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AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
October 28, 2019
4:00 PM, City Council Chambers
130 S Galena Street, Aspen
I.WORK SESSION
I.A.Budget Presentations - Tourism Promotion Fund, Public Education Fund, Water and
Electric Funds
1
Schedule
1
Budget Worksessions Scheduled Topics / Funds
Monday, October 7 Overview,General Fund & Asset Management Plan Fund
Monday, October 14 Parks and Open Space, Golf, Housing Development
Tuesday, October 15 Grants, Wheeler Opera House, Employee Benefits, Employee Housing,
Information Technology
Monday, October 21 Kids First, Parking, Transportation, Truscott, Marolt, Stormwater
Monday, October 28 Water, Electric, Tourism Promotion, Public Education, REMP
Tuesday, October 29 APCHA, Smuggler, Truscott II, Aspen Country Inn
Adoption Meetings Scheduled Topics
Monday, November 12 1st Reading of Fee Ordinance & Budget Resolutions (proposed to push to Nov 26)
Monday, November 26 2nd Reading of Fee Ordinance (desired adoption by 12/1), Mill Levy (if possible)
Monday, December 10 Back-Up Date Mill Levy Resolution (mandatory certification by Dec 15)
2
2020 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Tourism Promotion Fund (130 Fund)
OCTOBER 28, 2019
3
Revenues & Expenditures
Trends
$2,993,610
$2,991,800
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
$3,500,000
$4,000,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Revenues Expenditures
3
Variance =
Investment
Income
4
Fund Balance
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Fund Balance After Remittance 4
Resolution 180 (Series 2017): Fund balance
shall be increased to $300,000 to establish a
higher reserve for recessionary periods.
5
Revenue Sources
$1,810
$2,991,800
$0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000
Investment Income
1.5% Lodging Tax
5
6
$2,991,800
$0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000
Disbursement to ACRA
Expenditure by Program
6
7
7
Questions?
8
2020 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Public Education Fund (131 Fund)
OCTOBER 28, 2019
9
Revenues & Expenditures
Trends
$2,920,000
$2,920,000
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
$3,500,000
$4,000,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Revenues Expenditures
9
Expenditure authority is directly tied to revenue
expectations. To not limit disbursement of this
dedicated tax, both inflows and outflows have
been artificially inflated by 20%, but do not truly
equate to expected outcomes.
10
Expenditure by Program
0.3% Dedicated Sales Tax –Sunset 12/31/2021
$58,400
$2,861,600
$0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000
2% Administrative
Costs
Disbursements to
Education
10
11
11
Questions?
12
2020 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Water (421 Fund)
Tyler Christoff; Margaret Medellin;
Ryan Loebach; Lee Ledesma OCTOBER 28, 2019
13
What We Do:
13
We provide clean, safe, and reliable water
to the Aspen community
14
How We Do it:
14
Programs
Planning
Customer
Service
Capital
Projects
Operations
Aspen’s Integrated Water Supply System
15
Strategic Alignment
15
Community
Engagement
Protect our
Environment
Fiscal Health &
Economic Vitality
Safe & Lived-In
Community of Choice
Smart, Customer
Focused Government
Utility service is a core function of our local government 16
On the Horizon
16
•Aspen Intelligent Metering (AIM)
•Integrated Resource Plan
•Drought Response Plan
•Rates 17
5 Year Cost of Service Transition
17
18
Year 2 -Residential Water Service
18
WATER UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
Water Variable $27.59 7.08%$29.50
Water Demand $16.02 1.33%$16.23
Fire Charge $6.88 20.41%$8.28
Pump Charge $0.00 12.58%$0.00
Average Residential -- Downtown $50.49 $54.02
2.67 ECUs & 0 Pumps / 10,000 gallons 6.99%19
Year 2 –Residential Water Service
Transition
19
WATER UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
Water Variable $167.57 7.08%$179.34
Water Demand $48.00 1.33%$48.64
Fire Charge $20.61 20.41%$24.82
Pump Charge $105.21 12.58%$118.45
Average Residential -- Red Mtn.$341.39 $371.24
4.0 ECUs & 1 Pumps / 50,000 gallons 8.74%20
Year 2 –Commercial Water Service
Transition
20
WATER UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
Water Variable $325.46 7.08%$348.29
Water Demand $54.83 1.33%$55.57
Fire Charge $23.55 20.41%$28.33
Pump Charge $0.00 12.58%$0.00
Average Commercial $403.84 $432.19
9.14 ECUS & 0 Pumps / 100,000 gallons 7.02%21
Revenues & Expenditures
Trends
$10,162,120
$11,977,110
$0
$2,000,000
$4,000,000
$6,000,000
$8,000,000
$10,000,000
$12,000,000
$14,000,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Revenues Expenditures
21
Rev / Exp
Closely Align
Due to Capital
Planning
22
Fund Balance
$3,723,481
$2,994,278
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
$7,000,000
$8,000,000
$9,000,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Fund Balance Reserve
AIM & Other
Capital
Projects
22
23
Revenue Sources
$110,770
$317,110
$550,000
$892,550
$942,550
$3,231,800
$4,117,340
$0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000
Investment Income
Other Revenues
Development Review Fees
Water Tap Fees
Raw / Wholesale / Reclaimed Water
Demand / Fire Charges
Variable / Pump Charges
23
Reasonable
Alignment of Fixed
& Variable Revs
24
$113,110
$187,970
$285,830
$316,330
$429,420
$513,080
$653,670
$735,900
$1,218,340
$2,803,970
$4,719,490
$0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000
Efficiency Program
Water Department Campus
Water Rights
Untreated Water
Utility Billing Services
Development Review
Administrative
Treated Water
Distribution Management
Transfers / Overhead / Debt
Capital (Labor + Projects)
25.05 FTE
Expenditure by Program
24
25
2020 Capital Projects
•Largest 5 Projects in 2020
$225,000
$480,000
$540,000
$550,000
$1,735,000
$0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000
Water Rights - Transfer Mechanisms
New Equipment Storage Building
WATER Aspen Intelligent Metering (AIM) -
Network - 2020
Non-Compliant Meter Replacement - 2020
12 Inch Line to Tiehack Tank Feed
25
26
Supplemental Requests
26
Recommended:
•AIM Operating costs: $56,000 (On-Going)
•UB Supervisor (0.15): $24,340 (On-Going)*
* Net Cost After Repurposing Existing Authority for 0.35 FTE
•Electricity –Renewable Energy Premium: $7,000 (On-Going)
27
27
Questions?
28
2020 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Electric (431 Fund)
Tyler Christoff; Margaret Medellin;
Ryan Loebach; Lee Ledesma OCTOBER 28, 2019
29
What We Do:
31
We provide safe, reliable, and renewable
electricity to our community 30
How We Do It:
32
Power
production
Purchased
Power
Customer
Service
Capital
Projects
Operations
31
Strategic Alignment
33
Community
Engagement
Protect our
Environment
Safe & Lived-In
Community of Choice
Smart, Customer
Focused Government
Utility service is a core function of our local government
Fiscal Health &
Economic Vitality
32
On the Horizon
34
•Aspen Intelligent Metering (AIM)
•Infrastructure Replacement
•Rates
33
5 -Year Cost of Service Transition
35
Year 2
34
Year 2 –Electric Residential –Aspen Average
36
ELECTRIC UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
kWh Charges $180.86 -0.40%$180.07
kW Charges $0.00 0.00%$0.00
Availability Charges $24.86 50.20%$36.68
Average Residential - Aspen $205.72 $216.75
200 AMP Service / 1500 kwh 5.36%35
Year 2 –Electric Small Commerical
37
ELECTRIC UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
kWh Charges $207.40 -0.40%$206.57
kW Charges $0.00 0.00%$0.00
Availability Charges $29.17 51.40%$35.12
Average Small Commercial $236.57 $241.69
200 AMP Service / 2,000 kwh 2.16%36
Year 2 –Electric Large Commercial
38
ELECTRIC UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
kWh Charges $3,669.10 -7.50%$3,394.74
kW Charges $1,848.30 19.40%$2,207.40
Availability Charges $41.81 62.30%$67.87
Average Large Commercial $5,559.21 $5,670.01
400 AMP Service / 45,000 kwh / 130 kw 1.99%37
Year 2 –Electric Residential –State Average
39
ELECTRIC UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
kWh Charges $68.22 -0.40%$67.92
kW Charges $0.00 0.00%$0.00
Availability Charges $24.86 50.20%$36.68
Average Residential - State $93.08 $104.60
200 AMP Service / 700 kwh 12.38%38
Revenues & Expenditures
Trends
$10,169,550
$10,079,490
$0
$2,000,000
$4,000,000
$6,000,000
$8,000,000
$10,000,000
$12,000,000
$14,000,000
$16,000,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Revenues Expenditures
40
Refinancing
CCEC Debt
39
Fund Balance
$2,751,714
$2,519,873
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Fund Balance Reserve
Below 25%
Target Reserve
41
40
Revenue Sources
$36,720
$53,230
$102,000
$2,178,390
$3,781,730
$4,012,580
$0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000
Other Revenue
Investment Income
Electric Development Fee
Large Commercial Service
Small Commercial Service
Residential Service
42
Variable Charges: ~80%
Fixed Charges: ~20%
41
$17,930
$57,580
$188,610
$355,650
$383,120
$426,710
$516,270
$690,070
$1,188,900
$1,313,680
$4,940,970
$0 $1,500,000 $3,000,000 $4,500,000 $6,000,000
Conservation, Efficiency, Renewables
Electric Department Campus
Public Lighting
Debt Service
Utility Billing Services
Administrative
Locally Produced Power
Distribution Management
Transfers / Overhead
Capital (Labor + Projects)
Purchased Power
13.65 FTE
Expenditure by Program
43
42
2020 Capital Projects
•Electric Dept top 5 projects
$50,000
$60,000
$120,000
$150,000
$600,000
$0 $200,000 $400,000 $600,000 $800,000
Cable Testing and Replacement
Puppy Smith Facility Driveway Safety Repair
Electric System Grid Resiliency Projects
Electric System Replacement
Electric System Assessment: Projects
Identified
44
43
Supplemental Requests
45
Recommended:
•AIM Operating Costs: $44,000 (On-Going)
•UB Supervisor (0.35): $37,160 (On-Going)*
* Net Cost After Repurposing Existing Authority for 0.15 FTE
44
46
Questions?
45
MEMORANDUM
TO:Mayor and City Council
FROM:Tyler Christoff, Utilities Director
Margaret Medellin, Utilities Resource Manager
Ryan Loebach, Senior Project Manager
Lee Ledesma, Utilities Finance/Administrative Manager
THROUGH:Scott Miller, Public Works Director
Pete Strecker, Finance Director
MEMO DATE:October 25, 2019
MEETING DATE:October 28, 2019
RE:2020 Water and Electric Budget Presentation
REQUEST OF COUNCIL:Staff requests review of proposed changes to Title 25—
Utilities—of the Aspen Municipal Code covering water and electric rates, fees, policies,
and calculation tables as shown in Exhibit A, Ordinance #24, Series of 2019.
All proposed amendments and additions to Title 25 of the municipal code have been
highlighted in yellow, shown in Exhibit A. Additional formatting of this section include the
deletion of a redundant section on Stormwater Systems. The removal of Section 25.18
Stormwater Systems is highlighted in red. The complete Stormwater and Mudflow
Municipal Code can be found in Title 28.
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: Council approved Cost of Service rates with a 5-year
transition in November of 2018. 2019 water and electric rates represented Year One of
the 5-year transition. 2020 proposed water and electric rates represent Year Two of this
2018 Cost of Service rate study. This transition represents an incremental approach to
utility rate increases. Staff believes this transition meets the functional needs of the utility
while creating sustainable change for our customers.
DISCUSSION: Raftelis Financial Consultants were contracted in 2019 to provide a fee
recommendation based on the Utility’s cost of service. Staff reviewed these
recommendations and applied them to Aspen’s rate structure to propose the following
changes to Title 25 of the municipal code:
46
Year Two—Electric Utility Cost of Service Rate Proposal
Year Two of the 2018 approved 5-Year Cost of Service rates are incorporated in
Ordinance #24, (Exhibit A). Applying the Year Two rate adjustments results in updated
average electric utility customer monthly bills. Tables below reflect average monthly cost
impacts to the various customer classes including; residential, small commercial and
large commercial:
ELECTRIC UTILITY RATES
2019 AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE
CHANGE
2020 AVERAGE
BILL
kWh Charges $180.86 -0.40%$180.07
Availability Charges $24.86 50.20%$36.68
Average Residential - Aspen $205.72 $216.75
200 AMP Service / 1500 kwh (percentage change)5.36%
ELECTRIC UTILITY RATES
2019 AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE
CHANGE
2020 AVERAGE
BILL
kWh Charges $207.40 -0.40%$206.57
Availability Charges $29.17 51.40%$35.12
Average Small Commercial $236.57 $241.69
200 AMP Service / 2,000 kwh (percentage change)2.16%
ELECTRIC UTILITY RATES
2019 AVERAGE
BILL
PROPOSED
RATE
CHANGE
2020 AVERAGE
BILL
kWh Charges $3,669.10 -7.50%$3,394.74
Demand kW Charges $1,848.30 19.40%$2,207.40
Availability Charges $41.81 62.30%$67.87
Average Large Commercial $5,559.21 $5,670.01
400 AMP Service / 45,000 kwh / 130 kw (percentage change)1.99%
YEAR 2 - ELECTRIC 5 YEAR COST OF SERVICE TRANSITION
47
Year Two—Water Utility Cost of Service Rate Proposal
Year Two of the 2018 approved 5-Year Cost of Service rates are incorporated in
Ordinance #24, (Exhibit A). Applying the Year Two rate adjustments results in the
following average water utility customer monthly bills.
Water Utility Investment Fees/Tap Fees
For water utility investment/tap fee computation, the following fees are assessed per
Equivalent Capacity Unit, (ECU). An ECU is a unit reflecting the portion of the capacity
WATER UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE BILL
PROPOSED
RATE
CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
Water Variable $27.59 7.08%$29.50
Water Demand $16.02 1.33%$16.23
Fire Charge $6.88 20.41%$8.28
Average Residential -- Downtown $50.49 $54.02
2.67 ECUs & 0 Pumps / 10,000 gallons 6.99%
WATER UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE BILL
PROPOSED
RATE
CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
Water Variable $167.57 7.08%$179.34
Water Demand $48.00 1.33%$48.64
Fire Charge $20.61 20.41%$24.82
Pump Charge $105.21 12.58%$118.45
Average Residential -- Red Mtn.$341.39 $371.24
4.0 ECUs & 1 Pumps / 50,000 gallons 8.74%
WATER UTILITY RATES
2019
AVERAGE BILL
PROPOSED
RATE
CHANGE
2020
AVERAGE
BILL
Water Variable $325.46 7.08%$348.29
Water Demand $54.83 1.33%$55.57
Fire Charge $23.55 20.41%$28.33
Average Commercial $403.84 $432.19
9.14 ECUS & 0 Pumps / 100,000 gallons 7.02%
YEAR 2 - WATER 5 YEAR COST OF SERVICE TRANSITION
48
of the water system necessary to serve a standard water customer. Each City water
account has an individual ECU rating based on water fixtures, irrigated area, and other
factors indicative of water demand. Raftelis Financial Consultants were contracted in
2019 to provide a fee adjustment recommendation based on current utility costs and
comparative water utilities within Colorado. The table below outlines the recommended
2020 rates and associated increase.
Electric Community Investment Fees
The Electric Community Investment (ECI) fee is charged to any customer requesting
services for new development and expansion of existing services within the service area
is measured at each individual electric meter. The ECI provides additional capital to the
Electric Department to pay for a portion of the new facilities needed to deliver electric
services to new or expanded services. Raftelis Financial Consultants were contracted in
2019 to provide a fee adjustment recommendation based on comparative electric utilities
within Colorado. The table below outlines the recommended 2020 rates and associated
increase.
Billing
Areas 2019 Tap Fees
Proposed
2020 Tap Fees
(per ECU)
Proposed %
Increase
1 $7,019 $7,960 13%
2 $14,038 $15,920 13%
3 $14,038 $15,920 13%
4 $8,774 $9,950 13%
5 $12,283 $13,930 13%
6 $14,038 $15,920 13%
7 $10,529 $11,940 13%
WATER UTILITY INVESTMENT CHARGE - TAP FEES
49
Alternative 200 AMP Residential Electric Rate for Efficient Electric Heat Housing
Utilities staff has recognized the potential for an emerging customer class within the
Electric utility. New development has begun to leverage the renewable electric grid for
home energy needs. Based on these demands the existing rate structure customers
inadvertently move quickly through the tiered rate structure creating artificially high
monthly bills. Staff believe that the rate structure proposed below will alleviate the burden
on these “all electric” customers.
A new 200 AMP Residential Electric Rate for efficient electric heat housing has been
created and is located in Sec. 25.04.040 (e) of Ordinance #24 (Exhibit A). This rate will
be available for new deed-restricted, residential properties with electric heat and built-in
compliance with International Energy Conservation Codes 2015 Edition as stated in
Municipal Code 8.46, including amendments as stated in Ordinance 40, Series of 2016.
This rate shall be the sum of the metered use of electric energy measured in kilowatt-
Residential
AMP
1 Phase
120/240V
1 Phase
120/240V
3 Phase
120/208V
3 Phase
277/480V
100 1,186$ 3,164$ 3,558$ 8,210$
200 2,373$ 6,327$ 7,115$ 13,683$
300 4,746$ 9,491$ 10,673$ 24,629$
400 6,327$ 12,655$ 14,230$ 32,839$
600 9,491$ 18,982$ 21,345$ 49,259$
800 12,655$ 25,310$ 28,461$ 65,678$
1000 15,818$ 31,637$ 35,576$ 82,098$
1200 18,982$ 37,964$ 42,691$ 98,518$
1400 22,146$ 44,292$ 49,806$ 114,937$
1600 25,310$ 50,619$ 56,921$ 131,357$
1800 28,473$ 56,947$ 64,036$ 147,776$
2000 31,637$ 63,274$ 71,152$ 164,196$
2200 34,801$ 69,601$ 78,267$ 180,615$
2400 37,964$ 75,929$ 85,382$ 197,035$
Commercial
2020 Electric Community Investment Fees
50
hours (kWh) during the department’s monthly meter reading cycle multiplied by the
appropriate service rate as follows:
AMP
Size
Usage
Up To
Per
KWh
Addition
al Usage
Up To
Per KWh Addition
al Usage
Up To
Per
KWh
Remai
ning
Usage
Over
Per KWh
200
AMP
1100 $0.0860 2,800 $0.1289 4,000 $0.193
4
4,000 $0.3386
Although staff intend to run this new rate class as a trial, market research suggests that
Utilities should be prepared for this type of demand and home electrification in the future.
Water Waste Ordinance Updates
During the recent 2018 drought, the City enacted its Stage One Water Shortage
Restrictions. As drought conditions worsened, the City moved into the Stage Two Water
Shortage Restrictions. Above average snowpack in 2019 resulted improved water supply
conditions and removal of water shortage restrictions in the summer of 2019. Coincident
with the removal of the water shortage restrictions, City Council directed staff to determine
the restrictions included within the Water Shortage Sections that should be practiced by
the community during all water supply conditions, and therefore be moved to the Water
Waste portion of the City Code. The City’s Drought Response Committee, which is
comprised of staff from multiple departments, met during the summer of 2019 to discuss
behaviors included in the Water Shortage Restrictions that should be considered normal
water use behaviors. Based on the Drought Response Committee deliberations, staff
has updated the Water Waste language located in Ordinance #24, Sec. 25.20.020 to
further define misuse of water and excess application of water beyond what is reasonably
necessary to establish and maintain healthy landscape.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS: The financial implications of the proposed electric and water rate
adjustments, as well as the fee adjustments, are outlined in Water and Electric Long-
Range Plans and will be part of the 2020 Budget book at the November first and second
reading of Title 25—Utilities—Ordinance changes. Both the Water and Electric
Departments are enterprise funds supported solely by our customer base. The proposed
rates outlined in Title 25 of the municipal code support the Utilities revenue stream and
ultimately support the ever-increasing cost of utility operation
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The electric and water rate structures continue to place
a value on, and an incentive for, conservation and efficiency practices, programs, and
policies.
ALTERNATIVES: Council may request portions of the recommended rate and fee
adjustments be modified prior to November 2019 First Reading of Ordinance #24, Series
of 2019, which will become effective January 1, 2020.
51
RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends using proposed draft updates to electric and
water rates, fees, policies and calculation tables shown in Exhibit A as the basis for First
Reading at a regular City Council meeting in November of 2019.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A – Ordinance #24, Series of 2019 – Utilities
1,2,3 of the Aspen Municipal Code
52
ORDINANCE NO. 24
Series 2019
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
AMENDING AND ADDING TO TITLE 25 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN--UTILITIES1,2,3—SPECIFICALLY CHAPTERS 25.04 ELECTRICITY; 25.08 WATER
SERVICE – GENERAL PROVISIONS; 25.12 UTILITY CONNECTIONS; 25.16 WATER RATES
AND CHARGES; 25.20 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS; 25.28 WATER SHORTAGES; AND
25.30 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING STANDARDS; AND, DELETING CHAPTER 25.18
STORMWATER SYSTEMS.
WHEREAS, the City owns and operates a public electric and water system; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted a policy of requiring all users of the electric and
water system operated by the City of Aspen to pay fees that fairly approximate the costs of providing
such services; and
WHEREAS, the City Council supports electric and water rate structures that place a value on,
and incentive for, conservation and efficiency programs, policies, and improvements.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO:
Section 1.
That Title 25 of the Municipal Code of the City of Aspen, Colorado, which section sets forth
Utilities1,2,3, is hereby amended, and added to, to read as follows:
Chapter 25.04
ELECTRICITY1
1 Cross-reference—Electrical Code, § 8.24.010 et seq.
Sec. 25.04.035. Electric Community Investment Fee
The Electric Department must expand the electric system facilities to accommodate new development
without decreasing current reliability and service standards. The Electric Department distributes
electricity to the customers in its service area by means of an integrated and interdependent system-
wide network of electric facilities. The Electric Community Investment (ECI) fee will be charged to
any customer requesting services for new development and expansion of existing services within the
service area as measured at each individual electric meter. The ECI will provide additional capital to
the Electric Department to pay for a portion of the new facilities needed to deliver electric services to
53
new or expanded services. Effective January 1, 2020, all residential, commercial and city facilities
customers of the Aspen Electric Department shall pay the ECI fee as follows:
ECI Residential
Panel Amps 1 Phase 120/240V 1 Phase 120/240V 3 Phase, 120/208V 3 Phase, 277/480V
100 1,186$ 3,164$ 3,558$ 8,210$
200 2,373$ 6,327$ 7,115$ 13,683$
300 4,746$ 9,491$ 10,673$ 24,629$
400 6,327$ 12,655$ 14,230$ 32,839$
600 9,491$ 18,982$ 21,345$ 49,259$
800 12,655$ 25,310$ 28,461$ 65,678$
1000 15,818$ 31,637$ 35,576$ 82,098$
1200 18,982$ 37,964$ 42,691$ 98,518$
1400 22,146$ 44,292$ 49,806$ 114,937$
1600 25,310$ 50,619$ 56,921$ 131,357$
1800 28,473$ 56,947$ 64,036$ 147,776$
2000 31,637$ 63,274$ 71,152$ 164,196$
2200 34,801$ 69,601$ 78,267$ 180,615$
2400 and above 37,964$ 75,929$ 85,382$ 197,035$
ECI Commercial
(Ord. NO 27-2017)
Sec. 25.04.036. Waivers and exemptions from electric community investment charges for
certain employee housing projects.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to identify those affordable housing projects that may be
eligible for exemption from and waivers of the electric community investment charges when
connecting to the City of Aspen’s electric system. There are three types of affordable housing
projects that are eligible for exemptions or waivers: (i) projects that are determined to be Qualified
Employee Housing as defined herein; (ii) affordable housing projects that are eligible to receive
Affordable Housing Credits pursuant to Chapter 26.540 of the Municipal Code; and (iii) projects that
consist of a mix of affordable housing units subject to the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority
Guidelines, as may be amended from time to time; and, unrestricted (free market) units. To be
eligible for an exemption or waiver pursuant to this section of the Municipal Code, a project shall
have installed in all units properly maintained and continuously operable electric
efficiency/conservation devices and practices as designated from time to time by the City Council by
ordinance, resolution, or by regulations issued by the City Manager or the Electric Department.
(b) Definitions. As used in this Code, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall
be defined as follows:
(i) Qualified Employee Housing shall be defined as publicly or privately constructed and
owned projects which:
●are not constructed for mitigation purposes or which receive any form of Affordable
Housing Credits such as those set forth at Chapter 26.540 of the Municipal Code; and
●are composed of one hundred percent (100%) employee housing units; and,
54
●are deed restricted to ensure that all units are subject to, and administered by,
Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority Guidelines, as may be amended from time to
time; and,
●are maintained as qualified employee housing.
(ii) The Fee Waiver Schedule below refers to mixed used only and sets out the percent of the
electric community investment charge that may be waived based upon the category of the
units within the affordable housing project.
Mixed Use Fee Waiver -- Housing Categories as
referenced in the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority
Guidelines, as may be amended from time to time.Fee Waiver Level
Category 1 100% Waiver
Category 2 70% Waiver
Category 3 40% Waiver
Category 4 0% Waiver
Category 5 0% Waiver
Category 6 0% Waiver
Category 7 0% Waiver
Resident Occupied 0% Waiver
Free Market Units 0% Waiver
(iii) Affordable and Free Market Mix shall be defined as a project that:
●consist of a mix of both deed restricted housing to ensure that all units are subject to
the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority Guidelines, as may be amended from
time to time and unrestricted housing (free market) units; and,
●were not constructed for mitigation purposes.
(c) Qualified Employee Housing. Qualified Employee housing shall be exempt from any electric
community investment charges when connection is made to the City of Aspen’s electric system.
(d) Projects Receiving Affordable Housing Credits. Projects that receive Affordable Housing Credits
pursuant to Chapter 26.540 of the Municipal Code are eligible for a waiver of the percentage of the
total electric community investment charge as set forth in the Fee Waiver Schedule.
(e) Affordable and Free Market Mix. Projects that are determined to be Affordable and Free Market
Mix of units, and where no mitigation is required for these units or there is no association with free
market development, are eligible for a waiver of the percentage of the total electric community
investment charge as set forth in the Fee Waiver Schedule.
(f) Revocation of Exemptions and Waivers. In the event that Qualified Employee Housing units,
projects receiving Affordable Housing Credits, or projects that are considered Affordable and Free
Market Mix projects, receive an exemption or a waiver in accordance with this section, and thereafter
fail to continue being affordable housing units as contemplated herein; or, the electric
efficiency/conservation devices and practices are not be installed as required, are not properly
maintained or continuously operable, the developer of such units and the owners thereof shall be
jointly and severally liable to reimburse the City for the cost of the electric community investment
charges exempted by this Section. The City Manager shall establish a method of accomplishing this
payment so as not to be unduly burdensome on the developer or owners.
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(g) Electric Community Investment Charge Waiver - Single Occurrence. Electric community
investment charge waivers for employee housing exemptions are a one-time occurrence at the time of
project completion. Additions, remodels, and, or changes that occur after original project completion
will not receive an electric community investment charge waiver, however a credit for the AMPs
assigned to the specific employee housing unit will be allowed against additional fees due to these
improvements.
Sec. 25.04.040. Electric servicerates.
(a) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all residential, commercial and city facilities
customers of the Aspen Electric Department shall pay a monthly customer availability charge as
follows:
AMP Size
Residential
Customer
Small
Commercial
Customer
Large
Commercial
Customer
100 AMP $16.90 $16.37 $13.65
200 AMP $36.68 $35.12 $27.81
300 AMP $62.29 $59.39 $46.15
400 AMP $92.63 $88.13 $67.87
600 AMP $165.08 $156.78 $119.74
800 AMP $250.87 $238.08 $181.17
1000 AMP $348.19 $330.30 $250.84
1200 AMP $455.79 $432.26 $327.89
1600 AMP $698.45 $662.21 $501.63
1800 AMP $832.25 $788.99 $597.43
2000 AMP $973.70 $923.03 $698.70
2200 AMP $1,139.23 $1,079.95 $817.48
2400 AMP
and above $1,332.90 $1,263.54 $956.45
(b) In addition to the monthly customer availability charge, and effective in the January 2020
monthly billing, the residential customer shall pay the sum of the metered use of electric energy
measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) during the department’s monthly meter reading cycle multiplied
by the appropriate service rate as follows:
AMP Size
Usage
Up To Per KWh
Additional
Usage Up
To
Per
KWh
Additional
Usage Up
To
Per
KWh
Remainin
g Usage
Over Per KWh
100 AMP 400 $0.0860 1,080 $0.1289 1,920 $0.1934 1,920 $0.3386
200 AMP 520 $0.0860 1,360 $0.1289 2,800 $0.1934 2,800 $0.3386
300 AMP 1,600 $0.0860 3,600 $0.1289 6,160 $0.1934 6,160 $0.3386
400 AMP 1,600 $0.0860 3,600 $0.1289 6,160 $0.1934 6,160 $0.3386
600 AMP 2,800 $0.0860 5,440 $0.1289 8,800 $0.1934 8,800 $0.3386
800 AMP 2,800 $0.0860 5,440 $0.1289 8,800 $0.1934 8,800 $0.3386
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1000 AMP 2,800 $0.0860 5,440 $0.1289 8,800 $0.1934 8,800 $0.3386
1200 AMP 2,800 $0.0860 5,440 $0.1289 8,800 $0.1934 8,800 $0.3386
1600 AMP 2,800 $0.0860 5,440 $0.1289 8,800 $0.1934 8,800 $0.3386
1800 AMP 2,800 $0.0860 5,440 $0.1289 8,800 $0.1934 8,800 $0.3386
2000 AMP 2,800 $0.0860 5,440 $0.1289 8,800 $0.1934 8,800 $0.3386
(c) Effective January 1, 2020 all electric accounts that service 5 or more individual units shall be
considered a small commercial customer and shall have rates associated with a small commercial
account rather than a residential account. Additionally, all commercial accounts that do not meet the
requirements for large commercial designation shall be considered small commercial accounts, which
includes previous class of small commercial city facilities customers. In addition to the monthly
customer availability charge, and effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, the small
commercial customer shall pay the sum of the metered use of electric energy measured in kilowatt-
hours (kWh) during the department’s monthly meter reading cycle multiplied by the appropriate
service rate as follows:
AMP Size
Usage
Up To Per KWh
Additional
Usage Up
To Per KWh
Additional
Usage Up
To Per KWh
Remaining
Usage Over Per KWh
100 AMP 880 $0.0923 2320 $0.1154 4800 $0.1732 4800 $0.2771
200 AMP 1280 $0.0923 3120 $0.1154 5760 $0.1732 5760 $0.2771
300 AMP 3360 $0.0923 7120 $0.1154 12240 $0.1732 12240 $0.2771
400 AMP 3360 $0.0923 7120 $0.1154 12240 $0.1732 12240 $0.2771
600 AMP 6560 $0.0923 13200 $0.1154 18400 $0.1732 18400 $0.2771
800 AMP 13600 $0.0923 28000 $0.1154 44800 $0.1732 44800 $0.2771
1000 AMP 13600 $0.0923 28000 $0.1154 44800 $0.1732 44800 $0.2771
1200 AMP 13600 $0.0923 28000 $0.1154 44800 $0.1732 44800 $0.2771
1600 AMP 13600 $0.0923 28000 $0.1154 44800 $0.1732 44800 $0.2771
1800 AMP 13600 $0.0923 28000 $0.1154 44800 $0.1732 44800 $0.2771
2000 AMP
and above 13600 $0.0923 28000 $0.1154 44800 $0.1732 44800 $0.2771
(d) In addition to the monthly customer availability charge, and effective in the January 2020
monthly billing, the large commercial customer, which includes previous class of large commercial
city facilities customers, (with operable demand metering systems in place and measured usage of
forty (40) kW and greater) shall pay the sum of the metered use of electric energy measured in
kilowatt-hours (kWh) during the department’s monthly meter reading cycle multiplied by the
appropriate service rate as follows, plus a demand charge per kW of metered customer peak usage for
that meter reading cycle:
AMP Size
Usage
Up To Per KWh
Remaining
Usage Over Per KWh
Demand
Charge on
Customer
Peak kW
57
100 AMP 23200 $0.0673 23200 $0.0841 $16.98
200 AMP 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
300 AMP 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
400 AMP 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
600 AMP 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
800 AMP 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
1000 AMP 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
1200 AMP 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
1600 AMP 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
1800 AMP 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
2000 AMP and above 23200 $0. 0673 23200 $0. 0841 $16.98
(e) In addition to the monthly customer availability charge, and effective in the January 2020 monthly
billing, an alternative 200 AMP customer rate shall be available for new deed-restricted, residential
properties with electric heat and built in compliance with International Energy Conservation Codes
2015 edition as stated in Municipal Code 8.46 including amendments as stated in Ordinance 40,
Series of 2016. This rate will only be applied to deed-restricted residential electric accounts that have
been reviewed and approved as a qualifying residential property by the Utilities Director. This rate
shall be the sum of the metered use of electric energy measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) during the
department’s monthly meter reading cycle multiplied by the appropriate service rate as follows:
AMP
Size
Usage
Up To
Per KWh Additional
Usage Up
To
Per KWh Additional
Usage Up
To
Per
KWh
Remain
ing
Usage
Over
Per KWh
200
AMP
1100 $0.0860 2,800 $0.1289 4,000 $0.1934 4,000 $0.3386
(Code 1971, § 23-18.1; Ord. No. 42-1984, § 1; Ord. No. 76-1992, § 1; Ord. No. 36-1996, § 1; Ord.
No. 41-2004, §1; Ord. No. 7-2006, § 1; Ord. No. 37-2008; Ord. No 29-2011; Ord. No. 36-2011; Ord.
No. 37-2014, §1; Ord. No. 44-2015, Ord. No. 38-2016, Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.04.110.Deposit for electric service.
(a) When a tenant applies for electric service at a new location, the applicant shall be
required to place a cash deposit in the following manner:
Residential service: one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
Commercial service:
(1) An amount equal to the service bills for the subject property for the three (3) highest months
of usage during the prior year, if the applied-for use of the property is similar to the prior use; or
58
(2) If there is no similar prior space or use on which to compute the amount provided
in Subsection (a)(1) above, then an amount to be determined by the Utilities Director within his or
her sole discretion and based on a reasonable estimate of three (3) months' service for a space and
use similar to the subject property.
(b)Subject to the approval of the Utilities Director based on previous credit history
with the City of Aspen Utilities, the owner of the premises on which the electricity is used may
approve waiver of their tenant's deposit requirement.To request approval of the Utilities Director,
the owner must complete an application which informs the owner of the possibility of a lien
upon the premises for unpaid bills, pursuant to Section 25.04.090 above.
(a)Deposits shall be held by the Director of Finance until service is discontinued and
final service bills paid and will accrue interest at five percent (5%) per annum starting thirty (30)
days after receipt of the monies until the date of disconnection. Return of the unused portion of the
deposit plus interest will be made within forty-five (45) days from date the final bill is issued.
Effective January 1, 2013 no deposit will accrue interest.
(Code 1971, § 23-25;Ord. No. 28-1982, § 1;Ord. No. 68-1994, § 14;Ord. No.
57-2000,§ 7; Ord. No. 30-2012 §37)
Chapter 25.08
WATER SERVICE — GENERAL PROVISIONS1, 2
1 Editor's note—Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1, repealed former Art. III, Divs. 1—6, relative to water
service and enacted in lieu thereof a new Art. III, Divs. 1—6 [Chapters 25.08—25.28], as herein set
out. The provisions of former Art. III derived from the following ordinances:
Ord. No.Section Ord. No.Section
21-1975 1 30-1982 1—3
34-1977 4 3-1983 1(A)—(E)
60-1980 1 8-1983 1
36-1981 1 52-1983 1
39-1981 1 18-1984 1(A)—(D)
40-1981 1 19-1984 1
41-1981 1 25-1985 1(A)—(D)
42-1981 1 26-1985 1
21-1982 1 46-1985 1
28-1982 2
2 Cross-reference—Plumbing Code, § 8.36.010 et seq.; tapping charges, § 8.36.040; health and
quality of environment, Title 13; water quality, § 13.04.010 et seq.
Sec. 25.08.060.Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply under this Chapter concerning water service:
59
(a)Annual water budget means those direct and indirect expenditures and costs, including
debt service, required to provide water service in the coming year, as documented
in the annual budget.
(b)Building permit or plumbing permit means the permit or permits issued pursuant to
Title 8 of this Code or by Pitkin County, Colorado pursuant to County building
regulations.
(c)Carriage of untreated water rights means those rights held by a water user other than
the City of Aspen and conveyed through a ditch, pipeline or other series of water
conveyance facilities owned and/or operated by the City of Aspen. Rates charged
for conveyance of this water are referred to as “carriage” rates for raw water.
(d)Comprehensive water management plan means the comprehensive water management
plan for the City as initially prepared and adopted in 1980 and as thereafter revised
and updated.
(e)Director of water treatment and supply, Director, Water Superintendent or
Superintendent, Director of Utilities means the Director of the City of Aspen Water
Utility, who, under the direction of the City Manager, has charge of all facilities of
the Aspen water utility and has the duty to supervise the utility and to maintain and
control the same.
(f)Equivalent capacity unit (ECU) means a unit reflecting that part of the capacity of the
water system necessary to serve a standard water customer, with multiples or
fractions of the unit including a maximum number and type of water fixtures, a
maximum irrigated area, certain cooking facilities or other water demand factors.
(g)Hook-up charge means a charge based on a new customer's line size to recover certain
costs of making a physical connection to the water system.
(h)Payment in lieu of water rights dedication is a payment that the City, in its sole
discretion, may accept in lieu of a water rights dedication from a party seeking
extraterritorial water service, in an amount determined by the City, in its sole
discretion, to be reasonably necessary to purchase and change water rights, or
otherwise acquire water rights and supplies of sufficient quantity and seniority, at
an appropriate location, to reliably provide water for the proposed water demands
of the project.
(i)Utility connection permit means permission by the City to physically connect to the
water system or to change the use of any existing connection and any additional
contractual terms which may be imposed.
(j)Utility investment charge means a charge to recover certain capital costs allocated to
new customers which charge is based on a new customer's ECU rating and billing
area factor.
(k)Water demand factor or fixture means any of the water demand factors or fixtures set
forth in Subsections 25.08.090(a) or (b) below.
60
(l)Water Department means the department of the City under the supervision of the
Director of Utilities.
(m)Water rights dedication is a dedication required by any party seeking extraterritorial
water service from the City of water rights acceptable to the City. “Water rights
acceptable to the City” shall mean such water rights as are determined by the Water
Department, in its sole discretion, to be sufficient in quantity, seniority and
location, to reliably provide for the proposed water demands of the project, as well
as water rights historically used on the property to be served.
(n)Water service billing area, billing area or area of water service billing means an area
established by the City Water Department for purposes of calculating and assessing
tap and/or other water service fees. The designation of a water service billing area
as provided for in this Title shall not be construed as an offer, obligation, exclusive
right, willingness or ability to serve any customer, prospective customer or
geographical area with municipal water or water services.
(o)Water service or utility service means any connection to the water system and shall
include but is not limited to all requirements service, irrigation only, fire protection
only and irrigation and fire protection only service.
(p)Water system, City water system, water utility, municipal utility system, municipal
water utility system or City water utility means the City water utility as defined in
Section 25.08.010. (Code 1971, § 23-41; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 39-1993,
§ 1; Ord. No. 30-2012§1)
(q)Well development charge recovers the capital costs of development groundwater
sources capable of being integrated into the potable water supply system by any
party seeking extraterritorial water service from the City.
Sec. 25.08.070.Billing areas and billing area factors.
(a) The billing areas of the Water Department shall be known as follows:
Billing area Name
1 Central Aspen
2 Eastside
3 Northside
4 Westside
5 Maroon/Castle Creeks
6 Airport
7 Music School
8 Reserved
A customer shall be located in the billing area in which either the customer's point of connection to
the water system is located or in which the customer consumes any water. Where a customer's
61
point of connection and any point of consumption are in different billing areas, the customer shall
be located in one of the areas at the Water Department’s discretion.
(b) Annual debt service and other annual fixed costs approved for the water system shall be
allocated among billing areas in accordance with the following weighting factors:
(c) The billing area weighting factors in Subsection (b) above shall be applied in
calculating the demand and fire protection charges, as well as utility investment charges, under
Sections 25.16.010; 25.16.020; and, 25.12.040, except as otherwise provided herein. (Code 1971, §
23-42;Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1;Ord. No. 34-1988, §§ 4, 5;Ord. No. 39-1993, § 2;Ord. No. 41-
1998, § 2; Ord. No. 30-2012 §2)
Sec. 25.08.090.Equivalent capacity units.
(a) All water service shall be rated by the Water Department in accordance with the
following table:
(1) LONG-TERM RESIDENTIAL (Occupancy extending more than one (1) month):
ECU
1st full bath 0.36
2nd full bath 0.24
Each additional full bath 0.12
Each kitchen (full cooking 0.25
Each kitchenette (modest cooking 0.15
Each bedroom 0.10
(2) LODGING BEDROOMS (Occupancy per person extending less than one (1) month):
ECU
Each bedroom with no bath or
cooking facilities, but with
dormitory style bathrooms in
0.45
Billing area Weighting Factor
1 1.00
2 2.00
3 2.00
4 1.25
5 1.75
6 2.00
7 1.50
62
hallways
Each bedroom with no bath, but
with modest cooking facilities
and dormitory style bedrooms in
hallways
0.60
Each bedroom with full bath but no cooking facilities 0.55
Each bedroom with full bath
and wet bar (microwave and
under the counter icebox)
0.65
Each bedroom with fullbath and modest cookingfacilities
0.70
(3) SHORT- OR MIXED-TERM RESIDENTIAL (Occupancy per person extending
less than one (1) month):
ECU
Each full bath 0.36
Each kitchen (full cooking facilities)0.25
Each bedroom 0.30
(4) IRRIGATION:
Line
Size
Minimum
ECU Rating
Each bib hose in addition to sprinkler system
(fixed piping/spray or drip emitters, i.e. hose bib w/ irrigation)Any 0.05
Hose bib only (i.e. hose bib for irrigation)
1st hose bib Any 0.20
2nd hose bib Any 0.10
3rd hose bib Any 0.05
(5)RESTAURANTS: Each seat: 0.08 ECU. *Note: Temporary public seating for
restaurants will be charged at an annual rate of ten dollars and zero cents ($10.00) per
seat to be paid once a year at time of permitting.
Yard Hydrant .5/hydrant
Irrigation System - Spray 0.01/100
Sq. Ft.
Drip Irrigation System 0.001/Drip
Emitter
63
(6)NONPROFIT CAFETERIA (including school cafeterias): Each seat: 0.048
ECU 1st 25/0.024
ECU thereafter.
(7) OFFICE SPACE: Each one hundred (100) square feet: 0.02 ECU.
(8) RETAIL SPACE: Each one hundred (100) square feet: 0.01 ECU.
(9) COMMERCIAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: Each customer: 0.05 ECU.
(10) NONPROFIT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (including school gyms): Each
customer/pupil: 0.048 ECU 1st 25/0.024 ECU thereafter.
(11) THEATERS, AUDITORIUMS, CONVENTION HALLS AND ASSEMBLY
PLACES: Each 10 seats: 0.080 ECU year-round/0.048 ECU summer.
(12) SCHOOL ROOMS (not including cafeteria, kitchens, gyms, auditoriums and
administrative office space): Each pupil: 0.04 ECU 1st 25/0.02 ECU thereafter.
(13) WAREHOUSE OR INDUSTRIAL SPACE: Each one thousand (1,000) square
feet: 0.15 ECU.
(14) GAS STATIONS: Each service or lubrication bay: 0.25 ECU.
(15) CAR WASHES: Each manual washing bay: 0.95 ECU/each automatic washing
bay: 1.45 ECU.
(16) HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES, SANITARIUMS, AND DETENTION
CENTERS: Each bed: 0.50 ECU.
(b) The Water Department shall establish fixture or irrigated area maximums for all ECU
ratings under Subsection (a). For all fixtures or irrigated area in excess of said maximums, the
Water Department shall increase the ECU rating in accordance with the following table:
ECU
Toilet/urinal 0.05
Mop/laundry sink (per compartment)0.05
Kitchen sink (per compartment)0.05
Lavatory sink (per compartment)0.02
Combo toilets (toilet/bidet, toilet/lav)0.07
Bar sink (per compartment)0.05
Garbage disposal 0.05
Household dishwasher 0.10
Commercial dishwasher (per ⅛" of supply line diameter)0.10
Dishwasher drawer (single)0.05
Steamer oven 0.05
Household clothes washer 0.10
Commercial clothes washer (per ⅛" of supply line diameter)0.10
64
Commercial icemaker (per ⅛" of supplyline diameter)0.05
Tub/shower (combined or separate)0.05
Bidet 0.05
Wet saunas 0.08
Humidifiers 0.05
Jacuzzi (per 100 gal. of capacity)0.02
Hot tub/spa pool (per 100 gal. of capacity)0.01
Swimming pool (per 1,000 gal. of
capacity): 0.02
Industrial process or waste water (not served by
sanitary sewer): Each 1,000 gal./day non-
consumptively used
Each 1,000 gal./day consumptively used
1.50
3.90
Fountains:
Non-continuous drinking
Continuous drinking
Non-recycling decorative
Recycling decorative
0.05
0.50
0.50
0.10
Water softener (per
ECU):
Residential
Commercial
0.02
0.01
Fire protection sprinkler heads 0.00
(c) In the event that the water service cannot be adequately rated under the tables in
Subsections (a) and (b) or if there are unusual or special circumstances warranting a special ECU
rating, the service may be rated as determined by the Water Department at the customer's expense.
The Water Department may also adjust the ECU rating of any water service if the metered
demand of such service differs substantially from the ECU rating under Subsections (a) and (b).
(d) In no event shall the ECU rating be less than the following minimums:
Line Size MinimumECU
¾"1.0
1"2.0
1¼"3.0
1½"4.0
2"8.0
4"20.0
65
6"30.0
8"60.0
For line sizes larger than six (6) inches, the minimum ECU rating shall be determined by
the Water Department after consultation with the City Manager.
(e) The ECU rating per customer pursuant to Subsections (a), (b), (c) or (d) shall be
applied in calculating utility investment charges under Section 25.12.040 and in calculating
monthly demand, extraordinary water use, and fire protection charges under Sections 25.16.010
and 25.16.020.
( f ) Commercial agricultural uses shall be limited to a maximum of 1 ECU of potable water without
the prior express written consent of the City Manager.
(Code 1971, § 23-44; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 36-1995, § 1;Ord. No. 43-1996, § 16;
Ord. No. 30-2012 §4; Ord. No. 15-2019)
Chapter 25.12
UTILITY CONNECTIONS
Sec. 25.12.010.Connection to municipal utility system.
All buildings, structures, facilities, parks or the like within the City limits which use water shall
be connected to the municipal treated water utility system. No person shall connect an
independent water supply onto the municipal water utility system. The City of Aspen shall be the
sole provider of all treated and untreated water service to the Subject Property for all purposes,
including irrigation. Without Aspen’s prior written permission, there shall be no use on the Subject
Property of raw or treated water from wells, ditches, or other sources. The owner of the Subject
Property will not develop, allow, or utilize an independent treated or untreated water system, or any
wells within or serving the Subject Property.
(Code 1971, § 23-55; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 30-2012§5)
Sec. 25.12.015. Raw water supplies (non-potable).
This section is applicable to all connections to the City of Aspen Water Utility potable water system.
Raw water supplies for irrigation systems shall be provided exclusively by the City of Aspen Water
Utility. The owner of the property proposed to be irrigated from City of Aspen water facilities shall
dedicate the city all raw water transmission facilities and all water rights appurtenant to the proposed
property. For those developments in which raw water irrigation can be used, development proposals
shall include provisions for recording of covenants and restrictions against the use of treated water
outdoors and against the use of untreated water other than in accordance with the landscaping,
irrigation, and drainage management plan provided for in a development proposal.
(Ord. No. 27-2017)
Sec. 25.12.020.Application for utility service.
66
(a) Where both the utility service connection and all points of consumption are within the
corporate limits of the City, this shall be considered to be a utility service within the corporate limits
of the City and shall be made as provided in this Chapter and in accordance with the Aspen Area
Community Plan and City Council resolutions relating to water policies and operating procedures,
as such exist at the time of the request for connection.
(b) Every extension of water service where either the utility service connection or any point
of consumption is outside the corporate limits of the City shall be considered an extraterritorial tap
and shall be made only pursuant to agreement with the City, in accordance with the City water main
extension policy and consistent with the Aspen Area Community Plan and City Council
resolutions relating to water policy and operating procedures as such exist at the time of the
request for connection, and such extraterritorial service must be approved by City Council
ordinance as required by the Charter. The City shall not be obligated to extend water service
outside the corporate limits of the City and may grant water service only upon a determination that
no conflict exists between the best interests of the City, as expressed in the Aspen Area
Community Plan and as otherwise determined by the City Council and the prospective water use.
The City may impose such contract, water rights dedication, system development fees, and bond
requirements as it deems necessary to safeguard the best interests of the City. An individual
extraterritorial connection (including a fire hydrant) made to an existing City water main, pursuant
to Water Department procedures for such connections, is deemed to be an extraterritorial water
connection approved by City Council without the need for further City Council ordinance. If the
City agrees to accept a payment in lieu of water rights dedication, that fee will be $6,736/ECU
commencing January 1, 2020.
(c) Any person who desires to connect to the municipal water utility system or who is
already connected to the municipal water utility system and intends to add or change a water
demand factor or fixture shall file an application for utility service provided in Subsections (e) and
(f) of this Section and pay all fees prior to obtaining a required building or plumbing permit. If no
building or plumbing permit is required, the application shall be made prior to making the
connection or to adding or changing the water demand factor or fixtures. All utility development
review fees, utility investment charges, system development fees, hook-up charges, water main
extension costs, and water rights dedication or fees in lieu of water rights dedication shall be due
and payable upon making the application unless prior written approval is obtained from the Water
Department for a different method of payment.
(d) Persons seeking an alternate method of payment of the assessment fee(s), shall make
written application to the Water Department specifying the method of payment and all related
forms. The Water Department upon review of the application, shall either approve, disapprove or
modify the proposal to satisfy Water Department needs.
(e) Applications for utility service shall be made in writing to the Water Department on such
forms as the Water Department may prescribe. Except as provided in Subsection (f) of this Section,
application must be made by the owner of the property to be served or his or her duly authorized
agent, designating the property, stating the purpose for which the water may be required and stating
the ECU rating associated with such purpose.
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(f) Any person not an owner may apply to the Water Department for utility service to
property which said person occupies but does not own. The application shall state the location
of the property, the purpose for which water is required and the interest of the applicant in the
property. The Director of Utilities may, in the exercise of his or her discretion, accept the non-
owner application for utility service and may impose such conditions as it sees fit with regard to the
account, including the furnishing of a deposit.
(g) A utility connection application shall be required, utility investment charges shall be assessed
and, where appropriate, water rights dedication (or payment in lieu of water rights dedication) shall
be required for any new or expanded use of water, whether or not such new or expanded use
requires a new or enlarged utility service connection.
(Code 1971, § 23-56; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 8-1988, § 1; Ord. 39-1993, § 4; Ord. No. 16-
1994, §§ 1, 2; Ord. No. 30-2012 §6)
Sec. 25.12.025. Utility development review fee.
(a) All projects on properties within the City of Aspen that require engineering development review
or that will add, change, or remove plumbing fixtures are subject to the utility development review
prior to issuance of a City building permit; All projects on properties outside City of Aspen limits
that may change or impact City water service are subject to the utility development review prior to
submittal of a Pitkin County building permit application.
(b) Applicable review fees and utility investment charges must be paid prior to issuance of a City of
Aspen building permit, and/or prior to submitting an application for a Pitkin County building permit.
(c) If submitting a building permit application to Pitkin County for a project that may change or
impact City water service, the following documents are required for the utility development review:
(1) Utility development review application; (2) relevant building plans, which may include
architectural, civil, and/or water efficient landscape sets; (3) City water service agreement; (4) ECU
Calculator.
(d) The utility development review fee shall be as set forth in Subsection (e) of the Section.
(e)
Utility Development Fees 2020 Rate
Projects with 0 to 200 Sq. Ft. of Affected Area $250.00
Projects with 201 to 5,000 Sq. Ft. of Affected
Area
$1.50/sq. ft.
Projects of 5,001 to 15,000 Sq. Ft. of Affected
Area
$1.50/sq. ft. for 1st 5,000 sq. ft. + $1.25/sq. ft.
thereafter
Projects with more than 15,000 Sq. Ft. of
Affected Area
$1.50/sq. ft. for 1st 5,000 sq. ft. + $1.25/sq. ft.
for next 10,000 sq. ft. + $1.15 sq. ft.
thereafter
Project Type Applicability and Calculation
New Construction (including “scrape and
replace”)
Fee calculated according to affected area.
Affected area is calculated as square footage
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of the building footprint, plus the square
footage of exterior disturbance. Calculation
instructions are set forth in Section (f),
below.
Interior or exterior work that triggers an
engineering development review, or includes
adding, removing, or otherwise making
changes to any plumbing fixtures on the
property
Fee calculated according to utility affected
area. Utility affected area is the total square
footage of all rooms/work areas in which
plumbing fixtures are affected, plus the total
square footage of any exterior disturbance.
Calculation instructions are set forth in
Section (g), below.
Interior or exterior work that does not trigger
an engineering development review, and
does not include making any addition(s),
subtraction(s), or other change(s) to
plumbing fixtures
No Review or Fee Required.
(f) Calculating affected area for new construction projects -- Affected area shall be calculated as
follows:
(1) Enter building footprint alteration. Building footprint alteration is defined as a level 2 alteration of
work area within the building.
(2) Enter new square footage. New square footage is the gross floor area being added to the building
or structure as part of the project.
(3) Enter building square footage. Building square footage is the building footprint alteration plus the
new square footage. Add the amounts calculated in Section (1) and Section (2) of this Subsection
(f.1) to determine building square footage.
(4) Enter square footage of the grade floor area of the project.
(5) Enter net building square footage. Net building square footage is equal to either the building
square footage or the grade floor square footage, whichever is smaller. Enter the smaller of the two
numbers calculated in Section (3) or Section (4) of this Subsection (f) to determine net building
square footage.
(6) Enter the disturbance area. The disturbance area is the exterior area of the building where the
ground is disturbed. This includes soil grading, landscaping, removing impervious area, adding
impervious area, and replacing impervious areas, layback areas, construction access areas and stock
pile areas.
(7) Total Affected Area equals the net building square footage plus the disturbance area. To arrive at
total affected area, add the values calculated in Section (5) and Section (6) of Subsection (f) of this
Section.
(g) Calculating utility affected area for remodel/renovation/alteration projects-- Utility affected area
shall be calculated as follows:
(1) Enter utility building footprint alteration. Utility building footprint alteration is defined as a level
2 alteration of work area within the building in which plumbing fixtures are affected. For example,
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for an interior remodel, the utility building footprint alteration is measured by the total square footage
of each room in which plumbing fixtures are added, removed, or otherwise changed.
(2) Enter new square footage. New square footage is the gross floor area being added to the building
or structure as part of the project.
(3) Enter utility building square footage. Utility building square footage is the utility building
footprint alteration plus the new square footage. Add the amounts calculated in Section (1) and
Section (2) of this Subsection (g) to determine utility building square footage.
(4) Enter square footage of the grade floor area of the project.
(5) Enter net utility building square footage. Net utility building square footage is equal to either the
utility building square footage or the grade floor square footage, whichever is smaller. Enter the
smaller of the two numbers calculated in Section (3) or Section (4) of this Subsection (g) to determine
net utility building square footage.
(6) Enter the disturbance area. The disturbance area is the exterior area of the building where the
ground is disturbed. This includes soil grading, landscaping, removing impervious area, adding
impervious area, and replacing impervious areas, layback areas, construction access areas and stock
pile areas.
(7) Total Utility Affected Area equals the net utility building square footage plus the disturbance
area. To arrive at total utility affected area, add the values calculated in Section (5) and Section (6) of
Subsection (g) of this Section.
(h) Definitions:
(1) Building footprint alteration square footage is the work area portions of an existing building
undergoing reconfiguration of space, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the
installation of any additional equipment.
(2) Utility building footprint alteration square footage is the total area of rooms within the building in
which any plumbing fixtures are affected. For example, for an interior remodel, the utility building
footprint alteration is measured by the square footage of each room in which plumbing fixtures are
added, removed, or otherwise changed.
(3) New square footage is measured within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the new
addition under consideration, without deduction for corridors, stairways, ramps, closets, the thickness
of interior walls, columns or other features. New square footage includes the exterior usable area
under the horizontal project of the roof or floor above not surrounded by exterior walls.
(4) Building square footage includes both the building footprint alteration square footage and the new
square footage.
(5) Utility building square footage includes both the utility building footprint alteration square
footage and the new square footage.
(6) Grade floor area is measured within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of a building,
without deduction for corridors, stairways, ramps, closets, the thickness of interior walls, columns or
other features. Grade floor area includes the exterior usable area under the horizontal projection of
the roof or floor above not surrounded by exterior walls.
(7) Net building square footage includes both the building footprint alteration square footage and the
new square footage; however, the total shall not exceed the area of the grade floor area of the
complete new building.
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(8) Net utility building square footage includes both the utility building footprint alteration square
footage and the new square footage; however, the total shall not exceed the area of the grade floor
area of the complete new building.
(9) Disturbance area is defined by exterior area of the building where the ground is disturbed. This
includes, but is not limited to, soil grading, landscaping, removing impervious area, adding
impervious area, replacing impervious area, layback areas, construction access areas, and stock pile
areas.
(10) Affected area is the net building square footage plus the disturbance area, with the net building
square footage equaling the smaller of either the building footprint alteration plus the new square
footage or the grade floor square footage.
(11) Utility affected area is the net utility building square footage plus the disturbance area, with the
net utility building square footage equaling the smaller of either the utility building footprint
alteration plus the new square footage or the grade floor square footage.
(Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.12.040.Utility investment charges.
(a) The utility investment charge per each equivalent capacity unit (ECU) for each billing area shall
be as set forth in Subsection (d) of this Section.
(b) The total utility investment charge for a customer shall be the customer's ECU rating multiplied
by the charge in Subsection (d).
(c) Before any water is furnished, pursuant to a utility connection application and permit, Water
Department personnel shall inspect the property designated on the application and shall certify on the
application that the ECU rating on the application equals the ECU rating for the property as
developed. Prior to inspection, water may only be furnished to the property for construction purposes
upon proper payment therefor. If the ECU rating for the property as developed is less than the ECU
rating on the application, the applicant shall be entitled to a refund of any overpayment of the total
utility investment charge, but no refund shall be made of any utility hookup charge or of any water
main extension costs, water rights dedication fees, interest on any overpayment or other connection
costs because of a reduced ECU rating. If the ECU rating of the developed property is greater than
the ECU rating on the application and no larger or additional connections are made, no water shall be
furnished until the deficit in the total utility investment charge has been paid. If a larger or additional
connection is made, no water shall be furnished until the deficits in the total utility investment charge,
the utility hookup charge and all other applicable charges and fees, have been paid. In every case, the
Utility Connection Permit shall be amended as necessary to reflect the final ECU rating for the
property, and the connections.
(d) Utility investment charges (tap fees) are computed as follows:
(i) For the purpose of utility investment charge computation, the following fees shall be
assessed per ECU effective January 1, 2020:
Billing Area
Charges per
ECU
Billing Area 1 $7,960.00
Billing Area 2 $15,920.00
Billing Area 3 $15,920.00
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Billing Area
Charges per
ECU
Billing Area 4 $9,950.00
Billing Area 5 $13,930.00
Billing Area 6 $15,920.00
Billing Area 7 $11,940.00
Billing Area 8 Reserved
The total utility investment charge shall be the utility investment charge per ECU multiplied by the
number of ECU points for the utility connection applied for by the applicant.
(e) System development charges recommended by the Water Department may be authorized from
time to time by the City Council. System development charges are fees intended to provide for
additional water system development that is intended to enhance the reliability of City water service
to all customers, and may include, for example, well system development fees or plant investment
fees. Effective January 1, 2020 Well System Development fees that be calculated at a rate of
$1,675/ECU.
(Code 1971, § 23-58; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 54-1986, § 1; Ord. No. 34-1988, § 6; Ord. No.
19-1990, § 3; Ord. No. 39-1993, § 5; Ord. No. 30-2012 §8; Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.12.060.Utility hookup charge.
(a) A utility hookup charge shall be paid to the City to recover the cost of labor and
equipment required to make a tap. Effective January 1, 2020 the utility hookup charge shall be as
follows:
Line Size Charges
3/4”$1,000.00
1”$1,500.00
1.5”$1,750.00
2”$2,000.00
4”$2,500.00
6”$3,000.00
8”$3,500.00
(b) In addition to the costs listed above, the cost of the corporation stop and other materials used in
making the tap shall be charged at the actual cost of materials plus a twenty-five percent (25%)
handling and stocking charge. The cost of the installation of the corporation stop shall also be
included. The water user shall furnish and pay for all other materials, labor and all expenses in and
about the making of all connections with the main, including all costs of the service lines and meter
installations, except for the specific costs included in the utility hookup charge in this Section.
(c) If warranted by unusual or special circumstances, the Water Department may impose special
utility hookup charges. (Code 1971, § 23-61; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 11-1988, § 1; Ord.
No. 53-1995, § 21; Ord. No. 30-2012 §9)
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Sec. 25.12.160. Waivers and exemptions from utility investment charges for certain employee
housing projects.
(a)Purpose.The purpose of this section is to identify those affordable housing projects
that may be eligible for exemption from and waivers of the utility investment charges and
system development charges when connecting to the City of Aspen’s water system. There are
three types of affordable housing projects that are eligible for exemptions or waivers: (i)
projects that are determined to be Qualified Employee Housing as defined herein; (ii)
affordable housing projects that are eligible to receive Affordable Housing Credits pursuant
to Chapter 26.540 of the Municipal Code; and (iii) projects that consist of a mix of affordable
housing units subject to the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority Guidelines, as may be
amended from time to time; and, unrestricted (free market) units. To be eligible for an
exemption or waiver pursuant to this section of the Municipal Code, a project shall have
installed in all units properly maintained and continuously operable water conservation
devices and practices as designated from time to time by the City Council by ordinance,
resolution, or by regulations issued by the City Manager or the Water Department.
(b)Definitions.As used in this Code, unless the context requires otherwise, the
following terms shall be defined as follows:
(i) Qualified Employee Housing shall be defined as publicly or privately constructed and
owned projects which:
●are not constructed for mitigation purposes or which receive any form of
Affordable Housing Credits such as those set forth at Chapter 26.540 of the Municipal
Code; and
●are composed of one hundred percent (100%) employee housing units; and,
●are deed restricted to ensure that all units are subject to, and administered by,
Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority Guidelines, as may be amended from time
to time; and,
●are maintained as qualified employee housing.
(ii) The Fee Waiver Schedule below refers to mixed used only and sets out the percent of
the utility investment charges that may be waived based upon the category of the units
within the affordable housing project.
Mixed Use Only --Housing Categories as referenced in
the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority Guidelines,
as may be amended from time to time.
Fee Waiver Level
Category 1 100% Fee Wavier
Category 2 70% Fee Waiver
Category 3 40% Fee Waiver
Category 4 0% Fee Waiver
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Category 5 0% Fee Waiver
Category 6 0% Fee Waiver
Category 7 0% Fee Waiver
Resident Occupied 0% Fee Waiver
Free Market Units 0% Fee Waiver
(iii)Affordable and Free Market Mix shall be defined as a project that:
● consist of a mix of both deed restricted housing to ensure that all units are
subject to the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority Guidelines, as may be amended
from time to time and unrestricted housing (free market) units; and,
● were not constructed for mitigation purposes.
(c) Qualified Employee Housing. Qualified Employee housing shall be exempt from any
utility
investment charges and system development charges when connection is
made to the City of Aspen’s water system.
(d)Projects Receiving Affordable Housing Credits.Projects that receive Affordable
Housing Credits pursuant to Chapter 26.540 of the Municipal Code are eligible for a waiver
of the percentage of the total utility investment charge and system development charge as set
forth in the Fee Waiver Schedule.
(e)Affordable and Free Market Mix. Projects that are determined to be Affordable and
Free Market Mix of units, and where no mitigation is required for these units or there is no
association with free market development, are eligible for a waiver of the percentage of the
total utility investment charge and system development charge as set forth in the Fee Waiver
Schedule.
(f)Revocation of Exemptions and Waivers.In the event that Qualified Employee
Housing units, projects receiving Affordable Housing Credits, or projects that are considered
Affordable and Free Market Mix projects, receive an exemption or a waiver in accordance
with this section, and thereafter fail to continue being affordable housing units as
contemplated herein; or, the water conservation devices and practices are not be installed
as required, are not properly maintained or continuously operable, the developer of such units
and the owners thereof shall be jointly and severally liable to reimburse the City for the cost
of the utility investment charges and system development charges exempted by this Section.
The City Manager shall establish a method of accomplishing this payment so as not to be
unduly burdensome on the developer or owners.
(g)Utility Connection Charge and System Development Charge Waiver -Single
Occurrence.Utility connection charge and system development charge waivers for
employee housing exemptions are a one-time occurrence at the time of project completion.
Additions, remodels, and, or changes that occur after original project completion will not
74
receive a utility connection charge or system development charge waiver, however a credit
for the ECU’s assigned to the specific employee housing unit will be allowed against
additional fees due to these improvements. (Ord. No. 8-1995, § 1;Ord. No. 36-1995, § 2;
Ord. No. 13-2011; Ord. No. 30-2012 §19)
Chapter 25.16
WATER RATES AND CHARGES
Sec. 25.16.010. Monthly rates for metered water service.
All metered water accounts except temporary construction, grandfathered-in, and pre-tap customer
accounts shall pay on a monthly basis the sum of charges one (1) through four (4) that follow:
(1) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all metered accounts shall pay a monthly
demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $6.08
2 2.00 $12.16
3 2.00 $12.16
4 1.25 $7.60
5 1.75 $10.64
6 2.00 $12.16
7 1.50 $9.12
(2) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all metered accounts shall pay a monthly
variable charge per ECU as follows:
Usage
Per ECU
Up To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Additional
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Additional
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Remaining
Usage Per
ECU Over
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
4,000 $2.95 12,000 $3.79 16,000 $5.43 16,000 $8.14
(3) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all metered accounts within service area
pumped zones shall pay a monthly pumping charge per 1,000 gallons as follows:
# of Pumps Rate Per 1,000 Gallons Pumped
1 $2.37
2 $4.74
3 $7.11
(1) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all metered accounts shall pay a monthly fire
protection charge per ECU as follows:
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Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $3.10
2 2.00 $6.20
3 2.00 $6.20
4 1.25 $3.88
5 1.75 $5.43
6 2.00 $6.20
7 1.50 $4.65
(Code 1971, § 23-101; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No.48-1986, § 1[A];Ord. No. 51-1987, § 1; Ord.
No. 18-1988, § 1;Ord. No. 34-1988, § 1; Ord. No. 19-1990, § 2; Ord. No. 39-1993, § 6;Ord. No.45-
1999, § 16; Ord. No. 41-2004, §2 [part]; Ord. No. 7-2006, §2; Ord. No. 35-2011§2; Ord. No. 30-2012
§20; Ord. No 38-2014§1; Ord. No 45-2015§1, Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No. 27-2017;
https://records.cityofaspen.com/WebLink/0/doc/1412784/Page1.aspx.Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.16.011. Bulk rates for metered water service.
(a) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, the bulk water sales rate and two-tier structure
for Buttermilk Metro District will be:
Monthly Block Tiers in Per
1,000 Gallons
Rate Per 1,000
Gallons
First 2,940 gallons $4.58
Over 2,940 gallons $10.73
(b) Effective January 1, 2019, the demand charge per fill up for the filler hydrant bulk water sales
pursuant to Subsection 25.08.020(e) shall be twenty dollars ($25.00) per use.
(c) Effective January 1, 2019, the variable charge for filler hydrant raw water bulk water sales
pursuant to Subsection 25.08.020(e) shall be $15.00 per 1,000 gallons.
(Ord. No. 45-2015, Ord. No. 38-2016;
https://records.cityofaspen.com/WebLink/0/doc/1412784/Page1.aspx.Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.16.012. Raw water rates for general raw water accounts.
(a) The raw water rates for non-pressurized raw water irrigation accounts for unmetered service
on a per thousand (1,000) irrigated square foot basis to be billed prospectively on an annual
basis at the start of each irrigation season are as follows:
(b) Effective January 1, 2020 the non-pressurized raw water rate per irrigation season is as
follows:
Non-Pressurized Raw Water 2020 Rate
Per 1,000 Sq. Ft.$28.14
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(c) Carriage rates for raw water (refer to “Definitions” section), shall be the same as set forward
in Paragraph (d) above except where a valid contract for conveyance of the customer’s own
water rights provides for a different rate.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to pump or convey water from the raw water ditches
without a valid raw water license agreement. Any persons doing so will be subject to a
penalty of $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense and $1,500 for each
additional offense.
(Ord. No. 41-2004, §5; Ord. No. 35-2011, §3;Ord. No. 30-2012 §23; Ord. No. 45-2015, Ord. No.
38-2016; Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.16.013. Raw water rates for Thomas Raw Water and other pressurized non-potable line
accounts.
(a) Raw water rates for accounts using the Thomas Raw Water line or any other pressurized, non-
potable water line accounts (including reclaimed water) shall be set in accordance with methods
established for cost recover recommendations by the American Water Works Association.
(b) Where specific rates are established by a valid contract for raw water service and such rates result
in a lower cost of service than that provided in Subsection 25.16.012(a), the contractual rate will
prevail.
(c) All water use from the system requires the installation of an operable water meter. Such uses in
place prior to 2009 shall install an operable water meter no later than January 20, 2009.
(d) Provisions for billing are as follows:
All pressurized raw water accounts shall have a working meter at the beginning of each irrigation
season, no later than April 15th.
(i) Effective January 1, 2020 metered rates for pressurized raw water accounts for seasonal
delivery of non-potable water is as follows:
Metered Pressurized Raw Water – Billing to
Occur Monthly – May through October
2020 Rate
Per 1,000 Gallons.$3.26
(ii) If the raw water meter required in paragraph (c) above ceases to function properly during
the irrigation season, a seasonal bulk water delivery rate has been established as the basis for billing
the non-potable pressurized water delivery. Effective January 1, 2020 the unmetered, pressurized raw
water rate for seasonal delivery of non- potable water is as follows:
Unmetered Pressurized Raw Water – Billing
to Occur Monthly – May through October
2020 Rate
Seasonal Rate Per 1,000 Sq. Ft.$114.90
Monthly Rate Per 1,000 Sq. Ft. – Based on 6-
Month Irrigation Season $19.15
(e) Carriage rates for raw water, (see “Definitions” section), shall be the same as those in Paragraph
(d) (i) except where a valid contract provides for alternate method and procedures for billing.
(f) It shall be unlawful for any person to pump or convey water from the raw water ditches without a
valid raw water license agreement. Any persons doing so will be subject to a penalty of $500 for the
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first offense, $1,000 for the second offense and $1,500 for each additional offense. (Ord. No. 41-
2004, §5; Ord. No. 30-2012 §23; Ord. No. 38-2014§3)
(e) Carriage rates for raw water, (see “Definitions” section), shall be the same as those in Paragraph
(d) (i) except where a valid contract provides for alternate method and procedures for billing.
(f) It shall be unlawful for any person to pump or convey water from the raw water ditches without a
valid raw water license agreement. Any persons doing so will be subject to a penalty of $500 for the
first offense, $1,000 for the second offense and $1,500 for each additional offense.
(Ord. No. 41-2004, §5; Ord. No. 30-2012 §23; Ord. No. 38-2014§3; Ord. No. 45-2015; Ord. No. 27-
2017; Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.16.014. Monthly rates for temporary construction water service.
All temporary construction water accounts shall pay monthly the sum of charges one (1) and two (2).
(1) Effective in the January 2020 month billing, all temporary construction accounts shall pay a
monthly demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $6.08
2 2.00 $12.16
3 2.00 $12.16
4 1.25 $7.60
5 1.75 $10.64
6 2.00 $12.16
7 1.50 $9.12
(2) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all temporary construction accounts shall pay a
monthly fire protection charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $3.10
2 2.00 $6.20
3 2.00 $6.20
4 1.25 $3.88
5 1.75 $5.43
6 2.00 $6.20
7 1.50 $4.65
(Ord. No. 35-2011§4; Ord. No. 30-2012 §24; Ord. No. 38-2014§4; Ord. No. 45-2015; Ord. No. 27-
2017; Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.16.015. Monthly rates for grandfathered-in water service
All grandfathered-in water accounts shall pay monthly the sum of charges one (1) and two (2).
(1) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all grandfathered-in accounts shall pay a
monthly demand charge per ECU as follows:
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Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $6.08
2 2.00 $12.16
3 2.00 $12.16
4 1.25 $7.60
5 1.75 $10.64
6 2.00 $12.16
7 1.50 $9.12
(2) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all grandfathered-in accounts shall pay a
monthly fire protection charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $3.10
2 2.00 $6.20
3 2.00 $6.20
4 1.25 $3.88
5 1.75 $5.43
6 2.00 $6.20
7 1.50 $4.65
(Ord. No. 35-2011 §5; Ord. No. 30-2012 §26; Ord. No. 38-2014§5; Ord. No. 45-2015, Ord. No. 38-
2016; Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.16.016. Monthly rates for pre-tap water service.
All pre-tap water accounts shall pay the sum of charges one (1) and two (2).
(1) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all pre-tap accounts shall pay a monthly
demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $6.08
2 2.00 $12.16
3 2.00 $12.16
4 1.25 $7.60
5 1.75 $10.64
6 2.00 $12.16
7 1.50 $9.12
(2) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all pre-tap accounts shall pay a monthly fire
protection charge per ECU as follows:
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(Ord. No. 35-2011§6; Ord. No. 30-2012 §26; Ord. No. 38-2014§6; Ord. No. 45-2015, Ord. No. 38-
2016; Ord. no. 27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018)
Sec. 25.16.020. Monthly rates for unmetered water service.
All unmetered water accounts shall pay the sum of charges one (1) and two (2).
(1) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all unmetered water service accounts shall pay
a monthly demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $108.40
2 2.00 $216.80
3 2.00 $216.80
4 1.25 $135.50
5 1.75 $189.70
6 2.00 $216.80
7 1.50 $162.60
(2) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all unmetered water service accounts shall pay
a monthly fire protection charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $3.10
2 2.00 $6.20
3 2.00 $6.20
4 1.25 $3.88
5 1.75 $5.43
6 2.00 $6.20
7 1.50 $4.65
(Ord. No. 35-2011§6; Ord. No. 30-2012 §27; Ord. No. 38-2014§7; Ord. No. 45-2015, Ord. No. 38-
2016; Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018)
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $3.10
2 2.00 $6.20
3 2.00 $6.20
4 1.25 $3.88
5 1.75 $5.43
6 2.00 $6.20
7 1.50 $4.65
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Sec.25.16.021 Senior Water Rates.
(a) Any qualified senior citizen who so applies shall be entitled to an adjustment in the individual
water rates set forth in Sections 25.16.010 and 25.16.020.
(b) Qualified senior citizen shall be defined by the Pitkin County Social Services Department in
consultation with the Pitkin County Senior Services Council.
(c) The Utilities Director shall first coordinate with Pitkin County Social Services Department and
the Pitkin County Senior Services Council as necessary to ensure that qualified senior citizens are
made aware of their eligibility for this program and application procedure is conducive to their
participation.
(d) A metered residence owned or leased by qualified seniors shall pay on a monthly basis the sum of
charges one (1) through four (4) that follow:
(1) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all senior metered accounts shall pay a
monthly demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Percentage of
Regular Metered
Demand
Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 90%$5.47
2 2.00 90%$10.94
3 2.00 90%$10.94
4 1.25 90%$6.84
5 1.75 90%$9.57
6 2.00 90%$10.94
7 1.50 90%$8.21
(3) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all senior metered accounts shall pay a monthly
variable charge per ECU as follows:
Usage
Per ECU
Up To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Additional
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Additional
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Remaining
Usage Per
ECU Over
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
4,000 $2.95 12,000 $3.79 16,000 $5.43 16,000 $8.14
(4) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all senior metered accounts within service area
pumped zones shall pay a monthly pumping charge per 1,000 gallons as follows:
# of Pumps Rate Per 1,000 Gallons Pumped
1 $2.37
2 $4.74
3 $7.11
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(5) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all senior metered accounts shall pay a monthly
fire protection charge per ECU as follows:
(c)An unmetered residence owned or leased by qualified senior citizens shall pay on a
monthly basis the sum of charges one (1) through four (2) that follow:
(1) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all senior unmetered accounts shall pay a
monthly demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Percentage of
Regular
Unmetered
Demand
Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 30%$32.52
2 2.00 30%$65.04
3 2.00 30%$65.04
4 1.25 30%$40.65
5 1.75 30%$56.91
6 2.00 30%$65.04
7 1.50 30%$48.78
(2) Effective in the January 2020 monthly billing, all senior unmetered accounts shall pay a
monthly fire protection charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Percentage of
Regular
Unmetered
Demand
Per ECU
Rate
1 1.00 30%$0.93
2 2.00 30%$1.86
3 2.00 30%$1.86
4 1.25 30%$1.16
5 1.75 30%$1.63
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Percentage of
Regular Metered
Demand
Per ECU
Rate
1 1.00 90%$2.79
2 2.00 90%$5.58
3 2.00 90%$5.58
4 1.25 90%$3.49
5 1.75 90%$4.88
6 2.00 90%$5.58
7 1.50 90%$4.19
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6 2.00 30%$1.86
7 1.50 30%$1.40
(Code 1971, § 23- 102; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 48-1986, § 1(A) (B); Ord. No. 51-1987, §2;
Ord. No. 1- 1988, §Ord. No. 8-1990, § 2; Ord. 39-1993, §7; Ord. No. 35-2011§8; Ord. No. 30-
2012§28; Ord. No. 38-2014§8; Ord. No.45- 2015, Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No. 28-
2018).
Editor's note—Ord. No. 1-1988, § 1, adopted Jan. 25, 1988 amended former § 23-102 by amending
previously uncodified Subsection (d) and at the discretion of the editor these provisions have been
included herein and revised slightly in order to delete references to "out-of-the-City service charge"
and "location of resident," inasmuch as former § 23-101 does not discern between in-City and out-of-
City residence location.
Sec. 25.16.090. Deposit for water service.
(a)When applying for water service at a new location, each applicant shall be
required to place a cash deposit in the following manner:
Residentialservice: Onehundredfifty dollars ($150.00).
Commercialservice:
(1)An amount equal to the service bills for the subject property for the three (3) highest
months of usage during the prior year, if the applied-for use of the property is similar
to the prior use; or
(2)If there is no similar prior space or use on which to compute the amount
provided in Subsection (a)Paragraph (1) above, then an amount to be determined
by the Finance Director within his or her sole discretion and based on a
reasonable estimate of three (3) months' service for a space and use similar to the
subject property.
(b)Subject to the approval of the Utilities Director based on previous credit history
with the City utilities,the owner of the premises on which the water is used may approve
waiver of their tenant's deposit requirement. To request approval of the Utilities Director,
the owner must complete an application which informs the owner of the possibility of a
lien upon the premises for unpaid bills, pursuantto Section25.04.090 above.
(c)These deposits will be held by the Director of Finance until service is discontinued
and final service bills are paid and will accrue interest at five percent (5%) per annum
starting thirty (30) days after receipt of the monies until the date of disconnection. Return of
the unused portion of the deposit plus interest will be made within forty-five (45) days from
date the final billingis issued.Effective January1, 2013 no deposit will accrue interest.
(Ord. No. 30-2012§36; Ord. No. 38-2014§10)
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Chapter 25.18
STORMWATER SYSTEMS -- DELETE ENTIRE SECTION
Sec. 25.18.010.Definitions.
For the purposes of this Title, certain words or phrases are defined as follows:
Development. The proposed development creates at least five hundred (500) square feet of
new impervious area.
Redevelopment. The proposed development disturbs at least five hundred (500) square feet
of the existing impervious area. (Ord. No. 22, 2007, §1)
Sec. 25.18.020.Stormwater system development fee.
(a) A stormwater system development fee shall be assessed against all properties at the time of
development or redevelopment of the property. The fee shall be assessed against the total impervious
area of the development, not simply the increased impervious area, minus the amount of any
stormwater system development fee actually previously paid by the landowner or the predecessor of
the landowner for connection to the stormwater system. The system development fee shall be two
dollars and eighty-eight cents ($2.88) per square foot of total impervious area.
(b) The calculation for the credit to be given for property on which the structures are
substantially remodeled or rebuilt shall take into account the amount actually paid for stormwater
system development fees in the records as maintained by the City. (Ord. No. 22, 2007, §1)
Chapter 25.20
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 25.20.020.Wasting of water prohibited.
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It shall be unlawful for any person using water from the City water system or any system connected
thereto, to waste water. For purposes of this Section, to waste water shall mean any of the following:
(a) The unnecessary running of water, which is not applied to any beneficial use, through or out
of any water closet, lavatory, urinal, bathtub, hose, hydrant, faucet or other fixture, appliance
or apparatus whatsoever, through the neglect or by reason of faulty or imperfect plumbing or
fixture; or
(b) Applying more water than is reasonably necessary to establish and maintain a healthy
landscape, including but not limited to, the continuous application of water to lawns, sod,
landscaping, or amenity resulting in oversaturation, ponding, pooling, or the flowing of water
into drainage or storm drainage facilities; or
(c) Watering with spray irrigation between the hours of 8.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. during the period
from May 1 to October 1, except for the following uses:
(1) Watering for up to 21 consecutive days to establish irrigated turf from seed or sod;
(2) Watering new plant material on the day of planting (e.g., flowers, trees, and shrubs);
(3) Watering that is essential to preserve irrigated or artificial turf subject to heavy public
use;
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(4) Operating an irrigation system for installation, repair, audit, or reasonable
maintenance, if the system is attended throughout the period of operation;
(5) Watering where tree preservation is required under the local tree ordinance;
or
(d) Watering landscaped areas during precipitation or high wind; or
(e) Applying water intended for irrigation to an impervious surface, (e.g., a street, parking lot,
alley, sidewalk or driveway); or
(f) Failure to repair an irrigation system unit which is known to be leaking; or
(g) Using water instead of a broom or mop to clean outdoor impervious surfaces (e.g., sidewalks,
driveways, and patios), except when cleaning with water is necessary for public health or
safety reasons or when other cleaning methods are impractical and in which case the hose
must be equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle; or
(h) Washing vehicles with a hose that lacks an automatic shut-off nozzle; or
(i) Violation of restrictions imposed in connection with a declared water shortage per Chapter
25.28.
The prohibitions against wasting water are applicable regardless of whether a water shortage has been
declared or a system emergency exits. Additional restrictions during times of a declared water
shortage may apply pursuant to Chapter 25.28.
Sec. 25.20.022. Exceptions
The following activities do not constitute the wasting of water for purposes of section 25.20.020:
(a) Flow resulting from firefighting or routine inspection of fire hydrants or from fire training
activities; or
(b) Flow resulting from routine inspection, operation, or maintenance of a utility water system; or
(c) Water applied as a dust control measure; or
(d) Water used for construction or maintenance activities where the application of water is the
appropriate methodology and where no other practical alternative exists; or
(e) Street sweeping; or
(f) Other watering activities reasonably necessary to protect public health or safety.
Sec. 25.20.025. Enforcement and Appeal Process.
The owner or occupant of the licensed premises shall be responsible for compliance with Chapter
25.20.020 and those who violate these regulations or restrictions shall be subject to the following
actions and penalties. During water shortages as described under Chapter 25.28, water waste may be
deemed a water shortage violation and penalized as provided in that Chapter.
(a) Upon first violation, the owner or occupant will be issued a written warning.
(b) Upon further violations within a 12-month period from the date of the warning notice at the
same premises, the owner or occupant will be advised in writing and the following penalty
charge will be added to the water bill for the property.
Category 2nd Violation 3rd Violation All Additional Violations
Residential $125.00 $250.00 $500.00
Non-Residential $250.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00
(c) After the fourth violation within a 12-month period from the date of the warning notice at the
same premises, if continued waste of water or willful violation of these regulations or
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restrictions occurs, the Water Department may disconnect the service where the violation has
occurred.
(d)Appeal Process. Any person subject to a charge for violation of a provision of Chapter
25.20.020 may appeal the charge by contacting the Aspen Water Department in writing within
20 days of receipt of monthly utility bill containing the violation charge. Unless the
customer’s appeal is approved prior to the water bill due date, the customer shall pay any
charges that appear on the water bill by the due date of the water bill. If the customer’s appeal
is approved after payment has been made, the disputed charge will be credited on the next
water bill.
(Code 1971, §23-151; Ord. No. 27-1985, §1; Ord. No. 37-1991, §5)
Chapter 25.28
WATER SHORTAGES
Sec. 25.28.040.Monthly rates for water shortages.
Unless an alternative system of charges is adopted by City Council, the following temporary rates
will be in effect during the time that City Council declares a water shortage.
(1) Four-Tier Rate Structure:
(a) A variable charge for the first and second tier of water consumption shall remain the same
unless otherwise directed by the City of Aspen City Manager with a minimum of a 48-hour
notification of the rate change via Public Notice on local radio and within daily local
newspaper publications.
(b) A variable charge not to exceed a maximum of 175% of the existing per thousand gallons
rate for tier three shall go into effect after a minimum of a 48-hour notification of this rate
change by City of Aspen City Manager via Public Notice on local radio and within daily local
newspaper publications.
(c) A variable charge not to exceed a maximum of 200% of existing per thousand gallons rate
for tier four shall go into effect after a minimum of a 48-hour notification of this rate change
by City of Aspen City Manager via Public Notice on local radio and within daily local
newspaper publications. (Ord. No. 18-2002 § 3 [part]) (2) Two-Tier Rate Structure:
(d) In a two-tier rate structure, as applicable to wholesale water sales, second tier shall be
subject to a 185% surcharge for a Stage One, Two and/or Three water shortage declaration.
(e) A raw water rate surcharge for both pressurized and non-pressurized water accounts shall
be subject to a 185% surcharge for a Stage One, Two and/or Three water shortage declaration.
(Ord. No. 18-2002 § 3 [part]; Ord. No. 15-2012; Ord. No. 30-2015)
CHAPTER 25.30
WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
Sec. 25.30.080. Deposit Requirements for Temporary Certificates of Occupancy.
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In accordance with the Water Efficient Landscaping Standards, Section 5.8.3, The City of Aspen
shall: (a) Receive the signed Approval Letter from the project applicant; (b) Approve or deny the
Approval Letter. If the Approval Letter is denied, the City of Aspen shall provide information to the
project applicant regarding reapplication, appeal, or other assistance; (c) If a certificate of occupancy
is issued in winter months when landscaping and irrigation systems cannot be inspected for
compliance, Aspen Water Department will require a deposit equal to the identified cost to complete
the landscaping and irrigation plan. Once compliance has been confirmed, the deposit will be
returned in full.
Therefore, if a property owner, or their representative, requests a Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy prior to complete installation of the landscape and irrigation, followed by a 3rd party
audit, and final City of Aspen Approval Letter, the property owner will submit an estimate to
complete the remaining irrigation and landscaping work and pay a deposit as set out below prior to
issuance of the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
Deposit Schedule for Landscaping and Irrigation
Project cost estimate Deposit
$0-50,000 50%
$50,000-100,000 25%
Over $100,000 15%
Section 2.
Any and all existing ordinances or parts of ordinances of the City of Aspen covering the same matters
as embraced in this Ordinance are hereby repealed and all ordinances or parts of ordinances
inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed; provided, however, that such
repeal shall not affect or prevent the prosecution or punishment of any person for any act done or
committed in violation of any ordinance hereby repealed prior to the taking effect of this Ordinance.
Section 3.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be
invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the
remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City of Aspen hereby declares that it would have adopted
this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any
one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases thereof be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
Section 4.
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage, adoption and publication thereof as
provided by law.
Section 5.
This ordinance shall not affect any existing litigation and shall not operate as an abatement of any
action or proceeding now pending under or by virtue of the ordinance repealed or amended as herein
provided, and the same shall be conducted and concluded under such prior ordinances.
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FIRST READING OF THIS ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED, READ, ORDERED AND
PUBLISHED as provided by law, by the City Council of the City of Aspen on the ____ day of
November, 2019.
Attest:
Linda Manning, City Clerk Torre, Mayor
FINALLY, adopted, passed and approved this ____ day of November, 2019.
Attest:
Linda Manning, City Clerk Torre, Mayor
Approved as to form:
James R. True, City Attorney
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