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Coleraine adopts homeowner‑responsibility rule for sewer service lines with exception process
Summary
The Coleraine City Council unanimously adopted an amendment to Chapter 3 (Section 3.04) making homeowners responsible for sewer service lines while adding a provision allowing the council to review "special circumstances" case by case.
The Coleraine City Council unanimously adopted an addition labeled "A" to Section 3.04 of Chapter 3 (Municipal and Public Utilities) after a public hearing on homeowner responsibility for sewer service lines.
The hearing covered where sewer service lines connect to the main and whether homeowners should be responsible for repairs, especially when the connection is not a straight run. A public commenter noted insurance options and said the cost is minimal. Councilperson Wilson questioned homeowner responsibility when sidewalks or road repairs may be required.
To address those concerns, the council added a new subsection III.c) providing that "special circumstances can be brought to City Council for review and consideration to determine financial responsibility on a case-by-case basis." The ordinance amendment was approved by motion (moved by Councilperson Sobtzak, supported by Councilperson Swanson) and carried unanimously on roll call.
There were no public speakers in attendance beyond the individual who commented during the hearing. The change modifies local responsibility for certain sewer line repairs while preserving a council review option for atypical cases.
