Ord 682
ORDIt>.ANCE No 682
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF POWAY, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING ORDINANCE
NO 408 AND ENACTING CHAPTER 8 94 OF THE POWAY MUNICIPAL CODE
ENTITLED, "WATER CONSERVATION PLAN"
WHEREAS, on March 16, 1993, the City Council of Poway adopted a water
conservation program by Ordinance No 408; and
WHEREAS, article 10, section 2 of the California Constitution declares that
waters of the State are to be put to beneficial use, that waste, unreasonable use, or
unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and that water be conserved for the
public welfare, and
WHEREAS, conservation of current water supplies and minimization of the
effects of water supply shortages that are the result of drought are essential to public
health, safety and welfare, and
WHEREAS, regulation of the time of certain water use, manner of certain water
use, design of rates, method of application of water for certain uses, and installation and
use of water-saving devices, provide an effective and immediately available means of
conserving water; and
WHEREAS, California Water Code sections 375 et seq. authorize water
suppliers to adopt and enforce a comprehensive water conservation program, and
WHEREAS, adoption and enforcement of a comprehensive water conservation
program will allow the City of Poway to delay or avoid implementing measures such as
water rationing or more restrictive water use regulations pursuant to a declared water
shortage emergency as authorized by California Water Code sections 350 et seq., and
WHEREAS, San Diego County is a semi-arid region and local water resources
are scarce. The region is dependent upon imported water supplies provided by the San
Diego County Water Authority, which obtains a substantial portion of its supplies from
the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Because the region is dependent
upon imported water supplies, weather and other conditions in other portions of this
State and of the Southwestern United States affect the availability of water for use in
San Diego County; and
WHEREAS, the San Diego County Water Authority has adopted an Urban Water
Management Plan that includes water conservation as a necessary and effective
component of the Water Authority's programs to provide a reliable supply of water to
meet the needs of the Water Authority's 24 member public agencies, including the City
of Poway The Water .!\'uthority's Urban Water Management Plan also includes a
contingency analysis of actions to be taken in response to water supply shortages This
Ordinance is consistent with the Water Authority's Urban Water Management Plan, and
Ordinance No 682
Page 2
WHEREAS, as anticipated by its Urban Water Management Plan, the San Diego
County Water Authority, in cooperation and consultation with its member public
agencies, has adopted a Drought Management Plan, which establishes a progressive
program for responding to water supply limitations resulting from drought conditions.
This Ordinance is intended to be consistent with and to implement the Water Authority's
Drought Management Plan, and
WHEREAS, the Water Authority's Drought Management Plan contains three
stages containing regional actions to be taken to lessen or avoid supply shortages This
Ordinance contains drought response levels that correspond with the Drought
Management Plan stages, and
WHEREAS, the City of Poway, due to the geographic and climatic conditions
within its territory and its dependence upon water imported and provided by the San
Diego County Water Authority, may experience shortages due to drought conditions,
regulatory restrictions enacted upon imported supplies and other factors. The City of
Poway has adopted an Urban Water Management Plan that includes water
conservation as a necessary and effective component of its programs to provide a
reliable supply of water to meet the needs of the public within its service territory The
City of Poway's Urban Water Management Plan also includes a contingency analysis of
actions to be taken in response to water supply shortages This Ordinance is consistent
with the Urban Water Management Plan adopted by the City of Poway; and
WHEREAS, the water conservation measures and progressive restrictions on
water use and method of use identified by this Ordinance provide certainty to water
users and enable the City of Poway to control water use, provide water supplies, and
plan and implement water management measures in a fair and orderly manner for the
benefit of the public.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POWAY DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS, that pursuant to Section 375 et seq of the California Water
Code, that Ordinance 408 is repealed and Chapter 8 94 of the Poway Municipal Code is
repealed and replaced by a new Chapter 8 94 as follows
Ordinance No. 682
Page 3
Section 1 Chapter 8 94 of the Poway Municipal Code is adopted as follows, and
repeals and replaces existing Chapter 8 94
Chapter 8 94
WATER CONSERVATION PLAN
894010 Declaration of Necessity and Intent.
A. This Ordinance establishes water management requirements necessary to conserve
water, enable effective water supply planning, assure reasonable and beneficial use
of water, prevent waste of water, prevent unreasonable use of water, prevent
unreasonable methods of use of water within the City of Poway in order to assure
adequate supplies of water to meet the needs of the public, and further the public
health, safety, and welfare, recognizing that water is a scarce natural resource that
requires careful management not only in times of drought, but at all times
B This Ordinance establishes water use efficiency measures applicable to all persons
or businesses using City of Poway water at all times to increase water efficiency
C This Ordinance establishes regulations to be implemented during times of declared
water shortages, or declared water shortage emergencies. It establishes four levels
of water conservation actions to be implemented in times of shortage, with increasing
restrictions on water use in response to worsening water supply conditions and
decreasing available supplies.
D Level 1 water conservation measures are voluntary and will be reinforced through
local and regional public education and awareness measures. During water
conservation Levels 2 through 4, conservation measures and water-use restrictions
are mandatory and become increasingly restrictive in order to attain escalating
conservation goals Violations may be subject to criminal, civil, and administrative
penalties and remedies specified in this Ordinance and as provided in the Poway
Municipal Code
8 94 020 Definitions
As used in this Chapter:
1 "Active park and school ground areas" means those areas designated by public
agencies and private schools for specific sporting and recreational activities and
areas traditionally used for active play or recreation, where turf is an integral part of
the activity All other turf areas shall be considered ornamental.
2. "Agency" means the City of Poway
3 "City Manager" means City of Poway City Manager or the City Manager's designee
Ordinance No 682
Page 4
4 "Devices" shall mean any method utilized to conserve potable or reclaimed water
supplies or to offset existing potable or reclaimed water supplies.
5 "DMP" means the Water Authority's Drought Management Plan in existence on the
effective date of this Ordinance and as readopted or amended from time to time, or
an equivalent plan of the Water Authority to manage or allocate supplies during
shortages.
6 "Fire Protection" means actions for prevention or suppression of fires as directed by
the Fire Marshal or fire prevention officer with jurisdiction over the local area involved
7 "Golf courses" means the ground or course over which golf is played for commercial
recreational use A standard full-scale golf course encompasses 125 to 175 acres,
usually with 18 holes varying from 100 to 650 yards in length from tee to cup Shall
also be defined to include areas owned by the same entity associated with the golf
course for practice, ornamentation, recreation, and/or hospitality, including structures
8 "Greywater" means household water other than toilet water, including, but not limited
to water from the laundry, shower, tub, bathroom, and kitchen sinks. The exception
mentioned for greywater depends solely upon approval of such use by the San Diego
County Department of Health Services
9 "Grower" refers to persons engaged in the growing or raising, in conformity with
recognized practices of husbandry, for the purpose of commerce, trade, or industry,
or for use by public educational or correctional institutions, of agricultural, horticultural
or floricultural products, and produced (1) for human consumption or for the market,
or (2) for the feeding of fowl or livestock produced for human consumption or for the
market, or (3) for the feeding of fowl or livestock for the purpose of obtaining their
products for human consumption or for the market. "Grower" does not refer to
customers who purchase water subject to the Metropolitan Interim Agricultural Water
Program or the Water Authority Special Agricultural Rate programs.
10 "Metropolitan" means the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
11 "Micro irrigation systems/equipment" means low pressure, low volume methods of
water application. These devices include drip emitters, T-tape, microsprayers, a-jets,
mini-sprinklers, twirlers, and spaghetti tubing Pop-up sprinklers are not considered
low-volume, low-pressure irrigation systems/equipment.
12. "Person" means any natural person, corporation, public or private entity, public or
private association, public or private agency, government agency or institution, school
district, college, university, or any other user of water provided by the City of Poway
13 "Potable Water" means water delivered by the City, which meets drinking water
standards, or raw water delivered by the San Diego County Water Authority
14 "Reclaimed Water" means water which, as a result of treatment of wastewater, is
suitable for a direct beneficial use or controlled use that would not otherwise occur
15 "Recreational and Ornamental Lakes and Ponds" means bodies of water, which are
not swimming pools or water storage reservoirs for potable water or irrigation
purposes.
16 "Water Authority" means the San Diego County Water Authority
17 "Water Used for Agriculture" means water used to irrigate an agricultural crop or
trees
Ordinance No 682
Page 5
8 94 030 Application.
A. The provisions of this Ordinance apply to any person using any water, other than
reclaimed water, provided by the City of Poway
B This Ordinance is intended solely to further the conservation of water It is not
intended to implement any provision of federal, state, or local statutes, ordinances,
or regulations relating to protection of water quality or control of drainage or runoff
C Nothing in this Ordinance is intended to affect or limit the ability of the City of Poway
to declare and respond to an emergency, including an emergency that affects the
ability of the City of Poway to supply water
D In the event of a local water supply emergency, for reasons that mayor may not be
related to the San Diego County Water Authority and/or its Drought Management
Plan, the City Manager, acting as Director of Emergency Services, may immediately
declare the appropriate water shortage response level pursuant to his or her powers
under PMC 2.12.060, to be confirmed by the City Council at the earliest practical
time
E. The provisions of this Ordinance do not apply to use of water from private wells or to
reclaimed water
F Nothing in this Ordinance shall apply to use of water that is subject to a special
supply program, such as the Metropolitan Interim Agricultural Water Program or the
Water Authority Special Agricultural Rate programs. Violations of the conditions of
special supply programs are subject to the penalties established under the
applicable program. A person using water subject to a special supply program and
other water provided by the City of Poway is subject to this Ordinance in the use of
the water that is not subject to the special supply program.
8 94 040 Water Use Efficiency Measures
A. No water customer of the City of Poway shall knowingly make, cause, use or permit
the use of water from the City for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural,
governmental or any other purpose in a manner contrary to any provision of this
Chapter, or in an amount in excess of that use permitted by the conservation stages
hereinafter designated, which are in effect pursuant to action taken by the City
Manager in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter
B Good water management practices dictate that water be used wisely and not wasted
at any time The following water use efficiency measures apply on a voluntary basis
at all times, apply on a mandatory basis during a Water Shortage Level 1 based upon
separate action of the City Council, and apply on a mandatory basis automatically
during a Water Shortage Level 2, 3, or 4
Ordinance No 682
Page 6
1 Do not wash down paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks,
driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or patios, except when necessary to
alleviate safety or sanitation hazards
2. Do not allow water waste from inefficient landscape irrigation, such as runoff, low
head drainage, or overspray and do not allow water flows onto non-targeted
areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or
structures.
3. Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before 10'00 a.m. and after 6'00
p.m. only
4 Use only a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle or bucket to
water landscaped areas, including trees and shrubs located on residential and
commercial properties that are not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system.
5 Irrigate nursery and commercial grower's products before 10'00 a.m. and after
6 00 p.m. only Watering is permitted at any time using a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle, a bucket, or when a drip/micro-irrigation
system/equipment is used. Irrigation of nursery propagation beds is permitted at
any time Water for livestock is permitted at any time
6 Use only recirculated water to operate ornamental fountains
7 Wash vehicles only using a bucket and a hand-held hose with positive shut-off
nozzle, mobile high pressure/low volume wash system, or at a commercial site
that re-circulates (reclaims) water on-site Do not wash vehicles during hot
conditions when additional water is required due to evaporation.
8 Offer guests in hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments the
option of not laundering towels and linens daily
9 Do not use single"pass cooling equipment in new commercial applications,
including, but not limited to air conditioners, air compressors, vacuum pumps,
and ice machines
10 Use a water recirculation system for commercial conveyor car washes and all
new commercial laundry systems
11 Run only fully loaded dishwashers and washing machines.
12. Repair all water leaks within five (5) days of notification by the City of Poway,
unless other arrangements are made with the City Manager
13 Use recycled or non-potable water for construction purposes to the fullest extent
possible when available
Ordinance No 682
Page 7
8 94 050 Conservation Levels
A. Level 1 - Water Shortage Watch
1 Activation
A Water Shortage Response Level 1 condition is also referred to as a "Water
Shortage Watch" condition A Level 1 condition applies when the Water
Authority notifies its member agencies that due to drought or other supply
reductions, there is a reasonable probability there will be supply shortages and
that a consumer demand reduction of up to 10 percent is required in order to
ensure that sufficient supplies will be available to meet anticipated demands
2. Procedure
A Water Shortage Response Level 1 condition may be declared by the City
Manager upon a written determination of the existence of facts and
circumstances supporting the determination. A copy of the written
determination shall be filed with the City Clerk and provided to the City Council.
The City Manager shall publish a notice of the determination of the existence of
the Water Shortage Response Level 1 condition in one or more newspapers,
including a newspaper of general circulation used for publication of official
notices The City of Poway may also post notice of condition on their website.
During a Level 1 Water Shortage Watch condition, the City of Poway will
increase its public education and outreach efforts to
a. Ask customers to voluntarily reduce water use by 10 percent.
b Inform customers of the water use efficiency measures listed in Section
8 94 040
c. Encourage customers to utilize the water conservation incentives and
programs offered by the City of Poway and its suppliers.
During a Level 1 Water Shortage Watch condition, the water use efficiency
measures identified in Section 8 94 040 may become mandatory upon separate
action of the City Council and are subject to the enforcement provisions
identified in PMC Chapters 1 08 and 1 10, and PMC 8 94 150
The City Council may declare an end to a Water Shortage Response Level by
adoption of a resolution at any regular or special meeting held in accordance
with State law
Ordinance No 682
Page 8
3 Water Use Restrictions
During a Level 1 Water Shortage Watch condition, in addition to the measures
listed in PMC 8 94 040, the following measures are applicable on a voluntary
basis to increase water use efficiency, unless made mandatory by action of the
City Council:
a. Reset irrigation clocks as necessary to water once per week in winter,
and not more than three times per week in summer
b Add water to maintain the level of water in swimming pools and spas
only when necessary (to ensure proper operation of the pool filter) A
cover shall be installed on all single-family residential pools and spas.
c. Serve and refill water in restaurants and other food service
establishments only upon request.
B Level 2 - Water Shortage Alert
1 Activation
A Water Shortage Level 2 condition is also referred to as a "Water Shortage
Alert" condition. A Level 2 condition applies when the Water Authority notifies
its member agencies that due to cutbacks caused by drought or other reduction
in supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to 20 percent is required in
order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands.
2. Procedure
The City Manager may declare a Water Shortage Response Level 2 and
implement the mandatory Level 2 conservation measures identified in this
Ordinance, with ratification by the City Council by resolution at their next
regularly scheduled City Council meeting held in accordance with State law
The mandatory conservation measures applicable to a Water Shortage
Response Level 2 condition shall take effect on the tenth (10th) day after the
date the response level is declared. Within five (5) days following the
declaration of the response level, the City shall publish a copy of the resolution
in a newspaper of general circulation used for publication of official notices.
The City of Poway may also post notice of condition on their website
The City Council may declare an end to a Water Shortage Response Level by
adoption of a resolution at any regular or special meeting held in accordance
with State law
Ordinance No 682
Page 9
3 Water Use Restrictions
During a Level 2 Water Shortage Alert, the water use efficiency measures
identified in Section 8 94 040 and at Level 1 Water Shortage Watch are
mandatory for all persons using City of Poway water in addition to the following
mandatory conservation measures.
a. Landscape watering shall be conducted only in conformance with
landscape watering schedules and restrictions for commercial and
residential properties approved by the City Manager The watering
schedule and restrictions may address factors such as how many days
during the week, which days of the week, the amount of time per watering
station, and other pertinent details Watering of landscaped areas that
are not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system shall be subject to the
same watering schedule and restrictions, using a bucket, hand-held hose
with positive shut-off nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation
b All leaks shall be repaired within seventy-two (72) hours of notification by
the City of Poway, unless other arrangements are made with the City
Manager
c. Ornamental fountains or similar decorative water features shall not be
operated unless reclaimed water is used.
4 Allocation
During a Level 2 Water Shortage Alert, the City of Poway is authorized by
separate action of the City Council to establish a water allocation for property
receiving water service from the City of Poway, and to establish a penalty for
any person that uses water in excess of their allocation.
5 Rate Structure
During a Water Shortage Response Level 2 condition, in addition to water use
restrictions, the City is authorized by separate action of the City Council, to
implement a conservation rate structure designed to encourage water
conservation. This rate structure may also include penalties to be used during
periods of water allocation.
C Level 3 - Water Shortage Critical
1 Activation
A Water Shortage Level 3 condition is also referred to as a "Water Shortage
Critical" condition. A Level 3 condition applies when the Water Authority notifies
its member agencies that due to increasing cutbacks caused by drought or
other reduction of supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to 40 percent
Ordinance No 682
Page 10
is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated
demands
2. Procedure
The City Manager may declare a Water Shortage Response Level 3 and
implement the mandatory Level 3 conservation measures identified in this
Ordinance, with ratification by the City Council by resolution at their next
regularly scheduled City Council meeting held in accordance with State law
The mandatory conservation measures applicable to a Water Shortage
Response Level 3 condition shall take effect on the tenth (10th) day after the
date the response level is declared. Within five (5) days following the
declaration of the response level, the City shall publish a copy of the resolution
in a newspaper of general circulation used for publication of official notices.
The City of Poway may also post notice of condition on their website.
The City Council may declare an end to a Water Shortage Response Level by
adoption of a resolution at any regular or special meeting held in accordance
with State law
3 Water Use Restrictions
All persons using City of Poway water shall comply with Level 1 Water
Shortage Watch and Level 2 Water Shortage Alert water conservation practices
during a Level 3 Water Shortage Critical condition and shall also comply with
the following additional mandatory conservation measures
a. Landscape watering shall be conducted only in conformance with
landscape watering schedules and restrictions for commercial and
residential properties approved by the City Manager, which may be further
restricted from the Level 1 requirements The watering schedule and
restrictions may address factors such as how many days during the week,
which days of the week, the amount of time per watering station, and other
pertinent details Watering of landscaped areas that are not irrigated by a
landscape irrigation system shall be subject to the same watering
schedule and restrictions, using a bucket, hand-held hose with positive
shut-off nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation.
b Vehicles shall not be washed except at commercial carwashes that re-
circulate water, or by high pressure/low volume wash systems.
c. Emptying and refilling of swimming pools and spas is prohibited unless
approved by the City Manager
d. All leaks shall be repaired within forty-eight (48) hours of notification by the
City of Poway unless other arrangements are made with the City
Manager
Ordinance No 682
Page 11
4 Upon the declaration of a Water Shortage Response Level 3 condition and by
separate action of the City Council, the City of Poway is authorized to mandate
that no new potable water service shall be provided, no new temporary meters
or permanent meters shall be provided, and no statements of immediate ability
to serve or provide potable water service (such as, will serve letters,
certificates, or letters of availability) shall be issued, unless findings are made
that one or more of the following circumstances applies.
a. A valid, unexpired building permit has been issued for the project; or
b The project is necessary to protect the public's health, safety, and welfare,
or
c. The applicant provides substantial evidence prior to the provision of a new
water meter(s) of an enforceable commitment that water demands for the
project will be offset to the satisfaction of the City of Poway; or
d The City may allow new development to utilize conservation offsets and/or
water-efficient technology in order to connect to the City's water system
and access the City's water supply
This provision shall not be construed to preclude the resetting or turn-on of
meters to provide continuation of water service or to restore service that has
been interrupted for a period of one year or less.
5 Upon the declaration of a Water Shortage Response Level 3 condition and by
separate action of the City Council, the City of Poway is authorized to suspend
consideration of annexations to its service area.
6 Allocation
During a Level 3 Water Shortage Alert, the City of Poway is authorized by
separate action of the City Council to establish a water allocation for property
receiving water service from the City of Poway, and to establish a penalty for
any person that uses water in excess of their allocation.
7 Rate Structure
During a Water Shortage Response Level 3 condition, in addition to water use
restrictions, the City is authorized by separate action of the City Council, to
implement a conservation rate structure designed to encourage water
conservation This rate structure may also include penalties to be used during
periods of water allocation
Ordinance No 682
Page 12
D Level 4 - Water Shortage Response Emergency
1 Activation
A Water Shortage Level 4 condition is also referred to as a "Water Shortage
Emergency" condition. A Level 4 condition applies when the Water Authority
Board of Directors declares a water shortage emergency pursuant to California
Water Code section 350 and notifies its member agencies that Level 4 requires
a demand reduction of more than 40 percent in order for the City of Poway to
have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands
2. Procedure
The City of Poway shall declare a Water Shortage Emergency in the manner
and on the grounds provided in California Water Code section 350 The
mandatory conservation measures applicable to a Water Shortage Response
Level 4 condition shall take effect on the tenth (10th) day after the date the
response level is declared Within five (5) days following the declaration of the
response level, the City shall publish a copy of the resolution in a newspaper of
general circulation used for publication of official notices The City of Poway
may also post notice of condition on their website
The City Council may declare an end to a Water Shortage Response Level by
adoption of a resolution at any regular or special meeting held in accordance
with State law
3 Water Use Restrictions
All persons using City of Poway water shall comply with conservation
measures required during Level 1 Water Shortage Watch, Level 2 Water
Shortage Alert, and Level 3 Water Shortage Critical conditions, and shall also
comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures
a. Do not irrigate landscape, except crops and landscape products of
commercial growers and nurseries This restriction shall not apply to the
following categories of use (unless the City of Poway has determined that
recycled water is available and may be lawfully applied to the use to the
fullest extent possible)'
I. Maintenance of trees and shrubs that are watered on the same
schedule set forth at Level 3 by using a bucket, hand-held hose
with a positive shut-off nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation,
II. Maintenance of existing landscaping necessary for fire protection
as specified by the Poway Fire Marshal;
Ordinance No 682
Page 13
III. Maintenance of existing landscaping for erosion control, as
determined by the City Manager;
IV Maintenance of plant materials identified to be rare or essential to
the well-being of rare animals, as determined by the City Manager;
v Maintenance of landscaping within active playing fields, day care
centers, and school grounds, provided that such irrigation does
not exceed two (2) days per week according to the schedule
established by the City Manager;
VI. Water for livestock; and
vii. Public works projects and actively irrigated environmental
mitigation projects.
b All leaks must be repaired within twenty-four (24) hours of notification by
the City of Poway unless other arrangements are made with the City
Manager
4 Allocation
During a Level 4 Water Shortage Alert, the City of Poway is authorized by
separate action of the City Council to establish a water allocation for property
receiving water service from the City of Poway, and to establish a penalty for
any person that uses water in excess of their .allocation.
5 Rate Structure
During a Water Shortage Response Level 4 condition, in addition to water use
restrictions, the City is authorized by separate action of the City Council, to
implement a conservation rate structure designed to encourage water
conservation This rate structure may also include penalties to be used
during periods of water allocation.
Ordinance No 682
Page 14
8 94 060 City-Maintained Parks, Landscaped Areas, and Facilities
The provisions of this Ordinance apply to City-maintained parks, athletic fields,
landscaped areas, and facilities, with the exception of the watering schedule restrictions.
Aggregate water-use for these properties shall be restricted at the same level as
required of the City of Poway as a water agency
8 94 070 Golf Courses
The provisions of this Ordinance apply to golf courses, with the exception of watering
schedule restrictions. Golf course water use shall be restricted at the same level as
required of the City of Poway as a water agency, including raw and potable water
8 94 080 Commercial Growers and Nurseries
The provisions of this Ordinance apply to commercial growers and nurseries, with the
exception of watering schedule restrictions. Water use by commercial growers and
nurseries shall be restricted at the same level as required of the City of Poway as a
water agency, including raw and potable water
8 94 90 Correlation between Drought Management Plan and Water Shortage Response
Levels.
A. The correlation between the Water Authority's Drought Management Plan (DMP)
stages and the City of Poway's water shortage response levels identified in this
Ordinance is described herein. Under DMP Stage 1, the City of Poway would
implement Water Shortage Response Level 1 actions Under DMP Stage 2, the City
of Poway would implement Water Shortage Response Level 1 or Level 2 actions.
Under DMP Stage 3, the City of Poway would implement Water Shortage Response
Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 actions.
B The water shortage response levels identified in this Ordinance correspond with the
Water Authority DMP as identified in the following table
W~t~r4Shoi:tageRe5pohse Con'SerV'ation ~.I '., _" .~.,,' ",,'" "4-,~. ,,~"..."
Use Restrictions DMRI'Sta'O e : "
Levels Target ,,,,..)0,. _", -'1_~'- I'r
1 - Water Shortage Watch Voluntary Up to 10% Stage 1 or 2
2 - Water Shortage Alert Mandatory Up to 20% Stage 2 or 3
3 - Water Shortage Critical Mandatory Up to 40% Stage 3
4 - Water Shortage Emergency Mandatory Above 40% Stage 3
Ordinance No 682
Page 15
8 94 100 New Landscaping and Postponement of Required Landscaping.
A. New Landscaping.
The City Manager may grant an exemption or a modification to the required watering
schedule restrictions to property owners who have installed new low water-use
landscaping in order to establish the plants
B Postponement of Required Landscaping.
The City Manager is authorized to direct developers of approved projects to postpone
installation of required landscaping plant materials upon written agreement to install
said improvements within six months of a change in the designated conservation
stage The developer's condition of approval to install landscaping shall be deemed
satisfied by the execution of an agreement guaranteed by cash deposit, surety bond,
letter of credit, or other security form acceptable to the City Attorney and in an
amount equal to 150% of the installation cost as estimated by the City Manager
894110 Hardship Variance
A. If, due to unique circumstances, a specific requirement of this Ordinance would
result in undue hardship to a person using agency water or to property upon which
agency water is used, that is disproportionate to the impacts to City of Poway water
users generally or to similar property or classes of water uses, then the person may
apply for a variance to the requirements as provided in this section.
B The variance may be granted or conditionally granted, only upon a written finding of
the existence of facts demonstrating an undue hardship to a person using agency
water or to property upon which agency water is used, that is disproportionate to the
impacts to City of Poway water users generally or to similar property or classes of
water use due to specific and unique circumstances of the user or the user's
property
1 Application. Application for a variance shall be on a form prescribed by the City of
Poway and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee in an
amount set by resolution of the Poway City Council.
2. Supporting Documentation The application shall be accompanied by
photographs, maps, drawings, and/or other information, including a written
statement of the applicant.
3 Required Findings for Variance. An application for a variance shall be denied
unless the approving authority finds, based on the information provided in the
application, supporting documents, or such additional information as may be
Ordinance No 682
Page 16
requested, and on water use information for the property shown by the records of
the City of Poway, all of the following:
a. That the variance does not constitute a grant or special privilege inconsistent
with the limitations upon other City of Poway water customers.
b That because of special circumstances applicable to the property or its use, the
strict application of this Ordinance would have a disproportionate impact on the
property or use that exceeds the impacts to customers generally
c. That the authorizing of such variance will not be of substantial detriment to
adjacent properties, and will not materially affect the ability of the City of Poway
to effectuate the purpose of this chapter and will not be detrimental to the public
interest.
d. That the condition or situation of the subject property or the intended use of the
property for which the variance is sought is not common, recurrent or general in
nature.
4 Approval Authority The City Manager shall exercise approval authority and act
upon any completed application no later than 10 days after submittal and may
approve, conditionally approve, or deny the variance The applicant requesting
the variance shall be promptly notified in writing of any action taken. Unless
specified otherwise at the time a variance is approved, the variance applies to the
subject property during the term of the mandatory water shortage response
894120 Appeals
An appeal shall be filed in writing with the City Clerk to review any action taken by the
City Manager hereunder within 15 days of the date of service or mailing of the written
decision made pursuant to Section 8 94 120 hereof Appeals filed late shall be denied
Appeals shall be conducted using an independent hearing officer, according to the
appeal procedure set forth for administrative citations in PMC 1 10 070 through
1 10110, except that the deposit required by PMC 1 10070 shall not be applicable.
The appeal shall be granted in whole or in part, or denied, in accordance with the
following standards
1 Protection of the public health, safety and welfare
2. The existence of special circumstances creating an undue or unreasonable
hardship on Appellant; provided, that granting of the appeal, in whole or in part,
shall not constitute a privilege to the Appellant not enjoyed by others in the same
circumstances, shall not cause water to be wasted or used in an unreasonable
manner, and shall not be contrary to the purpose of this Ordinance
Ordinance No 682
Page 17
8 94 130 Supersedure
If any provisions of this Ordinance are inconsistent with previous actions of the City
Council pertaining to plans to respond to drought conditions, the provisions hereof shall
supersede such inconsistent provisions.
894 140 Enforcement.
In addition to the penalties set forth in PMC Chapters 1 08 and 1 10 for the violation of a
City Ordinance, the following penalties shall apply to any person, corporation, or
association violating any provision of this Ordinance
A. A first violation shall result in a letter of warning accompanied by a copy of this
Ordinance
B A second violation shall result in a $100 surcharge, which will be added to the water
bill.
C A third violation within a 12-month period shall result in a $200 surcharge, which will
be added to the water bill.
D Any subsequent violation occurring within one year of any third violation shall, result
in a $500 surcharge, which will be added to the water bill, and possible installation of
a flow restrictor, until the sunset of this Ordinance
E. Any further violation may result in the water service being turned off
The City Manager shall determine if and when violations occurred. Any person
disagreeing with the Notice of Violation may appeal in accordance with Sections
8 94 120 and 8.94 130 hereafter by written notice received by the City Clerk within
fifteen days of the date of Notice of Violation Any Notice of Violation not timely
appealed, shall be final. Pending any appeal provided for herein, the City Manager
may take appropriate steps to prevent the unauthorized use of water as appropriate
to the nature and extent of the violation and the current declared water condition.
Any surcharge hereunder shall be in addition to the basic water rates or other
charges of the City for the account, shall appear on and be payable with the first
billing statement for the period during which the violation occurred, and be subject to
the same remedies that are imposed by the City for the failure to pay other charges
In addition to any surcharges mentioned above, all costs for installing or removing
any flow restrictor devices and/or any charges to discontinue or restore service, shall
be the sole cost of the customer whose service is affected and shall be paid promptly
upon being billed
Ordinance No. 682
Page 18
Section 2: California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) The City Council finds this
Ordinance to be categorically exempt from CEQA requirements as a Class 7 categorical
exemption pursuant to Section 15307 of the CEQA Guidelines, actions by regulatory
agencies for protection of natural resources.
Section 3 This Ordinance shall be codified
EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days
after the date of its passage, and before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after its
passage, it shall be published once with the names of members voting for and against
the same in the Poway News Chieftain, a newspaper of general circulation published in
the City of Poway
Introduced and first read at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Poway
held the 18th day of November, 2008 and thereafter PASSED AND ADOPTED at a
regular meeting of said City Council held the 2nd day of December, 2008.
AYES BOYACK, EMERY, HIGGINSON, REXFORD, CAFAGNA
NOES NONE
ABSENT NONE
DISQUALIFIED' NONE
ATTEST
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V/,'rro n, MMC, City Clerk