alternate water systems ordinance

On December 13, 2022, City Council adopted the Alternate Water Systems Ordinance, which amends Section 15.24.030 and adds Sections 15.24.040 and 15.24.050 to the Sacramento City Code to adopt local amendments to the California Building Standards Code relating to Alternate Water Systems.

New Requirements

Chapter 15.24.030, 15.24.040 and 15.24.050 of the Sacramento City Code require the following:

For building permits filed on or after July 1, 2023, new commercial nonresidential buildings that are 10,000 square feet or greater must include a gray water system that can be utilized to provide subsurface irrigation
For building permits filed on or after July 1, 2023, new commercial nonresidential buildings that are 50,000 square feet or greater must include installation of a separate, additional piping system that can be utilized for an on-site treated nonpotable gray water system for water closets and urinals.
The ordinance provides exceptions for residential buildings, additions/improvements, child-care centers, grocery stores in food deserts, mini storage, locker buildings, warehouse, distribution centers. See detailed list of requirements and exceptions HERE.

BACKGROUND

In June 2021, staff were directed by City Council to evaluate opportunities for expanded water conservation standards for buildings. The efforts are part of the City’s 2021 Climate Implementation Work Plan that describes actions the City can take to increase resilience to climate change, including re-using water from buildings for purposes other than drinking.

As outlined in the Work Plan, Staff commissioned a study examining the regulatory, technical, and economic considerations of implementing a “Dual-Plumbing Ordinance,” which would require certain types of new commercial nonresidential construction to install separate additional piping systems that could be utilized for the reuse of graywater for end uses such as subsurface irrigation, or toilet and urinal flushing.

Resources

Alternate Water Systems Ordinance

Resolution to Study the Costs and Programmatic Requirements for Onsite Treatment and Reuse of Non-Potable Water

Dual Plumbing and Onsite Non-Potable Water Systems Study

Climate Implementation Work Plan

New Building Electrification Ordinance

Frequently Asked Questions

July 19, 2022, Law and Legislation Committee Meeting Staff Report

September 20, 2022, Law and Legislation Committee Meeting Staff Report

November 15, 2022, Law and Legislation Committee Meeting Staff Report

Upcoming Events

11/15/2022: The Law and Legislation Committee will consider a draft Alternate Water Systems (Dual Plumbing Ordinance). View the Staff Report.

STAY INFORMED: