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City adopts ordinance requiring lead service-line replacement; owners can self-replace or enroll in city program
Summary
Ferndale adopted Ordinance No. 1295 requiring property owners to replace lead service lines either through the city's replacement program or by self-performing the work; the council added language tying the compliance clock to the ordinance effective date or first city notification.
Ferndale City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1295 on June 10 to require replacement of lead service lines on private property serviced by the city's water system.
Under the adopted ordinance, property owners must either enroll in the city's lead service line replacement program or elect to perform the replacement themselves at their own expense. Council amended the draft language to clarify timing: owners must complete replacement within the sooner of 365 days from the ordinance's effective date or 365 days from the date the city first notifies the property owner. The ordinance also preserves city authority to grant 180-day extensions for good-faith reasons.
City staff explained the ordinance tracks state and federal requirements that ultimately require all lead service lines be removed, and the local rule creates an alternative for property owners who decline the city-conducted replacement. A staff member told council, "They would be paying for themselves if they perform self perform the work." Another staff member said the city's intent is to enroll as many owners as possible in the city program because that approach most directly ensures compliance.
Council members asked how the ordinance would apply to properties identified later or to properties changing hands. Staff said the city will provide formal notice after adoption and that the "clock" for compliance would restart on issuance of that notice. Staff also said the city will document service-line material in utility billing records and notify new owners at the point of sale about any outstanding replacement obligation.
The vote to adopt the ordinance passed (roll call: Johnson — Yes; Polica — Yes; Kelly — Yes; Mikulski — Yes; Leaksmae — Yes). Staff said they will return to implement notification procedures and manage extensions under Director authority.
