Ch. 476

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(7) After July 1, 1985, there is an alternative method of assessment under
this section to be called "equal benefit assessment." The equal benefit assessment shall be
the primary method of assessing properties where an assessment is used to amortize the
providing of water or sewer, by the Commission to private users. However, where dictated
by equity or law, the Commission, at its option, may assess the properties on a front foot
benefit ASSESSMENT CHARGE basis. This new assessment method should not be
construed as requiring past assessments to be recouped under this new formula. An equal
benefit assessment CHARGE may be levied on each of the properties benefited by a
purchase or the establishment or construction of a water supply or sewerage facility in an
equal amount based on utilization potential of each property consistent with current
zoning. The total benefit assessments of all properties being assessed shall be in whatever
amount is required to pay the total cost of the purchase, establishment, or construction.
The word "property" means all of that land area in common ownership enclosed within
the boundaries of contiguous parcels. Should any property owner divide the property, the
assessment on all the newly created parcels shall be recalculated and imposed as provided
in this section.

O. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS SECTION RELATING
TO BENEFIT ASSESSMENT CHARGES, THE COMMISSION MAY FROM TIME TO TIME
ASSESS AND LEVY ON ALL BENEFITED PROPERTIES A BENEFIT ASSESSMENT
CHARGE NECESSARY TO FUND THE COST OF UPGRADING WATER OR SEWER
FACILITIES AS A RESULT OF ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF LAW.

113-10.

[(a)] A. (1) The Commission [shall] MAY provide, for [each and every] property
abutting upon a street or right-of-way in which under this chapter a water main or sewer
is laid, a water service pipe or sewer connection. The water service pipe or sewer
connection shall be extended as required, from the water main or sewer to the property
line of the abutting lot.

(2) The service pipe or connection with sewer shall be constructed by and at
the sole expense of the Commission, but subject to a reasonable charge for the connection
as provided in § 113-12 of this chapter. This charge shall be paid by all property owners
at the office of the Commission before the actual connection with any pipe or private
property is made or by the property owner under such reasonable conditions and charges
as are deemed appropriate by the Commission. The method of construction and payment
shall be determined by the Commission.

(3) When any water main or sewer is declared by the Commission complete
and ready for the delivery of water or the reception of sewage, every abutting property
owner FOR WHOM A WATER OR SEWER CONNECTION HAS BEEN PROVIDED, after due
notice, shall make a connection of all spigots or hydrants, toilets and waste drains with the
water main or sewer within the time prescribed by the Commission. Where those fixtures
do not exist or are of a nature which, in the judgement of the Commission, is improper or
inadequate, satisfactory equipment shall be installed by the owner on the premises. The
premises shall include at least one water closet and one sink or washbasin, both of which
shall be properly connected with the sewer of the Commission. All cesspools, sink drains

- 2796 -