(A) All connections for water services installed in the City of Madera, including, but not limited to, residential, commercial, industrial, schools, or public and government entities, shall be equipped with water meters.
(B) Any new construction that requires water service shall install a new water meter and electronic transmitter according to the city’s specifications for each building or structure.
(C) All meters as required by this chapter shall be installed in the public right-of-way or public utility easement benefitting the city if right-of-way is not available. Said meter shall thereafter become the property of the city.
(D) The city shall not approve and/or authorize any permit, entitlement, allow a new water service connection, or new utility account utilizing a service connection that does not have a water meter as required by this chapter. The city shall not approve and/or authorize any permit or entitlement, where the existing meter does not meet current standards. The meter must be replaced or improved to meet the current standards at the property owner’s expense.
(E) The cost of installation of a water meter shall be paid by the property owner, except that 1) if a meter was previously installed by the property owner at property owner’s expense and later removed and replaced by the city at the city’s own undertaking, 2) if a meter was installed by the city as part of a one-time city-wide retrofit program to install meters at unmetered residential properties. The city may recover the cost of providing the purchase, installation, and operation of water meters from rates, fees, and charges.
(F) No more than one meter per dwelling unit shall be installed on any residentially zoned property, except where there are four or more residential units a separate meter for landscaping and common facilities may be installed.
(G) It is unlawful to cause, allow, or permit tampering with any water meter, valves, transmitters, or other meter appurtenances; or to obscure, bury, block access to, or otherwise hide a valve, valve box or water service feature. If, as a result of tampering, the meter or service is damaged, an additional fee for all the cost for staff to remedy the damage or disruption shall be charged and collected in addition to all other charges and penalties, payment of such charges and penalties shall be required before water is restored.
(Ord. 909 C.S., passed 12-18-13; Am. Ord. 921U C.S., passed 5-20-15; Am. Ord. 922 C.S., passed 6-3-15; Am. Ord. 936 C.S., passed 8-17-16)