Article IV of Chapter 47 of the Code of Ordinances, Houston, Texas (Houston Code) includes provisions for the reimbursement of developers who have constructed a water or sanitary sewer extension. Establishment of a connection charge provides that the owner of each successive property that connects to the line built by the developer will pay a pro-rata share of the cost to construct the line.
Under Section 47-168 of the Houston Code, a developer may, with the proper permit provided for in Section 47-165, construct off-site water and/or sanitary sewer lines at their expense (or with City participation) and then apply for reimbursement for their share when other property owners connect to those water and/or sanitary sewer lines.
Specific Explanation:
Frackerman Holdings LLC has constructed 800 linear feet of 12-inch water line along Eastex Freeway from Mount Houston Road at a cost of $258,087.00. This water line can potentially serve the areas of 623,929 square feet, thereby making a unit connection cost of $0.41 per square foot.
These monies will be collected at the time that a building permit is issued and will be placed in a pro-rata fee account. The City will make reimbursement to the person constructing such mains two times per year.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council approve a connection charge in the amount of $0.41 per square foot be established for the properties connecting to the 12-inch water line constructed by Frackerman Holdings LLC
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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E.
Director
Department of Houston Public Works