Dunsmuir Municipal Code Ch. 13.06 Water Shortage Emergency Provisions

The following definitions shall apply to this chapter:

1. "City" means the city of Dunsmuir.

2. "Potable water" means water suitable and approved for consumption by human beings which has been provided by the city's municipal water system, any private well, any spring, or any other governmental or private source, except for recycled wastewater.

(Ord. No. 547, § 1, 7-2-2015; Ord. No. 549, § 1, 7-30-2015)

To prevent the waste and unreasonable use of water and to promote water conservation, each of the following actions is prohibited, except where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by the city or a state or federal agency:

1. The application of potable water to outdoor lawns or landscapes in a manner that causes surface runoff onto property not owned by the person who own the property to which the water was being applied, or to any non-irrigated areas, paved areas, private or public sidewalks or walkways, roadways, parking lots, ditches, drains, or structures.

2. The use of a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a vehicle, except where the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or other device that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use.

3. The application of potable water to clean driveways and sidewalks.

4. The use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system.

5. The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and within forty-eight (48) hours after measurable rainfall.

6. The serving of drinking water other than upon request in any restaurant, cafe, cafeteria, bar, or other public place where food or drink are served.

7. The use of potable water for cooling purposes, except when recirculated.

8. Any drinking fountain except those which provide water only when actively manipulated by the user.

9. Water lines, hoses, faucets, or other water fixtures which leak.

10. Any toilet tank valve which does close and remains closed until activated.

11. The construction or creation of any new pool, pond, reservoir, or other body of water, except that decorative reservoirs which are part of a recirculating system and which are sealed against leakage and seepage are permitted.

12. The installation of any new landscape irrigation system which does not utilize drip irrigation where feasible.

13. The installation or creation of any new grass lawn area, except that lawns on lots containing a sole single-family residence and its outbuildings may have a grass lawn(s) of not more than a total of one thousand (1,000) square feet and provided that its grasses consist of only drought-resistant varieties.

14. The installation of any toilet or shower head which does not meet current water-conservation standards in the applicable state or local building code.

15. The irrigation of any lawn between the hours of seven a.m. and seven p.m.

16. The operation of any commercial car wash which does not use recirculated water.

17. Any other extraordinary usage, or waste of significant amounts of potable water.

(Ord. No. 547, § 1, 7-2-2015; Ord. No. 549, § 1, 7-30-2015)

To prevent the waste and unreasonable use of water and to promote water conservation, the operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. The hotel or motel shall prominently display notice of this option in each guestroom using clear and easily understood language.

(Ord. No. 547, § 1, 7-2-2015; Ord. No. 549, § 1, 7-30-2015)

A. Outdoor irrigation of ornamental landscapes, lawns, or gardens is limited to no more than two days per week and not longer than thirty (30) minutes on each such occasion. For properties with even-numbered street addresses, such watering is limited to Saturdays and Wednesdays only. For properties with odd-numbered street addresses, such watering is limited to Sundays and Thursdays only. This two days per week limitation shall not apply to gardens for produce and vegetables, but does apply to flower gardens.

B. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit watering foliage by using a hand-held container on any days and at any time.

C. The irrigation of public schools, public parks, and cemeteries shall take place on Mondays and Fridays.

(Ord. No. 547, § 1, 7-2-2015; Ord. No. 549, § 1, 7-30-2015)

This ordinance shall expire and be of no further force or effect as of April 1, 2016, provided, however, that the city council may extend the expiration date by one or more resolutions adopted before, or within thirty (30) days after its scheduled expiration.

(Ord. No. 547, § 1, 7-2-2015; Ord. No. 549, § 1, 7-30-2015)

The city council may, by resolution, grant temporary exceptions or variances to this ordinance upon finding that special circumstances exist whereby its strict application would create a danger or great hardship to the public or any property owner.

(Ord. No. 547, § 1, 7-2-2015; Ord. No. 549, § 1, 7-30-2015)

Any violation of this chapter shall be punishable in the manner described in Chapter 1.08 of the Dunsmuir City Code, and/or other applicable city ordinances. In addition or as alternative thereto, the city may seek injunctive relief from the Superior Court.

(Ord. No. 547, § 1, 7-2-2015; Ord. No. 549, § 1, 7-30-2015)