Where charges against any premises appear on the books of the department for devices of a transitory or of a portable nature, including hose, hydraulic motors for washing machines, etc., where it may be possible to conceal such devices if inspection is anticipated, such charge may be cancelled upon presentation of an affidavit by the owner, agent or occupant of such premises, such affidavit to be in the form prescribed by the commissioner. The chief water assessor shall then cause an inspection of said premises to be made, and where the result of such inspection verifies the claim made in such affidavit the charge for such hose or device so decreased upon affidavit shall remain cancelled.
In case the result of such inspection indicates that the affidavit was made in an endeavor to escape the payment of water rates or charges which according to the provisions of this chapter should have been paid, then the charge which has been so decreased shall be immediately restored, and a penalty equal to the amount of such charge may be collected. These charges shall become immediately due and payable.
(Prior code § 185-39; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 1.12)