§ 25-6. Tampering with meters.

Tampering with utility meters is prohibited by G.S. 14-159.1 and section 15-5 of this Code. It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to alter, tamper with or bypass a meter which has been installed for the purpose of measuring the use of water. Bypassing a meter provided by the city for the purpose of measuring and registering the quantity of water consumed shall be considered tampering with a meter. An offender shall be charged with a misdemeanor and if convicted fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned not longer than two (2) years or both fined and imprisoned in the discretion of the court. Whoever is found in a civil action by the city to have violated any provision of this section shall be liable to the city for losses and damages and a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per day for each violation. The penalties may be imposed by a court in accordance with G.S. 162A-9.1. Nothing in this section shall apply to licensed plumbers or utility contractors while performing usual and ordinary services in accordance with recognized customs and standards.

(Ord. No. 2013-35, § 1, 8-20-13)