Diving Into Water part four, lifting some restrictions
Council to vote on June 6th to lift restrictions on some outdoor watering
This one snuck by me so I wanted to make sure the word gets out prior to the June 6th council meeting. Council will vote on a second reading of an ordinance that lifts some of the restrictions on watering to only three days a week. The vote was 6-0 in favor on first reading.
If you have a veggie garden or other beds on a low-volume drip irrigation system you will not be restricted to watering only three days a week. If you are in the process of converting an existing landscape into a more waterwise version some leeway is being provided to you in order to give the new landscape a good start.
Staff recommends watering restrictions should not apply to:
1) Watering outdoor vegetation with low-volume drip irrigation systems.
2) Irrigating newly planted or installed vegetation in accordance with a City approved landscape plan for a period of 30 consecutive days.
3) Irrigating newly planted or installed xeric landscaping and re-seeding of existing xeric lawns for a period of 30 consecutive days from the date of planting, installation, or re-seeding.
THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
June 6, 2023
Second Reading / Ordinance No. 08, Series 2023 / Amending Chapter 120, “Water,” of the Code Pertaining to Watering Restriction Exceptions
Executive Summary
Since 2013, City Council has approved watering restrictions to support efficient water use in the City. As of June 2022, outdoor irrigation is limited to a maximum of three days per week. To support growing interest from the community for converting turf to waterwise landscapes, staff recommends allowing specific exceptions to the three days a week watering restriction. These exceptions would further the City’s goals of ensuring reliable long-term water supply.
This is the second reading of Ordinance No. 08, Series 2023. On May 16, City Council approved Ordinance No. 08, Series 2023 on first reading as presented by 6-0.
City Council Strategic Outcome (most applicable): Environmental Stewardship
Background Information
There has been a steadily growing interest from residents, homeowner associations, businesses, and apartments for replacing existing turf with a more waterwise landscape. The City has a long partnership with Resource Central to offer water conservation programs to support homeowners removing their lawn and replacing the landscape with native and drought-tolerant species. At the end of 2022, there was a 51-homeowner waitlist to take advantage of a lawn removal program offered by the City and Resource Central.
Staff recommends watering restrictions should not apply to:
1) Watering outdoor vegetation with low-volume drip irrigation systems.
2) Irrigating newly planted or installed vegetation in accordance with a City approved landscape plan for a period of 30 consecutive days.
3) Irrigating newly planted or installed xeric landscaping and re-seeding of existing xeric lawns for a period of 30 consecutive days from the date of planting, installation, or re-seeding.
These exceptions will further the City’s goals of conserving water and protecting future water supplies in times of drought or other water shortage conditions, while encouraging residents to convert to water-efficient and low-volume drip irrigation systems and waterwise landscaping. Watering the newly planted or installed vegetation for 30 consecutive days may be necessary to establish adequate root systems to ensure long-term viability of the newly planted species. Ensuring the health and viability of new landscaping installed by existing homeowners, homeowner associations, businesses, apartments, and new developments within the community is needed to continue our existing and future water conservation efforts.
Next Steps
If Ordinance No. 08, Series 2023 is approved on second reading, the ordinance will take effect in ten days.
Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 08, Series 2023.
Proposed Motion Language
Council motion to approve on second reading Ordinance No. 08, Series 2023, approving exceptions to existing water restrictions.
HOW TO PROVIDE INPUT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
You can contact council with your thoughts via a variety of options
Attend the meeting in person and speak during public input at the beginning of the meeting which starts at 5:30pm
Call in remotely during public input by calling toll-free at 1-877-853-5247
You will be asked for the meeting number: 869 1163 2580
Press # after entering the number
Press *9 to raise your hand to speak during Public Input. When it is your turn to speak, your microphone will be unmuted and you will be asked to share your comments.
To request interpreter services, please submit a request at least two (2) days prior the meeting at www.lafayetteco.gov/InterpreterRequestForm.