At City Council's September 6, 2016 meeting, Council approved a F.A.I.R. item to discuss the policy for water meter requirements for duplexes and triplexes as the requirement for multiple meters increases construction costs related to Water Capacity Fees.  Staff provided a City Council Report on this topic on June 2, 2016 (attached).  The Engineering Standards were modified in 2006, in response to complaints from tenants and landlords due to unpaid utility bills associated with a single water meter at duplexes an triplexes. The Engineering Standards were changed to be in line with electric, gas and other utilities standard practices by requiring a separate meter for each unit within a duplex or triplex.  Historically, with a single meter, problems arose where multiple tenants had a utility account in a single tenants name which meant one person assumed full liability for the bill.  If the utility bill went unpaid for whatever reason, the other tenants suffered since the City would turn off the water at the duplex or triplex.  Note that the Engineering Standard still permit master metering for condominiums, apartments or trailer court developments where two or more buildings are located on a separate parcel of land.  

Options for Council to consider.  The issues of each option are provided in the attached PowerPoint.
1.  Direct Staff to modify the Engineering Standards back to a single, correctly sized water meter for Duplexes & Triplexes
2.  Direct Staff to modify the Engineering Standards to be in-line with State Statute, regarding landlord responsibility at five (5) units or more
3. Do not modify the Engineering Standards

COUNCIL GOALS:
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
4) Develop and implement guiding principles that address public safety service levels through appropriate staff levels