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What is NYC AC § 24-368?

Quick Answer

This section mandates the creation and maintenance of a searchable online database by the commissioner of environmental protection, providing public access to water account information for various properties. The database includes details such as water meter readings, billing history, and account balances, with certain access restrictions for specific property types. Applies to property owners seeking information about water accounts.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

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§ 24-368 Database of water accounts.

AC § 24-368

a. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of chapter 5 of title 23, the commissioner of environmental protection shall create and maintain a searchable online database through which members of the public who register and pay a periodic subscription fee, as established by the department, may access information about a water account in any commercial, residential and industrial property, however such database shall be subject to the exceptions provided in subdivision b. Such database shall be available on or through the city's website, in a non-proprietary format that permits automated processing, have the ability to produce reports by query, be accessible through an application programming interface and include all non-confidential information maintained in connection with such water account, including, but not necessarily limited to, the following: 1. Water meter number, as designated by the 8-digit serial number on such meter; 2. Date and copy of the bill of every bill issued for such water account, including metered billing and flat rate accounts and accounts billed attributed consumption charges, to the extent such bill is available to the customer for such water account on the portal provided to such customer; 3. Reading of such water meter, as recorded by the department, to the extent such reading is available to the department; 4. Total amount of water used pursuant to the reading described in paragraph 3 of this subdivision; 5. Current account balance for such water account, including open late payment charges; 6. Payment history dating back at least 5 years; 7. Date such water meter was installed and date such water meter was sealed, to the extent such dates are available; 8. Size of such water meter, in cubic feet; 9. Cumulative denial-of-access fees; and 10. Cumulative theft-of-service fees. b. Such database shall not provide access to properties in tax class one with three or fewer dwelling units, to any person other than the owner of such property, a party or entity authorized by the property owner, a party appearing on the deed of such property, or any lender with an unpaid mortgage encumbering the property, provided that such property owners shall not be required to pay to register to access information in such database concerning said properties. c. The database shall maintain the information required by subdivision a for any water meter that has been replaced. d. The database shall include the information required by subdivision a starting from January 1, 1996 or the date the water meter was installed, whichever is later. (L.L. 2021/145, 12/11/2021, eff. 4/10/2022)

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