Interpretation #6850

Published October 25, 2011

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Original Request

Code Version
2007
Code
RESIDENT
Code Description
Residential
Chapter
3
Section
317.2
Topic
Townhouse utilities

Question

Is it the intent of 317.2 to have each townhouse to have it's sewer, water service and electric service to be independent of all the other units? Should the building sewer be passing from unit to unit beneath the building slab?

Answer Published 10/25/2011 at 10:43 AM

Generally speaking, the owner of each individual townhouse
owns the land beneath it and the sky above. The only
utilities within the footprint or property lines of each
individual townhouse should be the ones serving that
individual townhouse. One possible exception to that could
be a legally deeded utility easement.

Commentary

Keep in mind that townhomes are usually true "fee simple" lots with no such easement and each individual unit is on a separate platted piece of property. Additionally: Please see BOAF informal interpretation #5195 issued in 2007 in regards to electrical service feeder and panel locations for townhomes.