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Council adopts ordinance requiring replacement of lead service lines with option for owner‑performed work and extension rules
Summary
Ferndale’s City Council adopted an ordinance requiring replacement of all lead water service lines; owners may either enroll in the city’s replacement program or perform the replacement themselves, and the ordinance sets a compliance timeline with limited director discretion for extensions.
The council adopted Ordinance No. 12,95 to require replacement of lead water service lines servicing city properties. The ordinance requires property owners to replace lead service lines either by participating in the city’s lead service line replacement program or by self‑performing the replacement at the owner’s expense. The ordinance includes compliance timelines and allows the Director of Public Works to grant extensions.
Staff said the ordinance maintains the city’s practice of verifying service line material, ensures compliance with state and federal requirements, and provides an alternative pathway for property owners who do not wish to grant the city access to their private property. Staff emphasized that the legal obligation to replace lead service lines remains with the property owner regardless of which option they choose.
During council discussion members sought clarity on the compliance timeline for properties that have not yet been identified as having lead service lines. The council amended ordinance language to state that replacement must be completed within the sooner of 365 days from the ordinance effective date or 365 days from the city’s first formal notification to the property owner; the ordinance also authorizes the Director of Public Works to grant 180‑day extensions for good‑faith reasons.
Staff said adoption of the ordinance restarts the city’s formal notification period and that the city will need to send formal notices after adoption so property owners can begin their compliance clocks. Council then voted by roll call; the record shows the council members voted Yes (Johnson, Polica, Kelly, Mikulski, Leaksmae).
