§ 24-63. Private fire protection apparatus.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to require the installation of an underwriter-approved detector meter or a factory mutual fire line meter on all unmetered fire service systems having fire hydrants or hand hose connections attached to them on private property.

(b)

Requirements.

(1)

All persons making applications for new fire service connections with private fire hydrants or hand hose connections shall be required to have an underwriter-approved detector meter or a factory mutual fire line meter installed as a part of the fire service system.

(2)

Within two (2) years after adoption of this section, all existing unmetered fire service systems with private fire hydrants or hand hose connections attached thereto shall be required to have an underwriter-approved detector meter or factory mutual fire line meter; however, if consumption of unmetered water from fire service systems is discovered, the two-year grace period will be forfeited and immediate installation of an underwriter-approved detector meter or factory mutual fire line meter will be required.

(3)

When unauthorized water is used through a detector meter in three (3) or more billing periods in one (1) calendar year, it shall be replaced with a factory mutual fire line meter. Unauthorized use of water is defined as nonfirefighting water or water use without prior notification and approval of the water department superintendent's office.

(c)

Work to be performed by water department. Installation of detector meters or factory mutual fire line meters as required by this section will be handled by water department crews at the expense of the building owner or lessee. The cost of installation will be as follows: Materials plus ten (10) percent, labor (salary), plus fifty (50) percent, and equipment time at blue book rental rates.

(d)

Authority of superintendent of water and sewer departments. The superintendent of the water and sewer departments shall have the authority to cut off water service to buildings whose owners refuse to comply with the provisions of this section upon proper notification.

(Code 1976, § 3-1013)