FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes you may have a leak and not know it. The best indication is high usage on your bill compared to past usage. There are often 2 reasons for mysterious water leaks: a leaking toilet or a small slow drip at a faucet. Outdoor leaks are rare. The first step is to determine whether you actually have a leak, or are just using more water than you expected. Most customers are surprised how much water can be used for routine activities.

• SHOWERS                                               5-10 gallons per minute
• TOILETS                                                  7 gallons per minute
• WASHING MACHINE                                  40 gallons per large load
• AUTOMATIC DISHWATER                           12 gallons per run
• BRUSHING TEETH (w/water running)          5 gallons per minute
• RINSING DISHES                                      5 gallons per minute

FACTS ON LEAKS

• Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
• Common types of leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves.
• Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners more than 10 percent of their water bills.

LEAK DETECTION

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour-period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak .
• One way to find out if you have a toilet leak is to place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, you have a leak. Make sure to flush immediately after this experiment to avoid staining the tank.

TOILET

• lf your toilet is running constantly, you could be wasting 6,000 gallons of water or more every day.
• If your toilet is leaking, the cause is most often an old, faulty toilet flapper. Over time, this inexpensive rubber part decays, or minerals build up on ii. It's usually best to replace the whole rubber flapper - a relatively easy, inexpensive do-it-yourself project that pays for itself in no time.

Leak Detection Checklist

To help you understand how much water your home or business uses, you will want to know how to read your meter. This will also help you to identify leaks and discover ways to conserve water. A water meter measures the amount of water entering your plumbing system. Most meters are located in boxes in the ground near the curb.

• Open the box carefully and inside you'll find the water meter. The meter dial can be found under the small, hinged cover. If the glass is dirty, wipe it clean to make it easier to read. The meters used in Holly Hill measure water in gallons.
• Your water meter is much like your car's odometer, showing the cumulative total of water that has run through your meter. The sweep hand, which moves like a clock hand, measures each gallon of water, up to 10 gallons.
• Notice the first number on the right of the total is a stationary zero; there's no need for it to move because the sweep hand does its work. Except for the stationary zero, the rest of the number is read like an odometer.
• The movable dials to the left of the stationary zero read in 10s, 100s, 1,000s of gallons, and so on. A red triangular dial near the center of the meter face is used for leak detection and will spin even if there is an extremely low flow through the meter.

The following suggestions are provided to help you conserve water, thereby saving this resource, AND YOUR MONEY! See how many you can use to improve water conservation within your household.

Saving Water Indoors

1. Reuse household water instead of just pouring it down the drain. Other uses include watering a plant or garden, or cleaning.
2. Check that your home is leak-free. Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak somewhere.
3. Repair dripping faucets. This may be as simple as replacing a washer. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. This adds to "your" water bill.
4. Retrofit all wasteful household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
5. Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce heating costs for your household.
6. Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.
7. Don't install a water-to-air heat pump or air-conditioning system. Newer air-to-air models are just as efficient and do not waste water.
8. Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum amount of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness. Turn softeners off while on vacation.
9. When adjusting water temperatures, instead of turning water flow up, try turning it down. If the water is too hot or cold, turn the offender down rather than increasing water flow to balance the temperatures.
10. Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cool glass of water.
11. Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator (much safer too!) or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.
12. Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste instead of using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals also can add 50% to the volume of solids in a septic tank which can lead to malfunctions and maintenance problems.
13. Take shorter showers. Replace you showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs.
14. Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only 1/3 full. The initial burst of cold water can be warmed by adding hot water later.
15. Don't let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin.
16. Only run your automatic dishwasher and clothes washer when they are fully loaded, or properly set the water level for the size of load you are using.
17. When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.
18. Check for leaks in the toilet tank by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed. (NOTE: Flush as soon as test is done, since food coloring may stain tank.)
19. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
20. If the toilet flush handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.

Saving Water Outdoors

1. Don't overwater your lawn. If you have puddles in your yard it might be your sprinklers, not rain.
2. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering. Install a rain sensor device or switch which will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred. To retrofit your existing system, contact an irrigation professional for more information.
3. Plant smart. Xeriscape landscaping is a great way to design, install and maintain both your plantings and irrigation system that will save you time, money and water.
4. Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces losses from evaporation.
5. Don't water your street, driveway or sidewalk. Position your sprinklers so that your water lands on the lawn and shrubs ... not the paved areas.
6. Install sprinklers that are the most water-efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water-efficient methods of irrigation.
7. Regularly check your sprinkler system and timing devices to be sure they are operating properly.
8. Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A lawn cut higher encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.
9. Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. The application of fertilizers increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers which contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
10. Mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulching also helps to control weeds that compete with pants for water.
11. Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need to be watered as frequently and they usually will survive a dry period without any watering. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
12. Do not hose down your driveway or sidewalk. Use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from these areas. Using a hose to clean a driveway can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
13. Outfit your hose with a shut-off nozzle which can be adjusted down to fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, "Turn it Off" at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.
14. Use hose washers between spigots and water hoses to eliminate leaks. Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly.
15. Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. Your garden hoses can put out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours, so don't leave the sprinkler running all day. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.
16. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass. This way the water will perform two functions.
17. Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless the water is recycled. Locate where there are mineral losses due to evaporation and wind drift.
18. If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single back-flushing with a traditional filter uses from l80 to 250 gallons or more of water.

General Water Saving Tips 

1. Teach your children the need for water conservation. Avoid the purchase of recreational water toys which require a constant stream of water.
2. Be aware of and follow all water conservation, irrigation, and water shortage rules and restrictions which may be in effect.
3. Encourage your employer to promote water conservation at the workplace. Suggest that water conservation be put in the employee orientation manual and training program.
4. Patronize businesses which practice and promote water conservation.
5. Report significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner, or to us. Where emergency repairs are needed due to a broken water main, call the police, they will get hold of the necessary personnel.
6. Encourage your school to promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults, and participate in water conservation education programs.
7. Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste water for irrigation and other uses.
8. Support efforts and programs to create a concern for water conservation among tourists and visitors to our area. Make sure your visitors understand the need for, and benefits of, water conservation.
9. Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water conscious community. Promote water conservation in homeowner association newsletters, on bulletin boards and by example.
10. Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don't waste water just because someone else is footing the bill such as when you are staying at a hotel, or it's included in your rent.
11. Try to do one thing each day that will result in a savings of water. Don't worry if the savings is minimal. Every drop counts. And every person can make a difference. So tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers to "Turn it Off" and "Keep it Off".

Watering restrictions are the same for all county residents, including Holly Hill.

• Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• During Eastern Standard Time:
  • Residential irrigation is limited to 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Saturdays for odd-numbered addresses and Sundays for even-numbered addresses.
  • Businesses may irrigate from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesdays.
• During Daylight Saving Time: (Daylight Saving Time begins the second Sunday in March and ends the first Sunday in November.)
  • Residential irrigation is allowed at odd-numbered addresses from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays and even-number addresses Thursdays and Sundays.
  • Business may irrigate from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Irrigation is limited to no more than one hour and three-quarters inch of water per zone per irrigation day.  A typical yard has four irrigation zones.
• Restrictions apply to all water sources, including private wells, surface water, and water from public and private utilities, except for reclaimed water (see your reclaimed water provider for any restrictions.)
• New plantings may be watered any time for 30 days, then every other day for another 30 days. Keep the store receipt for proof of purchase.
• Hand watering is allowed any time with an automatic shutoff on the hose.
• Watering of chemicals is allowed any time within 24 hours of application and may not exceed a quarter-inch of water.
• Automatic landscape irrigation systems, regardless of the date of installation, must be equipped with functional rain-sensing devices or soil-moisture sensors.
• Agricultural uses are exempt from the provisions of the Water Conservation Ordinance, as long as they follow the agricultural water conservation requirements of the St. Johns River Water Management District.

The City of Holly Hill provides service and maintenance up to, and including, the meter. Once water exits the meter, it enters the customer's privately owned system and area of responsibility. If City staff observes potential leaks or other problems with your plumbing, they will let you know. However, you are responsible for assessing and making any necessary repairs or calling a qualified plumber to do so on your behalf.

All billing is handled through Utility Billing Office of the Finance Department. They can be reached at (386) 248-9432, or you can visit them on the main floor of City Hall

Storm drains empty into ground water and/or te Halifax Rivier. Dumping toxic items into the storm drain or curb and gutter will directly impact the health of the water flowing through our community. Help us protect our natural resources by disposing of chemicals and oils responsibly and appropriately.

Typically water meters less than 10 years in age test very accurately (plus or minus 3 percent), and meters, when they do begin to lose accuracy, almost always underreport flow passing through them, benefiting the customer when they start to fail.

Not a good idea. When you flush medication down your drain, it ends up at our treatment facility. While the plant is designed to remove many contaminants from untreated water, it may not filter out the chemicals found in many medications. Some chemicals can remain in the treated water when it is released into the Lake Michigan, our source of drinking water, and harm creatures living in the lake, as well as affecting humans.Click Here to help find the best method of unused drug disposal.
 

NO, if the grease is hot let it cool before putting it in a suitable container or can and put it in your garbage. Grease will accumulate in sewer pipes and pumps over time, and cause clogs and back-ups. If you have a grease trap it should be checked and cleaned at least monthly.
 

• Nutrients - Phosphorus, nitrogen, and other chemical nutrients found in wastewater can damage lakes and rivers. These nutrients need to be changed into less harmful substances or removed before being released into the environment.
• Toxic Chemicals - Sometimes wastewater contains hazardous chemicals from industry, pesticides, etc. Controlling these chemicals may require pretreatment of wastewater by industries and the use of advanced (tertiary) treatment methods at the wastewater treatment plant.
• Water Infiltration - Water entering the treatment system through cracks or joints in sewer lines or storm drains places an extra burden on a facility.
• Changes in Water Flow - The amount and kind of wastewater entering a treatment plant can change quickly. Plant operators must be ready to respond to these changing conditions.

WHO?

Who must pay the business tax?

Any person or business entity operating a business located in the City of Holly Hill must obtain a business tax receipt.  Anyone who provides merchandise or services to the public, even if only a one-person company or home-based business, or a rental property, must obtain the business tax receipt in order to operate. 

Sec. 62-26. - Levy generally.

An annual local business tax receipt tax shall be levied on and collected from the following:

(1)Any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office within the city for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business within the city;(2)Any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office within the city for the privilege of engaging in or managing any profession or occupation with the city; and(3)Any person who does not qualify under the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section and who transacts any business or engages in any occupation or profession in interstate commerce, if such license tax is not prohibited by section 8 of article I of the United States Constitution.

Who is exempt from the business tax?

Florida Statutes 205.162,  205.192, and 205.055 provide certain exemptions from the business tax receipt cost, such as:

205.192 - Charitable, religious, fraternal, youth, civic, service or other such organizations, when the organization makes occasional sales or engages in fundraising projects, are generally exempt. Certain restrictions apply.
 
205.162 - Residents who are permanently disabled, physically incapable of manual labor, widows or widowers with minor dependents and persons sixty-five(65) years of age or older - With not more than one employee or helper, and who use only their own capital, not in excess of $1,000.
 
205.055 - Permanent Florida resident, or their unremarried widow or widower, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods, was honorably discharged and is disabled from performing manual labor shall be entitled to an exemption of up to $50 on any business tax receipt. Certain other restrictions apply.

NOTE: An application still needs to be filed and any fire inspection fees still need to be paid. Only the license fees as noted are waived.

WHAT?

What else do I need to conduct business?

A Commercial Local Business Tax Check List is provided below and with the application to assist you in compiling the necessary documentation to obtain the business tax receipt. In addition, there may be local, state, and federal regulations that pertain to the type of business you wish to conduct.

Checklist

1. Copy of Articles of Incorporation and E.I.N. # if applicable
2. Copy of State License, Registration or Certificate (depending on occupation)
3. Copy of driver’s license or other picture ID
4. Copy of Lease Agreement if renting
5. Fictitious Name Registration – If not using your legal name in title of business
6. Square Footage of your Building or Unit
7. Proof of exemption – if claiming such, see page 1 of application
8. Occupational license fee

What if I buy an existing business?

If you purchase an existing business, you will need to:

Surrender the previous owner’s current business tax receipt
Complete a new application so that a transfer can be completed
Completed Bill of Sale

A corrected business Tax receipt will be issued. (If your occupation is regulated by the Department of Professional Regulations, State of Florida, or any other regulatory boards you must present a corrected copy of the certification or registration, showing the changes before the business tax receipt may be transferred.)

Sec. 62-33. - Transfer.

All local business tax receipts may be transferred with the approval of the City Manager with the business for which they were taken out when there is a bona fide sale and transfer of the property used and employed in the business, but such transferred receipt shall not be held good for any longer time or any other place than that for which it was originally issued; provided, that the original receipt shall be surrendered to and filed with the City Manager at the time application for transfer is made and a transfer fee of up to ten percent of the annual receipt tax, but not less than $3.00 nor more than $25.00 shall be paid; such transferred receipt after being approved shall be of the same force and effect as the original license. Applications for the receipt transfer shall be made within 30 days of the completion for sale of business. No application for transfer shall be approved which may result in a violation of law.

What if I change locations?

If your previous and new business addresses are in the City of Holly Hill submit your current business tax receipt, and the $3.00 transfer fee. New locations will be required to pay for a fire inspection fee.

What if I have multiple locations?

Businesses with multiple locations in Holly Hill are required to have a business tax receipt for each location.

What if I don’t pay by September 30th?

BTR renewal notices go out in July and are due no later than September 30th. Any payments received after September 30th will be assessed a penalty.

Florida Statutes provide that a late renewal must include a penalty of 10% for the month of October, plus an additional 5% penalty for each month of delinquency thereafter until paid, not to exceed 25% of the business tax. If you conduct business without a business tax receipt, you will be subject to a penalty of 25% of the tax due plus additional penalties as follows:

Paid September 1 - 30

No Penalty

Paid October 1 - 31

Cost of License + 10% Penalty*

Paid November 1 - 30

Cost of License + 15% Penalty*

Paid December 1 - 31

Cost of License + 20% Penalty*

Paid January 1 - 31

Cost of License + 25% Penalty*

Paid February 1 - 28

Cost of License + 25% Penalty* + $50.00

Paid March 1 - 31

Cost of License + 25% Penalty* + $100.00

If Paid April 1

Cost of License + 25% Penalty* + $250.00

If Paid after April 30th

Cost of License + 25% Penalty* + $250.00 + additional fines to be assessed by the Special Magistrate as permitted by State Law.

*Note: Percent penalty is paid on the cost of the license only excluding the cost of fire inspection fee or any sign charges.

Failure to pay will result in the property owner and business owner being scheduled to appear before the Special Magistrate. In addition to the amount owed, including all penalties and fines, the Special Master may assess an additional $250.00 Administrative Fine.

New businesses found operating without a business tax receipt are subject to a penalty equal to 25 percent of the receipt fee. In addition, operating without a business tax receipt is a misdemeanor punishable by a $250 fine if not in compliance within 150 days of notice of the amount due. Failure to pay will result in being scheduled to appear before the Special Magistrate. In addition to the amount owed for including all penalties and fines, the Special Master may assess an additional $250.00 Administrative Fine.

What if I go out of business?

Notify the City of Holly Hill in writing, and provide the business tax receipt account to be purged or deactivated.

WHERE?

Where can I renew my business tax receipt?

There are several convenient ways to renew your business tax receipt:

By Mail - Please return the renewal notice with your check or money order, in U.S. funds only, made payable to: City of Holly Hill, for the amount due. If you send one payment for multiple accounts, please provide all of the renewal notices.
Drop Box – A check or money order along with a copy of your business tax receipt can be placed in an envelope clearly labeled, “BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT” and put on the drop box.
In Person - You may pay where Utility Billing (Water Billing) is done at City Hall.

Unfortunately payments cannot be made on-line at this time.

Where should I display the business tax receipt?

The receipt must be displayed conspicuously at the place of business, visible to the public, and to a Field Compliance Officer.

WHEN?

When is a business tax receipt required?

The business tax receipt is required before a business begins operation. It is important to check with City staff to verify appropriate zoning, prior to signing a lease or making any commitments.

When does the business tax receipt expire?

Annually, on September 30.

When is a “Fictitious Name” filing required?

If you are using the owner’s first name, last name, initials or anything else besides the FULL name, that is considered a fictitious name (e.g. - D/B/A John’s Enterprises). You will need to register with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations (1-850-245-6059 or www.sunbiz.org.) Corporations can be registered on this site as well.
If you choose to register a fictitious name, you will need to provide the fictitious name registration or the Articles of Incorporation at the time of application.
If you use ONLY your FULL LEGAL name as the business name, you will not need to register your business name with the state.

HOW?

How do I apply for the business tax receipt?

You may apply, in person at City Hall or you may download the application from our website.

You are responsible to determine compliance with zoning and licensing requirements.

How do I obtain a sales tax number and/or a FEIN?

For a sales tax ID, contact the Florida Department of Revenue at 407-648-2905 or 850-488-6800

For an FEID number, contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-4933 or for forms call 800-829-3676.

How long does it take to get a business tax receipt?

Business tax receipts are usually issued within a within 48 hours, upon presentation of the application and all pertinent documentation. Use our convenient checklist to avoid unnecessary delays.

How do I know whether my business is ‘regulated’ or ‘not-regulated’?

“Regulated” businesses are defined as those requiring county, state, or federal certificate, registration, or license. Regulated businesses will be required to show proof of all required regulatory licenses prior to being issued a business tax receipt.

How much does a business tax receipt cost?

The fees for the business tax receipt are established in accordance with the classifications and rates set forth in Sec. 62-42 titled, Schedule of tax rates.

How can I get more information?

Additional information can be obtained by calling City Hall at 386-248-9442.

No. The City of Holly Hill has an ordinance against burning leaves and brush. Small fires for cooking purposes are allowed under certain circumstances. Our open burning ordinance is available on the Holly Hill Fire Department website.

No. The appropriate way to dispose of household hazardous materials is
through the Volusia County Landfill at 386-736-5918.

NO! It is never acceptable to dispose of any hazardous chemicals down the drain. Explosive chemicals such as gasoline pose a significant threat to sanitary sewers and should never be dumped down the drain. Explosive vapors can build up in sewers and create a hazardous condition, in addition, these vapors pose a threat to the personnel that maintain the system and could prove fatal in certain situations. 

There are medical personnel on duty at the fire station that are glad to help you with a blood pressure check or any other EMS issue that you might have.

NO, some chemicals are difficult to remove from wastewater, hazardous to treatment plant workers, and if they pass untreated through the plant, they can be hazardous to the environment. Don’t flush these: Motor oil and gasoline, Solvents, Pesticides and fertilizers, Medicines (antibiotics, prescription meds), Paint, varnish, paint thinner

Most photographic processing effluents and wash waters contain chemicals that are biodegradable. They are, therefore, compatible with aerobic (with oxygen) biological treatment systems and are effectively treated when sent to an efficient sewage treatment facility. Permission from the local treatment authority may be needed (a written consent or permit is usually needed and limits what can and can't be discharge). Contact your local authorities to see if you need consent and to determine local discharge limits. NEVER pour silver-bearing effluents such as used fixers, bleach-fix or stabilizers down the drain. Rather you should use on-site or off-site silver management.
 

NO, paper and plastic trash can clog your sewer lateral or main and should be disposed of in your garbage can. If it is not bio-degradable, put it in the garbage! These are a few examples of trash that should be put in your garbage can or dumpster: Cleaning wipes, handy wipes, toilet cleaners, scrubbing pads, feminine hygiene products, plastics, diapers, clothing, cloths, and rags.

No. The use of fire hydrants is restricted to emergency use and those contractors that have obtained hydrant permits only. Special water meters are issued to these commercial users. Contact 386-248-9432 to obtain a hydrant permit.

The most common cause of "green hair" is a chemical reaction that occurs when copper leaches into water from copper plumbing within your home, and these copper compounds react with blond hair. "Green hair" may also occur when blond hair has contact with the high chlorine dosages or copper sulfate used in pools and spas for algae control. Hair tints, dyes, and permanents can significantly alter the chemical structure of hair and cause it to react adversely with other chemicals such as chlorine. Using special shampoos designed for swimmers or for color-treated or permed hair may be helpful

Unfortunately, we do not have the proper facilities to have birthday parties. While we are not able to accommodate birthday parties at the fire stations, we welcome groups to schedule a fire station tour. (See station tour information.)

Yes, a permit is required for a shed. You will also need two copies of a survey showing where the shed will be located.

The Fire Department no longer has volunteer members. All of the members are full time employees of The City of Holly Hill.

The fire department offers CPR classes occasionally throughout the year. We do not offer first aid classes. Contact us at 386-248-9473 for more information.

No, the fire department does not service fire extinguishers. There are private fire safety companies that offer those services. They can be found in the phone book.

.If you have a question in regards to your fire or emergency medical safety, smoke detectors, open burning or anything else that we may be able to assist you with, I encourage you to call me at 386-248-9471 or email Chief Bland at jbland [at] hollyhillfl.org.

Old, unused, unwanted medications can be dropped off at the Holly Hill Police Department during normal business hour (Monday thru Friday from 8AM to 5PM). For specific questions please call Captain Aldrich at 248-9494.

You can arrange to receive an incident report by calling the Holly Hill Fire Department Office at 386-248-9473. Reports for medical incidents require the authorization of the individual patient or guardian and proof of relationship.

The Holly Hill Fire Department no longer has smoke alarms for distribution to residents. If you have a question or concern regarding installation of your own smoke alarm, please contact the fire department at 386-248-9473. We will make every effort to assist you.

Any group can schedule a tour of the fire station. Please call 386-248-9473 to schedule a tour. If any individual would like a tour, we encourage you to stop by. Please keep in mind that with all tours, the personnel are on-duty and in the event of an alarm they will need to respond.

Every customer who owns a backflow prevention assembly is required to have the assembly tested annually. A list of testers registered in the City of Holly Hill is available on the BSIonline.com website. Follow the instructions below to access this information.

• Go to BSI-Online website www.bsionline.com
• Click on WATER CUSTOMER – ENTER HERE
• Enter your CCN number (found in the top right of the letter you received)
• Click on FIND A TESTING COMPANY
• Scroll down to review companies

Information Disclaimer

The inclusion of a tester on the list does not imply a recommendation or endorsement of the testing company expressed or implied, by the City or BSI-online.  Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Prices vary between each company, so we recommend getting multiple quotes.

• Go to BSI-Online website www.bsionline.com
• Click on WATER CUSTOMER – ENTER HERE
• Enter your CCN number (found in the top right of the letter you received)
• Click on FIND MY TEST
• Scroll down to review devices

Call Utility Billing at  (386) 248-9432 if you do not have a 96-gallon garbage container or a recycle bin.

There are several basic types of fire extinguishers. Each has a classification that tells what type it is. The Fire Inspector (248-9451) can explain the classification and whether it meets the requirement of the codes of The City of Holly Hill. Please call us or come by before purchasing a fire extinguisher that may or may not be correct for your needs.

Holly Hill Fire Department has 14 full time employees. We have three shifts of four personnel each shift as well as an Administrative Assistant, and a Fire Chief.

To ensure the most effective service at the time of an emergency, our crews must remain in their designated response district with their fire trucks during their entire shift. Our crews work 24-hour shifts with no scheduled breaks, and meals are not provided by the city. Personnel on each shift must purchase their own food and prepare their own meals, so they usually make one daily trip to the grocery store to buy whatever they need to prepare their meals for the entire shift. Fire crews do not have to be sitting in the fire station to be dispatched to a call. Since all personnel maintain constant radio contact with Fire Communications and the entire crew must always be together with their truck, they are always ready to respond to any emergency, regardless of their current location or non-emergency assignment. Occasionally, the fire crews will opt to patronize a local restaurant in Holly Hill when their duties exceed any food preparation time. Once again, they remain on-duty and ready to respond in the event of an alarm.

Periodically, the water department will flush water mains in your neighborhood to help maintain water quality and to “exercise” fire hydrant valves. Rust and grit can build up inside city water lines just like it can in the plumbing in your home. Flushing the lines helps to keep the rust from building up and clogging pipes and hydrants. 

Street light maintenance is the responsibility of Florida Power and Light (FPL).  Please call FPL at (386) 252-1541 to report a problem.

Believe it or not, a dry drain can lead to this condition. Drain pipes are constructed to hold a small amount of water. This retained water creates a seal to keep odors from coming up into your house from the sewer system. This water seal can evaporate over time, thus allowing foul odors to come into your house. To remedy this situation, you should pour a little water down your drain each month.

This service includes 2 weekly collections of garbage per residence. Garbage must be placed in the container provided by the City and should not exceed more than 60 pounds in weight. 

Please have material curbside by 7:00 a.m. to insure collection. Container must be removed by sundown after each scheduled pick-up day.

No Hazardous Waste Will Be Picked Up.

By recycling, you can do your part in protection and preserving many valuable resources while you save money. 

This service includes 1 weekly collection of recyclable material placed in the container provided by the City. Materials which will be picked up are newspapers, aluminum beverage and food cans, glass containers (clear, green, & amber) and plastic containers with a “1”, “2”, or “3” on the bottom which previously held liquid.

No plastic containers that contain or have contained automobile products or toxic chemical bottles may be recycled.

Recycling bins are available through the City (386) 248-9432. Limit 1 bin per household please.

This service includes 1 weekly collection of yard waste material bagged in garden sized plastic bags, boxed, canned or bundled. Materials shall not exceed 5 feet in length or 6 inches in diameter and should not exceed 50 pounds in weight per bundle.

This is unlimited amount – No Charge

Note: No human or animal excrement will be collected or transported by the Public Works Department or its franchisee. Do not put in city container.

1. Tropical Storm Watch: An advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center when tropical storm conditions, with winds of 39 to 73 mph, could threaten a coastal area within 24 to 36 hours.
2. Tropical Storm Warning: An advisory issued when winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected. If a hurricane is expected, tropical storm warnings probably will not be issued before hurricane warnings.
3. Hurricane Watch: An advisory issued when hurricane conditions are a threat within 24 to 36 hours. Chances are 1-in-3 the center part of the watch area will be hit. There's a 1-in-4 chance any location in the watch area will be hit, a 1-in-5 chance for the edges of the watch area.
4. Hurricane Warning: An advisory that says hurricane conditions are expected in a specific area within 24 hours. That means a 1-in-2 chance the central part of the warning area will be hit, a 1-in-3 chance for the edges of the warning zone. All areas in the warning zone are likely to be affected, even if the hurricane grazes by.

City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. A drop box is available at 1065 Ridgewood Ave for tax forms, utility bills, and other items that you may wish to drop off.

Most sewer backups happen because the pipe is plugged with debris. However, backups can be caused by several factors, including the condition of the sanitary sewer system itself, natural phenomena such as earth movement or roots, and the incorrect usage of the system by the public.

Some common backup causes are:

• Solids/Debris – Typical solids that build up in the pipe and cause backups are fats, oil, grease (FOG), dirt, hair, bones, sanitary products, paper towels, kitty litter, diapers, broken dishware, garbage, concrete, and debris. When oil or grease is discharged into a sewer system, it will solidify and, after a while, oil and grease can build up and plug drain lines in your home or building. Oil and grease can also plug the sewer lines and clog pump stations owned by the District, thus increasing the maintenance costs to customers. Plugged sewers can cause flooding of nearby homes and businesses as well as result in sanitary sewer overflows.
• Tree Root Infiltration – Tree roots can cause backups.  Tree roots are attracted to sewer lines because of the sewer waters’ warm temperatures and food nutrients found in the sewers. Roots can infiltrate the pipe system and clog the wastewater flow.

When a stoppage occurs, you should contact the City immediately at 386-248-9463; this number is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Wastewater personnel will come out to the site and assess the stoppage to determine if the obstruction is on the City’s side of the sewer line or the homeowner's sewer service line. The City will clear any blockage that occurs in the City’s sewer main. Customers are responsible for blockages that occur in their sewer service line which is located between the City’s sewer main (cleanout at property line) and the customer’s home.

Sanitary sewage wastewater normally flows by gravity through underground pipes to the wastewater treatment plant where the water is treated physically, chemically, and biologically before being discharged back to the environment.

A sewer lateral is the privately owned and maintained sewer pipe connecting a building/dwelling to the public sewer main. Different types of material have been used for sewer pipe through the years. In general homes built in the early 1900's to the 1960's were constructed with clay pipe, 1960's with cast iron, and late 1970's to now with plastic PVC or ABS.

A wastewater collection system is a network of sewer lines, manholes, pumping stations and other structures used to collect wastewater and transport it to a treatment plant.

Wastewater lift stations are used for pumping wastewater or sewage to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The neighborhood collection systems are is mostly "gravity driven" - water flows downhill, even in the very flat areas of the City. Due to the flat terrain the lift stations  are necessary to overcome the depth that would be required if only gravity were used.

Key elements of lift stations include a wet-well (receiving well), equipped with lift pumps and piping with valves, and an equipment control panel.The wastewater is then collected at area lift stations where it is pumped into a system of force mains that lead to the wastewater treatment plant.

When a public access for water, sewer or access crosses private property, the property owner grants the right to operate and maintain the facility, and this right to use the private property is termed an “easement.”  The property owner continues to own the land and has only given up defined rights on the portion of land used for the easement. Maintenance of the property within the easement is the responsibility of the property owner. The property owner continues to use the surface of the land but may not erect a structure in the easement.

Carbon monoxide, CO, is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. It is a by-product of “incomplete combustion”. When a person inhales high levels of carbon monoxide for a long period of time, it displaces the oxygen in the blood causing the heart, brain, and other vital organs to be deprived of oxygen. Extended exposure to strong concentrations of carbon monoxide is life
threatening. Loss of consciousness and suffocation may result without warning! Make sure your home has a detector!

Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been thoroughly treated to remove harmful organisms and substances, such as bacteria, viruses and heavy metals, so it can be reused.

Water reuse involves taking what was once wastewater, treating and disinfecting it, then using the resulting high-quality reclaimed water for a beneficial use, such as irrigation for golf courses, parks, highway medians, playgrounds and residential properties. The degree of treatment depends on what purpose the water will serve. Irrigation is the most common type of reuse.
Florida utilities began using reclaimed water in the 1970's. Since then, it has become a major component of water resource management by local governments and utilities within the state of Florida and the district.

Storm surge is the abnormally rapid and high rise in the sea into a wall or dome of water that is pushed onto shore by the high winds of a storm. 

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, neither trash or recycling will picked up on Thursday, November 25. Trash and recycling will continue on their next scheduled days, with trash on the east side of the railroad tracks picked up on Monday, November 29 and recycling east of the railroad tracks and south of LPGA Blvd picked up Thursday, December 2.

Volusia County Solid Waste Division’s landfills will be closed on Christmas. Therefore the City will follow the same schedule.

Our community is serviced twice weekly for household waste. Make-up collections will occur on your next scheduled collection day. Yard waste and recycle items will also be collected on your next scheduled collection day.

1. Pre-Application Meeting

If you are interested in rezoning your property, you should first review the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations to determine whether the proposal meets all of the City’s requirements and is consistent with trends of existing development. Prior to submitting an application for rezoning, you are encouraged to meet with staff to discuss your development proposal. Pre-Application request can be obtained on this website.

2. Submitting an Application

Once a proposal has been prepared, a completed rezoning application (available on this website) including the applicable fees is submitted. The applicant may also choose to concurrently submit an application for a future land use (FLU) amendment. Where a rezoning is perceived to generate an impact on the surrounding neighborhood or community, the applicant is further urged to hold an information meeting or open house to inform the affected public of the proposal.

3. Comments Document (COMDOC)

Following distribution and review of a proposed rezoning application, a Comments Document (COMDOC) is sent to the applicant, which outlines staff’s comments. The COMDOC also identifies the preliminary list of technical requirements for the development to proceed, which may include infrastructure improvements, issuance of applicable permits, etc. The scheduled meeting date, time and location for discussion of the proposal by the DRC is also indicated.

4. Development Review Committee (DRC) Meeting

Following delivery of the COMDOC to the applicant, City staff meets as a technical review team to discuss issues and respond to questions by the applicant.

5. Board of Planning & Appeals (BOPA)

The City’s Board of Planning and Appeals consists of volunteer, unpaid members appointed by the City Commission to advise on planning and land development matters. They are a recommending body.

No later than 10 days prior to the BOPA public hearing, a public notice (placard) is physically posted on the subject property detailing the applicant’s request and date of the BOPA meeting. Approximately 10 days in advance of the hearing, a notification letter detailing the rezoning request is sent to all property owners within 300 feet of the property under consideration.

Any affected party may submit comments or testify at the public hearing. The applicant is strongly encouraged to attend the public hearing to present and respond to public concerns regarding the proposal. After receiving staff’s written recommendations and input from both the applicant and the affected public on the rezoning application, the BOPA makes a recommendation to the City Commission.

6. City Commission Public Hearing

The rezoning request will receive two readings before the City Commission. The date of the first City Commission meeting to consider the rezone request, is announced at the BOPA meeting and also placed on the City’s website under the Agendas tab. The date of the second meeting is advertised in the Daytona News Journal and placed on the City’s website under the Agendas tab.

The City Commission considers the rezoning application and may reject, approve, or conditionally approve the development proposal based on recommended changes. Should conditions be imposed in association with the rezoning, they are reflected in a development order.

7. Amendment to the Official Zoning Map

If the rezoning application is approved by the City Commission, an ordinance effecting the change is executed by the Mayor. The official zoning map is revised to reflect the newly approved amendment. All proposed development allowed by the zoning amendment must then proceed through the subdivision / site plan review process.

HOW LONG DOES THE REZONING PROCESS TAKE?

A rezoning application generally takes three (3) months to process, from start to finish. It should be recognized that the more complex a proposal is, the more time it is likely to require. To assist with the timely processing of a rezoning application, the applicant should provide complete application and plan submissions.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on a hurricane's intensity with 1 being the weakest. The scale was designed by two South Floridians, Herbert Saffir, a Coral Gables engineer, and Robert Simpson, former director of the National Hurricane Center. This scale is used to provide an estimate of a storm's potential for flooding and property damage.

Category One Hurricane:

Winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 kph).
Storm surge generally 4-5 ft above normal.

No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

Category Two Hurricane:

Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 kph).
Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal.

Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.

Category Three Hurricane:

Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt or 178-209 kph).
Storm surge generally 9-12 ft above normal.

Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtain-wall failures. Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large tress blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering of floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 ft above mean sea level may be flooded inland 8 miles (13 km) or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences with several blocks of the shoreline may be required.

Category Four Hurricane:

Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt or 210-249 kph).
Storm surge generally 13-18 ft above normal.

More extensive curtain-wall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km).

Category Five Hurricane:

Winds greater than 155 mph (135 kt or 249 kph).
Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal.

Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required.

DO NOT flush disposable diapers and baby wipes as they will clog your sewer line. In addition, never pour grease or gummy substances down garbage disposals, toilets, or floor drains. Flammable liquids, i.e. used motor oil, gasoline, paint thinner, etc., should never be poured into your sewer line as they can cause a fire hazard or create a harmful coating on your sewer pipe. Never flush plastic tampon containers, pencils, pins, hypodermic needles, broken glass or other foreign objects that can lodge in your sewer service line and cause a sewer back-up.

The Holly Hill Fire Department does not have a child safety seat installation and inspection program.

Portable fire extinguishers can be purchased at a wide variety of retail stores. Home improvement centers, hardware stores, and fire safety equipment stores carry an adequate selection to choose from.

It comes from:

• Homes – human and household wastes from toilets, sinks, baths, and drains.
• Industry, Schools, and Businesses – chemicals and other wastes from factories, food-service operations, airports, shopping centers, etc.

On average, each person in the U.S. contributes 50-100 gallons of wastewater daily.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, in every sleeping room, and outside of every sleeping room at a minimum.

Firefighters are very concerned about running over fire hoses because the hose can be damaged and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted and possibly cause  injuries or death. Any hose that is driven over without protection has to be taken out of service and tested. Also the fire department is tax supported, so if a fire hose is run over and damaged where it has to be replaced it costs the taxpayer money!

Precautionary Boil Water Notices may be issued because of water system loss of power, loss of water pressure, a water main (pipe) break or other unforeseen emergency. Water pressure keeps pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your house or business. When the pressure is lost, it is possible that contaminants could seep into the pipes.
The notice does not mean that the water is contaminated  — it means it is possible for contaminants to enter the pipes and affect drinking water. Until required bacteriological testing is completed, we recommend — as a precaution — boiling tap water before consuming it to kill any potential contaminants, or using bottled water.
 

It is generally because there is excavation work being planned in the area and the person, company or utility planning the work has requested “locates”. The flags mark the location of buried utility lines.

The Holly Hill Fire Department has automatic/mutual aid agreements with all of the fire departments in Volusia County. Volusia County Emergency Medical Ordinance also requires the closest fire engines, trucks and ambulances to respond in the event of a medical emergency. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that for every structure fire that there be a minimum of 15 firefighters on scene within 8 minutes. Holly Hill is a small department with one fire engine. To put 15 firefighters on a scene we have to have other agencies assist. We also go to assist other agencies when requested.

We block traffic lanes for the safety of our personnel and our patients. Blocking extra lanes keep our personnel safe when they go back to our apparatus to get more equipment and help protect the victim we are trying to stabilize. Over 25 firefighters are killed or injured each year while working at incidents on streets and highways.

Safety is the number one issue in a fire. Fires are also time sensitive, meaning that if there is a victim, we have a short time period to get them out. Also there are a number of specialized roles that firefighters undertake on a fire call, and it is necessary to have enough firefighters on the scene of an incident. Firefighting is a very labor intensive activity. If you get behind because there are not enough firefighters on the call, it is more difficult to rescue a victim and extinguish a fire quickly. Also, adverse weather conditions can certainly play a role as well.

The purpose of emergency warning equipment is to let drivers and pedestrians know that an emergency vehicle is on the way to an emergency. By state law, we do have certain privileges extended to us. Some of those privileges being; to proceed through controlled intersections without stopping or to travel against the designated flow of traffic. All of these privileges have rules that the state legislation and our department policies put on the drivers of these emergency vehicles. The main rule of safety is that all traffic is aware of us responding even in the middle of the night.

Two reasons: First, some inspections are conducted by on-duty personnel that must be ready to respond to an emergency call from the field. Second, prior emergency
planning is an important part of the fire departments incident preparedness. This may look like a fire inspection but it is not. Both are designed to familiarize your local firefighters with the buildings and business in Holly Hill. While they check for hazards and consult with business owners on how best to eliminate or minimize the likelihood of a fire, they also familiarize themselves with access points and the layout of the facility.

Volusia County currently utilizes a two tier system of providing Emergency Medical Services and transport to the area hospitals. The fire departments respond within their jurisdictions or as a closest unit. The Volusia County transport service, EVAC transports patients to the hospital. The Fire Department has equally trained EMS providers as EVAC.

A. No, the fire department is not permitted to fill swimming pools. However PRIOR to filling your pool with city water you can do the following:
1) Contact Holly Hill Utility Billing at 248-9432 or go to Holly Hill City Hall. Tell them you want to fill your swimming pool.
2) They will give you a form to record your water meter readings immediately before and after filling the pool.
3) Immediately after filling the pool, return the form to the Utility Billing Department.
This will allow you to be billed for the water but NOT the sewer and other charges associated with your water bill.

Yes.  The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.

Large appliances are also known as white goods since the most prominent color they are painted is white.

• Large appliances are picked up and separated for recycling.
• Residents should notify the City for collection when this service is needed.

Remember to remove the doors of appliances. It’s safer and it’s the law. Consider contacting a charitable or non-profit organization if the item could be fixed or reused. There is an additional charge for this service.

For collection call Utility Billingy at (386) 248-9432.

This waste consists of building materials such as:

• roof shingles
• sheet rock
• wood
• concrete
• etc.

You may order roll-off containers through Utility Billing at (386) 248-9432.

These items may be placed curbside by 7 A.M. for collection.

There is an additional charge per cubic yard on these items after the 1^st cubic yard.

You may call Utility Billing at (386) 248-9432 to get on the list.

Water based paint cans can be disposed of in your black green garbage can as long as there is no liquid in it.

Oil based and liquid water based paint cans you must take to landfill to the paint exchange booth.

Tires off of the rims should be set out at the curb for collection on your household garbage day.

The City will collect tires set out with a special truck so they are not commingled with the household garbage. LIMIT 4 PASSENGER TIRES PER YEAR.

Vigorous boiling for at least one full minute is the safest and most effective method of disinfection. Fill a pot with cold water and start timing when steady streams of bubbles pop from the bottom of the pot. Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used for washing or brushing teeth. Store the boiled water in clean, covered containers. Using bottled water is also an option.
 

Our reclaimed water is clear, odorless and safe, but usable for only nondrinking or nonpotable water purposes. While it must meet drinking water standards for pathogens, it can contain impurities such as nitrogen and phosphorus that keep it from meeting other drinking water standards. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s rules govern the reuse of reclaimed water to protect public health and environmental quality.

Water Main Materials

PVC Pipe
C-900 Pressure Class 150 minimum

Ductile Iron Pipe
Pressure Class 150 minimum, cement lined

• American
• McWane
• U.S. Pipe & Foundry

Pipe Fittings

• U.S. Pipe and Foundry
• American Cast Iron Pipe
• Tyler Pipe

Cast Couplings

• Dresser Manufacturing
• Clos Corporation
• Baker Coupling Co., Inc.

Air Release Valves

• Val‐Matic  Series 38
• Apco - 200

Gate Valves and Tapping Valves
Resilient Seated (AWWA C509 and C515) 24” or Smaller (Valve wedge to be completely enclosed with EPDM rubber) 

• American AVK Co. - Series 3, 18, 25, 45, 55, & 66
• Clow - Model 2638 and 2639
• Mueller - A‐2360, A‐2361, T‐2360 & T‐2361
• American Flow Control - Series 2500

Joints Restrained – DIP and PVC

• EBBA Iron Inc. - Series 1100/1500/1600 2000/2500/2800
• Star Pipe - Stargrip Series 1000/1100/1200 3000/ 4000
• Sigma - One‐Lock SLD; One‐Lock SLC; PV‐Lok for PVC
• Smith‐Blair - Cam‐Lock (111 & 120) ; Bell‐Lock (115 & 165)

Fire Hydrant (5 ¼” Barrel)

• Mueller - A423 Super Centurion 250
• American Flow Control- 5 ¼” B‐84‐B5
• American AVK Co. - Series #2780

Water Service Materials 

HDPE Tubing – Blue with UV Protection (SDR‐9) 1” & 2” only

• Endot Endopure - Endotrace w/#10 Copperhead Tracer Wire

Corporation Stop 1”

• Ford - F‐1100‐4

Curb Stop – Straight Ball Meter Valve w/Barrel Locks

• Ford - B‐94‐324W (Single Service)
• Ford - B‐91‐223W (Double Service)

“U” Branch (1” x ¾”)

• Ford - U‐48‐43‐6.5

Service Saddles

• Ford  -  FC-202

Potable Backflow Preventers (for City owned accounts)

• Wilkins - 975XL
• FEBCO - 825Y
• Watts - 009 M2

Potable Water Standard Construction Details

CRAs, as they are known, are quite common, but often there are many questions in the minds of those who don’t work with them every day. How are they authorized? Who oversees them? What is involved in their operation? How are they funded? The following information is intended to simply answer those questions. It also summarizes the legislation passed in session 2002 relating to CRAs.

The activities and programs offered within a Community Redevelopment Area are administered by the Community Redevelopment Agency.  A five to seven member CRA “Board” created by the local government (city or county) directs the agency. The Board can be comprised of local government officials and or other individuals appointed by the local government. Although one local government may establish multiple CRA districts, there generally may be only one CRA Board. Each district must maintain separate trust funds, and expend those funds only in that district.

These small devices are a specialized application of the atmospheric vacuum breaker. They are generally attached to sill water cocks and in turn are connected to hose supplied outlets such as garden hoses, slop sink hoses, spray outlets, etc. They consist of a spring loaded check valve that seals against an atmospheric outlet when water supply pressure is turned on. These protect your family from accidental backflow from such contaminants as fertilizer and insecticide use on your lawn, water in a bucket, etc.

Backflow-prevention devices approved to the City and FDEP shall be installed on all connections to the city's potable water system other than single-family residential connections that are not connected to the city's reuse water system. Unless otherwise required by law, the installation shall be made by the owner-occupier of any subject residence, by the owner of any subject commercial building, by a licensed irrigation contractor or by the city, depending on the line size, at a location to be determined by the utilities division, and such installation certified by a certified backflow-prevention technician licensed to operate within the city. 

Effective February 1, 2019, the City of Holly Hill began contracting with Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI) to administer our Cross-Connection Control/Backflow Tracking Program. The city will be utilizing BSI Online for all test report submittals.

All annual backflow assembly test reports must be submitted electronically by the testing company via the BSI Online system at http://www.bsionlinetracking.com. There is a filing fee of $12.95 per test report submitted.

Each resident/business who owns a backflow assembly will receive a notification letter from BSI with a Customer Confirmation Number (CCN). This number must be given to the tester in order for the reports to be properly filed with BSI.

For any questions regarding this program, please contact BSI via e-mail (bsionline [at] backflow.com) or phone (800) 414-4990

Backflow into a public water system can pollute or contaminate the water in that system making the water in that system unusable or unsafe to drink. As the water supplier the City has a responsibility to provide water that is usable and safe to drink under all foreseeable circumstances. Furthermore, consumers generally have absolute faith that water delivered to them through a public water system is always safe to drink. For these reasons, the City must take reasonable precautions to protect its public water system against backflow.

Boiling water purifies it because disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites will be destroyed by the heat.
 

Yes.

Back door service to the handicapped will be provided if there are no able bodied persons in the household.

Requests should be made to the Utility Billing at (386) 248-9432.

No.  By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase.  In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.

In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations.  The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.

Under Florida law (Chapter 163, Part III), local governments are able to designate areas as Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) when certain conditions exist. Since all the monies used in financing CRA activities are locally generated, CRAs are not overseen by the state, but redevelopment plans must be consistent with local government comprehensive plans. Examples of conditions that can support the creation of a Community Redevelopment Area include, but are not limited to: the presence of substandard or inadequate structures, a shortage of affordable housing, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient roadways, and inadequate parking. To document that the required conditions exist, the local government must survey the proposed redevelopment area and prepare a Finding of Necessity. If the Finding of Necessity determines that the required conditions exist, the local government may create a Community Redevelopment Area to provide the tools needed to foster and support redevelopment of the targeted area.

There are currently more than 250 Community Redevelopment Areas in the State of Florida. The designation is used by Florida cities of all sizes, from Jacksonville and Tampa to Madison and Apalachicola. Many familiar locations, such as Church Street in Orlando, Ybor City in Tampa and the beachfront in Ft. Lauderdale are successful examples of Community Redevelopment Areas.

Fire protection systems ARE considered non-potable systems due to the poor quality of water often found in them, and due to chemicals added to minimize corrosion of the sprinkler lines. 

Fire protection systems that are connected to the potable water system, either directly or indirectly on the property side of a potable water service, must be isolated with an approved backflow prevention assembly. The level of backflow protection shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard.

The City requires a detector meter on the backflow device to detect any unauthorized use or leakage within the system. Most fire protection systems will have a fire department connection on the fire line. In these cases, the FDC connection must be installed downstream of the backflow prevention assembly.

Redirecting the disposal of wastewater and recognizing it as a commodity will protect and further extend Florida’s water supply. Using reclaimed water saves fresh drinkable water for use in homes and businesses; provides a safe, environmentally responsible alternative to wastewater disposal; delays the need to develop alternative drinking water supplies and can reduce the need for fertilizer.

Yes.   You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-).   In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.

Submersible Pumps

• Sulzer ABS
• Flygt

Wetwell Access Frames & Covers

• Halliday Products, Inc.
• Bilco Co.
• U.S. Foundry TPD

Control Panel

• Sta-Con, Inc.
• Quality Control, Inc.

Emergency Generator System

• Tradewinds

The Community Redevelopment Agency is responsible for developing and implementing the Community Redevelopment Plan that addresses the unique needs of the targeted area. The plan includes the overall goals for redevelopment in the area, as well as identifying the types of projects planned for the area.

Examples of traditional projects include: streetscapes and roadway improvements, building renovations, new building construction, flood control initiatives, water and sewer improvements, parking lots and garages, neighborhood parks, sidewalks and street tree plantings. The plan can also include redevelopment incentives such as grants and loans for such things as facade improvements, landscape upgrades, signs, and structural improvements. The redevelopment plan is a living document that can be updated to meet the changing needs within the Community Redevelopment Area; however, the boundaries of the area cannot be changed without starting the process from the beginning.

.After the water system is repaired, and the pressure is restored in the pipes to your home or business, the Precautionary Boil Water Notice will remain in effect while bacteriological tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after the required testing proves the water is safe to drink.
 

Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP)

• US Precast
• Rinker

High Density Polyethelyne Pipe (HDPE) 

• Advance Drainage System (ADS) - NT-12 (Class II)

Polypropylene Pipe (PP)

• Advance Drainage System (ADS) - High Performance (HP)

Reclaim Main Materials

PVC Pipe
C-900 Purple (522C) Pressure Class 150 minimum

Ductile Iron Pipe
Pressure Class 150 minimum, cement lined

• American
• McWane
• U.S. Pipe & Foundry

Pipe Fittings

• U.S. Pipe and Foundry
• American Cast Iron Pipe
• Tyler Pipe

Cast Couplings

• Dresser Manufacturing
• Clos Corporation
• Baker Coupling Co., Inc.

Air Release Valves

• Val‐Matic  Series 38
• Apco - 200

Gate Valves and Tapping Valves
Resilient Seated (AWWA C509 and C515) 24” or Smaller (Valve wedge to be completely enclosed with EPDM rubber) 

• American AVK Co. - Series 3, 18, 25, 45, 55, & 66
• Clow - Model 2638 and 2639
• Mueller - A‐2360, A‐2361, T‐2360 & T‐2361
• American Flow Control - Series 2500

Joints Restrained – DIP and PVC

• EBBA Iron Inc. - Series 1100/1500/1600 2000/2500/2800
• Star Pipe - Stargrip Series 1000/1100/1200 3000/ 4000
• Sigma - One‐Lock SLD; One‐Lock SLC; PV‐Lok for PVC
• Smith‐Blair - Cam‐Lock (111 & 120) ; Bell‐Lock (115 & 165)

Reclaim Service Materials 

HDPE Tubing – Purple (522C) with UV Protection (SDR‐9) 1” & 2” only

• Endot Endopure - Endotrace w/#10 Copperhead Tracer Wire

Corporation Stop 

• Ford - F‐1100‐4 (1-inch)
• Ford - F‐1100‐6 (1½ -inch)

Curb Stop – Straight Ball Meter Valve w/Barrel Locks

• Ford - B‐94‐324W (Single Service)
• Ford - B‐91‐223W (Double Service)
• Ford - BF-43‐777W (For 2” meter)

“U” Branch (1” x ¾”)

• Ford - U‐48‐63‐7.5

Service Saddles

• Ford  -  FC-202

Potable Backflow Preventers (for City owned accounts)

• Wilkins - 975XL
• FEBCO - 825Y
• Watts - 009 M2

Tax increment financing is a unique tool available to cities and counties for redevelopment activities. It is used to leverage public funds to promote private sector activity in the targeted area. The dollar value of all real property in the Community Redevelopment Area is determined as of a fixed date, also known as the “frozen value.” Taxing authorities, which contribute to the tax increment, continue to receive property tax revenues based on the frozen value. These frozen value revenues are available for general government purposes. However, any tax revenues from increases in real property value, referred to as “increment,” are deposited into the Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund and dedicated to the redevelopment area.

It is important to note that property tax revenue collected by the School Board and any special district are not affected under the tax increment financing process. The tax increment revenues can be used immediately, saved for a particular project, or can be bonded to maximize the funds available. Any funds received from a tax increment financing area must be used for specific redevelopment purposes within the targeted area only, and not for general government purposes.

A public meeting begins the designation process. Several steps will have to be accomplished before the Community Redevelopment Area becomes are reality. These steps are briefly outlined below.

I. Adopt the Finding of Necessity. This will formally identify the blight conditions within the targeted area and establish the area boundary.

II. Develop and adopt the Community Redevelopment Plan. The plan addresses the unique needs of the targeted area and includes the overall goals for redevelopment in the area, as well as identifying specific projects.

III. Create a Redevelopment Trust Fund. Establishment of the Trust Fund enables the Community Redevelopment Agency to direct the increase in real property tax revenues back into the targeted area.

The Florida Legislature addressed CRAs in 2002 from an intergovernmental point of view, to strengthen the ability of cities and counties to manage CRA creation, notices and term issues. Disputes between cities and counties involving CRAs can be resolved locally by interlocal agreements, and should be, since they usually involve growth management issues other than just funding.

Hurricanes can contaminate the public water supply, especially if a tidal surge or flooding comes with it. Drinking contaminated water may cause illness. People cannot assume that the water in the hurricane-affected area is safe to drink.

If we are hit by a hurricane or tropical storm our water treatment plant may not be operating. Even if it is, storm damage and flooding can taint water lines. Listen for public announcements about the safety of the public water supply. I

Water for Drinking and Cooking

Safe drinking water includes bottled, boiled or treated water.  Here are some general rules concerning water for drinking and cooking. Remember:

• Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food or make ice.
• If you use bottled water, know where it came from. Otherwise, water should be boiled or treated before use. Drink only bottled, boiled or treated water until your supply is tested and safe.
• Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for 1 minute will kill infectious germs.
• Water may be treated with chlorine by mixing eight drops (1/8 teaspoon; about the size of a dime) of unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach (4-6 percent active ingredients) per gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly, and let stand for approximately 30 minutes. Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking.  This will prevent contamination.  However, this treatment will not kill parasites that may have entered a flooded well.  Iodine or other disinfection tablets available at sporting goods, drug or discount stores may also be used.
• Containers for water should be rinsed with a bleach solution before reusing them (one tablespoon bleach per gallon of water). Use water storage tanks and other types of containers with caution. For example, fire truck storage tanks as well as previously used cans or bottles may be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals. Do not rely on untested water treatment devices for decontaminating water.

For more information, please contact your county health department or visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.floridadisaster.org.