Public Utilities Department

Cost Participation Program
for Unserved Areas

• Cost Participation Policy
• Cost Participation Petition
• Frequently Asked Questions  
          printable version
• Unserved Areas List
• Third-Party Payment Agreement Form

Frequently Asked Questions

The City has responded to citizens who have requested city water and/or sewer and to concerns about health and environmental issues with a new program. The new Cost Participation Program makes a way for those neighborhoods who want to come into the city utilities system to do so. The following questions and answers will help you understand this new program.

1. What areas are eligible?

Public Utilities has developed the Unserved Areas List. The Unserved Areas List is posted in the City Libraries and on the City web site at here. Or, you may contact Public Utilities at (757) 382-6401 to find out if your area is on the list. These areas are within the Franchise Service Area and are predominantly Residential Zoning (excluding RE-1 or A-1).

Areas on this list may submit a completed petition to Public Utilities. A completed petition must have all owners’ signatures of at least 75% of the owners of the improved and vacant properties in the area. Petition forms are available on the City web site or upon request from the Department of Public Utilities.

Then, the City Council must review and approve the project. The list of identified water and sewer projects has been prioritized by the Chesapeake Health Department, although City Council may modify areas or add other areas to the list.

Areas that need both water and sewer must petition for both services.

2. How many projects will be accepted each year?

The number of projects will depend on the budgeted funds and the current cost of construction. If a neighborhood has been approved by the City Council, but adequate funds are not available, the project will be rolled into the next budget year that funding is available. It will retain its position in the order approved by the City Council. All subsequent projects will be prioritized and listed after it.

3. What is the petition deadline?

The first petition deadline HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 1, 2007. The deadline for future petitions will be September 1 of each calendar year.

4. If a neighborhood submits a completed petition, does that automatically mean it will get the water and/or sewer service?

No. Two conditions must be met. The first condition is that the City Council must review and approve the project. The second condition is that 75% of the property owners must pay the connection fee before the project starts. If not paid by end of September following the project’s approval by City Council, the project is removed from consideration at that time, but may be resubmitted later.

5. Must everyone connect?

Yes. However, the Utility Review Board can review an appeal for special circumstances as described in the City Code, Chapter 78.51.

6. What fees must be paid?

The new Cost Participation Program requires the property owner to pay both the connection fee(s) and assessment(s). The connection fee(s) must be paid by the end of September following City Council approval. Connection fees may be "locked in" at 2006 rates if paid by April 2, 2007.

Base Cost to Property Owner (Existing Dwellings Only) (Based on 5/8” meter – city funded)

	Water	Sewer	Water & Sewer
Connection Fee (through 4/2/07)	$2,970	$1,980	$4,950
Connection Fee (after 4/2/07)	$3,697	$3,519	$7,216
Assessment	$2,600	$5,200	$7,800
Total Cost: through 4/2/07 after 4/2/07	$5,570 $6,297	$7,180 $8,719	$12,750 $15,016

There is a $150 one-time charge to set the meter. The Assessment may be prepaid or paid in installments over a 20-year period. Vacant lots will have to pay the current HRSD connection fee for a 5/8” water meter at the time a building permit is obtained.

7. What are the installment amounts for the Assessment payments over a 20-year period?

Water only	$2,600	$10.83 monthly
Sewer only	$5,200	$21.67 monthly
Water and Sewer	$7,800	$32.50 monthly

8. Where should the connection and additional fees be paid?

Cash, personal check, money order payments:

Department of Public Utilities
City Hall, 2nd floor
306 Cedar Road

Cash, personal check, money order, debit cards, and Discover Card payments:

City Treasurer’s Office
Western Branch
2808 Taylor Rd

Note: If paying at Treasurer’s Office, inform the clerk that your property is part of the Cost Participation Program. A convenience fee is added to all credit card transactions.

Mail personal check or money order:

Department of Public Utilities
306 Cedar RD
P.O. Box 15225
Chesapeake, VA 23328

Attention: Ms. Jerry Hoddinott

Must be postmarked by the deadline date.

9. May connection fees and assessments be paid by someone other than the property owner?

Yes, third-party payments are possible. The property owner(s) is(are) required to authorize this payment by completing and notarizing the statement for third-party payments. This completed form must be on file at the Public Utilities Department for a third-party payment to be accepted. Contact Public Utilities at 382-6401 for a Third-Party Payment form.

10. How will my house be connected to the water and/or sewer?

The City will provide a service line connection and/or water meter at the property line. From that point, the property owner will be responsible to install pipes to connect the house to the City system. Many people use a plumber to perform this work. A permit from Neighborhood Services to install the connection is required. Contact the Chesapeake Health Department information about abandoning wells and septic tanks.

11. How long do I have to connect to City services?

Connections should be made within six months after the water or sewer system is put into service. Billing will begin no later than six months from the time the project is placed into service whether or not connections are made.

12. How will the water and sewer service be billed?

Public Utilities bills its residential customers every two months through the Hampton Roads Utility Billing Service (HRUBS). Both water and sewer bills are based on the water meter reading. Public Utilities charges for water used and sewage transported to the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) system where the sewage is treated. The HRUBS bill includes HRSD’s sewage treatment charge and the Public Utilities’ charges. Once a project is placed in service, billing will begin.

13. What happens if an area fails to meet the 75% participation target?

A neighborhood that does not meet the participation target will not receive utility services. The area may reapply to City Council. All the connection fees will be refunded to the person who paid them.