Mendocino County Municipal Code Ch. 16.24 Water Conservation

(A) The County of Mendocino is located in a part of California which receives an average of thirty (30) inches of rainfall per year. Nevertheless, there are fluctuations in the amount of rainfall in any given year, the storage capacity of lakes and reservoirs in the area is relatively limited, and the County is obligated to share part of the water stored in Mendocino County with surrounding political entities.

(B) Water is a finite resource, incapable of sustaining an infinite increase in demand. If the water resources of the County are to support increased population and economic growth, then demand must be managed and water conserved. The development and delivery of potable water supplies require capital investment. Eliminating excessive or unnecessary use extends the life of existing systems. The same is also true of sewage treatment and disposal.

(C) The Board of Supervisors finds that there are certain water-saving devices which can be incorporated into all new construction, and in remodeling existing bathrooms. The Board further finds that the use of such devices will help to conserve water and to preserve the capacity of sewage treatment systems in the County.

(Ord. No. 3721, adopted 1989.)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all new construction, and to the remodeling of bathrooms, for which any building, plumbing, or mechanical permit is applied for after March 1, 1990, the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 3721, adopted 1989.)

No building permit within the scope of Section 16.24.020 shall be issued where the plumbing fixtures to be installed do not meet the following standards:

(A) All tank-type water closets shall use not in excess of one and six-tenths (1.6) gallons per flush and shall be of an "ultra low flush" type.

(B) Potable hot water piping in accessible unconditioned areas leading from water heaters shall be insulated for the first five (5) feet from water heater to provide an installed conductance of 0.33 or less.

(Ord. No. 3721, adopted 1989.)

The provisions of Section 16.24.030 shall also apply to all new construction of buildings owned or leased by a public agency which is otherwise subject to the Uniform Codes pursuant to Government Code Section 53091. In addition, lavatories in such buildings shall be equipped with self-closing faucets.

(Ord. No. 3721, adopted 1989.)

In order to prevent or lessen unnecessary hardship or practical difficulties in exceptional cases, aggrieved persons or agencies may file a written application for exemption with the Building Department. If the Director of Planning and Building or the Chief Building Inspector denies the application, the aggrieved person or agency may seek review by the Board of Building and Housing Appeals pursuant to Section 2.24.030, subdivision (G)(2), of this code.

(Ord. No. 3721, adopted 1989.)