(a) Permission to use. Fire hydrants are used in extinguishing fires and are to be opened only by authorized employees of the department and the city's fire department, department of public works, and department of sanitation services. Any other person who wishes to use a fire hydrant must seek written permission from the director under the following conditions:
(1) A person requesting use of a fire hydrant must make written application for a permit and must pay charges in accordance with Section 49-18.9.
(2) The permittee must:
(A) use a water meter furnished by the department;
(B) connect the meter directly to the fire hydrant and include in the connection an approved reduced pressure zone backflow prevention device provided by the department;
(C) make the meter readily available for reading by the department each month it is used; and
(D) return the meter immediately after finishing use of the hydrant or upon request of the director.
(3) If water is to be hauled from the hydrant, the permittee must display a decal issued by the department on each vehicle used in hauling water from the hydrant.
(4) A permittee authorized to open a fire hydrant must only use an approved spanner wrench and must replace the caps on the outlets when not in use.
(b) Improper use. Failure to abide by the conditions of Subsection (a) is sufficient cause to prohibit further use of the fire hydrant and to refuse to grant subsequent permits for use of a fire hydrant. A person commits an offense if he knowingly:
(1) uses water from a fire hydrant without a permit from the director;
(2) violates Subsection (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) of this section or any of the terms and conditions of a permit granted under this section.
(c) Exceptions. This section does not apply to:
(1) a city employee engaged in work in an official capacity; or