HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Council Action form dated May 23, 1995 t q
ITEM #
DATE: May 23, 1995
SUBJECT: Request approval for changes in Chapter 21, Plumbing Code of the City of
Ames Municipal Code.
BACKGROUND:
The Plumbing Code Board of Appeals has asked that one water service line extend into
the building and then split into domestic and fire lines. The reason was to ease the
additional expense of bringing in two separate lines. The Board asked for this change
in the Spring of 1994. There were several meetings with city staff to discuss the many
issues involved. Some issues of concern were quality of water sitting dormant in a large
service line, legal problems with entering a property to shut off water because of non-
payment, and lack of consistency from one property to another.
The Plumbing Board and staff have contacted various other communities for comparison.
There are basically three different scenarios, but no one way seems to work better than
the others.
Therefore, the Plumbing Board and staff have reached an agreement to keep the code
as is, but allow administrative authority to grant an alternative material or method based
on adequate information provided by the owner/plumber. If the owner/plumber can show
staff that the domestic line is large enough to turn the water over in the service line during
the first 10-15 minutes of the day, then they will be allowed to make the tee closer to the
building rather than at the property line. In no case will the tee be made inside the
structure.
The Plumbing Board only has concern with the staff being flexible, and also, with the 10-
15 minute period. They feel that this short time period is too strict.
The attached sheet is a proposed ordinance change from the City Attorney.
No one objected to this proposed change at the public hearing held by the Plumbing
Board.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the proposed ordinance as written.
2. Deny the request.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager and the Plumbing Board of Appeals that
the City Council adopt Alternative #1 approving the ordinance change.
COUNCIL ACTION: