Chapter 14.48
SEWER – BILLINGS1
Sections:
14.48.050 Reduced rates for low income senior citizens and/or low income disabled customers.
14.48.060 Exemption for nonhabitable dwellings.
14.48.080 Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
14.48.100 Vacant building exemption.
14.48.110 Sewer leak adjustment on commercial accounts.
14.48.010 Notice.
Any person who has the care, custody, control or management of any premises or building, or who has control of the operation thereof or the collection of rentals therefrom, shall, for the purpose of Chapters 14.04 through 14.48 PMC, be deemed to be the agent of the owner of such premises or building, and the giving of all notice herein provided to that agent shall be deemed due notice to the owner. The mailing or delivery of bills for sewer service charges, permit fees, connection or trunkage charges, or other charges to that agent shall be deemed mailing or delivery to the owner. (Ord. 486 § 12.01, 1971).
14.48.015 Rates designated.
2023
A. Single-Family Residential: Single-Family Residences, Manufactured Homes, Mobile Homes. $96.53 for each residential unit ($52.11 Metro charge and $44.42 city of Pacific charge).
B. Nonresidential and Multiple Residential Uses. Charges will be based on water usage as determined by water meter readings with a basic unit price of $96.53 charged for the first 700 cubic feet of water consumption. Fractions of cubic feet over 700 cubic feet will be charged at $15.32 per 100 cubic feet. A minimum $96.53 will be charged for nonresidential and multifamily residential use (duplexes, apartments, mobile home parks, etc.).
C. Reduced Rates for Low Income Senior Citizens and/or Low Income Disabled Customers. Any full-time occupant responsible for the payment of a monthly sewer charge shall be granted a 15 percent discount from the otherwise applicable rate if the person is at least 62 years of age, and/or is 18 years of age or older and has been awarded in writing a 50 percent or higher disability rating from any state of Washington and/or federal agency/program, and meets the low income guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for taxable household income and has properly filled out an application as required requesting such reduction. Staff is directed to establish and implement a review/reapplication process to ensure the integrity of those accounts receiving the discount.
2024
A. Single-Family Residential: Single-Family Residences, Manufactured Homes, Mobile Homes. $101.75 for each residential unit ($55.11 Metro charge and $46.64 city of Pacific charge).
B. Nonresidential and Multiple Residential Uses. Charges will be based on water usage as determined by water meter readings with a basic unit price of $101.75 charged for the first 700 cubic feet of water consumption. Fractions of cubic feet over 700 cubic feet will be charged at $16.15 per 100 cubic feet. A minimum $101.75 will be charged for nonresidential and multifamily residential use (duplexes, apartments, mobile home parks, etc.).
C. Reduced Rates for Low Income Senior Citizens and/or Low Income Disabled Customers. Any full-time occupant responsible for the payment of a monthly sewer charge shall be granted a 15 percent discount from the otherwise applicable rate if the person is at least 62 years of age, and/or is 18 years of age or older and has been awarded in writing a 50 percent or higher disability rating from any state of Washington and/or federal agency/program, and meets the low income guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for taxable household income and has properly filled out an application as required requesting such reduction. Staff is directed to establish and implement a review/reapplication process to ensure the integrity of those accounts receiving the discount.
2025
A. Single-Family Residential: Single-Family Residences, Manufactured Homes, Mobile Homes. $107.25 for each residential unit ($58.28 Metro charge and $48.97 city of Pacific charge).
B. Nonresidential and Multiple Residential Uses. Charges will be based on water usage as determined by water meter readings with a basic unit price of $107.25 charged for the first 700 cubic feet of water consumption. Fractions of cubic feet over 700 cubic feet will be charged at $17.02 per 100 cubic feet. A minimum $107.25 will be charged for nonresidential and multifamily residential use (duplexes, apartments, mobile home parks, etc.).
C. Reduced Rates for Low Income Senior Citizens and/or Low Income Disabled Customers. Any full-time occupant responsible for the payment of a monthly sewer charge shall be granted a 15 percent discount from the otherwise applicable rate if the person is at least 62 years of age, and/or is 18 years of age or older and has been awarded in writing a 50 percent or higher disability rating from any state of Washington and/or federal agency/program, and meets the low income guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for taxable household income and has properly filled out an application as required requesting such reduction. Staff is directed to establish and implement a review/reapplication process to ensure the integrity of those accounts receiving the discount.
2026
A. Single-Family Residential: Single-Family Residences, Manufactured Homes, Mobile Homes. $113.16 for each residential unit ($61.64 Metro charge and $51.42 city of Pacific charge).
B. Nonresidential and Multiple Residential Uses. Charges will be based on water usage as determined by water meter readings with a basic unit price of $113.16 charged for the first 700 cubic feet of water consumption. Fractions of cubic feet over 700 cubic feet will be charged at $17.96 per 100 cubic feet. A minimum $113.16 will be charged for nonresidential and multifamily residential use (duplexes, apartments, mobile home parks, etc.).
C. Reduced Rates for Low Income Senior Citizens and/or Low Income Disabled Customers. Any full-time occupant responsible for the payment of a monthly sewer charge shall be granted a 15 percent discount from the otherwise applicable rate if the person is at least 62 years of age, and/or is 18 years of age or older and has been awarded in writing a 50 percent or higher disability rating from any state of Washington and/or federal agency/program, and meets the low income guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for taxable household income and has properly filled out an application as required requesting such reduction. Staff is directed to establish and implement a review/reapplication process to ensure the integrity of those accounts receiving the discount. (Ord. 2065 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2048 § 1, 2021; Ord. 2033 § 1, 2020; Ord. 1988B § 1, 2018; Ord. 1942 §§ 1, 2, 2016).
14.48.020 Billing schedule.
A. Billings shall be made monthly to each unit to which sewer service is available. As for units in existence at the time sewer service becomes available to them, the first billing shall be made on the first day of the month after the expiration of 60 days from the mailing of the written notice from the city, pursuant to PMC 14.08.040 through 14.08.060, that such unit is required, within 30 days from the date of mailing that notice, to be connected to the sewer system, or on the first day of the second month after such connection, whichever event occurs first.
B. As for units constructed after the time sewer facilities have been constructed capable of serving such units, the first billing shall be made as soon after occupancy as possible, whether or not such unit is actually connected to the sewer system of the city. (Ord. 1533 § 3, 2002; Ord. 688 § 1, 1978; Ord. 532 § 2, 1974).
14.48.025 Annual increase designated.
Repealed by Ord. 1494. (Ord. 1400 § 1, 1998).
14.48.030 Due date – Penalty and interest.
Repealed by Ord. 1533. (Ord. 1276 § 2, 1995; Ord. 642 § 1, 1977; Ord. 546, 1975; Ord. 491, 1971).
14.48.040 Delinquency – Lien.
Charges for sewer service to properties to which such service is available become delinquent if not paid by the thirtieth day after the billing date. Charges, penalties and interest thereon become liens against such properties which may be enforced in the manner prescribed in Chapter 35.67 RCW. (Ord. 1276 § 3, 1995; Ord. 532 § 4, 1974).
14.48.050 Reduced rates for low income senior citizens and/or low income disabled customers.
Any full-time occupant responsible for the payment of a city sewer billing shall be granted a 15 percent discount from the otherwise applicable rate if the person is at least 62 years of age, and/or is 18 years of age or older and has been awarded in writing a 50 percent or higher disability rating from any state of Washington and/or federal agency/program, and meets the low income guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for taxable household income and has properly filled out an application as required requesting such reduction. Staff is directed to establish and implement a review/re-application process to ensure the integrity of those accounts receiving the discount. (Ord. 1831 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1822 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1710 § 1, 2008; Ord. 1565 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1494 § 3, 2001; Ord. 1249 § 1, 1995; Ord. 834 § 1, 1981; Ord. 649 § 1, 1977).
14.48.060 Exemption for nonhabitable dwellings.
Any dwelling which is decided by the city council to be nonhabitable is exempt from the city’s sewer charges. The owner of such a dwelling shall have the burden to petition and prove to the city council that his or her dwelling is nonhabitable and that it should be exempt from said sewer charges. This section is in no way intended to exempt any property from its proper sewer assessment. (Ord. 685 § 1, 1978).
14.48.080 Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
“FWPCA” means the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1956, PL 84-660, together with the amendments of 1966, 1972, as the same may be hereafter amended; Public Law 92-500 and all subsequent amendments thereto. Any additional charges thereafter imposed by “Metro” under the “Industrial Cost Recovery” or “Industrial Waste Surcharge” programs required under the FWPCA (PL 92-500, Section 204, or as the same may be amended hereafter) plus 15 percent thereof as an additional charge for the city’s cost in implementing such programs. (Ord. 925 § 2, 1983).
14.48.090 Exemptions.
Whenever the use of water is such that a portion of the water used does not flow into the city sewer system but is lost by evaporation or use in irrigation, manufacturing or any other use, and the person in control provides proof of this fact, such person may apply for the installation of a separate sewer exempt meter to measure the amount of water so used or lost and no charge shall be made for sewage because of water so used or lost. A sewer exempt meter application will be made in the same manner as a regular water meter installation. All sewer exempt meters shall be located at the proper line or adjacent to the regular meters; provided, however, an evaporation exemption may be granted to coin-operated and commercial laundries without the installation of a sub-meter. (Ord. 925 § 3, 1983).
14.48.100 Vacant building exemption.
Any structure which is vacant and certified unoccupied by the building official and is reported by the public works manager to be disconnected from the city water system is exempt from periodic sewer service charges. “Disconnection” is defined as having the water meter removed from the property and requires that, prior to reestablishment of water service, the payment of a water connection charge as currently specified in city resolution be made, except if the vacancy is a result of natural disaster (flood, earthquake, etc.) or calamity (structure fire, etc.), then the owner shall have up to 12 months to reestablish connection without a connection charge. An additional 12-month extension may be granted, if the community development manager has granted a building permit extension. If a property has been exempted from periodic sewer services under this section, prior to reestablishment of sewer service, payment of the sewer connection charge, as currently specified in city resolution, is required. Exemption will be effective beginning the first of the month following water meter removal. This section is in no way intended to exempt any property from its proper sewer assessment. (Ord. 2024 § 1, 2020; Ord. 1767 § 1, 2010; Ord. 964 § 1, 1985).
14.48.110 Sewer leak adjustment on commercial accounts.
In the event of a water leak or of failure of a private water system located on the private property of a nonresidential account that results in excess consumption, the city may in its discretion through administrative staff determination, provide for a sewer billing adjustment through a credit of 50 percent of the volume and rate above the average consumption. Average consumption is based on the account’s actual consumption for the same period in the prior two years; in the event the account does not have two years’ consumption history the city will use the city’s average for a similar type account, e.g., restaurant, car wash. In no event will the adjustment be for more than two billing cycles. The adjustment will be considered only if the following conditions are met: (A) the adjustment is allowed no more than once every 24 months; (B) the city is notified of the leak or failure either by notice from the customer or from the city’s own written notice to the property owner; and (C) the city requests verification of system or leak repair within 30 days of the notification. Verification of system or leak repair requires copies of repair invoices and/or receipts and confirmation by city staff that the repair is complete. (Ord. 1824 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1819 § 1, 2012; Ord. 1562 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1303 § 1, 1996).
14.48.130 Annual increase designated.
Repealed by Ord. 1494. (Ord. 1289 § 1, 1996).
For statutory provisions authorizing sewage liens, see RCW 35.67.200 et seq.; for authority to set rates, see RCW 35.67.020.