Chapter 15.56
IMPROVEMENTS – REPLACEMENTS – SPECIFICATIONS
Sections:
15.56.010 Specifications for improvement.
15.56.020 Burden of replacement costs.
15.56.030 Cost of new installations within city limits.
15.56.040 Cost of new installations outside city limits.
15.56.060 Water main installation.
15.56.065 Private water systems.
15.56.110 Inspections and investigations.
15.56.010 Specifications for improvement.
All specifications for extensions, expansions, additions, betterments, and replacements to the existing water utility system shall be determined by the director subject to the following limitations: No water main shall be installed which is less than six inches in diameter, except where the installation involves only a stub street less than 300 feet long and where the main will not be extended due to the topography of the land.
Water main extensions shall be in accordance with the Longview Engineering Special Provisions and Standard Drawings. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.020 Burden of replacement costs.
Whenever any mains or laterals for the utility service, now or hereafter installed, require replacement due to obsolescence, inadequacy, or deterioration, the cost of such replacement shall be paid for out of the revenues of the water utility. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.025 Extensions.1
All extensions of mains required to serve new consumers shall be constructed at the expense of the consumers or the property benefited. In all cases the size of the main will be determined by the director. Such extensions shall be installed, and the cost thereof provided for in any manner satisfactory to the department as permitted by law. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.030 Cost of new installations within city limits.
When a person with property within the city, who is not currently served by the water utility, shall request service, the person making such request shall provide for payment by means of local improvement districts as described in Chapter 14.08 LMC or by direct installation under the supervision of the city engineer. The person making such a request may be eligible to collect latecomer fees as described in Chapter 14.18 LMC. In the event the city shall require the installation of mains larger than those defined as standard, the actual additional cost of the main larger than the standard size shall be paid for out of the revenues of the water utility. When the city council determines that any area or areas within said city need water service and no request has been made by a person, the city council may provide for the payment of the standard construction costs by means of local improvement districts. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.040 Cost of new installations outside city limits.
When a person with property outside the city, who is not currently served by the water utility, shall request service, the person making such request shall provide for the payment. In the event the city shall require the installation of mains of sizes larger than those defined as standard, the actual additional cost of the water line larger than the standard size shall be paid for out of the revenues of the water utility.
Property owners shall be required to enter into an outside utility agreement (OUA) with the city which will limit their rights to oppose a future annexation. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.050 Application.
Any person desiring to extend water mains shall make application through the city’s public improvement process (PIP) as provided in Chapter 12.10 LMC or the local improvement district process as provided in Chapter 14.08 LMC. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.060 Water main installation.
Once the permit for utility service is approved and the connection fees are paid, the customer may connect to the city’s water main. City staff will inspect the sewer tap and connection. The water line shall extend at approximately right angles from the main. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.065 Private water systems.2
The city will not operate and maintain private water distribution mains inside or outside the corporate limits of the city in conjunction with its own facilities. All private water systems existing in conjunction with city facilities shall be equipped with an approved check meter at the expense of the private water system and the readings of such check meter shall be compared to readings of individual meters served by the private system to detect any discrepancies in water usage. All costs over and above those resulting from the water usage of customers on the private water system shall be borne by the owner and operator of the private water system. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.070 Easements.
(1) A public water easement is required to be granted to the city when a public water facility will be built on private property.
(2) A private water easement is required to be granted between property owners whenever:
(a) A private water facility will be built on property owned by a different private party; or
(b) A water line will serve two or more properties. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.080 Record drawings.
All private water applicants or permittees shall file a record drawing showing the location and configuration of the private water line connection and private water facilities. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
15.56.110 Inspections and investigations.
(1) All work on public or private water systems shall be subject to inspection by the city to ensure compliance with applicable state and local laws and are in conformance with the requirements and standards set forth in the permit conditions, if any.
(2) An authorized representative of the city may enter private property at all reasonable times to conduct inspections, tests or carry out other duties imposed by this chapter consistent with the terms and conditions of any covenant, easement, or other legal document applicable to the property.
(3) For inspection programs authorized by the director, the city may provide advance mailings of its intent to inspect properties consistent with such inspection, testing, or other utility programs. (Ord. 3533 § 1, 2024).
Code reviser’s note: Ord. 3533 adds this section as 15.56.020. It has been editorially renumbered to avoid duplication of numbering.
Code reviser’s note: Ord. 3533 adds this section as 15.56.060. It has been editorially renumbered to avoid duplication of numbering.