§ 58-33. Extensions to mains and services.

(a)

Water distribution lines to serve undeveloped subdivisions and/or mobile home parks will be handled as follows:

(1)

The developer will submit plans and specifications (five copies) prepared by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of North Carolina for review and approval by the county, its engineer and the state department of environment, health and natural resources. Any cost associated with this review process will be borne by the developer.

(2)

After permitting by NCDEHNR, the developer will cause the lines to be installed by a competent utility contractor approved by the county water director. Proof of liability insurance must be provided by the contractor to the county. The minimum amount of insurance shall be $100,000.00, and may be more if required by the director. A construction permit shall be obtained from the county water director before any work can commence. All extensions must be inspected and approved by a state certified engineer. All costs of any inspections will be the developer's responsibility. The county retains the right to appoint a qualified inspector if so needed.

(3)

Upon completion of the new extension, the developer will deed the complete facility, to include all rights-of-way, easements, permits franchises and authorizations or other instruments needed for the operation and maintenance of the facility, to the county. A 12-month warranty shall be included in the conveyance and deed of easement. Four complete sets of as-built drawings certified by the project engineer and affixed with his seal stating that construction was completed in accordance with approved plans and specifications shall be provided. One copy of all bacteria and pressure test results shall be provided. The county will not reimburse the developer for the extension.

(4)

All material and equipment must be approved by the county and/or it's engineer. The developer shall furnish all materials and labor to complete the project.

(5)

The county shall make taps to individual lots when application for service is made and all fees paid; or at his/her option, the developer may install individual taps and furnish the county with a meter and dual check valve for each tap.

(6)

Final approval for operation by NCDEHNR.

(7)

Final inspection and approval for operation by the county.

(b)

Other extensions of water lines by developer or individuals within the county's service areas will be handled in the same manner as subdivision and mobile home park extensions.

(c)

Cluster meters prohibited. Meters shall be installed on the right-of-way adjacent to the property served. If a road into a subdivision or mobile home park does not have a water main, then the owners or developers shall install the main before taps are made. Clusters of meters along a main highway or road are prohibited.

(d)

Master/bulk meters for multifamily dwellings and commercial users including mobile home parks are prohibited. Existing multi-users on a single meter are grandfathered. However, they will be billed based on the maximum number of spaces or units available in the complex or mobile home park. Each available unit or space shall be charged the minimum rate regardless if less than 2,000 gallons per unit is consumed. In the case of additional water usage above the minimum, charges will be made according to the rate schedule. If a property owner/developer wishes to enlarge a grandfathered site, a water system must be installed and the master meter abandoned. Any grandfathered master meter abandoned (account closed) for a period of 12 months shall be removed by the county and future water service shall be provided by individual meters at the owners expense.

(e)

When a citizen desires water on an individual lot that is not adjacent to a county water line and will require the line from the meter to the citizen's lot to cross over another individuals property, the citizen shall at his/her expense obtain a legal recorded easement of no less than 2.5 feet on each side of the proposed water line (total five feet) from the effected property owner. A separate easement is required for each lot crossed. The total distance for all easements shall not exceed 1,000 feet in length provided, however, when only one easement from one property owner is required, there shall be no limiting distance requirement. Private service lines attached to the public system shall not be installed within the boundaries of a dedicated right-of-way (road). One copy of such easement(s) shall be presented to the water department before tap fees will be accepted.

(Ord. of 11-4-91(1), § 8; Ord. of 12-6-93(2), § 6; Amend. of 10-2-95; Ord. of 12-6-99)