Columbia Cost reimbursement program for the installation of pressure sewers and backflow prevention devices or the removal of plumbing fixtures ordinance (§ 22-254)

In order to alleviate the public health hazards caused by sewer backups onto private property, a cost reimbursement program for the installation of pressure sewers and backflow prevention devices or the removal of plumbing fixtures is hereby established and authorized in accordance with the following:

(1) Subject to funds available in the annual budget, the city may reimburse a property owner up to four thousand dollars ($4,000.00) or fifty (50) percent of the cost, whichever is less, for installing a pressure sewer system (overhead basement sewer); or one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or fifty (50) percent of the cost, whichever is less, for the installation of a backflow prevention device or the removal of plumbing fixtures located below grade. When a sump pump is required to be installed as part of this program, the city shall reimburse a property owner one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or fifty (50) percent of the cost, whichever is less. All installations must meet current building codes as set out in chapter 6 of this Code.

(2) The cost reimbursement program set forth in this section applies to all existing buildings where the sewer lateral is connected directly to the city's public sewer main, inside or outside of the corporate limits of the City of Columbia, but shall under no circumstances apply to newly constructed buildings. Buildings connected to private common collector sewer systems, as defined in section 22-253 of this Code, or connected to sewer mains owned by the Boone County Regional Sewer District, are not eligible for reimbursement through this program. The director of utilities may deny any application where the director determines there is no risk of sewer backup related to the connection of the lateral to the public sewer main.

(3)

This cost reimbursement program shall apply only to installations of pressure sewer systems (overhead basement sewer), backflow prevention devices or the removal of plumbing fixtures made on or after July 17, 2017 and where approved for reimbursement through this program prior to the installation. The city shall, in its sole discretion, determine the eligibility of installations for participation in this program.

(4) Financial participation of the city in this cost reimbursement program is limited to funds budgeted for the program. Funding levels may be changed or eliminated based on the city's annual review of the program.

(5) The cost reimbursement program is limited to the actual cost of the overhead sewer or backflow prevention device and installation of such device, subject to the funding limitations described herein, but does not include incidental or ancillary costs such as landscape restoration, painting, tile, carpeting, etc.

(6) The property owner must allow the city to inspect the property owner's building prior to the city's determination of eligibility for this program. All sources and potential sources of infiltration and inflow must be eliminated, at the owner's expense, as part of this program. The property owner must allow the city to inspect the building following participation in the program and completion of the installation to ensure that all infiltration and inflow into the city's sanitary sewer system has been eliminated. All costs and expenses submitted for reimbursement are subject to review and audit by the city.

(7) The director of utilities is authorized to develop program requirements, application forms, participation agreements, and such other documents necessary to implement this cost reimbursement program.

(8) The director of utilities shall review all applications for participation, including the proposals for installation, and may require revisions thereon to comply with applicable ordinances and requirements.

(9) The city shall have the sole authority to determine eligibility for participation, prioritization of requests and compliance with all ordinances.

(10) This cost reimbursement program will be evaluated from time to time, at the city's discretion, and the city may change or eliminate the program.

(11) The city manager is authorized to execute agreements for participation in this cost reimbursement program.