1544.02   METER AND SERVICE REGULATOR LOCATION.
   (a)   Meters and service regulators shall be located as follows:
      (1)   Whether inside or outside, each meter and service regulator shall be installed in a readily accessible location and be protected from corrosion and other damage, including if installed outside a building, vehicular damage that may be anticipated. However, any upstream regulator in a series may be buried.
      (2)   Each service regulator installed within a building shall be located as near as practical to the point of service line entrance.
      (3)   Each meter installed within a building shall be located in a ventilated place and shall be not less than three feet from any source of ignition or any source of heat which might damage the meter.
      (4)   Where feasible, the upstream regulator in a series shall be located outside the building, unless it is located in a separate metering or regulating building.
   (b)   The following are general requirements for locating meters and service regulators:
      (1)   Meters shall be installed at the service regulator. When more than one meter is set at a structure, the meters shall be set at one location.
      (2)   Outside aboveground meter locations are required when availability of space and other conditions prohibit an inside installation.
      (3)   When selecting a meter location, consideration shall be given to potential damage by outside forces such as vehicle, construction equipment, tools or materials which could be placed on the meter, and falling objects. When such potential is evidence, the meter shall be protected or an alternative location selected.
      (4)   Meters and service regulators shall not be installed in contact with the soil or other potentially corrosive materials. The potential for shorting out the insulated fitting shall also be considered.
      (5)   Meters and service regulators shall be accessible for reading, inspection, repairs, testing, changing and operation of the gas shut off valve.
      (6)   Meters and service regulators shall not be installed in the following locations:
         A.   Under or in front of windows or other building openings which may be used as emergency fire exists or under interior or exterior stairways.
         B.   A crawl space with limited clearance.
         C.   Near building air intakes.
      (7)   No building should have more than one service line nor more than one meter location, unless the building is divided into different fire areas by firewalls.
      (8)   Outside meters shall be installed aboveground in a protected location adjacent to the building served.
      (9)   Meters shall be located outside unless:
         A.   An acceptable outside location is not available.
         B.   Protection from ambient temperature is necessary to avoid meter freeze-ups. (This condition is most often encountered in low-pressure systems which pick up moisture from water sealed gas holders or other sources.)
      (10)   When a meter or regulator must be located inside, the following shall be adhered to:
         A.   Meters shall not be located in confined engine, boiler, heater or electrical equipment rooms, nor in living quarters, closets, restrooms, bathrooms or similar locations.
         B.   Service regulators installed within a building shall be located as near as practical to the service line entry point. A separate vent shall also be run to the outside for each regulator.
         C.   A readily accessible shutoff valve shall be located outside the building.
(Ord. 107-05. Passed 5-16-05.)