Inspection of the construction shall occur throughout installation of the system and prior to the backfilling of the utilities.
(A) Generally. Prior to the issuance of a construction permit and the commencement of construction, the owner shall make arrangements with the town to provide construction inspection services.
(B) Estimated cost.
(1) If inspector services are required by the town, a letter shall be sent to the owner stating the estimated amount of payment for inspection services to be rendered by the town or the town’s representative. The amount provided in the letter shall be 75% of the total estimated cost of the inspection services based on an estimated project completion time and approved construction plans. The owner shall be responsible for fees associated with the county, if applicable, independently. Where a pumping station is involved, additional time for inspection during construction and final checkout of the station shall be added.
(2) The inspection cost is a pre-construction estimate only. The actual observation time will vary from project to project and may exceed or be less than this estimate based upon actual project duration. Observation time at the site is verified by the contractor and/or a representative of the owner. Deviations from approved construction documents or owner established schedules that create the necessity of additional inspections shall be at the owner’s expense.
(3) Seventy five percent of the cost shall be remitted prior to issuance of a construction permit. The balance of the cost for observation services, based on total actual observation hours, shall be paid prior to the town’s acceptance of the system.
(C) Inspection scheduling.
(1) The contractor and/or owner shall provide notice to the town of the planned commencement of construction at least two weeks prior to such commencement.
(2) Once the construction starts, the contractor shall be responsible for informing and/or notifying the assigned inspector of the following:
(a) Daily work schedule including any changes in schedule;
(b) Two weeks prior notification if work is to be performed on weekends or holidays;
(c) Date tests are to be performed; and
(d) Date as-built verification is to be performed.
(3) The town, upon written request by the contractor and/or owner, will schedule the final inspection.
(4) All testing required shall be performed under the observation of the town’s inspector(s). It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to schedule the testing with the inspector. Test results not obtained in the presence of the town’s representative will not be accepted.
(D) Inspection of service connections.
(1) A connection permit shall be obtained for any repair, modification, or connection of a building sewer or water line to a public utility. Connection permits shall not be issued for connections to sanitary sewers or water distribution systems not yet dedicated to and accepted by the town.
(2) Following the installation/repair/modification of a service line and prior to backfilling, the contractor/plumber shall notify the town that the service line is ready to be inspected. The town shall then have 48 hours to make the inspection, after which the contractor/plumber may backfill the trench. Inspections requested on Fridays or on a day proceeding a holiday may not be completed until the next normal business day.
(3) If notification is not provided and the building sewer is backfilled prior to inspection by the town, the town may require that the contractor/plumber re-excavate the trench so an inspection can be made.
(4) Protection of open trenches and compliance with applicable OSHA standards is the responsibility of the contractor/plumber.
(E) Final grade. Manholes, water meters, fire hydrants and the like shall be properly set at final grade. Costs associated with raising or lowering structures due to grade changes will be charged to the contractor, builder, or property owner.
(Ord. 2019-8-26(A), passed 8-26-2019)