§ 18-96. In-town extensions to developed property.

(a)

All applications for extending water and/or sewer services to developed properties within the town shall be accompanied by a petition for the improvements, signed by at least a majority in number of the owners of property to be served who also represent a majority of the lineal feet of property to be served. All benefitted properties will be assessed for the total cost of extending the service in accordance with G.S. Article 10, as amended, at the rate in effect at the time the project is ordered by the town council. The method of assessment shall be that method or combination of methods determined by the council to be the most equitable after consideration of all relevant factors.

(b)

For the purposes of this article, an extension of the town's water and/or sewer system shall include any and all improvements deemed necessary by the town to serve the property in consideration of system-wide needs. Necessary improvements may include not only the construction of new lines but also the replacement of existing lines, installation of pump stations, or construction of oversized lines.

(c)

Notwithstanding (a) above, in the absence of a petition, the town may make water and/or sewer service extensions upon its own initiative whenever the lack of service poses a threat to public health or safety, or for other good and sufficient reasons and may assess the costs therefore to the benefitted properties.

(d)

In the case of annexation initiated by the town in accordance with G.S. § 160A-46, the town shall bear the cost of extending major trunk water mains (ten (10) inches in diameter or larger) and sewer outfall lines (ten (10) inches in diameter or larger) into the annexed area in accordance with statutory requirements. Additionally, if the owner of an occupied dwelling unit or an operating commercial or industrial property files a petition with the town clerk not less than thirty (30) days before the adoption of an annexation ordinance, the town will provide for the extension of water and/or sewer lines to a point on a public street or road right-of-way line adjacent to the property in question within two (2) years from the effective date of the annexation in accordance with the financial policies outlined in (a) above. In the case of land locked lots, water and sewer service shall be provided at the lot's point of access to a public right-of-way.

(Ord. of 10-5-93)