HomeMy WebLinkAboutFEBRUARY 28, 1977
MINUTES OF TriE IIONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE
CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
February 28, 1977
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Virginia Beach,
Virginia, was called to order by Mayor Clarence A. Holland, in
the Conference Room, in the Administration Building, Princess Anne
Borough, on Monday, February -98, 1977, at 1:00 p.m.
Council Members present: John A. Baum, Robert B. Cromwell, Jr.,
George R. Ferrell, John R. Griffin, Mayor Clarence A. Holland, J.
Henry McCoy, Jr., Meyera E. Oberndorf, J. Curtis Payne, Roger L.
Riggs, Vice Mayor Patrick L. Standing and Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
Council Members absent: None
ITEM #10480
Mayor Holland entertained a motion to permit the Council to conduct
an informal discussion to be followed by an Executive Session for
the purpose of discussing the following:
1. Discussion or consideration of employment,
assignment, appointment, promotion, demotion,
salaries, discipline or resignation of public
officers, appointees or employees of any public
body. (Personnel Matters)
2. Discussion or consideration of the con-
dition, acquisition or use of real property
for public purpose, or other disposition of
publicly held property. (Acquisition, use or
disposition of publicly held property)
3. Consultation with legal counsel and briefing
by staff members, consultants, or attorneys per-
tainin@, to actual or potential ligitgation, or
other legal matters witliin tlie jurisdiction of
the public body. (Legal Matters)
On motion by Councilman Ferrell, seconded by Councilman Griffin, and
by recorded vote as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen John A. Baum, Robert B. Cromwell, Jr., George R.
Ferrell, John R. Griffin, Mayor Clarence A. Ilolland, J. Henry McCoy,
Jr., Councilwoman Meyera E. Oberndorf, J. Curtis Payne, Roger L.
Rig,-s, Vice ivlayor Patrick L. Standing, and Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
Nays: None
Absent: None
City Council voted to proceed into Executive Session following the
informal discussion.
ITEM #10481
A delegation of property owners and citizens attended the Informal
Discussion conducted by the City Manager, Mr. George Hanbury, con-
cerning a variance applied for by @Ar. Bruce Mills to permit the con-
struction of a residential building on the beach at Chesapeake Beach,
Virginia on a lot 50 feet by 125 feet, said lot being shown on the Plat
of Chesapeake Park.
The purpose of the original application, made by Nir. Mills, was to per-
mit the construction of a residential building on a lot which was or is
partially under water on a normal high tide. The proposed building does
not conform to the established city policy which prohibits construction
below the six foot contour line of the beach, as a consequence site plan
approval was denied by the Engineering Department. Subsequently, an
application was made to the City Manager for an administrative approval
which would be a variance from the established policy of the city in
such matters. The request is now before the City Council for dispos-
ition.
The City Manager, Mr. George Hanbury, invited the attention of the del-
egation to aerial photos of the bay shoreline and the ocean front beach
line from the Amphibious Base to the North Carolina State line. The
continous aerial photos indicated that where the beaches were unpro-
tected by natural dunes, beach erosion has occured.
In 1936 the beach area at Chesapeake Beach sufferred tremendious erosion
from sea action as a result of severe storms. Several blocks of lots
are presently permanently under the surface and therefore, "unbuildable".
The use of the lots on the beach, by the public, over the years has
created the need for an established "public" beach; and a need to es-
tablish a coastal construction setback line.
As an example, he described the action taken by the State of Florida
to assist the localities to control building construction on the beaches
by adopting a state statute which prohibited building closer than 50
feet to the mean high water mark. Virginia, however, is not a "hi-h
water" state, we are a low water state. Much would have to be done to
our state enabling legislation to legalize 50 foot strip from mean high
water mark. The Florida judiciary determined that the high water mark
would be indicated as that line which is determined by the growth of
sea oats on the sand, as sea oats do not grow in salt water, therefore,
that would mark the high water line.
Virginia does not have enabling legislation to permit governing bodies
to establish such a line on its beaches. Virginia did adopt in 1972
a coastal plain act which is presently under study by the Governor's
Office in an effort to establish proposed coastal plain legislation.
The City Manager explained that only certain Means could be employed to
prevent the construction of buildings on private property adjacent to
or on the beaches. They are:
1. City Council could establish a coastal building line
and not permit construction beyond the line, which would
no doubt result in court action by the property owners as
illegal confiscation of private property.
2. Condemn property for public use, with compensation to
owner.
3. Allow the applicant to go ahead and build but comply
with severe restrictions placed upon him by the municipality.
4. We could do nothing and permit the applicant to take the
matter to court for litigation to release the approval for
the site plan.
The attending property owners and citizelis ' as well as tlie applicant,
indicated their desire to express their opinions in the formal meeting
which follows the informal meeting. Mayor Holland, speaking for the
Council, indicated that he had no objection to the request and would,in
fact, realign the agenda to hear the matter immediately after the open-
ing of the meeting.
ITEM #10482
Mr. Ilanbury, City Manager, advised City Council that there would be a
meeting of the Community Block Grant Committee at 7:30 p.m., Monday,
February 28, 1977 to recommend proposed uses of the funding.
ITEM #10483
Discussion regarding encroachment of Peabodys Warehouse on 21st and
Pacific Avenue. Owners have requested an eleven inch encroachment
on Pacific Avenue and a four inch encroachment on 21st street in
order to improve the appearance of the building and modernize it. The
City Manager indicated that the sidewalk on Pacific Avenue is only 16
feet wide and that he could not approve the encroachment, as a result,
the matter is appealed to the City Council. Attorney Ned Caton repre-
sented the owner of Peabodys Warehouse.
After discussion and consideration of the architects design, City
Council agreed to make a motion in the formal Council @leeting app-
roving an encroachment of six inched on Pacific Avenue and four inches
on 21st street. The matter will be acted upon under new business in
the formal meeting.
ITEM #10484
At 2:15 p.m., City Council reconvened in the Council Chambers with
the following members present:
John A. Baum, Robert B. Cromwell, Jr., George R. Ferrell, John R.
Griffin, Mayor Clarence A. Holland, J. Henry @4cCoy, Jr., Council-
woman Meyera E. Oberndorf, J. Curtis Payne, Roger L. Riggs, Vice-
Mayor Patrick L. Standing, and Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
Council llembers absent: None
The invocation was given by the Reverend David L. Ilenry, Bayside
Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #10485
On motion by Councilman Payne, seconded by Councilman Bauin, and by
recorded vote as follows:
COUNCILMAN FLOYD E. WATERFIELD LEFT.
Ayes: Councilmen John A. Baum, Robert B. Cromwell, Jr., George R.
Ferrell, John R. Griffin, Mayor Clarence A. Holland, J. Henry McCoy,
Riggs and Vice Mayor Patrick L. Standing.
,Nays: None
Absent: Councilman Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
City Council voted to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
February 14, 1977 and dispensed with the reading of said minutes in-
asmuch as each Council Member had a copy.
COUNCILMAN FLOYD E. WATERFIELD RETURNED
ITEM #10486
A represeniative group of the Property owners and liti,e,, residing
in the Chesapeal-@e Beach area, Ocean Park Area and Lynnhaven Area, as
well as some from the Sandbridge area, appeared before City Council
to appose the approval of a variance to the site plan ordinance whicli
would permit the construction of a dwelling on a lot partially under
water and located on the beach at Chesapeake Beach, Bayside Borough,
Virginia Beach, Virginia. The lot is shown on the plat of Chesapeake
Park and is on file in the City Engineer's Office, the Planning Com-
mission and is recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Court. IIigil
interest was indicated in the outcome of the decision of City Council
because it has been felt that it would possibly constitute a precedent
for siriilar application for variances for many other areas of the City
in which corresponding circu.Mstances exist.
The applicant was represented by Mr. Bruce Mills, Attorney, and property
owner, Mr. Julian C. Brown, Air. Vernard F. Wagner, Mr. Eugene Godfrey,
Mr. J. A. Wood.
Those OpPosed to granting the variance to the site plan are:
Mr. Allen Jones
Mr. Robert Smith
and Plr- Grover Wright, Attorney, representing residents of the area.
In addition, petitions opposing the construction of the building have
been filed with the Office of the City Clerk. Signatures of property
owners and residents of the area total 481.
@Ar. Mills, in appearing before City Council, noted that he had followed
the proceedures indicated in the City Code, the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance and the Site Plan Ordinance, but had been unable to obtain
a building permit due to the inability of the subject lot to satisfy
the requirements which stipulate that any construction on the beach
must follow the established policy of the City which prohibits constr-
uction below the six foot contour line of shoreline or the bulkheading.
Mr. DAilis indicated that the applicant would construct bulkheading app-
arently along his lot line and would construct the proposed building
on piling and would dedicate on fifty foot strip of land for public use
along the northern side of tile subject lot. Ife indicated that he be-
lieved his inherent rights as a property owner were being violated by
the requirments of the site plan ordinance or established city policy
and were, in effect, confiscating his property without due compensation.
I,lr. Julian Brown, lir. Vernard Wagner, Mr. Eugene Codfrey and Mr. J. A.
Wood all express support of Mr. Mills application to permit construction
on the beach and indicated that they would suffer financial loss if they
in turn were not permitted to utilize their subject lots.
Mr. Gr t, Attorney, appeared on behalf of those persons opposed
to the construc@ion of buildings on the beacil.
Mr. Allen Jones, i appeared on behalf of the residents of the area pro-
testing ruction of buildings on the beach and requested City
Council to "live" by its own laws and ordinances--strictly enforce the
site plan ordinance which would, in his opinion, prevent Mr. Mills from
building on the beach.
Mayor Holland indicated that legal opinion regarding the constitution-
ality of "variances" passed upon by City Council are decided upon by
the judicial bodies of the City and are not within the jurisdiction of
the City Council.
Mr. Robert Smith appeared in opposition to the construction on the beach,
le reminded Council that there are more than one lot involved and stressed
that the esthetic value of such construction be considered rather than
the pure monitary value.
Mr. Grover Wright, Attorney,representing several property owners,
indicated that City Council, throu,-h its Engineering Department and
its site plan ordinance and established city policy, had established
a definite policy refusing to permit construction below the six foot
contour line and that the applicant was seeking a variance from the
City Council to maintain the policy under its general policy and
regulatory authority in order to treat all persons fairly, and should
the Council be found in error, compensation should be granted, however,
as the subject application involves the benefits of the general public,
possibly through prescriptive rights, it should be brought to court for
a final decision. Mr. IVright indicated that based upon the report of
the United States Corps of Engineers and the report of the City Engineers
Office, a formal written policy in the form of an ordinance should be ad-
opted in order to be fair and uniform to all concerned.
Vice Mayor Standing,,seconded by Councilmaii Baum, made a motion to deny
the application for a variance to the site plan ordinance or the esta-
blished policy of the city made by @ir. Bruce Mills to permit constru-
ction of a dwelling on Chesapeake Beach. During the ensuing discussion,
the motion made by Mr. Standing was withdrawn after concurrance by '.ir.
Baum.
Councilman Ferrell made a motion to approve the application of Mr. Mills
provided be comply with all the site plan and subdivision requirements--
there was no second. Avote was then taken upon an amended motion made
by Vice-Mayor Standing, seconded by Councilman Baum to deny the variance.
The recorded vote which follows indicated that the motion was lost.
Ayes: Councilmen John A. Baum, J. Ilenry McCoy, Jr., Councilwoman @leyera,
E. Oberndorf, J. Curtis Payne, Vice Mayor Patrick L. Standing.
Nays: Councilmen George R. Ferrell, John R. Griffin, Mayor Clarence A.
Holland, Roger L. Riggs, Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
Abstain: Councilman Robert B. Cromwell, Jr.
Absent: None
The motion was lost due to a tie vote.
The matter was again under discussion. Mr. @lills noted the concessions
proposed by the applicant and urged approval.
?Ar. Grover Wright invited the attention of Council to the fact that the
applicant by his request for a variance acknowledged the existance of
the city policy whether it was written or not.
Councilman Baum, having been on the affirmative side of the lost motion
then made a motion, which was seconded by Councilman Ferrell to approve
the granting of a variance to Mr. Mills, during the discussion which
followed the motion was amended to read:
That Mr. Bruce Mills, the applican t, would not be allowed
to build on his property if he built the bulkhead at the
six foot contour line with piling or construction extending
north of the bulkhead and that any building construction
would be on the south side of the bulkhead and that the City
immediately proceed to amend the CZO and other zoning and
subdivision ordinances to try and get something under way
which will clarify the Council's right to control constr-
uction in such matters without conflict.
Mr. Standing indicated that was the interest of his original motion
with the concurrance of Mr. Baum who had made the motion.
By recorded vote as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen George R. Ferrell, John R. Griffin, Mayor Clarence
A. Ilolland, Roger L. Riggs, Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
Nays: Councilmen John A. Baum, J. Henry liccoy, Jr., Councilwoman
Meyera E. Oberndorf, J. Curtis Payne and Vice @layor Patrick L. Standing.
Abstain: Councilman Robert r,. Cromwell, Jr.
Absent: None
The vote indicated that the motion was lost. After consideration
of the discussion and the motions both for and against the granting
of a variance, the laayor announced that the matter is under the juris-
diction of the administration. The administration had previously
indicated that it would not approve the variance.
ITEM #10487
The City Clerk read the following Public notice regardin, the pro-
posed adoption of an amended ordinance regarding the extension and
inclusion of certain areas of the city in the Mosquito Control Pro-
gram. After discussion with Mr. Dick Crockrell, Director of Depart-
ment of Agriculture of Virginia Beach, City Council adopted, on first
reading, an ordinance; and indicated that the ordinance would be
brought up for second reading on March 21, 1977 two weeks hence. The
recorded vote as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen John A. Baum, Robert B. Cromwell, Jr., George R.
Ferrell, John R. Griffin, Mayor Clarence A. liolland, J. Henry McCoy,
Jr., Councilwoman Meyera E. Oberndorf, J. Curtis Payne, Roger L.
Riggs, Vice Mayor Patrick L. Standing, and Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
Nays: None
Absent: None
City Council voted to adopt, on first reading, an ordinance to amend
and reordain Section 21-5 of the Code of the City of Virginia Beach
pertaining to Mosquito Control Districts:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REORDAIN
SECTION 21-5 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF VIRGINIA BF-ACH PERTAINING TO
MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICTS
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH,
VIRGINIA:
That Section 21-5 of the Code of the City of Virginia Beach is
amended and reordained to read as follows:
Section 21-5: Princess Anne-Pungo Mosquito Control District
The Princess Anne-Pungo Mosquito Control District shall include
all of the area within the Boroughs of Princess Anne and Pungo except for
the following areas in Pungo Borough:
(a) The Back Bay Wildlife Refuge.
(b) That area south of Back Bay Wildlife Refuge to the
North Carolina line bordered on the east by the
Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the waters of
Back Bay. This area includes but is not limited
to those sections known as Barbour Hill, Etheridge
Camp, False Cape, Beasley's Camp, Goat Hill, Wash
Woods and Brown's Camp.
(c) That portion of the area known as Knotts Island
which is situated in the City of Virginia Beach.
First Reading: February 28, 1977
Second Reading:
Deferred indefinitely on March 7, 1977.
This ordinance shall be effective July 1, 1977.
Adopted by the Council of the City of Virginia Beach on the
day of , 1977.
ITEM #1048'.
A letter from the City Manager requesting City Council to authorize the
issuance of $7 Million of General Obligation Bonds of the City of Virginia
Beach, Virginia from the 1977 Charter Bond Issue of which 84 Million would
be designated as initial partial payments on school construction and $,3
Million for engineering costs and utilities which are presently under
construction.
The increasing scool population requires the construction of school
facilities-for this purpose the City Council authorized the School
Board to construct a $6.9 tlillion Junior High School in Kempsville.
Presently the School Board has two bids outstanding; one for the con-
struction of Green Run High School in the amount of $10.3 Alillion
and White Oak Elementary school, in the amount of $3.3 Million. @@he
three buildings total $20,500,000.
The Mayor's Connittee on Water and Sewer Rate suggested a Revenue Bond
issue of $9.1 Million to be amortized by the proposed rate increases;
of this issue $6.1 Million would be to fund water and sewer health
hazard projects and $3 Million of the proceeds of the reveneu bond
sale would be designated to replace the $3 @lillion utilitzed from the
$7 faillion General Obligation Bond issue presented today.
City Council is requested to authorize the City @lanager to prepare a
Revenue Bond Ordinance to support the $9.1 Million herein described
and for the purposes stated. Authorization and sale of these Revenue
Bonds will only finance construction of projects through this calendar
year, therefore, City Council needs to decide in the immediate future
whether funding of future utility projects will be by revenue bonds,
individual referendum or City Charter chan.-e, in this decision the City
Manager requests the guidance from Council for this purpose: The City
Manager requests authority to negotiate for the purchase of "private"
public facilities and to employ and engineer to determine an equitable
pureliase price, the services of the engineer to be compensated equally
by the seller and the City.
Upon motion by Councilman Payne, seconded by Councilman @@.IcCoy, and by
recorded vote as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen John A. Baum, Robert B. Cromwell, Jr., George R.
Ferrell, John R. Griffin, Mayor Clarence A. Holland, J. Henry McCoy,
Jr., Councilwoman Meyera E. Oberndorf, J. Curtis Payne, Roger L.
Riggs, Vice Nlayor Patrick L. Standing, and Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
Nays: None
Absent: None
City Council authorized the issuance of seven (7) million dollars of
General Obligation Bonds of the City of Virginia Beach as set forth
in the following Ordinance; further, City Council authorized the
City Manager to prepare a Revenue Bond Ordiliance to support an issue
of $9.1 million dollars for the purpose hereto noted,
AN ORDINANCE AUTIIORIZING 'I'IIE ISSUANCL
$7,000,000 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF
THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA
BEACH, VIRGINIA:
1. It is hereby determined to be necessary and expedient
for the City of Virginia Beach to construct and improve various
public facilities and improvements, all of which will promote the
development and public welfare of the City, and to borrow money
for such purposes and issue the City's general obligation bonds
therefor.
2. Pursuant to the authority of the Charter of the City
of Virginia Beach (Ch. 147, Acts of Assembly of 1962, as amended)
and the Public Finance Act, as amended, there are hereby authorized
to be issued Seven Million Dollars ($7,000,000) Public Improvement
Bonds of the City of Virginia Beach to provide funds, together
with otlier funds that may be available, for the following purposes:
Planning, construction and improve-
ment of sewer system, including
force mains, gravity lines and pump
stations $1,506,400
Planning, construction, site
acquisition and improvements
and equipping of school facil-
ities 4,000,000
Planning, construction and improve-
ment of water system, including
transniission and distribution
lines, pump stations and storage
tanks 1,493,600
TOTAL $7,000,000
Any amounts not needed for any such purposes may be used
for any other of such purposes.
3. The bonds shall bear such date or dates, mature at such
time or times not exceeding forty years from their dates, bear in-
terest at such rate or rates not exceeding the maximum rate per-
mitted by law at the time the bonds are sold, be in such denomina-
2
tions and form, be executed in such manner and be sold at such
time oritimes and in such manner, including the sale of the same
as one dr more separate issues or in combination with the sale of
generaliobligation bonds heretofore or hereafter authorized for
similar'or other purposes, as the Council shall hereafter pro-
vide by@:appropriate resolution or resolutions.
The bonds shall be general obligations of the City of
Virgini Beach for the payment of principal of and interest on
which i-,s full faith and credit shall be irrevocably pledged.
FIRST READING:
SECOND RIADING:
Adopted by the Council of the City of Virginia Beach on the
day of 1977.
ITEM #10489
On motion by Councilman Payne, seconded by Councilman McCoy, and by
recorded vote as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen John A. Baum, Robert B. Cromwell, Jr., George R.
Ferrell, John R. Griffin, @Aayor Clarence A. Holland, J. Henry McCoy,
Jr., J. Curtis Payne, Roger L. Riggs, Vice Mayor Patrick L. Standing,
and Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
Nays: Councilwoman Meyera E. Oberndorf
Absent: None
City Council authorized the City @lanager, Mr. George Hanbury, to conduct
negotiations for the purchase of private utilites and employ an engineer
to serve as mediator.
ITEM #10490
The City Clerk read by title a Public Notice which set forth the in-
tention of the City Council to adopt the following ordinance entitled:
An Ordinance to amend and reordain Chapter 37 of the
Code of the City of Virginia Beach relating to water
supply
The following persons appeared before City Council regarding the
water rate ordinance:
Those in favor:
Mr. F. Reid Ervin - Representing the North Virginia Beach Civic League
@Ir. Tazewell T. Hubard
Mr. Andrew Heatwolle - Representing Virginia Beach Board of Realtors
Mr. Henry D. Green Sandbridge Beach Civic League
Mr. James Gatling Seatack
Those opposed:
Mr. Conrad Reid
@4s. Anne Greenburg
Mrs. Joan Chebetar
@,irs. 1,1. Hogsed
D4rs. Mary A. Buerke - Ocean Park Civic League
Mr. W. A. Gravely Laurel Cove Civic League
@4rs. Reba McClanan Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations
Mr. Robert Cubman
The presentation made by Dlr. Ervin is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
A consensus of the expressions regarding the proposed increases in the
rates for both water and sewage services seem to indicate that the public
in general recognizes the need for improved and expanded water service as
a means of protecting the public health and protecting property from
devastation by fire. Criticism was indicated as to the failure of the City
to expand and improve the service as the population increased and the
density of the buildings became evident. The public is critical of the
distribution of the increases in rates as they apply to large and small
users of the service and of the method of billing. The reasons for the
various changes in the billing were explained by the City Manager.
Several of the citizens who spoke, voiced strenious objections to the
actions taken by City Council in which connection to and use of the
water or sewer service is required within one year after they are made
available by the City.
After considerable discussion by City Council and upon motion by
Councilman Ferrell, seconded by Councilman Cromwell, and by recorded
vote as follows:
Ayes: Councilmen John A. Baum, Robert B. Cro-mwell, Jr., George R.
Ferrell, John R. Griffin, Mayor Clarence A. Holland, J. Henry @IcCoy,
Jr., Councilwoman Meyera E. Oberndorf, J. Curtis Payne, Roger L.
Riggs, Vice Mayor Patrick L. Standing, and Floyd E. Waterfield, Jr.
Nays: None
Absent: None
City Council adopted the following ordinance regarding water rates:
AN ORDIN,@CE TO 701F@ND AND L@EORDAIN
C)iAPTER 37 OF TliE CODE OF TiiE CITY
OF VIRGINIA BEACII, VIRGIN'IA, RELATING
TO WATER SUPPLY.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VIRDINIA BEACII, VIRGINIA:
That Chapter 37 of the Code of the City of Virginia Beach, virginia,
is hereby ainended and reordained as follows:
A@TICLE 1. IN GENERAL.
Sec. 37-1. Definitions.
(a) Consumer As used in this chapter, a consumer shall mean any
person, firm, or corporation to whom water from the City water
system is supplied directly, either as owner, agent, or tenant
of the premises to which supplied through a City meter and who
is liable to the City for the payment of charges for the con-
sumption of water so supplied.
(b) ;@ater service - As used in this chapter, water service shall be
taken to mean the delivery of City water to a building, lot, or
preinises at the curb; provided, that when any lot contains more
than one building or any btiilding is divided into separate
functional units, such building or lot as the case may be shall
not be an additional service if it is owned by one person and
all water so used is paid for by one person; and further provided,
that the Director of Public Util.ities inay specify for any lot or
l,ililding the nuirber of separate water services which is deemed
nc,cessary to mcet the requirements for water supply.
(c) ;-:ater usage - As used in this chapter, water usage shall be taken
to mean the use or the right to use City water delivered through
a City metcr into the building or dwelling to be serviced.
Sec. 37-2. Application and contract for consumer service.
The Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to furnish water
service to consumers only upon application and contract, signed by the
owner, agent, or tenant of the premises connected with the City water.
system, agreeing t6 abide by the City ordinances governing the service and
to pay the charges prescribed by law. The application and contract shall
be made on printed forms furnished by the Department of Public Utilities,
signed by the owner, agent, or tenant desiring to become a consumer; pro-
vided, however, that the application and contract for consumer service for
rnotels, hotels, and apartment buildings must be signed by the owner thereof
unless there is a separate meter for each dwelling unit; and ptovided
further, that no application by any tenant will be accepted until the
E>licant produces sufficient proof th'at he has a leaseliold interest for
term in excess of ninety days.
c. 37-3. Eac h meter considered separate service.
if any consumer is supplied through more than one ineter, each met.er
all be considered as a separate service both as to water usage charges
d as to meter -. maintenance charges and as to all other provisions of this
apter, including application requirements and deposit fees.
37-4. Deposits..
(a) Any person who is not and who has not been a consumer with a
proven credit experience with the City of Virginia Beach, Depart-
ment of Public Utilities' shall, at the time application is made,
deposit with the City a sum, as indicated in the schedule below,
for each water usage account:
14ETER SIZE I 0 UN T
5/8" $ 2 5 . 0 0
3/4" 25.00
1. 25.00
11/2'.
50.00
2. 100.00
3" 150.00 i
4 250.00
6 300.00
B" and above Deposit ecual to estimate
water consiiinption for one
billing period
(b) After any consumer has become delinquent in his bill, the Depart-
ment of Public Utilities may require a deposit in an amount based
on an estimated monthly bill in order to continue service.
(c) Deposits may be refunded upon wr itten request to the Department of
Public Utilities after six consecutive billing periods of main-
taining payments on time.
(d) No interest will be paid on deposits.
Sec. 37-5. Procedure ,;hen property is vacated; charges f6r restoring service.
(a) All owners or th6ir authorized agents after kiiowledge that their
premises have been vacated shall promptly i)otify, in writing, the
Department of Public Utilities to slitit off tlie consuiner supPlY Of
water tliereto, and upon such notification in writiilg from the
owner, or authorized agent, the Departinent of Public Utilitics
shall effectually shut off the water to sucli premises and at the
saine time, record the reading of the meter.
(b) ilhen the service is shut off pursiiant to subsection (a) above,
there shall be'a $10.00 charge for restoring service.
(c) A 'may keep service intact during the vacancy of a ny
-ny consumer
premises by paying the miniinum meter - maintenance charges and
minimum@,ater usage charges set forth in this chapter.
(d) Where it is necessary to remove a meter, or where the removal of
a meter is requested by the owner or authorized agent, the Charge
for reinstallation of the meter shall be $25.00 for all meters
up to 2"; for all meters 2" or great:er, cost of labor, materials,
and equipment pl,us 25% for administration.' .
(e) lqhenever service is abandoned, the charges for reconnection of
service shall be as provided for in section 37-29 (a) -
Sec.. 37-6. Water. for construction purposes.
Contractors applying for water usage for buildings for
construction purposes shall pay for the same at the regularly schedule-d
wat,er us age-rates and mete@@ maintenance--rates,-. and shall be held respon-
sible for all charges so billed, unti-1 such time as the contractor shall
notify the Department 6f Public Utiliti.es, in writing, to. cut off the suppl3
Sec. 37-7. Public buildings to have meters; cliarges for water supply.
All public buildings (including school buildings) , state, federal and
municipal, in the City, as may be 6esignated by the Director of Public
ut3-lities, shall have attached to the supply pipes connecting such build'ing@
with the water mains of the City_ such meters, for measuring the water suppl-
furnished such buildings, as may be sel&cted by the Director of Public
Utilities as being suitable. The water so supplied to such consumers shall
be charged to them, through the proper department or to others having
control of such consumption, at regularly scheduled prevailing rates.
Sec. 37-8. Water meters to remain property of City; repair and replacement
of meters.
All water meters installed by the Department of Public utilities or
at the request of the Department of Public Utilities shall be at all times
the property of the City and shall be maintained and repaired, when rendered
unserviceable through wear and tear, and renewed by the City; provided,
however, that where replacement, repairs, or adjustinents of any meter are
rendered necessary by causes other than ordinary wear and tear, the expense
caused to the City th ereby shall be paid by and collected from the consumer
responsible for the meter at the premises.
Sec. 37-9. Adjustment of abnormal billing due to leakage.
The Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to adjust and
settle such claims against the Department of Public Utilities for abnormal
bills, due to leakage, as will in the judgment of the Director, work an
injustice to the consumer unless corrected.
Sec. 37-10. Waste of water; repair of leaking pipes, etc.
No person shall permit the water to run from any hydrant, meter, cock,
or fixture without proper care to prevent waste. If any pipe, hydrant, mete
cock or other fixture be found leaking, the owner of the premises shall
have the necessary repairs made immediately upon notice thereof from the
Department of Public Utilities so to do, and failure to repair shall require
the discontinuance of water supply until repairs are made.
Sec. 37-11. Extravagant use of water; fixtures to conserve supply.
The City Manager and/or the Director of Public Utilities are hereby
authorized to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations restricting the
use and consumption of water supplied by the City of Virginia Beach, and
may regulate or prohibit any or all nonessential uses of water.
Violation of any of the rules and regulations so established shall,
for a first offense, be punished as a Class III misdemeanor. Any second
or subsequent o@nse shall be punished as a Class-II misdemeanor.
The Manager or the Director may al so reqtiire the owner or occupant
of any premises to equip and maintain stich promises with fixtures of
approved design and quality which prevent inefficient use of water and
conserve the City's water supply.
Sec. 37-12. Turning off water for purposes of repairs.
In case of breaks in the mains, servic6s, pumping machinery, reservoirs
or other water works equipment making it necessary to shut off the water,
or when it is necessary to shut off the water for the purpose of repairing,
extending or cleaning the mains, previous notice will, if practicable, be
given, but in no case will any claim for damages due to water being shut
off be allowed.
Sec. 37-13. Use of fire hydrants.
Fire hydrants are provided for the sole purpose of extinguishing fires,
and all persons, except the Department of Fire and the Department of Public
Utilities or such persons as may be specifically authorized by the Director
of Public Utilities are hereby prohibited from opening or using the same.
Any person authorized to open fire hydrants shall use only an appropriate
spanner wrench, and shall replace the caps on the outlets when not in use
from the same. Violation of this section shall be considered a Class I
misdemeanor.
Sec. 37-14. Private fire protection systems.
(a) No City water shall be used for private fire protection systems
unless the customer installs, at his cost, a detector check valve
and by-pass meter of a type and at a location approved by the
Department of Public Utilities.
(b) The customer shall pay the cost of all labor, materials, and
equipment for any facility installed by the Department of Public
Utilities in order to accommodate a private fire protection-
system, plus 25% of that cost for administration.
(c) No person shall use water from a private fire protection system
other than for extinguishing a fire, without the written consent
of the Director of Public Utilities. If water from a private
fire protection system is used in a manner not authorized herein,
all water usage shall be cut off unless such unauthorized use is
terminated immediately upon notice from the Department of Public
Utilities and payment is made for all water so used.
(d) No charge shall be made for water used to extinguish fires, but
a $2.50 monthly service fee is hereby iniposed for reading and
maintaining meters and inspecting the systems.
Sec. 37-15. Access to premises supplied with water.
The Director of Public Utilities and his agents shall have free access
at all reasonable hours to all parts of any premises to which water is
sup,plied to make necessary examinations, repairs, or alterations.
Sec. 37-16. Obstructing valves, manholes, meters, etc.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to place upon or about any
gate valve, manhole, fire hydrant, stop cock, meter or meter box
connected with the water pipes of the system of water works, any
object, material, debris or structure of any kind which will
prevent free access to the same at all times.
(b) It shall be the responsibility of the owner or occupant of all
premises upon which -Ihese facilities are placed that there be a
one foot clearance around all such facilities; provided however
that there be a three foot clearance surrounding any fire hydrant.
Sec. 37-17.'Turning water on or off; tampering with appliances.
No person, or his agent, except employees of the Department of Public
Utilities,@ shall cut off or turn on water at any City curb cock or meter
nor remove, disconnect or tamper in any way with any water meter, water
connection, fire hydrant, lock, curb cock or curb box, or any part thereof,
or any other equipment installed by the Department of Public Utilities in
connection with the water system without previous permission, in writing,
from the Department of Public Utilities so to do; provided, that in case
of necessary emergency repair work to be don.e on any premises, the person
doing such repair work shall be permitted temporarily to turn on or off
the water and upon completion of the work shall leave the water on or
off as before. In such cases, notice ot such turning on or off of water
shall be given to the Department of Public Utilities as soon as possible.
No person, except employees of the Department of Public Utilities,
shall move any meter or meter box from the location in which it is placed
by the Department of Public Utilities.
Sec. 37-18. city to itiake connections.
No person, except the properly authorized agents of the Director of
Public utilities, shall tap or make any connection with the main or
distributing pipes of the City water works system.
Sec. 37-19. City not responsible for damage.
The City will not be responsible for any damage caused by defective
plumbing or open outlets when water is turned on by the order of the
Director of Public Utilities, or by request of any owner, lessee, or
agent.
Sec. 37-20. Straight connections (a connection without meter) in or
outside of meter boxes; changing service pipe from one tap
or meter to another.
It shall be unlawful for any person to install a straight connection
in or outside of meter boxes where meters have been removed, or to change
any service pipe from one tap or meter to another, without first obtaining
permission in writing from the Department of Public Utilities.
it shall further be unlawful for any person to use water obtained
by methods enumerated in this section, and such consumption shall be
billed to such unauthorized user by determining the estimated actual
consumption and charging therefore at the regular water usage., rates set
forth in Sec. 37-33.
Sec. 37-21. Cutting off any source contaminating water distribution system.
The Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to cut off the
supply of water from any source within the water distribution system of
the City after the Public flealth Director of the City or the Director of
Public Utilities, or his duly authorized agent, certifies that such source
may be a contaminant and a potential public health hazard.
Sec. 37-22. Liability of City; restricting the use of water.
The City shall not be liable for any damage resulting from tlie burstir
of any main, service pipe or cock, fire hydrant, nor from the shutting off
-@f water for repairs, extensions or connections, or from the accidental
failure of the water supply from any cause whatsoever. In cases of
mergency the City shall have the right to restrict the use of water in
ny reasonable manner for the protection of the City and its water supply.
ec. 37-23. Penalty for violation of chapter.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter,
or which there is no other penalty provided, shall, upon conviction
ereof, be guilty of a Class III misdemeanor, and each days continuation
f a violation shall be consi.dered a separate offense. Any such person
hall furthermore be liable for all damage, loss and expense suffered
r incurred by the City as a result of such violation.
ARTICLE II. BILLING.
ec. 37-24. Division of City into zones.
The Director of Public Utilities is authorized to divide the City
nto zones, as many as may be exoedient, in order to expedite the reading
f the meters and the collection of the water. bills.
ec. 37-25. I%Then water bill payable.
The Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to bill all
onsumers no less frequently than bi-monthly, in accordance with their
ocation in the City for the service rendered, and such bills shall be
ue and payable within 10 days from the date of the bills.
The Director of Public utilities is further authorized to send one
ill for water usage and meter @.@---.-.maintenance @harges along with
harges for sewer system maintenance, to those customers who are pro-
ided with both services.
ec. 37-26. Default in payment of water bills.
The Department of Public Utilities shall mail water bills, but failure
to receive such bills shall not prevent the discontinuance of service if
the amount due ha.s not been paid within the time limit specified hereafter.
Should any bill not be paid when due, the consumer Shall be deemed
delinquent thirty (30) days after the date of the bill. The Depart-
ment of Public Utilities shall notify the consumer in writing of such
delinquency, and shall direct thd consumer to show cause within
fifteen (15) days why water service should not be discontinued.
When water service is discontinued pursuant to this section, water
shall not again be turned on until all arrearages and charges shall have
been paid including a charge of $10.00 for turning the water on, if the
premises are occupied by the same consumer who incurred the bill; pro-
vided that any consumer delinquent or in arrears shall settle all past
indebtedness wherever incurred before again being served City water.
Sec. 37-27. Unauthorized water turn on.
Should the water be cut off from any premises by the Department of
Public Utilities for the non-payment of a bill or for any other cause,
and afterwards be found turned on without authorization of the Department
of Public Utilities, the service may be discontinued and shall ot be
restored until the unauthorized user shall pay all delinquent bills; and
in addition thereto, the sum of $50.00 for reinstitution of water usage.
It shall be unlawful for anyone to use water obtained through any water
service which has been discontinued.
ARTICLE III. CONNECTION AND INSTALLATIOM
Sec. 37-28. Connection required.
The owner of any dwelling or other building in which human beings
live or congregate shall, whenever a public water line bereafter is made
available by the City, connect such building or dwelling with such water
line, within one (1) year after such line becomes availabe. Date of
availability shall be that on which notice is given by publication or by
mailing or delivering notice to the affected property. However, the
Director of Public Health may require connection within sixty (60) days
if, in his opinion, a health hazard exists.
If, at the time of enactment of this ordinance, a water line is
already in ground and capable of serving any property as defined, then
the owner shall effect a connection thereto within one (1) year of the
effective 6ate of this ordinance. However, the Director of Public
ealth may require connection within sixty (60) days if, in his opin-
ion, a health hazard exists. I I
It shall be unlawful for any person to occupy, lease or rent any
remises in violation of this section. Each day of occu,nancy or use of
ny premises in violation of this section shall constitute a separate
nd distinct offense.
Sec. 37-29. Connection and installation fees.
(a) Connection to a City water line (tap fo@e):
3/4" Tap and 5/8" Meter . . $220.00
1" Tap and Meter . . . . . .. $285.00
11/2 Or larger Tap and Meter .. Cost of labor, materials and
equipment plus 25% for admin-
istration.
5/8" or 3/4" Meter and appurtenances only . . . . $120.00
1" Meter and appurtenances only . . . . . . . . $185.00
11/2" Or larger meter and appurtenances
only . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of labor,
materials and
equipmeiit plus
25% for admin-
istration.
When the installation requires a combination of a different
size tap and meter than listed above, the charges will be
based on cost of installation of labor, materials, equip-
ment plus 25% for administration.
For 11/2" taps, $750.00 shall be placed in escrow by the
applicant and $875.00 for 2" taps shall be placed in escrow
at the time of application.
For taps in excess of 2", the amount placed in escrow shall
be based on estimate of costs by the Director of Public
Utilities.
In any case where a customer desires that an existing tap
or meter be moved, the cost of moving the tap or meter
shall be based on the cost of labor, materials, and equip-
ment plus 25% for administration. A deposit shall be placed
in escrow in advance of the estimated cost as determined by
the Department of Public Utilities.
The following fees shall also be applicable to presently connected
uses or structures whenever a present use or structure is expanded, changed
or modified. In such cases, the fees shall be determined on the basis of
the total proposed new uses or structures, less a credit at current rates
for the presently existing uses or structures or the last structure if
previously demolished, provided the proderty has not been vacant for more
than five years, with no credit after five years.
(b) Property owners' share of system installation, where connection
is made to a line or pumping station being a part of the system
within the City installed or purchased by the City (line fee)-:
(1) Single family residences, for the first 100'
frontage of parcel, or portion thereof . . . . . $500.00
For each foot of frontage in excess of
1001, per foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5.00
in cases where the front footage is 1.5 or more times
greater than the rear yard footage, tlie front footage
for the purposes of this subsection shall be determined
by adding the front and rear yard lengths and dividing
that sum by 2. l@enever a water line is located on two
sides of a parcel, the shorter side shall be the one
upon which the determination of front footage shall
be calctilated. Whenever a line is located on only one side
of a parcel, that side shall be used for the purpose of
front footage.
(2) Motels, hotels, and structures with two or more fainily units:
For the first unit . . . . . . . . . . . . $500.00
For the next unit to 12 units per acre density;
per unit or fraction thereof . . . . . . . . . . . .$160.00
For the next units from 13-24 units per acre
density; per unit or fraction thereof . . . . . . .$ 3 15. 00
For the next units from 25-36 units per acre
density; per unit or fraction thereof . . . . . . .$4 7 0. 0 0
For all units over 36 units per acre density;
per unit or fraction thereof . . . . . . . . . . . .$500-00
Where more than one use occurs on a parcel, density
for motels, hotels or multifamily shall be based on
the land area of the entire parcel excluding the
square footage occupied by all other existing uses.
(3) Nursing and convalescent homes, per room
(Calculated at 2 beds = 1 room) . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00
(4) Trailers, per space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$160.00
(5) Professional and office buildings, per 600 square
feet of building area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00
(6) Retail stores and shopping centers; per square
foot of floor space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .09
(7) Industrial manufacturing, wholesale, assembly '
processing and distribution facilities domestic
use; fee per square foot of floor space . . . . . . .$ .09
Separate warehouse facilities used for storage only
where no industrial, manufacturing, or processing
takes place shall pay a fee of $.02 per square foot
of floor space.
(8) Restaurants - Establishments serving prepared food and drink:
For the first 10 seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00
For the next 40 seats;
fee per scat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 15.00'
For all seats over 50 sea@s;
fee per seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 25.00
(9) In all cases where the use or structure has not been described
hereinabove, line fees for the building, structure, addition,
modification or expansion thereto shall be computed as follows:
(i) The estimated daily flow of the proposed use shall be
determined by the Department of Public Utilities, based
on similar actual flows of comparable uses, taking into
account the hours of operation, type of use, location,
and other criteria determinative of estimated flow; then
(ii) This estimated daily flow will be divided by 400, yieldin
a demand units figure; then
(iii) This demand units figure will be multiplied by the minimum
fee applicable to a single family residence.
(iv) if an estimated flow cannot be accurately determined,
the Director of Public Utiliti.es is atithorized to
accept a deposit in advance of actual flows, with the
fee to be determined after one year of actual con-
sumption, as per (i) through (iii) above.
(c) Property owners' share of system installation costs where
connection is made to a line or purip station being a part of
a system within the City installed or purchased overall in part
by the City and in part by another party or parties.
These fees shall only apply when the property to be served is a portion
of the original property for which the water lines were installed by the
private party or parties. Further, fees in this section (c) shall not
apply where connection is made to lines purchased by the City of Virginia
Beach.
(1) Single-family residence; each . . . . . . . . . .$190.00
(2) Motels, hotels and structures with two or more family
residential units:
For the first units up to 12 units per acre density;
per unit or fraction thereof . . . . . . . . . $ 9 5. 0 0
For all units over 12 units per acre density;
per unit or fraction thereof . . . . . . . . . $190.00
Where more than one use occurs on a parcel, density
for motels, hotels or multifamily shall be based on
the land area of the entire parcel excluding the
square footage occupied by all other existing uses.
(3) Nursing and convalescent homes; per room
(Calculated at 2 beds = I room) . . . . . . . . $ 95.00
(4) Trailers; per space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 95.00
(5) Professional and office buildings; per 600
square feet of building area . . . . . . . . . $ 95.00
(6) Retail stores and shopping centers; per
square foot of floor space . . . . . . . . . . $ .03
(7) Industrial manufacturing, wholesale, assembly,
processing and distribution facilities domestic
use;fee@ per square foot of floor space $ .03
Separate warehouse facilities used for storage only where
no industrial, manufacturing, or processing takes place
shall pay a fee of $.01 per square foot of floor space.
(8) Restaurants - Establis hments serving prepared food and drink
For the first 10 seats . . . . . ... . . . . . . $190.00
For the next 40 seats;
fee per seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6.00
For all seats over 50 seats;
fee per seat . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10.00
(9) In zi)l ciscs tl)e lif;c, or I)C)t
descril.)ccl lier(-,illill)c)ve, fec,@; for tlie
strx)cttire, aci(liti.on, ii,olificatioii or oxl)aiision tlic@l--Cto
sliall I)c co;ppiited as follows:
(i) The estiT,,iitod (lail,y flow of the 1'roi)osed tise
shall fi-rst be detey-iriil-lcd I)y tli(,- Dol),Irtment-, of
Public Utilitics, based on simi-lzir Icttial flol,;s
for coini),irable tifO-S, talilig into account tlic
hours of operati.oii, t@,pe of use, location aiid
other criteria determinative of estil'@lated flow;
(ii) This estiinated daily flow will be (livided by 400,
ielding a demazid units figure; then
y
(iii) This demand units figure will be multiplied by the
minimum fee applicable to a single family residence.
(iv) If an estimated fld%q can not be accurately determined
the Director of Ptiblic Utilities is authorized to
accept a deposit in advance of actual flows, with the
fee to he detei--inined after one year of actual con-
sumption, as ner (i) through (iii) above.
.(d) Special line fee for seasonally operated@camp site parks connec-le
to any City icater main:
Per camp space . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. . . . . . . . . . $70.0
Provided that to obtain such fee, the owner shall enter into @ contrac
th the City providing that at such future time that the camp park is con-
rted to year-rouiid use, fees specified in paragraphs (b) (4) and (c). (4)
this section shall become applicable and the owner shall nay the dif-
rence in such fees at time of conve-rsion to year-round use.
(e) In no event shall any line fee for any purpose enumerated in
paragraphs (b) through (d) above he less than the amount cal-
culable if the fees in question were to be determined for a
single family residence. lihere more tllan one use or more than
-one structure is to occur on a single parcel of land, the
minimum amount shall apply separately to each individual use
or structure.
(f) No building permit shall be valid nor shall any water or sewer
tap be installed for any property until fecs provided for in
this section shall have been paid.
(cj) In the case of existihg contract agreements between owners and
the City regarding fees and waiver of fees, such agreements
shall remain in effect.
(h) The Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to accet)t
on behalf of the City notes for the payment of such Iiiie fees
as are due. The terms of such notes shall be: one-fourth of
the line fed in addition to all tap and meter fees, given as
a down payment, with the remainder of the line fee payable in
three equal, annual install6i-,ients at a rate of interest of eia',ii
percent per annuri. Providod, lio,,,;ever, that aily customcr who is
chartered undor th2 regulations of tlie Internal noventic Service
as a iion-profit organization and c@in prove such sta,tus, t@ne
ter-ms of the note to be acceptcd inAy provide for one-fifth
down paytnent, with the balance due in four equal, annual in-
stallments, with a rate of interest at eight percent per annum.
(i) When a hardship exists, t@e'Director may allow the down payment to
be paid by installments over a one year period; or, if,the
property is being offercd for sale, the Dirc-,ctor illay ent6@ into aii
agreemcnt whoreby all fces shall be paid from the proceeds of the
sale or within ninety (90) days of the date of tlie Igreeinent,
whichever shall be the sooner.
Sec. 37-30. Line fee exemptions - For certain clderly persons.
(a) Li)ie fee exeini@t@.on is provi(led for certain property owners who
qua]-ify under subsection (b) of this section. TIle exemption is
to be administered by tlie city manager or his autl)orized delegate,
herein referred to as tlie administrator. The administrator is
hereldy authorized and empowered to prescribe, aaopt and enforce
rules and regulations, including the requirement of answers under
oath, as may be reasonably necessary to determine qualifications
for exemotion. The administrator inay require the production of
certifiea tax returns and appraisal reports to establish income
and kinancial worth.
(b) Exemptions shall be granted subject to the following provis ions:
(1) Title to the property for which the line fee exemption is
sought must be held or partially held by the applicant.at
least one hundred and twenty days prior to the installation
or scheduled date of installation, whichever comes first,
of the water line.
(2) The owner of the title or partial title is sixty-five years
of age or older at least one hundred and twenty days prior
to the installation or scheduled date,of installation, which-
ever comes first, of the water line.
(3) The dwelling to be connected to the water line is the sole
dwelling of the applicant claiming the exemption.
(4) The total combined income of the owner and the owner's rela-
tives living in the household during the year immediately
preceding the installation shall be determined by the admin-
istrator, not to exceed six thousand dollars.
(5) The net combined financial worth of the owner or owners
shall not exceed twenty thousand dollars, excluding the fair
market value of the house to be connected to the water line.
Net combined financial worth shall include the value of all
assets, including equita@le interests, of the owner or owners
and of the spouse of the owner or owners.
(c) The persons applying for line fee exemption must file with th6-
administrator a line fee exemption affidavit, setting forth, in
a manner prescribed by the administrator; the location and value
of the property to be connected to the line; the names of the persons
related to the owner and occupying the dwelling; their gross com-
bined income and their net combined financial worth.
(d) Where the person claiming exemption conforms to the standards and
does not exceed the limitations contained in this section the line
fee exemption shall be as shown on the following schedule:
Total Income, All Sources Exemption
$ 00.00 - $2,000.00 100%
$2,001.00 - $3,000.00 80%
$3,001.00 - $4,000.00 60%
$4,001.00 - $5,000.00 40%
$5,001.00 - $6,000.00 20%
(e) if, within twelve months after the water line exeinption is obtained,
the applicant's financial positi-on shotild change so that its effect
would be to remove the person liolding the exemidtion froin within the
limits and standards of this section, tlaen the person holding the
exemption shall refund the amount of the exemption to the city.
(f) Any person or persons falsely claiming an exemption or violating
any provision of this section shall be guility of a misdemeanor
and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceed-
ing one thousand dollars or confinement in jail not exceeding twelvc
months or both.
Sec. 37-31. Same - For certain financially disadvantaged persons.
(a) Line fee exeinption is provided for certain financia@lly disadvantaged
property owners who qualify under subsection (b) of this section.
The exemption is to be administered by the city manager or his
authorized delegate, herein referred to as the administrator. The
administrator is hereby authorized and empowered to prescribe, adoot
and enforce rules and regulations, including the requirement of an-
swers under oath, as may be reasonably necessary to determine qual-
ifications for exemption. The administrator may require the pro-
duction of certified tax returns and appraisal reports to establish
income a-nd financial worth.
(b) Exemptions shall be granted subject to the following provisions:
(1) Title to the property for which the line fee exemption is
sought must be held or partially held by the applicant at leas
one hundred and twenty days prior to the installation or
scheduled date of installation, whichever comes first, of the
water line.
(2) The dwelling to be connected to the water line is the sole
dwelling of the applicant claiming the exempti-on.
(3) The total combined income of the owner and the owner's rela-
tives living in the hous-ehold during the year immediately pre-
ceding the installation shall be determined by the administra-
tor not to exceed four thousand dollars.
(4) The net combined financial warthof the owner or owners shall
not exceed twenty thousand dollars excluding the fair market
value of the house to be connected to the water line. Net
combined financial worth shall include the value of all ass'ef----
including equitable interests, of the owner or owners and of
the spouse of the owner or owners.
(c) The persons applying for line fee exemption must file with the
administrator a line fee exemption affidavit, setting forth, in a
manner prescribed by the administrator, the location and value of
the property to be connected to the line, the names of the persons
related to the owner and occupying the dwelling, their gross combine
income and their net combined financial worth.
(d) lqhere the person claiming exemption conforms to the standards and
does not exceed the limitations contained in this ordinance, the lin
fee exemption shall be as shown on the following schedule:
Total Income, All Sources lixemption
$ 00.00 - $2,000.00 100%
$2,001.00 - $3,000.00 80%
$3,001.00 - $4,000.00 60%
I h;-n af tcr t@1,2 ion is
ob'- *;,-,3, the fi])L@@, -
I Iciil
so tll,-@t its c@@fc-ct @,:c),,ild be to )-@ii!c)vc )Inlcling "lie
c,xc.it@@>t.ion froir witllin tllr-l lijnits z@nd stai-j(ljjl.
-",s of t.h)Ls sec-
tion III)en tlie 1)erscn liolcling tlie c-,xeinption @hall rr--fiind tlic
amount of tliq exemption to tlie City.
(f) Any person or persons falsely claiining In excitiption or
violating any provision of this sc,.ction sliall be giailty of
a misdomeazior and uoon conviction tliereof sliall be punished
by a fine not excee@ing one tlic)usand do]-lars or confinement
in jail not excceding twelve months or both. (Ord. No. 542.)
c. 37-32. @later , Maintenance Charges.
Each consumer shall pay a m.onthly meter -maintenance charge as follows
r each meter connecting his premises with the City water system:
Size Monthly Charge
5/8" $ .75
3/4. $ 1.00
ill $ 1.95
1 1/2' $ 4.35
2" $ 6.00
3" $ 12.00
41, $ 2 2 . 0 0
6" $ 48.00
81, $ 96.00
101, $152.00
12" $216.00
Fire Hydrant Meter $ 12.00
c. 37-33. Ilater Usage Rates.
In addition to the charges provided for in Section 37-32, each
nsumer shall pay for water usage according to the following rate schedule:
Consumption Rate.
0-4,000 cubic feet $ . 6 7/10 0 cubic feet/
(0-30,000 gallons) bi-monthly
4,001- 40,000 cubi6 feet $ .66/100 cubic feet/
(30,001-300,000 gallons) bi-monthly
40,001 and above cubic feet $ .64/100 cubic feet/
(300,001 and above gallons) bi-monthly
All consumers shall pay a minimum water usage fee of $2.50 per month.
ere a consumer uses more than one meter, the rates orescribed by this section
all apply separately to each meter.
c. 37-34. Payment.
In any case where fees required by this chapter are paid by check,
aft, or other instrument and the check or other instrument is returned
r any reason, no tap shall be installed or if already installed, the
ter service and/or water usage shall be discoxitinued until full payment is
ceived.
ec. 37-35. Test of llater @leter.
Any consumer shall have the right to demahd that the meter tlirough
ich water is being furnished be examined and tested by the Department
f Public Utilities for the purpose of ascertaining whether C)r not it
s registering correctly the amount of water which-is being delivered
hrough it by such Department to such onsumer; provided, that-when any
onsumer desires to have such meters so examined and tested, such con-
umer shall make application therefore in writing to the Department and
hall deposit with such application the amount charged for the various
izes, as follows:
Size Fee
5/8" meter $25.00
3/4" meter $25.00
ill meter $25.00
1 1/2" meter $35.00
2" meter $35.00
3.1 meter $35.00
4" meter $50.00
In excess of 4" meter Estimated actual cost of labor,
meterials and eauipment plus 25%
for adninistrative cost
f, upon such examination and test, the meter shall be found to register
% or m,-)re ,.iatp-r consi)mption than actually passes through it, the meter
hall be corrected and the fee charged in the application for a test shall
e refunded to the person making the application and the water bill cor-
espondingly corrected. !4henever a meter is out of order and fails to
egister, the consumer shal 1 be charged with an average daily consumption
s shown by the meter when in good wroking order and registering correctly.
ec. 37-36. Moving tap and meter; cost.
I-Ihenever a City water rnain is constructed or extended into a street upon
hich an abutting parcel is being provided water service or usage by a ser-
ice line to a non-abutting street, the Department of Public Utilities may
equire the water meter and tap to be relocated from its previous location
0 a new connection with the abutting water main or extension thereof.
Ilhenever the City effects such relocation, the consumer shall pay the
ost of labor, material and equipment, plus 25% for administration.
ARTICI@'E IV
TP)@14INATIOI@ 07-Si@RVI(@'I", UPON Ry-,C)t)l-:ST
OF I'RIVA'I'E Sl@l-I'AGE
Sec. 37-37. Applicability.
Any water customer of the City of Virginia Beach who has not paid the
applicable rates and charges to any private sewage disposal system company
within the City for ser'vice rendered, and who has beenInot.ified pur-suant to
State statute to cease disposal of sewage into the system within two months
may have their service terminated upon request of the private utility in-
volved.
Sec. 37-38. Procedure.
(a) After the statutory period for the customer to cease disposal of
sewage into the system has elapsed, the private utility comoany
shall notify the custoner in writing that N.@ater service shall be
discontinued by the City if payment for the delinouent sewerage
bill is not received by the utility within ten (10) days.
(b) After the ten (10) days has expired, the private utility comoany.
inay notify the Department of Public Utilities to turn off water
service to the respective property. A copy of such notification
shall be sent to the customer.
(c) Within five (5) days after receipt of the notice from the private
utility company, the Deoartment of Public Utilities will turn off
water service and hang a notice of turn-off on the front door of
the premises explaini-ng the reason for discontinuation of service.
(d) Upon iiotification from the private utility company that service is
to be restor@,the City of Virginia Beach will restore said service
within one business day.
(e) A charge of ten dollars ($10.00) will be rendered for each request
from the private utility to discontinue service. This charge sh@ll
be billed directly to the private utility corrpany. The Department
of Public Utilities will not make any monetary collection for priva
utility companies.
(f) The Department of Public Utilities will not be liable for any damac-,
resulting from the discontinuance of water service when requested s,
to do under this section.
I
,r I
I
I
ARTICLE V
CROSS-CblftFLCTIO@ rCtITROL
Sec. 37-3a D@LFINITIORIS
A. Airgap - Th-. unobstructed vertical distance through@a frac atmospherc
between the lo@qest perir-.;eter of a i-,,atcr ou'@let and the flood-level ri@m
of any receptacle. This distance %qill be a miniriuin of ti,,-o tinies the
dianieter of tt,e outlet. (In case of near-walls, this distance will be
three times the dianicter of the outlet).
B. Auxiliary supply - Any %-;ater source or systeni other tha-I the public
water supply that P.;ay be available in the building or premises.
C. Backfloii - The re%tersal of flow frm, its intended direction as a.
result of backsipfionage or backpressure.
D. Bureau - Commonvicalth of Virginia, Department of Health, Bureau of
Sanitary Engineering.
E. Contamination - Any introduction into pure water of micro-organisms,
wastes, viaste,,.Iater, undesirable chenlicals, or gises.
F. Cross-connection - Any physical connection bet@.ieen a potable %,later
supply and any viaste pipe, soil pipe, se,.,ier, drain, or a,,iv unapproved
y n -t
source or s ste.. Furthermore, it is any potable water slipply Outl-
whicli is submerged or can be submerged in waste'and/or ottior source of
.contamination.
G. Double check valve assembly An assembly of two internally loaded,
specially designed and independently operating check valves together
with a tightly closing stiit off valve on the upstreavi and th-- do@instream
side of "he clieck valves equipped with properly placed female threadcd
test cocks.
11. Existing ground level - The level above which @lurface water will not
accumulate under normal conditions.
1. Flood-level rim - The top edoe of the receptacle over which water could
overflovi.
J. Hazard - Any co nditions, devices, or practices in @he water usage syste@n"'
and its operation %-ihich create, or in the judgiiient of th-, Director o" Pei@init@
and Inspections, may create, a daiiger to the health aild well-being of the
water consumer.
K. Director of Permits and Ins@ections - Whenever used, tliis term shall includ--
the Director and Iiis designated agent or agents.
L. 01/2viier - Tlie pcrson in charg--, care, and control of the property; the tenant;
the cus+cniei- v:ho signed tlie viater s,@rvice agrec@-,;cnt.
M. Pollution - T@,e pt-esence of any for-ign sub,ltat)ce (cii-,mical, physical,
radiological, or biologi,:31) in @qater that ter,,ds to dcg@-ade its qualil-ly
so as to constitlit-@ an Li.,inecessary i,isk or ini,@air the usefulness of the
vtater.