HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated January 22, 2002 Item # 301k
Date: January 22, 2002
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REVISIONS TO SECTION 21.501 OF CITY OF AMES PLUMBING CODE
BACKGROUND:
Over the past few years staff has dealt with street cuts and excavations in new pavements on an
as needed basis. Most of these instances deal with repairs of broken or leaking utility lines.
Although staff feels concerned about the need to cut the new pavement, the work has to occur to
make the repairs to the utility lines.
Recently, Public Works staff became aware of a situation in the 1200 block of Grand Avenue
where new asphalt surfacing would have to be cut to replace a functional, 3/4" copper water service
line. Since the owner is intending to demolish her house and build a new house, the plumbing
code requires that a new 1" water service line be installed from the water main to the house. The
owner requested the Plumbing Board of Appeals to grant them an exception to this section of the
plumbing code and not replace the water service line. This request was denied.
Since Grand Avenue is US 69, the Iowa DOT asked the City to investigate other alternatives to
cutting the paving now. Also, the Asphalt Paving Association honored Manatt's and the City with
an award for constructing exceptionally smooth paving on Grand Avenue this past summer.
Cutting and patching the pavement to install the new water service will create a different pavement
cross-section and thus impact the life of the new overlay.
Public Works staff has proposed revisions to the Plumbing Code for delaying replacing undersized,
functional water services or delaying abandonment of water services under new pavement until
such time as the pavement has deteriorated to a level where street patching would be authorized.
In these situations property owners would be granted a delay of the enforcement of the Plumbing
Code up to 5 years and would be required to enter into an agreement and provide security for
completing the work as required in the Plumbing Code at a future date as allowed by Public Works.
The Plumbing Board of Appeals, Building Inspection, Public Works, Iowa DOT and property owner
agree that this is the best compromise for this situation.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Revise the Plumbing Code as proposed by staff.
2. Do not revise the Plumbing Code.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council revise the Plumbing Code as
proposed by staff.
COUNCIL ACTION: