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An Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 (“Water”) Article 7 (“Sewer Connections”) of the Oak Park Village Code Regarding Repairs from Curb Line to Connection with Street Sewer Mains.
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Introduction
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This is an amendment to the ordinance pertaining to sewer connections in an effort to clarify the language and codify the existing practices of the Water & Sewer Division.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
To address recent complaints, the Water and Sewer Division seeks to clarify the criteria used to determine when the Village will repair the public portion of a sewer lateral. Residents have expressed that the existing Sewer Connections Ordinance does not clearly outline the process or responsibilities, leading to confusion about how eligibility for Village repair is established. Staff therefore recommend updating the Ordinance language to reflect the Division’s established October 2021 standard operating procedure.
Under current practice, the Village’s determination of responsibility relies on two factors: the information provided by a licensed plumber and the verified location of the obstruction—specifically, whether the blockage is situated on the private or public side of the sewer lateral. Because property owners are responsible for rodding the private portion of the line from the building to the point of connection with the sewer main, the initial tracing must follow the private plumber’s rod. A representative of the Water and Sewer Division must be present during this inspection to confirm the location of the obstruction and accurately determine responsibility.
Appointments for these inspections must be scheduled during normal business hours. Water and Sewer Division staff will only respond after hours or on weekends when the sewer lateral is actively backed up, and immediate action is required.
Timing Consideratio...
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