A. Meters Required; Exception:
1. Except where specifically waived by the city council in cases of hardship or impracticality where the number of cubic feet consumed per billing period is less than two hundred (200) and the owner of the premises agrees to pay a rate of not less than the minimum bill provided by ordinance, all premises using the city water supply must be equipped with an adequate water meter furnished by the city, but paid for by the consumer; provided, that such water service may be supplied by the city at a flat rate or charge of one dollar ($1.00) per day until such meter may be installed; provided, further, that the city shall pay the cost of any meter of three-fourths inch (3/4") size or under.
2. In the case of seven (7) or less attached tenant units of any zoning classification or combination of any zoning classification, there shall be one of the following installations of water meters:
a. One water meter sized by the locally adopted plumbing code, as prescribed herein.
b. One water meter per tenant unit and one water meter to be used in the common areas of the structure to monitor water consumption not associated with any other building unit attached to the same. These water meters shall be sized by the locally adopted plumbing code, as prescribed herein.
3. In the case of eight (8) or more attached tenant units of any zoning classification or combination of any zoning classification, with the exception of condominium type use, there shall be one water meter allowed to the structure by the locally adopted plumbing code. (Ord. 96.56, 9-30-1996)
B. Large Meters: Any water meter two inches (2") diameter and larger shall be a compound meter. For water meters larger than two inches (2") diameter a bypass line shall be constructed to permit the removal of the water meter for repair purposes without an extended interruption of service. (1988 Code §20.301)
C. Installation: Outside recorders shall be installed by consumers of water and owners of buildings in a location that will be easy of access. The consumers of water and owners of the buildings shall install radio read meters in a location that will be easy of access on all buildings for which building permits are issued after August 1, 1999. (Ord. 99.28, 7-19-1999)
D. Reading Meters: The water superintendent shall read or cause to be read every water meter used in the city at such times as are necessary so that the bills may be sent out at the proper time. (1988 Code §20.303)
E. Testing Meters: Any municipal water meter shall be taken out and tested upon complaint of the consumer and payment of a fee of two dollars ($2.00). If upon test the meter is not within three percent (3%) of being accurate, it shall be repaired or replaced and the two dollar ($2.00) fee returned to the consumer. (1988 Code §20.304)
F. Damage To Or Tampering With Meters; Embezzling Water; Violation And Penalties: Any person knowingly or wilfully damaging meters or tampering with meters or knowingly or wilfully obtaining city water with intent to permanently deprive the city of payment therefor or wilfully refusing to have a water meter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine as provided in the City of Sycamore Consolidated Fee Schedule. (Ord. 98.55, 10-12-1998; amd. Ord. 2023.04, 5-1-2023)