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Q. If I am in the area to receive central sewer, do I have to connect?
A. Yes. Florida Statute No. 381.00655 and Sarasota County Connection Ordinance No. 2000-079 require that you connect to an available central sewer system within 365 days of written notice that service is available to your property. Sarasota County Hook-up Enforcement Ordinance No. 2006-093 provides enhanced enforcement. Violations of this ordinance my be enforced by the following remedies, which are cumulative and may be pursued simultaneously or consecutively: (1) Code enforcement action pursuant to Chapter 2 Article VIII of the Sarasota County Code for which each day or fraction thereof that the violation continues shall be considered a separate offense; (2) Treated as a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, punishment by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) and/or imprisonment in the County Jail not to exceed sixty (60) days or any other remedy available under the law; (3) Complaint for injunctive relief filed in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in the State of Florida; (4) Termination of any current utility service being provided by Sarasota County to the property until such time as compliance is achieved; (5) Any other civil or criminal remedy available at law.
Q. Are there any exceptions to this requirement?
A. No. Connection is mandatory for anyone receiving official notification that service is available to the property. Failure to comply as required in the ordinance may result in code enforcement procedures against the property owner. See above remedies for Sarasota County Ordinance No. 2006-093.
Q. What is required of me to connect to central sewer?
A. Sarasota County will notify you in writing when service is available in your area and will provide information you need to establish your sewer account with Sarasota County Environmental Services. The county will also provide details on abandoning your septic system and connecting your house to the central system.
Q. Do you have a list of plumbers we can contact to make the sewer connection for us?
A. A list of plumbers is provided under the construction process section. This list is not intended to imply endorsement. Any licensed plumber is qualified to perform this work.
Q. When can I expect to hook up?
A. A projected schedule is provided with the map showing areas to be served. More information is available on the following areas where work has either begun or is scheduled to begin soon: A, B, C, D, E, F, K and N.
Q. On which side of the street will you construct the sewer lines?
A. The county will hire an engineering firm to design each phase of the program. The engineering firm will determine where sewer collection lines will be placed and where connection points will be located. In general, sewer lines will be installed along the side of the road. As a property owner, you will be offered several opportunities to discuss the design with the engineer. During construction, every effort will be made to avoid or repair disruption to driveways and landscaping. |
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Q. If roads, driveways, sidewalks or mailboxes are affected by construction, will the county fix the damage?
A. Yes. The county requires that the area be restored to its original, or better, condition. Some landscaping may not be saved or replaced if it is located in the right-of-way. Homeowners with site-specific concerns will be able to discuss them with the engineer during the design phase.
Q. How long will my street be disrupted by construction?
A. That depends on many factors, including weather, the number of connections on the street, and the sewer technology installed. Generally, a street may be disrupted for construction from three to four weeks; however, conditions may require more time.
Q. For homes using wells for drinking water, will central water be provided at the same time the sewer system is installed?
A. In most cases, central water will be made available, but the connection will not be mandatory. For information on costs, call Customer Service at 861-5000, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Q. Will other services and neighborhood improvements, like stormwater management, sidewalks or streetlights, be included with the sewer construction?
A. There are no plans to construct additional improvements, except those already included in the county’s Capital Improvement Program. Neighborhoods with specific needs or desires may contact Customer Service at 861-5000, for referral to the appropriate county representative.
Q. How will the county address vacant lots?
A. A future connection will be provided for during design and construction of the collection system. The capacity fee will not be levied until a home is built and connected to the central sewer system. The non-ad valorem fee and potential surcharge (see "Customer Costs" information) may be instituted while the lot is still vacant and would be due for payment similar to any other non-ad valorem fee that may be associated with the property. |