(a) Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to establish the identity of the property owner and tenants, to maintain accurate and current contact information for the provision of utility services, including water, gas, electric, refuse, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer, by the City of Obetz and to ensure the timely emergency notification of residents.
(b) Definitions. For this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
(1) “Property owner" means the person or entity who holds legal title to the property.
(2) “Tenant" means any person or entity occupying a property with the consent of the property owner.
(3) “Utility services" means water, gas, electric, refuse, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer services provided by the City of Obetz.
(c) Identification and Contact Information Requirements.
(1) Upon the initiation of utility services, and at least once every two years thereafter, the property owner and all tenants shall provide the following information to the City of Obetz:
A. Full name and current mailing address of both property owner and tenant.
B. Telephone number and valid email address of both property owner and tenant.
C. Proof of ownership or tenancy, such as a copy of a lease agreement, proof of ownership through a deed or property title, or a notarized statement from the property owner or tenant.
(2) In the event of a change in the property owner or tenancy, including the death of the person who is on the utility account, the new property owner or tenant shall provide updated information to the City of Obetz within thirty (30) days of the change.
(d) Suspension of Utility Services.
(1) The City of Obetz may suspend the usage of utility services to a property if the property owner or tenant fails to provide the required information or if the information provided is found to be inaccurate or outdated. However, the suspension of usage will not stop the accrual of the base charges for the utility service.
(2) The City of Obetz may also suspend the usage of utility services in the event of the death of a .property owner or the sale of the property, until such time as the new property owner or tenant provides the required information. The accrual of base charges will still apply during the suspension of usage.
(e) Penalty. Any property owner or tenant who violates any provision of this Section shall be guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). Upon subsequent convictions, the penalty shall be a misdemeanor of the third degree and a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for not more than sixty (60) days or both in addition to any other penalties as imposed by this Chapter. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation or noncompliance occurs or continues.
(Ord. 05-23. Passed 2-13-23.)