Ferndale adopts ordinance requiring replacement of lead service lines, allows private replacement option with deadline and extensions

The Ferndale City Council adopted Ordinance No. 12-95 requiring replacement of lead service lines for dwellings and structures served by the city water system. The ordinance allows property owners to participate in the city's lead service line replacement program or to replace the line themselves at the owner’s expense, and it sets timing and extension rules for compliance.

Under the amended language approved by council, replacement must be completed within the sooner of 365 days from the ordinance’s effective date or 365 days from first notification by the city. The ordinance also permits the city’s director of public works to grant additional 180‑day extensions for property owners who demonstrate a good-faith effort to comply.

City staff said the amendment was intended to address community concerns about how the replacement clock applies to properties that have already been identified versus those identified in the future. Staff noted they will re-notify property owners after ordinance adoption so the compliance clock is restarted under the newly adopted rules.

Council and staff discussed enforcement and property transfers. Staff said state and federal requirements mandate eventual replacement of lead service lines; if a property sells, the city must notify the buyer of lead-status and of any outstanding compliance obligations. Staff said enrollment in the city program typically places the property on an administrative schedule and that self-replacement remains the property owner’s legal responsibility if they choose that option.

Roll call on the ordinance showed unanimous approval: Councilmembers Johnson, Polica, Kelly, Mikulski and Mayor Leaksmae voted yes.