(A) Generally. The city requires that all existing structures (commercial and/or industrial buildings) that presently have a fire sprinkler system, without an approved meter, shall install a city-approved inline mag meter to measure flow and use of water conveyed through said meter into the sprinkler system in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(B) Installation standards.
(1) The city-approved inline mag meter shall be the same size as the inflow piping of the fire sprinkler pipe with shut-off valves on both sides of the meter to insure the ability to change or maintain the meter. The meter shall be installed before any connections to the fire main. All bypass connections in the piping must also have and maintain an inline valve to remain in the off position except in situations that the bypass is necessary for maintenance. The mag meter shall be purchased through the city at the city’s cost plus 15%, or be exactly the same as those used/purchased by the city to insure compatibility for billing purposes. If the mag meter is purchased through a source other than the city, the mag meter shall be subject to the approval of the City Water Distribution Superintendent, in his or her sole discretion.
(2) If there is no room in the current vault or building where the fire sprinkler system is constructed for retrofitting of the meter installation, the city-approved inline mag meter shall be installed in a separate vault before any connections to the fire main. The meter installation must have an inline valve on both sides of the meter to insure the ability to change or maintain the meter.
(C) Inspections and fees. The Water Distribution Superintendent or his/her representative must have access for inspection of the installation of the meter at all times. There will be a one-time inspection fee of $100 to inspect the installation of the meter.
(D) Billing for water usage and implementation.
(1) The meter shall be read on a monthly basis with the normal reading cycle to determine any usage on the meter for billing purposes. There will not be a charge to the building owner if there is no water usage. If there is water usage as determined by the meter, the building owner shall be charged for the water-used at then current water rates as set forth in the city’s ordinances and amended from time to time. Provided, however, that the billing for the usage as set forth in this section shall not be adjusted for alleged or actual leaks in accordance with other pertinent provisions in the city’s code of ordinances.
(2) All existing structures to which this section applies shall have until January 30, 2015 to have the meter for the fire sprinkler system approved and installed. In the event that this date creates an undue financial hardship on the building owner or if the building owner is unable to have the meter installed by the aforementioned date due to unforeseen circumstances acceptable to the city, the building owner shall request an extension of time, in writing, to the Water Distribution Superintendent. The extension of time requested must be made specifically and the written request shall state the reasons why compliance cannot be completed by the deadline stated herein. The Water Distribution Superintendent and City Manager may grant the extension, in writing, based upon the circumstances presented, in their discretion.
(Ord. 610.7-06-2014, passed 6-23-2014) Penalty, see § 55.99