considered delinquent notwithstanding the existence of the deposit, and the applicant or user of water service shall not have the right to compel the Town to apply the deposit to any account to avoid delinquency.

Dated this _________ day of _________ , 20____.

________________________

(Applicant)

[Code 1986 § 14-115.]

13.04.070 Nonowner applicants – Agreement of owner.

Applications for water service made by the tenant of an owner must in addition to the above requirements be guaranteed by an agreement signed by the owner of the premises or his duly authorized agent in substantially the following form:

In consideration of the acceptance of the application for water service submitted by ________ (tenant), I or we will pay for all water services for any such tenant or any other occupant of ________________ premises in case such tenant or occupant shall fail to pay for the same according to the ordinances, rules, regulations or resolutions enacted by the town.

Dated this _________ day of _________ , 20____.

________________________

(Owner)

[Code 1986 § 14-116.]

13.04.080 Rates and connection fees.

The rates, penalty fee for delinquency in payment, connection fee, reservoir fee, inspection fee and other charges incidental to connection and services from the town water system shall be fixed from time to time by resolution enacted by the town council. The town council may from time to time promulgate rules for levying, billing, guaranteeing and collecting charges for water services and all other rules necessary for the management and control of the water system. Rates for services furnished shall be uniform with respect to each class or classes of service established or that may hereafter be established. [Code 1986 § 14-117.]

13.04.090 Special rates.

The town council may from time to time fix by agreement or resolution special rates and conditions for users using exceptionally large amounts of water service or making use of the water system under exceptional circumstances, upon such terms and conditions as they may deem proper. [Code 1986 § 14-118.]

13.04.100 Rates designated.

A. Water Service.

Rates During Normal Times (See Drought Condition Rates)
Base Rate	Low Limit	High Limit	Cost per 1500/Gal		Max costs per increment
Base Rate	0 gal	0 gal	30.00		$30.00
Tier 1	0 gal	6,000 gal	$4.00/1,500 gal		$16.00
Tier 2	6,001 gal	12,000 gal	$8.00/1,500 gal		$32.00
Tier 3	12,001 gal	48,000 gal	$12.00/1,500 gal		$432.00
Tier 4 Commercial rate	48,001 gal	Plus	$14.00/1,500 gal	Base upon Availability

Rates During Drought Conditions
Base Rate	Low Limit	High Limit	Cost per 1500/Gal		Max costs per increment
Base Rate	0 gal	0 gal	$40.00		$40.00
Tier 1	0 gal	6,000 gal	$6.00/1,500 gal	4/1,500 gal units	$24.00
Tier 2	6,001 gal	12,000 gal	$12.00/1,500 gal	4/1,500 gal units	$48.00
Tier 3	12,001 gal	48,000 gal	$16.00/1,500 gal	24/1,500 gal units	$384.00
Tier 4 Commercial rate	48,001 gal	Plus	$20.00/1,500 gal	Base upon Availability

B. Connection Fee. Water connection fee to the Mayfield Town culinary water system will be $4,000. (If having to cross under a road is necessary, the homeowner will be responsible for the additional cost.)

C. Delinquent Water Bill Charges. If any person fails to pay the water charges within 30 days of the date due, the clerk or water supervisor shall give the customer notice in writing of intent to discontinue the service to the customer unless the customer pays the bill in full within five calendar days from date of notice. Also, any amount still due after 30 days will be subject to a 10 percent penalty. [Ord. 2022-2 § 4; Ord. 2022-1 § 4; Res. 2021-I § 1; Res. 2021-H § 1; Res. 2017-18-A §§ 1, 2; Ord. 2017-1 § 1; Res. 2008-09-A §§ 1, 2; Res. 2002-2003-2 § 1; Res. 1996-97-B §§ 1, 2; Ord. 1994-A § 1.]

13.04.110 Board of equalization, rates, and rebates.

The town council is hereby constituted a board of equalization of water rates to hear complaints and make corrections of any assessments deemed to be illegal, unequal, or unjust. They may, if they see fit, rebate all or any part of the water bill of any indigent person. [Code 1986 § 14-119.]

13.04.120 Use without payment prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person by himself, family, servants, or agents to utilize the town water or sewer system without paying therefor, as herein provided or, without authority, to open any fire hydrant, stopcock, valve, or other fixtures attached to the system of water supply unless it is done pursuant to proper application, agreement, or resolution. It shall be unlawful to injure, deface, or impair any part or appurtenance of the water or sewer system, or to cast anything into any reservoir or tank belonging to the water system. [Code 1986 § 14-120.]

13.04.130 Delinquency – Discontinuance of service.

A. The clerk or water supervisor shall furnish to each user, or mail to, or leave at his place of residence or usual place of business, a written or printed statement stating thereon the amount of water service charges assessed against him once each month or at such other regular interval as the town council shall direct.

B. The statement shall specify the amount of the bill for the water service and the place of payment and date due. If any person fails to pay the water charges within 30 days of the date due, the clerk or water supervisor shall give the customer notice in writing of intent to discontinue the service to the customer unless the customer pays the bill in full within five days from the date of notice.

C. If the water service is thereafter discontinued for failure to make payment, then before the water service to the premises shall again be provided, all delinquent water charges must have been paid to the treasurer or arrangements made for their payment in a manner satisfactory to the town. In the event water is turned off for nonpayment of water charges, then before the water service to the premises shall again be provided, the customer shall pay, in addition to all delinquent water charges, such extra charge for turning the water on and off as the town council may have established by resolution. Until such a resolution has been adopted, there shall be added an extra charge of $75.00 for turning on the water. Furthermore, in addition to such payments and penalties, a delinquent customer may be required to make and file a new application and deposit if the previous deposit has theretofore been applied to the payment of delinquent bills. The clerk is hereby authorized and empowered to enforce the payment of all delinquent water charges by an action at law in the name of the town. [Code 1986 § 14-121.]

13.04.140 Turning on water after being turned off prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person, after the water has been turned off from the premises for nonpayment of water charges or other violation of the ordinances, rules, regulations, or resolutions pertaining to the water supply, to turn on or allow the water to be turned on or used without authority from the superintendent or clerk. [Code 1986 § 14-122.]

13.04.150 Separate connections.

It shall be unlawful for two or more families or service users to be supplied from the same service pipe, connection or water meter unless special permission for such combination usage has been granted by the town council and the premises served are owned by the same owner. In all such cases, a failure on the part of any one of the users to comply with this section shall warrant a withholding of a supply of water through the service connections until compliance or payment has been made, and in any event, the property owner shall be primarily liable to the town for all water services utilized on all such premises. Nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude the power of the town to require separate pipes, connections, or meters at a subsequent time. [Code 1986 § 14-123.]

13.04.160 Unauthorized users.

It shall be unlawful for any water service user to permit any person from other premises or any unauthorized person to use or obtain water services regularly from his premises or water facilities, either outside or inside his premises. [Code 1986 § 14-124.]

13.04.170 Period for visitors.

Individuals visiting the premises of an authorized user in a recreational vehicle not including a mobile home and continuing to live therein during the period of visitation may receive water service from the service pipes or facilities of the host during the visitation period which shall not exceed one month. Continued use thereafter shall be deemed unauthorized and violative of the provisions of this chapter relating to separate connections and unauthorized use. [Code 1986 § 14-125.]

13.04.180 Pipes to be kept in good repair.

All users of water services shall keep their service pipes and connections and other apparatus in good repair and protected from frost at their own expense. No person except under the direction of the water superintendent shall be allowed to dig into the street for the purpose of laying, removing or repairing any service pipe. [Code 1986 § 14-126.]

13.04.190 Quality of service pipe.

A. All service and other pipe used in conjunction with the water services of the town shall be of such material, quality, and specifications as the town council may from time to time by resolution provide, and shall be installed at such distances below ground as may be specified by regulations relating to the water department. All work, alterations, or extensions affecting water pipes shall be subject to the acceptance of the water superintendent, and no connections with any water mains shall be made without first obtaining a permit therefor from the clerk.

B. No consumer shall be permitted to conduct water pipes across lots or buildings to adjoining premises without permission from the water superintendent and subject to such requirements relating to controls as may be imposed by him. [Code 1986 § 14-127.]

13.04.200 Faulty equipment.

It shall be unlawful for any water user to:

A. Waste water.

B. Allow it to be wasted by stops, taps, valves, leaky joints or pipes, or to allow tanks or watering troughs to leak or overflow.

C. Wastefully run water from hydrants, faucets, or stops or through basins, water closets, urinals, sinks or other apparatus.

D. Use the water for purposes other than for those which he has applied, or to use water in violation of the rules and regulations for controlling the water supply. [Code 1986 § 14-128.]

13.04.210 Sprinkling vehicles.

Vehicles for sprinkling shall be regulated and controlled by the water department through the superintendent of the water department. [Code 1986 § 14-129.]

13.04.220 Department to have free access.

The water superintendent and his agents shall at all ordinary hours have free access to any place supplied with water services from the town system for the purpose of examining the apparatus and ascertaining the amount of water service being used and the manner of its use. [Code 1986 § 14-130.]

13.04.230 Nonliability for damages.

The town shall not be liable for any damage to a water service user by reason of stoppage or interruption of his or her water supply service caused by fires, scarcity of water, accidents to the water system or its mains, or which occurs as the result of maintenance and extension operations, or from any other unavoidable cause. This section shall not be construed to extend the liability of the town beyond that provided in the Governmental Immunity Act. [Code 1986 § 14-131.]

13.04.240 Water not supplied for motors, siphons, etc.

No water shall be supplied from the pipes of the town water system for the purpose of driving motor, siphon, turbine, or other wheels, or any hydraulic engines, or elevators, or for driving or propelling machinery of any kind whatsoever, nor shall any license be granted or issued for any such purpose except by special permission of the town council. [Code 1986 § 14-132.]

13.04.250 Sprinklers.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to use such number of outlets simultaneously or to use such sprinkler or combinations of sprinkler or outlets as will in the opinion of the town council materially affect the pressure or supply of water in the town water system or any part thereof, and the town council may from time to time, by resolution, specify combinations or numbers of outlets which may have such effect.

B. The town council shall, after determining that such improper use exists, notify the affected water user or the owner of the premises whereon such use occurs of such determination in writing, order such use discontinued and advise that such continued usage constitutes a violation of this chapter. [Code 1986 § 14-133.]

13.04.260 Scarcity of water.

In time of scarcity of water, whenever it shall in the judgment of the mayor and the town council be necessary, the mayor shall by proclamation limit the use of water to such extent as may be necessary. It shall be unlawful for any person, his family, servants, or agents to violate any proclamation made by the mayor in pursuance of this chapter. [Code 1986 § 14-134.]

13.04.270 Waste of water.

A. Users of water from the town water system shall not permit water to continue to run wastefully and without due efforts to conserve water. If, in the judgment of the water superintendent or of any of the officers of the town, a user of town water engages in practices which result in the needless waste of water and continues so to do after reasonable notice to discontinue wastefulness has been given, the superintendent or any officer may refer the matter to the town council.

B. The town council may thereupon consider terminating the right of the individual to use culinary water. If it elects to consider the matter of termination, it shall give notice to the water user of the intention to terminate his water connection at least five days prior to the meeting of the town council at which termination of water service is to be considered. The notice shall inform him of the time and place of the meeting and of the charges which lead to the consideration of the termination.

C. A water user whose right to utilize town water is being reviewed shall have opportunity to appear with or without counsel and present his reasons why his water service should not be discontinued.

D. After due hearing, the town council may arrive at a determination. If the determination is to discontinue the wasteful water user’s service connection, it shall notify him of the decision and of the period during which the service will remain discontinued. [Code 1986 § 14-135.]

13.04.280 Water meters.

A. Except as otherwise expressly permitted by this chapter, all structures, dwelling units, establishments and persons using water from the town water system must have such number of water meters connected to their water system as are necessary in the judgment of the superintendent to adequately measure use and determine water charges to the respective users.

B. Meters will be furnished by the town upon application for a connection, and upon payment of such connection fees and other costs as may be established by the town council from time to time by resolution.

C. Meters shall be deemed to be and remain the property of the town. Whenever a dispute between the superintendent and the property owner arises as to the appropriate number of meters to be installed on any premises, the matter shall be heard and determined by the town council after due notice in writing to the parties involved.

D. The superintendent shall cause meter readings to be taken regularly and shall advise the clerk thereof for the purpose of recording the necessary billings for water service.

E. Meters may be checked, inspected or adjusted at the discretion of the town, and they shall not be adjusted or tampered with by the customer. Meter boxes shall not be opened for the purpose of turning on or off the water except by an authorized representative of the town unless special permission is given by the town through its representatives to the customer to do so.

F. If a customer submits a written request to the superintendent to test his water meter, the town may, if under the circumstances it deems it advisable and in its discretion, order a test of the meter measuring the water delivered to such customer. If such request is made within 12 months after the date of the last previous test, the customer may be required to pay the cost of such test. If the meter is found in such test to record from 97 percent to 103 percent of accuracy under methods of testing satisfactory to the town council, the meter shall be deemed to accurately measure the use of water.

G. If the town’s meters fail to register at any time, the water delivered during the period of failure shall be estimated on the basis of previous consumption during a period which is not questioned. In the event a meter is found to be recording less than 97 percent or more than 103 percent of accuracy, the town shall make such adjustments in the customer’s previous bills as are just and fair under the circumstances.

H. All damages or injury to the lines, meters or other materials of the town on or near the customer’s premises caused by any act or neglect of the customer shall in the discretion of the town be repaired by and at the expense of the customer, and the customer shall pay all costs and expenses, including a reasonable attorneys’ fee, which may arise or accrue to the town through its efforts to repair the damage to the lines, meters or to other equipment of the department or collect such costs from the customer. [Code 1986 § 14-136.]

13.04.290 Permits for installation.

It shall be unlawful for any person to lay, repair, alter or connect any water line to the town culinary water system without first having received a construction permit from the office of the clerk or from the water superintendent. [Code 1986 § 14-137.]

13.04.300 Applications for installation permit.

A. Applications for permits to make water connections or other alteration or for laying or repairing lines connected directly or indirectly to the town water system must be made in writing by a licensed plumber, his authorized agent, or by the owner of the premises who shall describe the nature of the work to be done for which the application is made.

The application shall be granted if the superintendent determines that:

1. The connection, repair, alteration or installation will cause no damage to the street in which the water main is laid, or that it will not be prejudicial to the interests of persons whose property has been or may thereafter be connected to the water main.

2. The connection conforms to the ordinances, regulations, specifications and standards of materials required by the town.

All connections, alterations or installations shall be to the line and grade designated by the water superintendent.

B. Fees for permits or for inspection services shall be of such amounts as the town council shall from time to time determine by resolution. [Code 1986 § 14-138.]

13.04.310 Moving or replacement of water lines.

In the event that the town in its sole discretion determines that any water line of the town must be moved or replaced, the town shall bear that portion of the cost of such move or replacement which applies to main lines up to the property line of the customer. The cost of reconnecting such new line or lines from the house of the customer to his property line shall be borne by the customer. [Code 1986 § 14-139.]

13.04.320 When permits shall not be issued.

Permission to connect with the town water system shall not be given unless the plumbing in the house or building to be connected meets the provisions of the building and plumbing codes of the town. [Code 1986 § 14-140.]

13.04.330 Discontinuance of service.

Any customer desiring to discontinue service shall notify the town in writing of such fact at least 10 days before the date when such service shall be discontinued. On giving such written notice, the customer shall not be responsible for water bills incurred after the date specified in the notice. Any credit balance in favor of the customer as a result of an advance payment of bills or a deposit will be refunded upon discontinuance of service. [Code 1986 § 14-141.]

13.04.340 Fire hydrants.

Water for fire hydrants will be furnished free of charge by the town. Installation and repairs on such hydrants shall be at the expense of the town and shall be made under the direction of the town. All customers shall grant the town, upon demand, a right-of-way or easement to install and maintain such hydrants on their premises if the town concludes that hydrants shall be so installed for the protection of the residents of the town. [Code 1986 § 14-142.]

13.04.350 Extension of water mains within the town.

A. Application for Extension. Any person desiring to extend water or sewer mains with the town may make application to the town. Said application shall contain a description of the proposed extension accompanied by a map showing the location thereof. The council may grant or deny the application as in its discretion seems best for the welfare of the existing users in the town.

B. Detailed Plans to Be Submitted. Upon receiving preliminary approval from the council, the applicant shall submit detailed engineering plans showing the location and size of all mains, service laterals, and any other facilities to be included as part of the extension together with an estimate of the whole cost of expense in making the extension. The applicant shall also submit to the council documentation, acceptable to the council, agreeing to construct all required off-site or over-size facilities as shown on the plans and accepting the conditions relating to reimbursement. All mains shall be eight-foot lines unless larger pipe is specified by the council.

C. Town Council to Act on Application. Upon receipt of the documents and the report of the superintendent, the town council shall consider the question of the extension, and upon a motion properly presented shall act to approve or deny the extension. [Ord. 1997-98-C § 1; code 1986 § 14-143.]

13.04.360 Cost of extensions determined.

Upon the receipt of such petition and map and before the petition is granted, the town council shall obtain from the water superintendent a certified statement showing the whole cost of expense of making such extension. [Code 1986 § 14-144.]

13.04.370 Amount of cost to be deposited with the town recorder.

If the town council grants the petition, the amount of the costs of making the extension, as certified by the superintendent, shall be deposited with the town recorder before any work shall be done on such extensions. The deposit shall be made within 30 days, or such other time as the town council shall indicate, after the granting thereof. [Ord. 1997-98-C § 1; code 1986 § 14-145.]

13.04.380 Return of any money – Forfeiture.

A. At the time the town council decides whether or not to grant petition for an extension, it shall also decide whether or not any portion of the costs is to be refunded and the manner and circumstances under which such refund shall be made or credited to the applicant, his successors or representatives. Such determination shall be duly recorded in writing and a copy thereof furnished to the applicant.

B. In the event any deposit remains unclaimed for a period of five years after the depositor has discontinued water service, the deposit may be forfeited and then transferred to the water utility fund. [Code 1986 § 14-146.]

13.04.390 Ownership of extension.

Any such extension shall be deemed the property of the town. [Code 1986 § 14-147.]

13.04.400 Supply of water services to persons outside the town limits.

The town may furnish water service from its water system to persons outside the town in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. [Code 1986 § 14-151.]

13.04.410 Petition for service.

Any person located outside the town limits who desires to be supplied with water services from the town water system and is willing to pay in advance the whole expense of extending the water system to his property, including the cost of extending the water main beyond its present location, may make application to the town council by petition containing:

A. A description of the proposed extension.

B. A map showing the location thereof.

C. An offer to pay the whole expense incurred by the town in providing such extension and to advance such expenses as shall be verified to by the water superintendent. The town council and the person or persons seeking such extension may enter into an agreement providing in detail the terms under which the extension may be utilized by others in the future and the terms under which all or any portion of the cost of installing such extension may be refunded.

D. An acknowledgement that the town in granting the petition need supply only such water to the petitioner which from time to time the town council deems beyond the requirements of water users within the town limits, and that such extension shall be the property of and subject to the control of the town.

E. No new connection shall be installed to the Mayfield culinary water system that does not have a calculated static pressure of at least 40 psi at the location of the proposed culinary water meter or two feet above the highest floor elevation of the proposed structure that will have plumbing fixtures, whichever is higher. The calculation of the pressure shall be based on the elevation at the floor of the tank controlling the pressure in the zone where the connection is made, or at the floor of the tank controlling the pressure in the zone where the connection is made, or at the hydraulic grade elevation used for PRV value setting for other pressure zones within the town. [Ord. 2010-11-1 § 1; Code 1986 § 14-152.]

13.04.420 Extensions may be master-metered.

When an extension supplying more than one house or user outside the town limits is connected to town water mains, the water superintendent may require a master meter to be installed near the point where the connection is to be made to the town main. This installation will be at the expense of the persons served by such extension according to the regular rates for meter installation. Responsible parties must agree to pay all bills for water served through the meter at the applicable water rates. [Code 1986 § 14-153.]

13.04.430 Cost of extensions to be determined by water superintendent.

Upon receipt of such petition and map and before the petition is granted, the town council shall determine what portion, if any, of the extension of the town water mains to the town limits the town shall construct, and shall obtain from the water superintendent a verified statement showing the whole cost and expense of making such extension. Such costs and expenses shall include administrative and supervisory expenditures of the town water department, which shall in no event be deemed to be less than 10 percent of the cost of materials and labor. [Code 1986 § 14-154.]