(A) In general. All subdivisions shall be served with an adequate on-lot or central water supply system that will meet state and county requirements.
(B) Central water service.
(1) Required connections to central water systems. The Planning Commission, after requesting any recommendations of the County Engineer and the appropriate water supplier, may require all lots and principal uses within a subdivision to be connected to an existing central water system where the Planning Commission determines that the connection would be feasible, cost-effective and reasonable, considering the distances that the lines would need to be extended and any available estimates of average cost per dwelling or lot.
(2) County-approved central water system. For the purposes of permitting reduced lot sizes under Article 3 or an applicable zoning ordinance, the term “county-approved central water system” shall mean a central water system that is currently operated by a municipality or sanitary district, or that meets all of the following standards:
(a) The system is constructed to proper standards that would allow it to be incorporated into a public water system in the future.
(b) The subdivision plan states that the water system will be offered to dedication to a municipal or sanitary district water system in the future, if feasible.
(c) If the system will not be immediately dedicated to a public water system, then the applicant proves that there will be a suitable process to make sure there will be proper long-term operation and maintenance, such as a long-term contract with a professional operator.
(3) Water supplier approval. Proposed extensions of existing central water systems shall meet all applicable design approvals, construction inspections and other requirements of the existing system. The extension shall be approved by such agency prior to final plan approval, although specific detailed service agreements are not required to be signed until prior to recording.
(4) Non-public supplier. Any new central water system not owned by a sanitary district or municipality shall be found to be acceptable in capacity, pressure, design and construction by the Planning Commission, based upon review of the County Engineer. The Planning Commission may deny permission for a subdivision to be served by a non-public central water system if the system cannot guarantee sufficient water pressure and capacity.
(C) On-lot water system (wells). When a subdivision will not be connected to a central water system, acceptable locations for on-lot water systems shall be shown on subdivision plans and shall be constructed in accordance with regulations of the state. A well may be located on commonly owned land if approved as part of the subdivision, and if appropriate easements are established.
(D) Fire hydrants. Where the County Engineer determines that it would be feasible to provide appropriate water supply and pressure, the Planning Commission may require that a subdivision served by a public water system provide fire hydrants so that all dwelling units and principal buildings are within 600 feet of a fire hydrant.
(Ord. —, passed 6-24-1997; Am. Res. 2010-5, passed 5-25-2010)