Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Emily Kotay, Management Intern
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager John Shutak, Utilities Engineer Philip Ciesielski, Assistant Director of Utilities Scott Wagner, Management Analyst
Date:	August 2, 2012
RE:	City Code Utilities Revisions

The City is currently evaluating its regulations to ensure business-friendly, responsive, and efficient processes for development. The Department of Utilities has identified three sections within Chapter 19 of the City code to revise to meet this intention. The revisions clarify the definition of a “premises”, provide for administrative approval of variance requests from code standards that currently require City Commission review and approval, and revise the code standards for the use of master water meters.

The sections of the City code recommended for revision are: Section 19-101 Definitions, 19-214 Location Requirements for Public Sanitary Sewer Mains and Private Sanitary Sewer Lines, and Section 19-302 Same; Multiple Living Units.

For Section 19-101, the revision defines what constitutes a premises.

For Section 19-214, the revisions provide consistency in terminology defined in Section 19-101. Clarification that multiple buildings located on a single lot are considered to be separate premises, so they will maintain individual connections to the City public sanitary sewer and water distribution systems is also included in the code revision to this section. The updated language to section 19-214(E) would permit the City Manager to approve variance requests from the provisions of 19-214(A), 19-214(B), 19-214(C), and 19-214(D) without requiring City Commission approval. This change is anticipated to create a more responsive and efficient process for development while maintaining the necessary oversight of the public infrastructure. Variance requests may be appealed to the City Commission for further consideration in the event that a variance request is denied upon review by Department of Utilities staff and the City Manager.

Concerning Section 19-302, the revisions include permitting either a single master water meter or individual water meters for multi-dwelling structures within RM zoning categories that have a minimum of three (3) living units or more. The code revision eliminates the need for City Commission approval for the installation of a master water meter and allows the development community to choose how best to provide water service to multi-dwelling structures located within RM zoning categories.

Staff believes these changes will positively streamline the City code without any negative impacts on the City water or sewer systems. 

Requested Action:

Approve first reading of Ordinance No. 8747, making changes in Sections 19-101, 19-214, 19-302 of the City code related to master water meters and location requirements for public sanitary sewer mains and private sanitary sewer lines.