File #: ORD. 2021-059    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Ordinance Status: Adopted
File created: 3/5/2021 In control: City Council
On agenda: 5/24/2021 Final action: 5/24/2021
Title: To amend and reordain City Code ?? 28-326 (concerning fees for residential water service), 28-327 (concerning fees for commercial water service), 28-328 (concerning fees for industrial water service), 28-329 (concerning fees for municipal water service), 28-330 (concerning fees for state and federal water service), 28-458 (concerning fees for water for fire protection) and 28-549 (concerning fees for water use during conservation periods) of the City Code, effective as of the date of rendering bills for Cycle I in July, 2021, to establish revised charges for such services.
Patrons: Mayor Stoney
Attachments: 1. Ord. No. 2021-059

title

To amend and reordain City Code §§ 28-326 (concerning fees for residential water service), 28-327 (concerning fees for commercial water service), 28-328 (concerning fees for industrial water service), 28-329 (concerning fees for municipal water service), 28-330 (concerning fees for state and federal water service), 28-458 (concerning fees for water for fire protection) and 28-549 (concerning fees for water use during conservation periods) of the City Code, effective as of the date of rendering bills for Cycle I in July, 2021, to establish revised charges for such services.

 

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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:

 

                     § 1.                     That sections 28-326, 28-327, 28-328, 28-329, 28-330, 28-458 and 28-549 of the Code of the City of Richmond (2020) be and are hereby amended and reordained as follows:

Sec. 28-326.  Residential water service.

 

(a) Application. This section shall apply to the use of service for residential purposes in individual residences, owner-occupied duplexes or nonprofit facilities that provide transitional housing for residential use on a regular basis by homeless persons where service is available.

(b) Minimum charge for water. The monthly minimum charge is the service charge.

(c) Service charges (readiness to serve). Monthly water service charges shall be as set forth in this subsection. Each residential water service customer shall pay the service charge determined by meter size, unless the customer is eligible to receive a discount to the service charge for installing fire suppression equipment. The service charges set forth in this subsection shall be paid in addition to the charges for the quantity of water which passes through the meters. The Director shall, pursuant to Section 28-26, issue rules and regulations to establish the parameters for such a discount.

 

Meter Size (inches)

 

[$15.14] $15.52

¾

[$21.51] $22.05

1

[$34.23] $35.09

[$66.02] $67.67

2

[$104.18] $106.78

3

[$205.93] $211.08

4

[$320.40] $328.41

6

[$638.38] $654.34

8

[$1,019.96] $1,045.46

10

[$1,465.13] $1,501.76

                      (d) Volume charge. Monthly charges for the quantity of water which passes through the meters shall be as follows:

Quantity (ccf):

Charge Per 100 Cubic Feet (ccf)

Single-Family Residential Tier 1 0-4

[$2.68] $2.75

Single-Family Residential Tier 2 more than 4

[$5.31] $5.44

Multifamily Residential

[$4.48] $4.59

 

(e) Term of contracts. Contracts for water service for customers within the corporate City limits under this schedule shall be cancelable at any time, provided that such a consumer cannot resume service within one month at the same location without paying the prescribed service charges and charges for water supplied during the intervening period in accordance with this schedule. Contracts for water service for customers not within the corporate City limits shall be cancelable as discussed hereinafter in this chapter.

(f)    Special provisions (cost of water adjustment).

(1) Cost adjustment clause. The charge specified in the monthly volume charge may be subject to an adjustment per 100 ccf for increases or decreases in the costs associated with the cost of electric energy, water treatment chemicals and purchased water.

(2) Residential water service charges for meters having a capacity greater than five-eighths inch; special provision. The monthly service charge for each residential water customer, with service established on or before the adoption of the ordinance from which this subsection is derived and having a water meter capacity greater than five-eighths inch, shall be equal to the monthly service charge for a five-eighths inch meter size as set forth in this section. The monthly service charge for each residential water customer, with service established after the adoption of the ordinance from which this subsection is derived and having a water meter capacity greater than five-eighths inch, shall be based upon the meter capacity as set forth in this section.

Sec. 28-327.  Commercial water service.

 

(a) Application. This schedule shall apply to the use of water service for places of business, such as hotels, restaurants, office buildings, commercial businesses or other places of commerce and for multifamily residences at locations where service is available; provided, however, that this schedule shall not apply to contracts heretofore or hereafter entered into between the City and a county.

(b) Minimum charge for water. The monthly minimum charge is the service charge shown below, determined by meter size.

                     (c) Service charges (readiness to serve). Monthly water service charges shall be paid by consumers based upon the sizes of meters. The service charges as set forth below shall be paid in addition to the charges for the quantity of water which passes through the meters. When a consumer is supplied with water through more than one meter, the service charges shall be as set forth below for each meter.

Meter Size (inches)

 

[$15.14] $15.52

¾

[$21.51] $22.05

1

 [$34.23] $35.09

[$66.02] $67.67

2

 [$104.18] $106.78

3

[$205.93] $211.08

4

[$320.40] $328.41

6

[$638.38] $654.34

8

[$1,019.96] $1,045.46

10

[$1,465.13] $1,501.76

12

[$3,361.19] $3,445.22

                      (d) Volume charge. Monthly rates for the quantity of water shall be as follows:

Monthly water volume charges for commercial class, per 100 cubic feet (ccf) of the quantity of water that passes through the meters:Quantity (ccf):

1-100

[$4.48] $4.59

101-2,000

[$4.48] $4.59

Over 2,000

[$4.48] $4.59

 

(e) Metered fire protection (firelines). When water is supplied for fire protection which is metered, through pipes used or which are available for use exclusively for that purpose, the service charges shall be based on the meter size, as follows:

Meter Size (inches)

 

[$7.84] $8.04

¾

[$7.84] $8.04

1

[$7.84] $8.04

[$7.84] $8.04

2

[$12.52] $12.83

3

[$25.05] $25.68

4

[$39.13] $40.11

6

[$78.25] $80.21

8

[$125.21] $128.34

10

[$179.97] $184.47

12

[$338.05] $346.50

 `                     (f) Term of contracts. Contracts for water service for customers within the corporate City limits shall be cancelable at any time, provided that a consumer cannot resume service within one month at the same location without paying the prescribed service charges and charges for water supplied during the intervening period in accordance with this schedule. Contracts for water service not within the corporate City limits shall be cancelable as discussed hereinafter in this chapter.

(g) Special provisions (cost of water adjustment). The charge specified in the monthly volume charge may be subject to an adjustment per 100 ccf for increases or decreases in the costs associated with the cost of electric energy, water treatment chemicals and purchased water.

 

Sec. 28-328.  Industrial water service.

(a) Application. This section shall apply to the use of water service for places that are primarily manufacturers or processors of materials; provided, however, that this schedule shall not apply to contracts heretofore or hereafter entered into between the City and a county.

(b) Minimum charge for water. The monthly minimum charge is the service charge shown below, determined by meter size.

(c) Service charges (readiness to serve). Monthly service charges shall be based on the size of the meter and shall be paid by consumers as provided below. The service charges shall be paid in addition to the charges for the quantity of water which passes through the meters. When a consumer is supplied with water through more than one meter, the service charges shall be as set forth below for each meter.

Meter size (inches):

 

5/8

[$15.14] $15.52

3/4

[$21.51] $22.05

1

[$34.23] $35.09

1 1/2

[$66.02] $67.67

2

[$104.18] $106.78

3

[$205.93] $211.08

4

[$320.40] $328.41

6

[$638.38] $654.34

8

[$1,019.96] $1,045.46

10

 { [$1,465.13] $1,501.76

12

 [$3,361.19] $3,445.22

 

(d) Volume charge. Monthly rates for the quantity of water shall be as follows:

Monthly water volume charges for industrial class, per 100 cubic feet (ccf) of the quantity of water that passes through the meters:Quantity (ccf):

1-100

[$4.48] $4.59

101-2,000

[$4.48] $4.59

Over 2,000

[$4.48] $4.59

 

(e) Metered fire protection (firelines). When water is supplied for fire protection which is metered, through pipes used or which are available for use exclusively for that purpose, the service charges shall be as follows:

Meter Size (inches)

 

[$7.84] $8.04

¾

[$7.84] $8.04

1

[$7.84] $8.04

[$7.84] $8.04

2

[$12.52] $12.83

3

[$25.05] $25.68

4

[$39.13] $40.11

6

[$78.25] $80.21

8

[$125.21] $128.34

10

[$179.97] $184.47

12

[$338.05] $346.50

                      (f) Term of contracts. Contracts for water service within the corporate City limits under this schedule shall be cancelable at any time, provided that a consumer cannot resume service within one month at the same location without paying the prescribed service charges and charges for water supplied during the intervening period in accordance with this schedule. Contracts for water service without the corporate City limits shall be cancelable as discussed hereinafter in this chapter.

(g) Special provisions (cost of water adjustment). The charge specified in the monthly volume charge may be subject to an adjustment per 100 ccf for increases or decreases in the costs associated with the cost of electric energy, water treatment chemicals and purchased water.

                     

Sec. 28-329. Municipal water service.

 

(a) Application. This section shall apply to the use of water service for governments that are not Federal or State agencies or departments or authorities; provided, however, that this schedule shall not apply to contracts heretofore or hereinafter entered into between the City and a county.

(b) Minimum charge for water. The monthly minimum charge is the service charge shown below, determined by meter size.

(c) Service charges (readiness to serve). Monthly service charges shall be based on the size of the meter and shall be paid by consumers as provided below. The service charges shall be paid in addition to the charges for the quantity of water which passes through the meters. When a consumer is supplied with water through more than one meter, the service charges shall be as set forth below for each meter.

Meter Size (inches)

 

[$15.14] $15.52

¾

[$21.51] $22.05

1

[$34.23] $35.09

[$66.02] $67.67

2

[$104.18] $106.78

3

[$205.93] $211.08

4

[$320.40] $328.41

6

[$638.38] $654.34

8

[$1,019.96] $1,045.46

10

[$1,465.13] $1,501.76

12

[$3,361.19] $3,445.22

                      (d) Volume charge. Monthly rates for the quantity of water shall be as follows:

Monthly water volume charges for Municipal class, per 100 cubic feet (ccf) of the quantity of water that passes through the meters:

Quantity (ccf):

1-100

[$4.48] $4.59

101-2,000

[$4.48] $4.59

Over 2,000

[$4.48] $4.59

                      (e) Metered fire protection (firelines). When water is supplied for fire protection which is metered, through pipes used or which are available for use exclusively for that purpose, the service charges shall be as follows:

Meter Size (inches)

 

[$7.84] $8.04

¾

[$7.84] $8.04

1

[$7.84] $8.04

[$7.84] $8.04

2

[$12.52] $12.83

3

[$25.05] $25.68

4

[$39.13] $40.11

6

[$78.25] $80.21

8

[$125.21] $128.34

10

[$179.97] $184.47

12

[$338.05] $346.50

                      (f) Term of contracts. Contracts for water service within the corporate City limits under this schedule shall be cancelable at any time, provided that a consumer cannot resume service within one month at the same location without paying the prescribed service charges and charges for water supplied during the intervening period in accordance with this schedule. Contracts for water service without the corporate City limits under this schedule shall be cancelable as provided hereinafter in this chapter.

(g) Special provisions (cost of water adjustment). The charge specified in the monthly volume charge may be subject to an adjustment per 100 ccf for increases or decreases in the costs associated with the cost of electric energy, water treatment chemicals and purchased water. Sec. 28-330. State and Federal service.

(a) Application. This section shall apply to the use of water for State or Federal agencies and departments or authorities; provided, however, that this schedule shall not apply to contracts heretofore or hereafter entered into between the City and a county.

(b) Minimum charge for water. The monthly minimum charge is the service charge shown below, determined by meter size.

(c) Service charges (readiness to serve). Monthly service charges shall be based on the size of the meter and shall be paid by consumers as provided below. The service charges shall be paid in addition to the charges for the quantity of water which passes through the meters. When a consumer is supplied with water through more than one meter, the service charges shall be as set forth below for each meter.

Meter Size (inches)

 

[$15.14] $15.52

¾

[$21.51] $22.05

1

[$34.23] $35.09

[$66.02] $67.67

2

[$104.18] $106.78

3

[$205.93] $211.08

4

[$320.40] $328.41

6

[$638.38] $654.34

8

[$1,019.96] $1,045.46

10

[$1,465.13] $1,501.76

12

[$3,361.19] $3,445.22

                      (d) Volume charge. Monthly rates for the quantity of water shall be as follows:

Monthly water volume charges for State and Federal class, per 100 cubic feet (ccf) of the quantity of water that passes through the meters:

Quantity (ccf):

 

1-100

[$4.48] $4.59

101-2,000

[$4.48] $4.59

Over 2,000

[$4.48] $4.59

                      (e) Metered fire protection (firelines). When water is supplied for fire protection which is metered, through pipes used or which are available for use exclusively for that purpose, the service charges shall be as follows:

Meter Size (inches)

 

[$7.84] $8.04

¾

[$7.84] $8.04

1

[$7.84] $8.04

[$7.84] $8.04

2

[$12.52] $12.83

3

[$25.05] $25.68

4

[$39.13] $40.11

6

[$78.25] $80.21

8

[$125.21] $128.34

10

[$179.97] $184.47

12

[$338.05] $346.50

                      (f) Term of contracts. Contracts for water service within the corporate City limits under this schedule shall be cancelable at any time, provided that a consumer cannot resume service within one month at the same location without paying the prescribed service charges and charges for water supplied during the intervening period in accordance with this schedule. Contracts for water service without the corporate City limits shall be cancelable as discussed hereinafter in this chapter.

(g) Special provisions (cost of water adjustment). The charge specified in the monthly volume charge may be subject to an adjustment per 100 ccf for increases or decreases in the costs associated with the cost of electric energy, water treatment chemicals and purchased water.

Sec. 28-458.  Charges for water for fire protection.

 

No charge shall be made for water used for testing private fire protection systems or equipment or for the extinguishment of fire when services are installed with detecting devices in accordance with Section 28-457. The owners or occupants of such property shall pay for fire protection service at the rates prescribed in this section. Should water in such systems be wasted or used for any purpose other than for testing such systems or equipment or for the extinguishment of fire, the Director may immediately require the private fire protection system to be metered at the entire cost and expense of the owners or occupants of premises served, and after the meters have been installed the owners or occupants of premises served shall pay for all water used on such premises at the appropriate class rate, including water used for testing such systems or equipment and for the extinguishment of fire. In addition, any property with direct fireline service that remains in service after the water meter for such property is removed shall be responsible to pay a minimum monthly service charge as follows:

Meter Size (inches)

 

[$7.84] $8.04

¾

[$7.84] $8.04

1

[$7.84] $8.04

[$7.84] $8.04

2

[$12.52] $12.83

3

[$25.05] $25.68

4

[$39.13] $40.11

6

[$78.25] $80.21

8

[$125.21] $128.34

10

[$179.97] $184.47

12

[$338.05] $346.50

 

Sec. 28-549. Additional charge for water use during conservation periods.

 

During any period when mandatory or voluntary water conservation measures are in place in the City, any customer who uses more than 140 percent of the amount of water used on a monthly average basis during the previous winter period (defined to include December to February), shall be required to pay a higher rate for water per ccf, as stated below, for each additional ccf used above that historic level. The Director will not charge the water rate if the person using more than 140 percent of the monthly average water usage, as defined above, used any portion of the water for fighting a fire. The Director will only charge the higher ccf rate for those additional volumes above the calculated levels.

Additional charge for water use during conservation period (per ccf), by customer class and volume:

Residential

1-100

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

1-100

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

101-2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

101-2,000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

Over 2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

Over 2,000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

Commercial

1-100

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

1-100

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

101-2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

101-2,000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

Over 2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

Over 2,000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

Industrial

1-100

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

1-100

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

101-2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

101-2,000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

Over 2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

Over 2000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

State and Federal

1-100

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

1-100

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

101-2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

101-2,000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

Over 2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

Over 2,000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

Municipal

1-100

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

1-100

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

101-2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

101-2,000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

 

Over 2,000

During Voluntary Conservation Period

[$6.51] $6.67

 

Over 2,000

During Mandatory Conservation Period

[$8.68] $8.90

                      § 2.                     This ordinance shall be in force and effect for all bills rendered for Cycle I in July, 2021 and any and all bills rendered subsequent thereto.