Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ordinance 15 66 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts utility code update (Ordinance 15‑66); door‑hanger fee deferred for further review
Summary
Stanwood City Council adopted Ordinance 15‑66 (SMC chapter 12 utility updates), which clarifies meter charges for properties with residential sprinklers and changes handling of detached ADU utility connections; the proposed $30 door‑hanger fee was removed from this ordinance and staff will return with equity‑focused options for enforcement costs.
The Stanwood City Council voted unanimously on June 25 to adopt Ordinance 15‑66, a revision to SMC chapter 12 covering utility charges and meter rules. Staff said the ordinance removes the sewer component from meter charges tied to residential sprinkler systems and clarifies system development charges for detached accessory dwelling units, which will now require separate water connections and meters in many cases.
Staff explained the rationale for excluding the sewer component for sprinkler‑only connections (sprinkler lines rarely add sewer demand) and said the ADU change reflects a code requirement for separate connections that can increase installation costs. "We removed the door hanger fee because there was quite a few comments and concerns," staff said when introducing the second reading; the $30 door‑hanger/shutoff/turn‑on fee is not part of the adopted ordinance and staff will return with a separate proposal addressing equity and exemptions.
Councilmembers debated the door‑hanger fee during ordinance discussion, with several proposing an exemption for customers enrolled in the city’s reduced‑rate assistance program and one proposing a single courtesy door‑hanger per household per year. Staff said the door hanger process imposes substantial staff time and logisitics (printing lists, routing to public works, on‑site visits) and that follow‑up will include more detailed financial and operational options.
Councilmember Robert moved to approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance 15‑66; the motion was seconded and passed on a unanimous voice vote. The adopted ordinance will take effect as specified in council rules; staff committed to return with a separate report on the door‑hanger policy and potential exemptions or incentives for automatic payment.
