2004-09-28_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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Roseville Public Works and Transportation Commission Agenda Item Date: September 28, 2004 Item No: 6 Item Description: Utility Service Line Policy Discussion The City COill1cil has asked the Public Works Commission to review the current ordinance language and operating policy regarding ownership of service laterals to private properties and to define where ownership transfer takes place. Since the original construction of sanitary sewer and watermain in Roseville, city code has stated ownership of service laterals lies with the adjacent property owner that they serve. Over the years staff has interpreted the service lateral to include the connection at the City's main. When problems arise with a homeowner's service line, the City does not participate in the repair unless there is indication of damage by a city contractor. Over the years, there have been many repairs to service laterals; and in many cases, complete replacement. Many of the problems experienced by homeowners are related to tree root intrusion into the service lateral at joints in the pipe. The materials used in service and main construction today are much more resistant to this intrusion than the clay tile and transite pipe that was used predominantly in the 50's, 60's, and early 70's. We will have visual diagranls oftypical service installations and pictures of root intrusion at your meeting. Past surveys of other communities have indicated that about half of them operate as we do with the service lateral being owned to the main by the adjacent property owner and the other communities take responsibility for the laterals to the property line. We will discuss pro's and con's for each at the meeting. Attached are sections of the code relating to this discussion. We would like to get your feedback at this time so that we can gather more information that will enable you to make a recommendation to the City Council in the near future. Recommended Action: Direction to staff for further study areas.