Coachella Municipal Code Art. VI Extension of Sewer System

The provisions of this article shall apply to additions to and extensions of the sewer system, which extensions or additions are built at the direct expense of property owners, sub-dividers or other persons or groups of persons. Other provisions of this chapter not in conflict with provisions of this article shall also apply. This article shall not apply to portions of the sewer system constructed by the city and paid for out of the sewer fund, except that nothing in this article shall prohibit the city from participating in the construction of an extension of the sewer system when the extension is of more than local benefit.

(Ord. No. 1057, § 1(Exh. A), 10-23-13)

A. As used in this article, the word "addition" shall mean a system of sewer mains, house connection sewers and appurtenances built by property owners at their expense to serve their land, and which does not serve any other land adjoining the work by direct connection thereto.

B. As used in this article, the word "extension" shall mean a system of sewer mains, house connection sewers and appurtenances built by property owners at their expense to serve their land, and which may also serve other adjoining land, the owners of which have not shared in the cost of the work.

C. A single sewer project may include additions and extensions. The term "property owner," as used in this article, shall include a single person, a group of persons, or a corporation, firm or other combination of persons.

(Ord. No. 1057, § 1(Exh. A), 10-23-13)

A. Following the satisfactory completion of any sewer project for the construction of an addition or extension, and upon recommendation of the superintendent, the city council shall, by resolution, accept the work, which shall then become a part of the city sewer system. The resolution of acceptance shall contain the terms of any special consideration which shall apply to the sewers so accepted.

B. Special consideration may include provisions for reimbursement and relief from the connection charge, but shall not include provisions for monthly charges different from those established elsewhere in this chapter, except as provided for service to property lying outside the corporate limits of the city. All provisions for special consideration shall terminate at the expiration of ten (10) years following the date of the resolution of acceptance, or at such earlier date as may be established in the resolution of acceptance.

(Ord. No. 1057, § 1(Exh. A), 10-23-13)

A. The provisions of this section shall apply only to extensions and shall not apply to additions. If the resolution of acceptance is to provide for reimbursement, the city shall, before the work is accepted, determine the cost thereof and prorate this cost against all of the land which, in the city's opinion, will ultimately benefit from the work. The proration shall be based upon frontage or such other method as, in the opinion of the city, will provide an equitable sharing of cost. The cost of house connection sewers shall not be included in the determination of cost.

B. The city shall further determine the cost incurred by each person who has participated in the expense of the work. After considering the pro rata share of each such person's cost as based upon the benefit derived from the work, the city shall finally determine the total maximum amount which any person shall subsequently be entitled to receive as a reimbursement from persons connecting to the work.

C. Money which is to be paid as reimbursement shall be paid to each person entitled to receive it in proportion to the outstanding balance which each such person is entitled to receive. Any person entitled to receive reimbursement under the provisions of this article shall keep a correct mailing address on file with the city. If the city is unable to locate any person entitled to receive reimbursement, the city shall send a written notice to that person by registered mail to the last address filed with the superintendent by that person. The notice shall contain a statement of the amount and purpose of the particular reimbursement and shall state that if the person receiving the notice does not claim his portion of the reimbursement within one year from the date of the notice all rights of that person to that particular reimbursement will be forfeited.

D. Any portion of a reimbursement which remains unclaimed for one year after the date of the notice mentioned in subsection (c) of this section shall be paid, as previously provided, to other persons who may be entitled to receive the reimbursement. If any money is available for reimbursement and remains unclaimed for one year after the date of such notice and no other person is entitled to receive it, this money shall be paid into the sewer fund. The right to receive a reimbursement may be transferred by the person entitled to receive it by filing a statement of transfer with the city on a form for transfer to be furnished by the city.

(Ord. No. 1057, § 1(Exh. A), 10-23-13)

A property owner who desires to connect to an addition shall make application in the same manner as for an ordinary sewer connection.

(Ord. No. 1057, § 1(Exh. A), 10-23-13)

A property owner who desires to connect to an extension shall make application in the same manner as for an ordinary sewer connection. If the owner has not shared in the cost of the sewer and if reimbursement provisions apply, the owner shall pay to the city the amount which has previously been determined as the pro rata share of the cost of the sewer for his property. This amount shall be paid before the permit is issued.

(Ord. No. 1057, § 1(Exh. A), 10-23-13)

A property owner who connects to an addition or extension shall, during the first ten (10) years following the completion of the work and its acceptance into the sewer system, be relieved from part or all of the connection charge at the time the property is first connected to the sewer system if the owner has shared in the cost of the work. Unless otherwise provided in the resolution of acceptance, the amount of relief shall be the entire connection charge, except that no relief shall be given in excess of the cost of the addition or extension, including the house connection sewer, which was incurred by the owner and which applies to the property to be connected. The amount of the cost shall be determined by the sewer superintendent. Relief from connection charge shall not apply to any supplementary connection charge or any charges subsequently imposed for the reconnection of a disconnected sewer or the restoration of a terminated service.

(Ord. No. 1057, § 1(Exh. A), 10-23-13)