HomeMy WebLinkAbout5823-02.16.2026_Plumbing.docxDocusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
Prepared by Martin Petersen, City Attorney, City of Waterloo, Iowa, 715 Mulberry Street,
Waterloo, Iowa, 50703, 319-291-4598.
ORDINANCE NO. 5823
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF WATERLOO
CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REPEALING AND REPLACING
CHAPTER 4, PLUMBING REGULATIONS, OF TITLE 9,
BUILDING REGULATIONS WITH A NEW CHAPTER 4,
PLUMBING REGULATIONS, OF TITLE 9, BUILDING
REGULATIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATERLOO, IOWA AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That Chapter 4, Plumbing Regulations, of Title 9, Building Regulations, of the
Code of Ordinances of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, are hereby repealed and replaced as follows:
CHAPTER 4
PLUMBING REGULATIONS
SECTION:
9-4-1: Title
9-4-2: Application And Scope
9-4-3: Plumbing Inspector
9-4-4: Defective Work; Unsanitary Conditions
9-4-5: Maintenance And Repairs Of Double Or Multiple House Sewer Connections
9-4-6: Work Requiring Permit Or Approval
9-4-7: Installation By Owner
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9-4-8: Notification For Inspection
9-4-9: Applicability To Existing Buildings
9-4-1: TITLE:
This chapter shall be known as the WATERLOO PLUMBING CODE and may be so cited and
may be referred to hereinafter as "the code" or "this code". (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd.
Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4-2: APPLICATION AND SCOPE:
The provisions of this chapter shall include and apply to all plumbing work, plumbing
installations and plumbing equipment hereinafter installed, constructed, altered, serviced
or repaired in, for or about any new, remodeled or relocated building or structure in the city.
(Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4-3: PLUMBING INSPECTOR:
A. Appointment: The plumbing inspector shall be appointed by the mayor and city
council after being tested by the civil service commission and upon recommendation by
the building official, and shall work under the direction of the building official.
B. Qualifications:
1. The appointee shall be a licensed practical journeyman or master plumber with not
less than ten (10) years' experience; shall possess a certificate of competency issued by
the city or must submit to an examination of competency administered by the city board of
plumbing examiners; shall possess a valid driver's license; shall possess such executive
ability and requisite for the performance of required duties; shall have thorough knowledge
of the standard materials and methods used in the installation and maintenance of
plumbing equipment; shall be well versed in improved methods of construction for safety
to persons and property, the statutes of the state relating to sanitation and plumbing and
any orders, rules and regulations issued by authority thereof and in the Uniform Plumbing
Code.
2. The plumbing inspector shall hold a current journeyman plumber's license with the
Iowa Department of Public Health division for licensing in the State of Iowa.
C. Powers And Duties:
1. The plumbing inspector is empowered to inspect any and all buildings or structures,
public or private, and to, as herein provided, condemn, and order removed or remodeled
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and put into proper and safe condition all plumbing and plumbing related items for the
protection of the public health, safety and welfare.
2. The plumbing inspector shall have power under the direction of the building official
to exercise judgment in a reasonable and proper manner and rule accordingly on all special
cases in regard to matters in this chapter or not specifically covered thereby.
3. The plumbing inspector shall keep records of sewer connections from city main(s) to
the property line and from the property line to each building connected to city services.
4. The plumbing inspector shall be the code and administrative authority for the
administration of the plumbing code of the city.
D. Right Of Entry: Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the
provisions of this plumbing code, or whenever the plumbing inspector or authorized
representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any
premises, any condition which makes such building or premises unsafe, the plumbing
inspector or authorized representative may enter such building or premises at all
reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon by this chapter,
provided that if such building or premises be occupied, they shall first present proper
credentials and demand entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, they shall
first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control
of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the plumbing
inspector or their authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy by law to
secure entry.
E. Unlawful Activities: It shall be unlawful for the plumbing inspector to engage in the
business of the sales, installation or maintenance of plumbing equipment, either directly
or indirectly, and the inspector shall have no financial interest in any concern engaged in
such business in the city, at any time while holding office as herein provided for. (Ord. 5392,
3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4-4: DEFECTIVE WORK; UNSANITARY CONDITIONS:
Whenever it shall come to the knowledge of the plumbing inspector that the plumbing in a
building causes a nuisance or may cause disease, sickness, or otherwise becomes a
hazard to health, it shall be the duty of said inspector to make an inspection of such
plumbing and render a report to the proper party, setting forth the necessary repairs or
alterations required to make such plumbing conform to this chapter. The inspector shall
set a limit of time in which such repairs or alterations are to be made, and upon the refusal
or neglect of the owner, agent, lessee or tenant to comply with said notice within the time
stated, the plumbing inspector shall cause such repairs or alterations to be made and such
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nuisance abated and the expense of such work shall be taxed against such property and
become a prior lien thereon; or the inspector may order the premises vacated and closed
to further occupancy until such time as the required repairs or alterations have been made.
(Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4-5: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF DOUBLE OR MULTIPLE HOUSE SEWER
CONNECTIONS:
A. When it shall become necessary to make any repairs or to make any replacements or
in the event of any cost of maintenance of a double or multiple house sewer between the
main sewer and the lot line from which such multiple connections are extended, the owner
of each structure, residence or building served by such double or multiple house sewer
shall pay their proportionate share of the expenses of such repair, replacement or
maintenance cost. Such double or multiple sewer shall be construed to mean from the
branch opening where the individual sewers enter the double or multiple house sewer to
the point of connection at the city sewer.
B. In the event the owner of each structure, residence or building served by such double
or multiple house sewer shall fail to maintain or repair the same or to make any
replacements in the same and to pay their proportionate share of expense incident thereto,
the city shall have the power to order said replacements, repairs or maintenance, as the
case may be, and the actual cost thereof shall be assessed against such property by
certifying to the county auditor for collection as other special taxes. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017;
amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4-6: WORK REQUIRING PERMIT OR APPROVAL:
No building or premises shall tap any water or sewer main or have installed any private
building sewer, water service, private sewage disposal plant or private water system or
have connections, extensions, replacements, removals or additions of any nature to the
sanitary plumbing or water supply system or disconnection of any fixture or change in the
plumbing system before notifying the plumbing inspector or his assistant and securing a
permit or authority to proceed with the work. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-
21-2022)
9-4-7: INSTALLATION BY OWNER:
In cases where the owner/occupant desires to do plumbing work in the owner occupied
residence, said owner shall make payment of required fees and a plumbing permit shall be
issued. Said permit authorizes the owner only to do plumbing work in the dwelling or unit
owned and occupied by said owner without licensing, certificate of insurance or help from
other than family members. Said person performs all labor in connection therewith, has
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the necessary inspections made and complies with chapter requirements. (Ord. 5392, 3-
20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
If at any time during the permit or inspection process, the chief plumbing inspector
determines the homeowner is unqualified to perform the plumbing work, the homeowner
will be required to hire a licensed plumbing contractor to perform the plumbing work.
9-4-8: NOTIFICATION FOR INSPECTION:
A. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to notify the inspector that his work is ready for
inspection or test. All inspections require twenty four (24) hours' notice.
B. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to make sure the work will stand the test
prescribed before giving notification.
C. If the inspector finds that the work will not stand a required test, or corrections are
required, the plumber shall be required to notify the inspector when the necessary
corrections are complete for re -inspection. If corrections are still required, the plumber
shall make corrections, notify the inspector for re -inspection and pay a re -inspection fee.
D. If the inspector fails to appear within twenty four (24) hours, during normal working
hours, of the time set for each inspection or test, the inspection or test shall be deemed to
have been made; but the plumber doing the work shall be required to file an affidavit with
the plumbing inspector that the work was installed in accordance with the ordinance and
permit, and that it was free from defects and that the required test had been made and the
system was found free from leaks. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4-9: APPLICABILITY TO EXISTING BUILDINGS:
If an existing building is damaged by fire or otherwise or altered in a manner to require the
replacement of fifty percent (50%) or more of the structure as determined by the authority
having jurisdiction, the entire building shall conform to this chapter's requirements for new
buildings. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
ARTICLE A. 2024 PLUMBING CODE
SECTION:
9-4A-1: Uniform Plumbing Code Adopted
9-4A-2: Amendments
9-4A-3: Exhibits
9-4A-1: UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE ADOPTED:
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Except as hereinafter added to, deleted, modified or amended, there is hereby adopted as
the plumbing code of the city, that certain plumbing code known as the Uniform Plumbing
Code, 2024 edition, and any further regulations or requirements of the State Plumbing
Code, and the provisions of said plumbing code shall be controlling in the construction and
maintenance of plumbing and in all other matters covered by said plumbing code within
the city. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4A-2: AMENDMENTS:
Section 106 is amended by adding sections as follows:
106.1.1 Municipal Infraction.
106.1.2 Any person, firm, or corporation failing to comply with or violating any of the
terms or provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a municipal infraction and
upon conviction thereof, be punished accordingly.
106.1.3 If any plumbing work, including construction or repair, is performed within the city
contrary to the provisions of this ordinance, it shall be deemed a municipal infraction and
in addition to penalties described, shall be corrected in accordance with this ordinance.
106.1.4 The omission or failure to perform any act or duty required by this ordinance or
the performing of any act which is prohibited or declared to be unlawful by this ordinance,
an offense or a municipal infraction pursuant to this ordinance or the uniform plumbing
code, is punishable by a fine of up to two hundred dollars ($200.00), for the first offense
and up to four hundred dollars ($400.00) for each subsequent offense.
106.1.5 Fees, is hereby repealed in its entirety; a new section 106.1.6 Fees, is hereby
enacted in lieu thereof as follows:
106.1.6 Fees. All plumbing permit and inspection fees shall be established by resolution
of the city council and paid prior to issuance of a permit or re -inspection.
Section 602 is amended by adding the following subsection:
602.4.1 Yard hydrants to furnish water for human consumption are prohibited, unless it is
an approved fixture.
Section 603, Specific Requirements for cross connection control is amended by adding the
following subsections:
603.1.2 Cross Connection Control -Containment Provisions. The purpose is to safeguard
potable water supplies by preventing backflow into public water systems.
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603.1.3 Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to section 603.13 of the Waterloo
Plumbing Code. For the purpose of this section, these definitions supersede definitions
given elsewhere in this code.
1. Administrative Authority. For the purpose of this section, the administrative authority
shall be the Waterloo Water Works and plumbing division of the City of Waterloo Building
Inspection Department.
2. Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly For Containment. A backflow prevention
assembly which is listed by the University Of Southern California- Foundation For Cross
Connection Control And Hydraulic Research as having met the requirements of ANSI-
AWWA standard C510-89, "Double Check Valve Backflow-Prevention Assemblies", or ANSI-
AWWA standard C511-89, "Reduced -Pressure Principle Backflow-Prevention Assemblies"
for containment. The listing shall include the limitations of use based on the degree of
hazard. The backflow prevention assembly must also be listed by the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
3. Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly For Containment In A Fire Protection
System. A backflow prevention assembly to be used in a fire protection system which
meets the requirements of Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM) and Underwriters
Laboratory (UL), and the requirement of the fire code and the building code of the city, in
addition to the requirements of paragraph a(3). Devices sized smaller than 21/2" which
have not been listed by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and tested by Factory Mutual
Research Corporation (FM) may be allowed if they meet the requirements of the fire code
and the building code of the city.
4. Auxiliary Water Supply. Any water supply on or available to the premises other than
the water purveyor's approved public water supply such as, but not limited to, a private
well, pond or river.
5. Containment. A method of backflow prevention which requires the installation of a
backflow prevention assembly at the water service entrance.
6. Cross Connection. Any actual or potential connection or arrangement, physical or
otherwise, between a potable water supply system and any plumbing fixture or tank,
receptacle, equipment or device, through which it may be possible for non -potable, used,
unclean, polluted and contaminated water, or other substance, to enter into any part of
such potable water system under any condition.
7. Customer. The owner, operator, or occupant of a building or property which has a
water service from a public water system, or the owner or operator of a private water
system which has a water service from a public water system.
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8. Degree of Hazard. The rating of a cross connection or water service which indicates if
it has the potential to cause contamination or pollution.
9. Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly. A backflow prevention device
consisting of two independently acting internally loaded check valves, four properly
located test cocks, and two isolation valves.
10. High Hazard Cross Connection. A high hazard cross connection is a cross
connection which may cause an impairment of the quality of the potable water by creating
an actual hazard to the public health, through poisoning or through the spread of disease
by sewage, industrial fluids or waste.
11. Isolation. A method of backflow prevention in which a backflow prevention
assembly is located at the cross connection rather than at the water service entrance.
12. Low Hazard Cross Connection. A low hazard cross connection is a cross
connection which may cause an impairment of the quality of potable water to a degree
which does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of such potable
waters for domestic use.
13. Multiple -Family Residential Units. A multiple family residential unit shall mean a
building designed to be used as residential occupancy for multiple -family units, each
having separate plumbing facilities and not more than two levels of occupancy.
14. Private Owned Customer Water System Piping. Water service line pipes and
plumbing fixtures connected to the public water system of the city of Waterloo which are
extended to the customer's property and into the customer's building for service to the
customer, regulatory control of which is defined in the city plumbing code and Waterloo
water works regulations.
15. Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly. A backflow prevention
device consisting of two independently acting internally loaded check valves, a different
pressure relief valve, four properly located test cocks and two isolation valves.
16. Registered Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. A person who is registered by law
to test or repair backflow prevention assemblies and report on the condition of those
assemblies.
17. Thermal Expansion. Volumetric increase of water due to heating resulting in
increased pressure in a closed system.
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18. Water Service. Depending on the context, water service is the physical connection
between a public water system and a customer's building, property or private water
system, or the act of providing potable water to a customer.
603.1.4 Administrative Authority.
1. For the purpose of section 603.5.21.2 of the Waterloo Plumbing Code only, the
administrative authority shall be the Waterloo Water Works and plumbing division of the
City of Waterloo Building Inspection Department.
2. The administrative authority shall have the right to enter, with the consent of the
customer, or upon the basis of an administrative warrant issued by a court of appropriate
jurisdiction, any property to inspect for possible cross connections.
3. The administrative authority may approve training programs for backflow prevention
assembly testers and register backflow prevention assembly testers who successfully
complete an approved training program.
4. The administrative authority may collect fees for the administration of this program.
Fees shall be established by resolution of the Waterloo City Council.
603.1.5 New Water Service.
1. Plans shall be submitted to the administrative authority to review on all new water
services to determine size and degree of hazard.
2. The administrative authority shall determine if any type of backflow prevention
assembly is required for containment based on the degree of hazard.
3. The administrative authority shall require, where necessary, the installation of the
appropriate backflow prevention assembly for containment before the initiation of water
service.
603.1.6 Existing Water Services.
1. Upgrades of existing water services shall be treated as new water services for the
purpose of this section.
2. The administrative authority shall publish and make available to each customer a
copy of the standards used to determine the degree of hazard.
3. After publication of the standards, the administrative authority shall notify
customers whose premises are classified as single family residential or multiple family
residential, having five units or less and not more than two levels of occupancy, of the
provisions of this ordinance and compliance therewith.
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4. Within six (6) months after publication of the standards, customers whose premises
are not classified as single family residential shall complete and return to the
administrative authority a cross connection hazard survey to be used to determine the type
of containment device.
5. The administrative authority shall, on the basis of information received from
customers or gathered through on -premises investigations or surveys, notify the customer
that a method of backflow prevention is required. The customer shall prepare a written
plan for review and approval by the administrative authority to install a device or devices for
containment and/or isolation based on the degree of hazard.
6. Within the time frame specified in writing by the administrative authority, the
customer shall install a backflow prevention assembly as approved by the administrative
authority.
7. For existing water services, the administrative authority may inspect the premises to
determine the degree of hazard. When the high hazard cross connections are found, the
administrative authority shall, at its sole discretion:
7.1 Develop a schedule of compliance which the customer shall follow.
7.2 Terminate the water service until a backflow prevention assembly for containment
required by the administrative authority has been installed.
8. Failure of the administrative authority to notify a customer that they are believed to
have a high hazard cross connection and that they shall install backflow prevention
assemblies for containment in no way relieves a customer of the responsibility to comply
with all requirements of this section.
603.1.7 Customer.
1. The customer shall be responsible for ensuring that no cross connections exist
without approved backflow protection within his or her premises starting at the point of
service from the public potable water system.
2. The customer shall, at his or her own expense, cause installation, operation, testing
and maintenance of the backflow prevention assemblies required by the administrative
authority.
3. The customer shall ensure the administrative authority is provided with copies of
records of the installation and of all tests and repairs made to the backflow prevention
assembly on the approved form within fifteen (15) days after testing and/or repairs are
completed.
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4. In the event of a backflow incident, the customer shall immediately notify the local
water supplier, the Waterloo Water Works.
603.1.8 Required Backflow Prevention Assemblies For Containment - Water Services.
1. An air gap or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly
is required for water services having one or more cross connections which the
administrative authority classifies as high hazard.
2. An approved double check valve assembly is required for water services having no
high hazard cross connections but having one or more cross connections which the
administrative authority has classified as low hazard.
3. Every water service which is required to install a backflow prevention assembly at
point of entry will be required to follow section 603.4 of the uniform plumbing code at time
of installation.
4. Exception. Residential - single family dwelling to be done by isolation unless
specified by administrative authority.
603.1.9 Required Backflow Prevention Assemblies For Containment - Fire Protection
Systems.
1. A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly shall be installed on all
new and existing fire protection systems which the administrative authority determines to
have any of the following.
1.1 Direct connections from public water mains with an auxiliary water supply on or
available to the premises for pumper connection.
1.2 Interconnections with auxiliary supplies such as reservoirs, rivers, ponds, wells,
mills or other industrial water systems.
1.3 Use of antifreezes or other additives in the fire protection system.
1.4 Combined industrial or domestic with high hazard and fire protection systems
supplied from the public water mains only, with or without gravity storage or pump suction
tanks.
1.5 Any other facility, connection, or condition which may cause contamination.
2. A double check valve assembly shall be required for all other fire protection systems.
The double check valve shall be required on all new systems at the time of installation and
on existing systems at the time that they are upgraded.
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3. Submittal of proposed backflow prevention devices to the administrative authority
does not relieve the designer or sprinkler contractor of the responsibility of submitting
plans, including backflow prevention devices, to the fire marshal for approval.
603.2 Registration of Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. A backflow prevention
assembly tester registered by the state of Iowa shall include his or her registration number
on all correspondence and forms required by or associated with this ordinance.
603.2.1 Registered Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Noncompliance.
1. The registration of a tester may be revoked or suspended, for a period of up to two
years, for noncompliance with this ordinance.
2. Any of the following conditions constitute noncompliance:
2.1 Improper testing or repair or backflow prevention assemblies.
2.2 Improper reporting of the results of testing or of repairs made to backflow
prevention assemblies.
2.3 Failure to meet registration requirements.
2.4 Related unethical practices.
603.2.2 Installation of Backflow Prevention Assemblies.
1. Installation of backflow prevention assemblies shall be made by a licensed and
bonded plumbing contractor of the city of Waterloo with proper permits.
2. The required backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be installed in
horizontal plumbing immediately following the meter or as close to that location as
deemed practical by the administrative authority. In any case, it shall be located upstream
from any branch piping. Installation at this point does not eliminate the responsibilities of
the customer to protect the water supply system from containment or pollution between
the backflow prevention assembly and the water main.
3. Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed so as
to be protected from flooding.
4. Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies shall not be installed in
underground vaults or pits.
5. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be protected from freezing. Those devices
used for seasonal services may be removed in lieu of being protected from freezing;
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however, the devices must be reinstalled and tested by a registered backflow prevention
assembly tester prior to service being reactivated.
6. If hot water is used within the water system, thermal expansion shall be provided for
when installing a backflow prevention assembly for containment.
7. Provisions shall be made to convey the discharge of water from reduced, pressure
principle backflow prevention assemblies, to a suitable drain.
8. No backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in a place where it would
create a safety hazard, such as but not limited to over an electrical panel or above ceiling
level.
9. If interruption of water service during testing and repair of backflow prevention
assemblies for containment is unacceptable to the customer, another backflow prevention
assembly, sized to handle the temporary water flow need during the time of test or repair,
should be installed in parallel piping.
10. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed so that they are accessible for
testing as stated in section 603.2 of the uniform plumbing code.
11. All shut-off valves conform with the current edition of the Manual Of Cross
Connection Control (University Of Southern California) requirements for either ball or
resilient seat gate valves at the time of installation. Ball valves shall be used on assemblies
installed in piping two inches and smaller and resilient seat gate valves on assemblies
installed in piping larger than two inches.
603.2.3 Testing Of Backflow Prevention Assemblies.
1. Testing of backflow prevention assemblies shall be performed by a registered
backflow prevention assembly tester. The costs of tests required in the following
paragraphs 2 through 5 shall be borne by the customer.
2. Backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested upon installation, and tested and
inspected at least annually.
3. Backflow prevention assemblies which are in place, but have been out of operation
for more than three months, shall be tested before being put back into operation. Backflow
prevention assemblies used in seasonal applications shall be tested before being put into
operation each season.
4. Any backflow prevention assembly which fails a periodic test shall be repaired or
replaced. When water service has been terminated for noncompliance, the backflow
prevention assembly shall be repaired or replaced prior to the resumption of water service.
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Backflow prevention assemblies shall be retested by a registered backflow prevention
assembly tester immediately after repair or replacement.
5. The administrative authority may require backflow prevention assemblies to be
tested at any time in addition to the annual testing requirement.
6. The registered backflow prevention assembly tester shall report the successful test
of a backflow prevention assembly to the customer and to the administrative authority on
the form provided by the administrative authority within fifteen (15) days of the test.
7. The administrative authority may require, at its own cost, additional tests of
individual backflow prevention assemblies as it shall deem necessary to verify test
procedures and results.
603.2.4 Repair of Backflow Prevention Assemblies.
1. All repairs to backflow prevention assemblies shall be performed by registered
backflow prevention assembly testers.
2. The registered backflow prevention assembly tester shall not change the design,
material, or operational characteristics of a backflow prevention assembly during repair or
maintenance and shall use only original manufacturer replacements parts.
3. The registered backflow prevention assembly tester shall report the repair of a
backflow prevention assembly to the customer and to the administrative authority on the
form provided by the administrative authority within fifteen (15) days of the repair. The
report shall include the list of materials or replacement parts used.
4. Any time fire services are discontinued for a period of time longer than necessary to
test the device the tester is required to notify the fire marshal's office that the fire services
are shut off for repairs.
603.2.5 Customer Noncompliance. The water service may be discontinued in the case of
noncompliance with the Waterloo Plumbing Code. Noncompliance includes but is not
limited to the following:
1. Refusal to allow the administrative authority access to the property to inspect for
cross connections.
2. Removal of a backflow prevention assembly which has been required by the
administrative authority.
3. Bypassing of a backflow prevention assembly which has been required by the
administrative authority.
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4. Providing inadequate backflow prevention when cross connections exist.
5. Failure to install a backflow assembly which has been required by the administrative
authority.
6. Failure to test and/or properly repair a backflow prevention assembly as required by
the administrative authority.
Table 604.1 is hereby repealed in it's entirety and replaced with the following:
604.1.2 Materials for water service piping shall be of lead-free brass, copper, ductile iron,
or other materials approved by the administrative authority. All materials used in water
supply systems except valves and similar devices shall be of like material, except when
otherwise approved by administrative authority. Copper tube, when used underground,
shall have a weight of not less than copper water tube type K.
INSTALLATION STANDARD FOR NON-METALLIC PLASTIC WATER SERVICE PIPE - PE &
PEX
I All water service pipes through 2" shall be type K copper, red brass, PE or PEX pipe.
11 PE or PEX SDR 9 200 PSI can be used for 3/4" - 2" water service installations as follows:
• If PE or PEX pipe is used, it shall be installed all the way from the stop box to meter.
• PE or PEX pipe shall not be used for repairs or partial replacements. Intermixing of
materials shall not be allowed.
Type K copper is required from the tap to the stop box for all new water services in new
developments and all other instances where water service is stubbed to the stop box.
Copper can also be used from the stop box to the meters inside the premise on any service
line through 2".
III PE or PEX pipe shall be installed in casing or bedded with approved backfill material.
The minimum requirements for casing shall be SCH-40 or SDR-23.5 sized to accommodate
the service line and tracer wire. Backfill shall be manufactured sand, river sand, or 1/2" pea
gravel placed a minimum of 3" below and 4" above the pipe unless approved by
administrative authority.
IV Splicing of PE or PEX pipe between stop box and meter inside the building
is discouraged and will only be approved under special circumstances.
V PE or PEX pipe may not be used within 500' of a Leaking Underground Storage Tank or
in other areas where the soil may be contaminated. You can access IDNR records.
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
VI Tracer wire shall be required when PE or PEX pipe is used. Tracer wire shall be #12
solid single strand copper wire with 45 mil linear low -density polyethylene insulation
suitable for direct bury. Insulation shall be blue in color. When conduit is used the tracer
wire shall be placed inside the conduit. When conduit is not used tracer wire shall be
installed alongside the pipe and shall be fastened to pipe with zip ties, a minimum of every
5 feet. Tracer wire shall terminate above -ground and be accessible.
VII Joint methods for attaching PEX pipe to fittings shall meet AWWA C 904 Standards
and ASTM F1960, F2080, or F1807 Specifications. Fittings shall be installed in accordance
with PE or PEX Pipe Manufactures Installation Guidelines and related plumbing codes.
VIII Intermixing of approved material shall not be allowed.
604.1.3 Joints and fittings for underground water service piping must be lead-free
compression or threaded brass. Fittings must meet A.W.W.A. (American Water Works
Association) and Waterloo Water Works standards. All fittings shall maintain an effective
grounding path from the meter to the main. Rubber compression fittings will not be
allowed.
604.1.4 Materials for water distribution, pipes, and tubing shall be of lead-free brass,
copper, ductile iron, stainless steel, or PEX water pipe. PEX water pipe, tubing, and fittings,
manufactured to recognized standards may be used for hot and cold water distribution
systems within a building. All materials used in the water supply system, except valves and
similar devices shall be of a like material, except where otherwise approved by the
administrative authority. Copper tube used underground shall have a weight of not less
than copper water tube type K and aboveground shall be a weight of not less than copper
water tube type L.
604.1.5 Approved PEX water pipe may be used in water distribution piping except where
existing metallic water distribution piping is used for electrical grounding purposes,
replacement piping therefore shall be of metallic and PEX will not be allowed.
Exception: Where a grounding system, acceptable to the administrative authority is
installed, inspected and approved, metallic pipe may be replaced with approved PEX pipe.
604.1.6 PEX. Cross -linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing shall be marked with the appropriate
standard designation(s) listed in table 14-1 for which the tubing has been listed or
approved. PEX tubing shall be installed in compliance with the provisions of this section.
604.1.7 Licensed installers, employed by licensed plumbing contractors, shall be
appropriately certified by the manufacturer or other approved training agency prior to
commencing any PEX tubing installation.
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
713.4 is amended by adding the following subsection:
713.4.1 Public Systems Available. A public water supply system and/or public sewer
system shall be deemed available to premises if such premises are within two hundred
(200) feet, measured along a street, alley, or easement, of the public water supply or sewer
system and a connection conforming to the standards set forth in this code shall be made
thereto.
Section 715 is amended by adding the following subsection:
715.1 .1 The building sewer, beginning two (2) feet from any building or structure, shall be
schedule 40 PVC, PVC SDR 23.5, cast iron soil pipe, vitrified clay tile, truss pipe or concrete
pipe.
715.1 .2 For a new building or structure, the building sewer, beginning two (2) feet from the
structure, shall be SCH 40 PVC, PVC SDR 23.5 or cast iron soil pipe to the sewer main.
Section 717 is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:
Section 717 is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:
717.1.1 Size Of Building Sewers. The minimum size of any building sewer shall be
determined on the basis of the total number of fixture units drained by such sewer, in
accordance with table 7-8. No building sewer shall be smaller than the building drain.
Minimum size of a building sewer is four (4) inches.
Section 906 is amended by repealing subsection 906.7 in its entirety; and by enacting in
lieu thereof a new subsection 906.7 as follows:
906.7 Frost or Snow Closure. Where frost or snow closure is likely to occur, vent terminals
shall be minimum three inches (3") in diameter but in no case smaller than the required
pipe. The change in diameter shall be made inside the building at least one (1) foot below
the roof and terminate not less than 12 inches above roof.
Section 1007, is amended by repealing subsection 1007.1 and enacting a new subsection
1007.1 to read as follows:
1007.1 Trap Seal Protection. All automatic floor drain primers or trap seal valves are
prohibited.
Section 1009, is hereby repealed in its entirety and a new section 1009 is hereby enacted in
lieu thereof as follows:
1009 Industrial Interceptors (Clarifiers) and Separators.
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
1009.1 Drainage from commercial garages, gasoline filling stations, dry cleaning
establishments, oil extraction plants, and other industries where oils or solvents are used,
is likely to contain inflammable compound, which shall therefore be intercepted before
discharging into the city sewer. The interceptor shall have a capacity sufficient to separate
the oil, grease, or other inflammable compound and shall be so located and constructed to
prevent fire or explosion. Drainage from commercial garages and oil stations where
automobile wash racks are installed is also likely to contain mud and sand, which shall be
separated from the wastes before discharging into the city sanitary sewer. Hence, the
interceptor for these wastes shall afford sufficient capacity for both separating the oils and
grease by flotation and the sand and mud by settling.
1009.2 For drainage from commercial garages or other places where wastes are likely to
contain sand, mud, or other solid material in addition to oil, grease, or other inflammable
compounds, a minimum capacity of 50 cubic feet, with a minimum effective depth of 3
feet, shall be provided and a vent and manhole with tightly fitting cover shall be installed.
1009.3 All interceptors shall be cleaned periodically.
1009.4 Subsections 1009.1 through 1009.5 of this section shall apply except for
manufactured or prefabricated concrete interceptors that comply with approved
applicable standards. See "Exhibit A. Commercial Mud Trap" 39.
1009.5 For details, see diagram marked "Exhibit B. Mud Trap Or Inflammable Waste
Interceptors" 1.
Subsection 1017.3 is hereby repealed in it's entirety and a new subsection 1017.3 is hereby
enacted as follows:
1017.3 Residential Garage Interceptor. If a drain is installed in a residential garage, an
interceptor shall be required. See "Exhibit D. Residential Garage Interceptor".
(Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022; Ord. 5748, 2-5-2024)
1017.4 Fuel Gas Piping. A fullway valve controlling outlets shall be installed on the
discharge side of each gas meter and each unmetered gas supply. Gas piping supplying
more than one building on one premise shall be equipped with a separate fullway valve to
each building, so arranged that the gas supply can be turned on or off to an individual or
separate building. Such shutoff valves shall be accessible and on the exterior of the
structure. This shall apply to all new construction, re -pipe and gas shut off releases.
9-4A-3: EXHIBITS:
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
Exibit "A"
The follov.'ing drawing is an approved type of manufactured or prefabricated
concrete interceptor_
Mud trap sidewalis and floor are reinforced with #3 rebar. sidewalls and the
compartment divider are 2 1/2" thick; the floor of the mud trap is 3".
The lid is reinforced with over 20' of #4 rebar, and is 5" thick_
Capacity of the mud trap is a nominal 625 gallons; if capacity is calculated
at a conservative 500 gallons, the volume of the inlet compartment is still
.9 cubic yards, and the outflow compartment has a volume of 1.8 cubic
yards.
MUD TRAP OR
INFLAMMABLE WASTE INTERCEPTOR
5" _
Lid _
33 1F
4
24" ring and Cover on each
unit for cleaning purposes
24"
.9 cubic 37 1!2 " 1-$ cubic
yard capacity yard capacity
12
v V p
21r"
4"
Fume Vent4„
Cleanout
Pavin ioor
105'
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
Exhibit 'Er
24' RING AND COVER ON EACH
UNIT FOR CLEANING PURPOSES
L.
in
4-
4'
N
•
MUD TRAP OR
INFLAMMABLE WASTE INTERCEPTOR
Note: Dimensions shown are suggested only, Alternate dimensions for
00a1Iparents may be used to maintain the same proportion.
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
Exhibit "C'
RECOMMENDED COMMERCIAL KITCHEN GREASE INTERCEPTOR
The Waterloo Plumbing Code requires that these interceptors be not less than two compartments
with fittings designed for grease retention►. The inlet, outlet. and compartment fitting should be of
the elbow type design with the vertical leg extending to within 12 inches of the interceptor floor. The
fittings shall not be Tess than 4 inches or the size of the building sewer. whichever is greater. A clean
out is required on the outlet line, outside the lank.
24' Rrog& Cave( on each im4
nor Cleaning Purposes
r ti
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
EXHIBIT "D"
The drawing below is the recommended method of installing a
drain in a residential garage. No dimensions are shown, just
the required t cubic foot per each compartment. Also the outlet
of such a drain must be vented.
Removable Drain Cover Removable Solid Cover
FLOOR SLAB
_
1 Cubic
F'•t
1 Cubic
Foot
ALL FITTINGS CAST IRON PIPE
(Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
- Cleanout
Flow Line
6" Water Seal
ARTICLE B. PLUMBING BOARD FOR LICENSING AND APPEALS
SECTION:
9-4B-1: Board Established; Composition
9-4B-2: Appointment; Terms
9-4B-3: Quorum
9-4B-4: Duties
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
9-4B-1: BOARD ESTABLISHED; COMPOSITION:
A. Establishment Of Board: There is hereby established a plumbing board for appeals
hereinafter referred to as the board, with authority and responsibility as follows:
1. To act as a board of appeals as provided in the Waterloo plumbing code.
2. To periodically review the provisions of the Waterloo plumbing code and make
recommendations to the city council for improving and updating said document.
B. Composition Of Board: The board shall consist of five (5) members, all of whose place
of business, residence, or work is located in the city. All members shall be qualified by
experience and training to pass judgment upon matters pertaining to the installation of
plumbing. The membership shall be as follows: two (2) licensed master plumbers, one
licensed journeyman plumber, one registered professional mechanical engineer, and one
member at large, with no one company or interest being represented by more than one
member of the board. The city plumbing inspector or their designee shall act as secretary
to the board. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4B-2: APPOINTMENT; TERMS:
A. Appointment: The mayor with the approval of the city council shall appoint the
members of the plumbing board for licensing and appeals.
B. Terms: After the initial appointment of the board, the terms of the members shall be
for three (3) years except that the initial terms shall be so arranged and staggered that the
terms of no more than two (2) members shall expire on December 31 of any one year. A
vacancy within any term shall be filled by appointment of the mayor with the approval of
the city council for the unexpired portion of that term only. Each member can serve a total
of two (2) three (3) year terms.
C. Compensation: The members of the board shall serve without compensation.
D. Organization: The board shall designate a member as chair and shall adopt
reasonable rules for conducting its investigations and proceedings, and shall render all
decisions and findings in writing to the building official with a duplicate copy to the
appellant and may recommend to the city council new legislation as is consistent
therewith. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4B-3: QUORUM:
Three (3) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business,
provided that a decision on a matter relating to a specific license shall not be valid unless
decided in the presence of a board member who holds a similar valid license. Any vote
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
taken for the purpose of suspending or revoking a contractor's license shall require a
majority vote of all members of the board. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-
2022)
9-4B-4: DUTIES:
The plumbing board for appeals shall receive applications for appeals based on a claim
that the true intent of this code has been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of the code
do not fully apply, or an equally good or better form of compliance with the code is
proposed. The board shall have no authority to waive requirements of this code. The
plumbing board for licensing and appeals shall also act as the Black Hawk County
Plumbing Board for appeals, as permitted by Black Hawk County Ordinance 46, the Black
Hawk County Plumbing Code. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
ARTICLE C. PLUMBING CONTRACTORS
SECTION:
9-4C-1: Classification Of Plumbers
9-4C-2: Pipe Layer Business (Contractor's) License
9-4C-3: Pipe Layer's Certificate Of Insurance
9-4C-4: Conditions Of License
9-4C-5: Persons Authorized And Reporting
9-4C-6: Revocation Of Licenses
9-4C-1: CLASSIFICATION OF PLUMBERS:
A. Pipe Layer:
1. Definition: "Pipe layer" shall mean a person who installs, lays, repairs, removes or
caps off sanitary sewer pipe between the public sanitary sewer main in the street or
easement and a point two feet (2') outside the foundation wall of a building or structure.
2. Qualifications: A pipe layer shall be qualified in the principles of the hydraulics of
liquids in sewer pipes and related matters and shall be familiar with the pertinent
provisions of the Waterloo plumbing code and the rules and regulations of the local and
state boards of health as such provisions, rules and regulations pertain to sewers and
sewer service pipes.
3. Licensing: Any person desiring to be licensed as a pipe layer shall make application
to the building department on forms furnished by said department accompanied by a fee.
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
Upon receipt of the application and fee, the building department shall schedule the
administration of a test prescribed by the plumbing board. If the applicant obtains a
passing score he shall be issued a pipe layer's license upon the payment of an additional
fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) the first year. The renewal fee will be twenty-five dollars ($25.00)
per year.
4. Authorized Work: A pipe layer's license shall not be construed as license or permit to
do plumbing work as a state licensed plumber in the city as defined in this chapter. Except
for the installation, laying, removing, repairing or capping off of sewer between public main
and a point two feet (2') outside building, every pipe layer shall be hereby prohibited from
doing any plumbing work within the city unless he is licensed as a plumber by the state in
conformance with the provisions of the Waterloo plumbing code, as amended.
5. Pipe Laying: No person shall engage in the construction, reconstruction, laying,
alteration, repair, removal or capping off of a sanitary sewer between public main and a
point two feet (2') outside building in the city without first having obtained a state plumber's
license or a Waterloo pipe layer's license, along with an approved certificate of insurance
on file with the city and having obtained a plumbing permit for sewer installation from the
building department as required by this chapter. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673,
11-21-2022)
9-4C-2: PIPE LAYER BUSINESS (CONTRACTOR'S) LICENSE:
Applicants who have met the requirements of the board and upon payment of a fee of two
hundred dollars ($200.00) for the first year and having in place a certificate of insurance as
herein provided for, issue to such applicant a pipe layer business (contractor's) license in
the name of the city of Waterloo, by the plumbing inspector. Renewal license fee will be
one hundred dollars ($100.00) per year.
It shall be unlawful for any person to install, erect, alter, repair, service, reset, replace
thereto, as defined in the plumbing code, unless said person or some member of such firm
or corporation shall first have obtained a state plumbing contractor license or pipe layer
business (contractor's) license or unless such person, firm or corporation has regularly and
steadily in his employ a holder of such a license, who shall be the authorized
representative of the person, firm or corporation in all matters pertaining to this chapter.
The authorized representative who is the holder of a state plumbing contractor license or
pipe layer business (contractor's) license may not apply for permits for more than one
person, firm, or corporation and the permit shall apply only to the type of work pertaining to
the specific license possessed by the license holder. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord.
5673, 11-21-2022)
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
9-4C-3: PIPE LAYER'S CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE:
A pipe layer's application shall be filed with the building official (or a specified
intergovernmental agency if so designated by the building official) accompanied by a
certificate of insurance written by a company authorized to transact business in the state,
in limits of not less than three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) combined single
limit to any person and one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) property damage; said
certificate to be written on a standard form and carrying an endorsement naming the city
and its employees (or the intergovernmental agency designated by the building official) as
additional insureds as its interest may appear and conditioned upon the faithful
performance of all duties required of such contractor by any ordinances, rules and
regulations of the city. It shall be a further condition of said certificate of insurance that the
obligator will hold the city (through the specified intergovernmental agency if so
designated) harmless from any and all damages sustained by reason of neglect or
incompetency on the part of such contractor, his agents or employees in the performance
of the work done under a license or permit issued upon the filing of said certificate.
Said certificate of insurance shall be issued by December 31 of each year and shall be filed
on or before said date for each subsequent year and shall be in continuous full force and
effect. That it is the intent and purpose of said certificate of insurance to also bind the
individual, company, firm, association or partnership, whether it be a trade name,
corporation, or other business association or arrangement with which the principal is
associated.
Homeowners working on their principal residence shall be exempt from filing said
certificate. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017; amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4C-4: CONDITIONS OF LICENSE:
Any license not renewed prior to December 31 shall expire thirty (30) calendar days
thereafter and shall be renewed upon payment of a double fee. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017;
amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4C-5: PERSONS AUTHORIZED AND REPORTING:
A. Must Be Licensed: No person other than those holding a state plumbing contractor
license or pipe layer's license issued by the city of Waterloo, shall not tap any water or
sewer mains, nor install any private building sewer, water service, private sewage disposal
plant or private water system; nor shall they make any connections, extension,
replacement, removals or additions of any nature to the sanitary plumbing or water supply
system or disconnect any fixture or change the sanitary or water pipe arrangement.
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
ATTEST:
Signed by:
Kd fetelit
elleyB efcfile;BCity Clerk
B. Exceptions: Those persons who perform the function of water softener installers only,
and who do not perform any other plumbing work, may install water softeners only;
provided, that said person obtains the proper permits, prior to any work performed, has in
place insurance as by this chapter provided, requests and has inspected by the plumbing
inspector any installations, and pays any and all inspection fees. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017;
amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
9-4C-6: REVOCATION OF LICENSES:
A pipe layer's license or a state plumbing contractor license may be revoked for cause by
the board, after a hearing by said board, upon a written notice served upon the person in
whose name said license is issued, not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of hearing,
stating the time and place thereof and the grounds for such hearing. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017;
amd. Ord. 5673, 11-21-2022)
Section 2. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its final passage, approval,
and publication as required by law.
INTRODUCED: January 20, 2026
PASSED 1st CONSIDERATION: January 20, 2026
PASSED 2nd CONSIDERATION: February 2, 2026
PASSED 3rd CONSIDERATION: February 16, 2026
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of February 2026.
ESigned by:
Pavudt, �jot,st,k,
y3 U.142I
Ma
yor
oesen, Mayor
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Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
CERTIFICATE
I, Kelley Felchle, City Clerk of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, do hereby certify that the
preceding is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No. 5823 as passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, on the 16th day of February 2026.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 16th day of February 2026.
Signed byC:
R.
e-e e
I.I.L T d d &
SEAL
— I-f CODCOI-f BC04AB...
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk