SERVICE DISCONNECTIONS

Richmond, Va., City Code ch. 28, art. X, div. 2

in effect

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1231 Disconnection for nonpayment; notice.

Sec. 28-1231. - Disconnection for nonpayment; notice. (a) When a bill for gas service charges other than for individual residential gas service billed under the RS rate schedule as specifically provided, remains unpaid for at least 45 days after the date appearing on the bill, the supply of gas may be stopped to the premises in respect to which the default exists, so long as the premises are occupied by the owner, occupant or consumer who is in default on account of nonpayment of any such bill or so long as the owner who is liable therefor is in such default, and the Director may proceed to collect the bill or portion thereof in any manner or by any process allowed by law. However, in no case shall the supply of gas be stopped or proceedings be taken to collect the bill until ten days after a written notice has been delivered via mail, email, text message, phone call, or door hanger to the owner, occupant or consumer who is in default on account of nonpayment of any such bill. The Director may refuse to provide or may discontinue gas service to any premises, other than for individual gas service billed under the RS rate schedule as specifically provided, until all indebtedness is paid in full or secured to the satisfaction of the Director. (b) When a bill for water service or wastewater service or any portion thereof remains unpaid for at least 60 days after the date appearing on such bill, the supply of water service or wastewater service, or both, may be stopped to such premises in respect to which such default exists, so long as such premises are occupied by the owner, occupant or consumer who is in default on account of nonpayment of any such bill, and the Director may proceed to collect the bill or portion thereof in any manner or by any process allowed by law. However, in no case shall the supply of water service or wastewater service, or both, be stopped or proceedings be taken to collect the bill until ten days after a written notice has been delivered via mail, email, text message, phone call, or door hanger to the owner, occupant or consumer who is in default on account of nonpayment of any such bill. The Director may refuse to provide or may discontinue water service or wastewater service, or both, to any other premises of the owner, occupant, or consumer who is in default until all indebtedness is paid in full or secured to the satisfaction of the Director. (Code 1993, § 29-187; Code 2004, § 106-77; Code 2015, § 28-57; Code 2020, § 28-57; Ord. No. 2016-166, § 1, 6-27-2016; Ord. No. 2025-134, § 1(28-57), 6-23-2025)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1232 Gas service to residential customers billed under RS rate schedule; disconnection for nonpayment; notice.

Sec. 28-1232. - Gas service to residential customers billed under RS rate schedule; disconnection for nonpayment; notice. When a bill for gas service charges or any portion thereof rendered to a customer for service provided at such customer's individual residence, billed under the RS rate schedule, remains unpaid for 45 days after the date appearing on the bill, the supply of gas may be stopped to such individual residential premises in respect to which the default exists, so long as the premises are occupied by the owner, occupant or consumer who is in default on account of nonpayment of any such bill or so long as the owner who is liable therefor is in such default, and the Director may proceed to collect the bill or portion thereof in any manner or by any process allowed by law. However, in no case shall the supply of gas to such individual residence be stopped or proceedings taken to collect the bill until ten days after a written notice has been delivered via mail, email, text message, phone call, or door hanger to the owner, occupant or consumer who is in default on account of nonpayment of any such bill. The Director may refuse to provide or may discontinue gas service to any other such residential premises until all indebtedness is paid in full or secured to the satisfaction of the Director. (Code 1993, § 29-188; Code 2004, § 106-78; Code 2015, § 28-58; Code 2020, § 28-58; Ord. No. 2025-134, § 1(28-58), 6-23-2025)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1233 Charge for reconnection of gas and water meters; charge for restoration.

Sec. 28-1233. - Charge for reconnection of gas and water meters; charge for restoration. (a) When the supply of gas or water, or both, shall be stopped to any premises for nonpayment of the bill therefor, the entire amount of the bill shall become due and payable immediately, including charges for stormwater and wastewater services and other City fees, and the owner or occupant of such premises or the consumer thereof shall pay the entire amount of the bill or make arrangements with and satisfactory to the Director for the payment of any such bill and a service reconnection charge as set forth in this subsection before such service is restored. Service reconnection charges For gas service | $35.00 For water service | $35.00 For both gas and water service | $70.00 (b) When the supply of gas or water, or both, has been stopped for nonpayment of a bill, and the gas or water meter, or both, have been removed from service lines, the entire amount of the bill shall become due and payable immediately, including charges for stormwater and wastewater services and other City fees, and the owner, occupant or consumer in default shall pay a service restoration charge as set forth in this subsection before such service may be restored. Service restoration charges For gas service | $35.00 For water service | $35.00 For both gas and water service | $70.00 (c) A service technician who has been dispatched to a location to either disconnect gas or water service or to remove a gas or water meter may accept from the owner, occupant or consumer in default payment of the entire past due amount. However, in order to avoid such service disconnection or meter removal, the owner, occupant or consumer shall also be charged and pay a fee of $35.00 for each service scheduled for disconnection for the acceptance of the late payment by the service technician. (d) When the entire amount of a bill has been paid, together with the appropriate restoration service charge, or satisfactory arrangements are made for the payment of such bill, the service will be restored in the regular course of business on a succeeding workday. Restoration of such service shall not be required on the same day the bill and restoration charge are paid. (Code 1993, § 29-189; Code 2004, § 106-79; Code 2015, § 28-59; Code 2020, § 28-59; Ord. No. 2013-139-136, § 2, 7-22-2013)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1234 Discontinuance of service; gas.

Sec. 28-1234. - Discontinuance of service; gas. The Director may at any time cut off the supply of gas through mains or connections thereto within or without the corporate City limits when such action is deemed necessary. (Code 1993, § 29-47; Code 2004, § 106-132; Code 2015, § 28-116; Code 2020, § 28-116)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1235 Owner's responsibility for damage; disconnection for nonpayment.

Sec. 28-1235. - Owner's responsibility for damage; disconnection for nonpayment. Owners and occupants of premises connected directly or indirectly with the gas distribution system shall be responsible for all damages to service connections, meters and equipment occasioned thereto by the negligence of such owners and occupants, their agents, servants and employees. The Director shall investigate and determine the responsibility for damages to such connections, meters and equipment, shall make or cause to be made necessary renewals or repairs thereto and shall collect the cost of them from owners or occupants responsible therefor. If such cost and expense is not paid within 30 days after presentation of a bill therefor, the Director shall cause the supply of gas to be stopped, and the service stopped shall not thereafter be furnished to such premises for such owner or occupant until such cost and expense shall have been paid. (Code 1993, § 29-60; Code 2004, § 106-157; Code 2015, § 28-147; Code 2020, § 28-147)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1236 Disconnection of meter or change or alteration of connection without permission.

Sec. 28-1236. - Disconnection of meter or change or alteration of connection without permission. No gas meter shall be disconnected from a service connection, moved or disturbed in any manner by any person nor shall any service connection be changed or altered in any manner without the written permission of the Director. (Code 1993, § 29-68; Code 2004, § 106-160; Code 2015, § 28-150; Code 2020, § 28-150)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1237 Discontinuance of service; water.

Sec. 28-1237. - Discontinuance of service; water. The Director may at any time cut off the supply of water through mains or connections thereto within or without the corporate City limits when such action is deemed necessary. (Code 1993, § 29-47; Code 2004, § 106-250; Code 2015, § 28-241; Code 2020, § 28-241)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1238 Suspension of service and termination of contracts.

Sec. 28-1238. - Suspension of service and termination of contracts. (a) Individual water service may be suspended by the Chief Administrative Officer at any time whenever: (1) The use of water is excessive or interferes with or impairs the maintenance or operation of the City's production and distribution system; (2) A possible contamination to the potable drinking water system could exist; (3) The grantee fails, refuses or neglects to observe and comply with the terms and conditions of the contract or all laws, ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations governing water service; (4) Water is or may be required for the use of consumers in the City; or (5) The locality undertakes to supply such services. (b) Individual water service may be suspended by the Chief Administrative Officer at any time without notice whenever an emergency exists. (c) Individual water service contracts may be terminated by either party thereto upon giving written notice to that effect to the other party 12 months prior to the date of termination. The notice on the part of the City shall be given by the Chief Administrative Officer whenever, in the Chief Administrative Officer's judgment or that of the Mayor or the Council, such contracts should be terminated. (Code 1993, § 29-154; Code 2004, § 106-313; Code 2015, § 28-356; Code 2020, § 28-356; Ord. No. 2004-360-330, § 1, 12-13-2004)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1239 Owner's responsibility for damage; disconnection for nonpayment.

Sec. 28-1239. - Owner's responsibility for damage; disconnection for nonpayment. Owners and occupants of premises connected directly or indirectly with the water system shall be responsible for all damages to service connections, meters and equipment occasioned thereto by the negligence of such owners and occupants and their agents, servants and employees. The Director shall investigate and determine the responsibility for damages to such connections, meters and equipment; shall make or cause to be made necessary renewals or repairs thereto; and shall collect the cost of them from owners or occupants responsible therefor. If such cost and expense are not paid within 30 days after presentation of a bill therefor, the Director shall cause the supply of water to be stopped, and the service stopped shall not thereafter be furnished to such premises for such owner or occupant until such cost and expense shall have been paid. (Code 1993, § 29-60; Code 2004, § 106-337; Code 2015, § 28-389; Code 2020, § 28-389)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1240 Disconnection of meter without permission.

Sec. 28-1240. - Disconnection of meter without permission. No water meter shall be disconnected from a service connection, moved or disturbed in any manner by any person nor shall any service connection be changed or altered in any manner without the written permission of the Director. (Code 1993, § 29-68; Code 2004, § 106-339; Code 2015, § 28-391; Code 2020, § 28-391)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1241 Discontinuance of service; wastewater.

Sec. 28-1241. - Discontinuance of service; wastewater. The Director may at any time terminate wastewater service within or without the corporate City limits when such action is deemed necessary. (Code 1993, § 29-47; Code 2004, § 106-536; Code 2015, § 28-582; Code 2020, § 28-582)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1242 Suspension of service and termination of contracts.

Sec. 28-1242. - Suspension of service and termination of contracts. (a) Individual wastewater service may be suspended by the Chief Administrative Officer at any time whenever: (1) The use of water is excessive or interferes with or impairs the maintenance or operation of the City's production and distribution system; (2) The volume of wastewater discharged into the City's wastewater system or facilities overcharges or is likely to overcharge such system or facilities; (3) The grantee fails, refuses or neglects to observe and comply with the terms and conditions of the contract or all laws, ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations governing wastewater services; (4) Water is or may be required for the use of consumers in the City or the City's wastewater system or facilities are or may be required to provide wastewater disposal service to residents of the City; or (5) The locality undertakes to supply such services. (b) Individual wastewater service may be suspended by the Mayor or Chief Administrative Officer at any time without notice whenever an emergency exists. (c) Individual wastewater service contracts may be terminated by either party thereto upon giving written notice to that effect to the other party 12 months prior to the date of termination. The notice on the part of the City shall be given by the Chief Administrative Officer whenever, in the Mayor's or Chief Administrative Officer's judgment or that of the Council, such contracts should be terminated. (Code 1993, § 29-154; Code 2004, § 106-547; Code 2015, § 28-593; Code 2020, § 28-593; Ord. No. 2004-360-330, § 1, 12-13-2004)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1243 Responsibility for damage; disconnection for nonpayment.

Sec. 28-1243. - Responsibility for damage; disconnection for nonpayment. Owners and occupants of premises connected directly or indirectly with the wastewater collection system shall be responsible for all damages to service connections, meters and equipment occasioned thereto by the negligence of such owners and occupants and their agents, servants and employees. The Director shall investigate and determine the responsibility for damages to such connections, meters and equipment and shall make or cause to be made necessary renewals or repairs thereto and shall collect the cost of them from owners or occupants responsible therefor. If such cost and expense is not paid within 30 days after presentation of a bill therefor, the Director shall cause the supply of water and/or wastewater service to be stopped, and the service stopped shall not thereafter be furnished to such premises for such owner or occupant until such cost and expense shall have been paid. (Code 1993, § 29-60; Code 2004, § 106-638; Code 2015, § 28-714; Code 2020, § 28-714)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 28-1244 Suspension and termination of municipal separate storm sewer access.

Sec. 28-1244. - Suspension and termination of municipal separate storm sewer access. (a) Suspension due to illicit discharges in emergency situations. The Director may, without prior notice, suspend MS4 discharge access to a person when such suspension is necessary to stop an actual or threatened discharge, which presents or may present an imminent and substantial danger to the environment, or to the health or welfare of persons, or to the municipal separate storm sewer or waters of the State. In the event a violator fails to comply with such a suspension order issued in an emergency, the Director may take such steps as deemed necessary to prevent or minimize damage to the municipal separate storm sewer or waters of the State, or to minimize danger to persons. (b) Termination due to the detection of illicit discharge. Any person discharging to the municipal separate storm sewer in violation of this chapter may have such person's municipal separate storm sewer access terminated if such termination would, in the judgment of the Director, abate or reduce an illicit discharge. The Director shall provide written notice of the proposed termination of municipal separate storm sewer access to the person whose access is proposed to be terminated. The person subject to the notice may petition the Director for a hearing regarding the termination of access. Such hearing shall be conducted as provided in this division and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Director. A person commits a violation of this chapter if the person reinstates municipal separate storm sewer access to premises terminated pursuant to this section without the prior approval of the Director. (Code 2004, § 106-824; Code 2015, § 28-964; Code 2020, § 28-964; Ord. No. 2009-60-83, § 1, 5-26-2009)

Source: City of Richmond, Virginia, Code (2026 recodification) and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/va/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH28UT_ARTXENAP_DIV2SEDIFetched: 11/8/2026