§ 28-156. Violations.

(a)

The following shall constitute a violation of this chapter:

(1)

Failure to properly install, certify, repair or maintain a backflow prevention assembly, as required by this chapter.

(2)

Removal or bypass of a required backflow prevention assembly.

(3)

Failure to make premises accessible for inspection, as required by this chapter.

(4)

Having an unprotected cross connection exist on premises.

(b)

Any person who violates any provision of this chapter and who shall be found violating or found in violation of any provision of this chapter shall be subject to the penalties as prescribed in section 1-6 and/or chapter 11 of this Code.

(c)

The director of public works shall give written notice via certified mail to a property owner of any violation of this chapter, which shall allow a maximum of ten (10) days upon receipt to bring the premises into compliance. If the property owner fails to correct the violation within the time set forth in the notice, the director of public works may:

(1)

Discontinue water service to the premises; or

(2)

Upon receipt of an executed written permission and hold harmless agreement by the property owner, authorize entry of city personnel, contractors, plumbers, backflow testers, architects, consultants or others and modify or authorize modification of pipes, meters, structures, infrastructure, and equipment on public and private property and install, raise, relocate, modify, replace, repair, and test backflow prevention assemblies and eliminate cross connections in accordance with these requirements and applicable building and fire codes to protect the public water supply and maintain water services, cooling tower services, fire services and related systems to protect the health, safety, and welfare of one (1) or more customers, owners, patients, neighbors, persons or animals and bill the owner for all costs and associated fees.

(d)

Where the property owner is also the water account customer, a charge will be placed on the water bill for the contractor's costs of testing, repair, replacement or installation of the backflow preventer and permit fees, if applicable.

(1)

In the case of a new installation, repair or replacement, the costs will be distributed over an eighteen (18) month period payable in monthly installments and will include an administrative fee of fifteen (15) percent of the contractor's fee. In addition, the full amount due will be placed on the water account and on the monthly water bill until paid in full, with credit shown for any payment made.

(2)

When the owner needs only a backflow test, the entire fee will be placed on the next water bill and will include an administrative fee of ten (10) percent of the contractor's fee and be payable within thirty (30) days.

(3)

Upon failure to timely remit any payment due, the full remaining amount due may be placed as a lien on the property and filed in the public records of Broward County.

(e)

In cases where a backflow is occurring, a meter is running backward, or there is a perceived imminent threat to the public water system, the public works department reserves the right to immediately terminate the water service without providing notice. Service will not be restored until the public works department determines the threats to the public water system have been eliminated.

(Ord. No. C-93-50, § 1, 7-20-93; Ord. No. C-15-17, § 7, 4-21-15 )