§ 18-3.1. Right to enter and grant of accessibility to meters.

(a)

In consideration for obtaining water service from the city the owner, tenant, or occupant of each occupied residential or commercial structure, does grant unto the city, acting through its employees, the right to enter the real estate upon which the structure is located to further the needs of the city.

(b)

It shall be the responsibility of the owner, tenant, or occupant of each occupied residential or commercial structure, located within the corporate limits of the City of Abbeville, to locate the water meter servicing said structure so that it is readily and safely accessible to any city employee.

(c)

No structure may be built or maintained which denies any city employee access to the said water meter. (Example: A fence with a locked gate or without a gate.)

(d)

The water meter shall not be located in such a fashion that the city employee may have to be in the presence of any "dangerous dog" or "vicious dog" as defined in chapter 4; article I.; section 4-1 of the City of Abbeville Code of Ordinances.

(e)

Penalties.

(1)

Failure of any owner, tenant, or occupant to comply with section 18-3.1 may, at the option of the city, result in the immediate termination of water service thereto by such means as the city deems necessary and proper; and,

(2)

Shall result in prosecution of the offender as a violation of chapter 13, article II, section 13-16 of the City of Abbeville Code of Ordinances.

( Ord. No. 16-08, 7-19-16 )