An ordinance amending Section 15.68.030 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws concerning testing, maintenance, and operation of private water hydrants for fire protection.

WHEREAS, Section 15.68.030 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws currently requires the Metropolitan Fire Department to test private water hydrants; and

WHEREAS, private water hydrant testing activities can be more efficiently managed as contemplated herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1: That Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 15.68.030 shall be deleted in its entirety and revised to read as follows:

A. All private water hydrants for fire protection in Davidson County, encompassed by Section 15.68.010, shall be inspected by or under the supervision of the Metropolitan Department of Water and Sewerage Services (the "Department") in accordance with procedures and at intervals established by the Metropolitan Fire Chief. The Department shall send written notice by regular mail to the owner of a private water hydrant at least 14 days prior to the inspection of that hydrant. The Department further shall send written notice to the hydrant property owner of any hydrant repairs or restoration identified as necessary during the inspection process.

B. The owner of a private water hydrant shall be responsible for paying the Department an inspection fee of forty dollars, in addition to the Department's actual cost for materials and parts consumed, for each hydrant inspected by or under the supervision of the Department. The Department shall notify the Metropolitan Fire Marshall and the Metropolitan Director of Codes Administration in the event the owner fails to pay the charges or to take any other action required by this Chapter.

C. Property owners shall perform general preventative maintenance of their water hydrants at six-month intervals to ensure proper operation of hydrants during emergency situations.

D. Property owners shall, at least monthly, cause visual inspections of all their water hydrants and water sources therefor.

E. All hydrant repair and restoration work specified in any notice from the Department as contemplated by this Section shall be completed by and at the expense of the property owner and certified to the Metropolitan Fire Marshall and the Department within thirty days after receipt of the notice.

F. No person other than an authorized official of the Metropolitan Government or an authorized person performing maintenance or repair activities required by this chapter shall open, operate, flow, test, maintain or repair a hydrant.

G. The Metropolitan Fire Department and the Department of Water and Sewerage Services shall have the authority to issue and promulgate rules and regulation as required for the implementation of the provisions of this Chapter.

SECTION 2: That this ordinance shall become effective from and after its final passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Parker Toler

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	December 6, 2005
Passed First Reading:	December 6, 2005
Referred to:	Budget & Finance Committee Public Works Committee
Passed Second Reading:	December 20, 2005
Passed Third Reading:	January 17, 2006
Approved:	January 18, 2006
By: