SUBJECT: Establishment of a connection charge for a privately constructed 8-inch water line.
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that a connection charge in the amount of $0.58 per square foot be established for the properties connecting to the 8-inch water line constructed by Kumudha Balakrishnan.
DESCRIPTION: 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 property connecting 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: Kumudha Balakrishnan has constructed 570 linear feet of 8-inch water line along Naomi Street at a cost of $14,725.00 after deducting the City’s share. This water line can potentially serve 25,600 square feet, thereby making a unit connection cost of $0.58 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.
LOCATION: Along Naomi Street from the east side of the intersection of Naomi Street and David Street, undeveloped, to 2127 Naomi Street.
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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E.
Director
Houston Public Works