(a)      The construction or acquisition of water mains or sewers is a benefit to all property that abuts on water mains or sewers.

      (b)      (1)      To assess benefits for the construction of water supply and sewerage systems, the WSSC shall divide all property that abuts on a street, road, lane, alley, right-of-way or easement, in which a water main or sanitary sewer is to be laid, into the following classes:

                  (i)      Agricultural;

                  (ii)      Small acreage;

                  (iii)      Industrial or business;

                  (iv)      Subdivision residential;

                  (v)      Multi-unit residential;

                  (vi)      Multi-unit business; and

                  (vii)      Institutional.

            (2)      The classification of any property by the WSSC is final, subject only to revision at a hearing.

            (3)      The WSSC may change the classification of the property if the use of property changes.

      (c)      When construction begins or within 12 months after the completion of a water supply or sewerage project, the WSSC shall:

            (1)      Fix and levy a benefit charge on all property that abuts on the water main or sewer, in accordance with the classification; and

            (2)      Notify in writing all owners of property:

                  (i)      Of the class in which their respective properties fall;

                  (ii)      Of the charge levied on the property; and

                  (iii)      Of the time and place of a hearing.

      (d)      The notice may be:

            (1)      Mailed to the last known address of the owner;

            (2)      Given in person to any adult occupying the premises; or

            (3)      If the property is vacant or unimproved, posted on the premises.

      (e)      The benefit charge shall be levied for both water supply and sewerage construction and shall be based for each class of property on:

            (1)      The approximate cost of the construction as an integral part of the whole system; and

            (2)      (i)      The number of front feet abutting on the street, lane, road, alley, right-of-way, or easement in which the water main or sewer is placed; or

                  (ii)      For multi-unit classes, the number of units in or on the property that abuts the water main or sewer line.

      (f)      The benefit charge:

            (1)      Unless otherwise provided, shall be uniform for each class of property in the sanitary district for any 1 year;

            (2)      Shall be levied once a year to begin on January 1 or July 1, after the date of the levy;

            (3)      Shall be determined by the WSSC as costs and conditions require; and

            (4)      Once levied for a class in a year, may not be increased.