HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/2/2021 Item 7c, Floyd - Staff Agenda CorrespondenceCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Council Agenda Correspondence
DATE: November 2, 2021
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Aaron Floyd, Director of Utilities
VIA: Derek Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: ITEM 7C - INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE THE WATER AND
WASTEWATER CHAPTERS OF MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 13, PUBLIC
SERVICES
Staff is providing this correspondence in response to an inquiry requesting clarity on the
items below related to the Public Hearing on the Introduction of an Ordinance to Revise
the Water And Wastewater Chapters Of Municipal Code Title 13, Public Services.
1) Packet Page 680: Public Engagement. Were these modifications reviewed by
local engineering firms (e.g., Wallace Group or Cannon), as another perspective?
If not, could they be, prior to final adoption?
Answer: The Utilities Department has historically included these technical
requirements as project conditions through the discretionary review process to
ensure consistent and reliable water and sewer service is provided to the
community. This includes working with local architects and engineers on their
individual projects through the City’s existing development review process. In this
manner, local engineering firms have been involved with the revisions of these
ordinances for several years, while not having been directly contacted on the
proposed modifications.
2) Packet Page 684: 1,000 SF of landscaping triggers a separate meter. Is that an
industry standard and can you please identify the source of this requirement?
Answer: CA Water Code (Title 23, Section 492.7(a)(1)(A)1) requires landscape
water meters for non-residential irrigated landscapes of 1,000 square feet or more.
The Utilities Department has required landscape meters for multi-family residential
irrigated landscapes, too, as it is beneficial to have a separate landscape meter for
monthly sewer billing to differentiate landscape water use from water entering the
wastewater collection system.
1 https://casetext.com/regulation/california-code-of-regulations/title-23-waters/division-2-department-of-
water-resources/chapter-27-model-water-efficient-landscape-ordinance/section-4927-irrigation-design-
plan
Item 7c. Page 2
3) Packet Page 685. When talking about wells, can we clarify that this is about
existing wells and that we’re not allowing new wells, assuming that to be true? E.g.,
“Appropriate use of existing privately owned wells is allowed on individual parcels.”
Answer: New wells are currently allowed within City limits. The proposed well
meter requirements apply to all existing and future wells to help monitor
groundwater use in the City. Any consideration of limiting future well use would be
brought forward at a later time in the cont ext of the Sustainable Groundwater
Management Act (SGMA) and in relation to concerns with wells being in proximity
of other public water system infrastructure.
4) Packet Page 689: Why is the water exemption for “mature, established trees”
only? Considering the City’s 10,000 trees goal, there might be a need to water any
tree, or set up some broader criteria.
Answer: The intent of the exemption was to preserve the long-term investments
that are mature trees. During drought emergency, Council may elect to broaden
this exemption to include all trees based on the drought conditions at that time.
5) Packet Page 691. Please clarify the following: “Rain harvesting systems using an
emergency overflow into the sewer must not include drainage from roof gutters or
storm capture devices.” Why would any rain harvesting system overflow to the
sewer?
Answer: An allowance was made in the past for certain projects prior to recent
Flow Studies that quantified the negative impact of inflow of stormwater on the
City’s wastewater collection system. Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) of stormwater to the
wastewater collection system may result in overflows that result in health, safety,
and environmental violations. This change aligns with the language found in the
City’s sewer use ordinance (Section 13.08.040 B.172).
6) Packet Page 692. The “competent person” criteria for lateral inspection seems
subjective. Should this work be performed by a certified, experienced
professional?
Answer: This language was developed to allow companies to perform lateral
inspections that meet the requirements outlined in Municipal Code Section
13.08.395 F3. The companies can meet the City’s inspection requirements but
are not making a judgement on the condition or performance of the sewer lateral.
City staff reviews all videos. “Competent person” was selected as being the most
inclusive.
2 Section 13.08.040, Prohibited Discharges, https://sanluisobispo.municipal.codes/Code/13.08.040
3 Section 13.08.395, Private Sewer Laterals, https://sanluisobispo.municipal.codes/Code/13.08.395