HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/11/05 Board of Appeals & Advisors Agenda Packet CITY OF CHULA VISTA
BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS
SPECIAL MEETING
AGENDA
Monday - 5:15 pm Conference Room #137 (PSB Bldg. 200) November 05, 2012
276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
ROLL CALL:
Jones Lopez_ Meservy_ Sanfilippo_ Sides_ Starkey _ West_
CALL TO ORDER
1. DECLARATION OF EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED ABSENTEEISM:
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 14, 2011
3. NEW BUSINESS:
a) Elect new Chair and Vice-Chair for fiscal year 2012/13.
b) Proposed residential clothes washer graywater stub-out ordinance
(information/discussion item)
4. CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS/REPORTS:
5. BUILDING OFFICIAL'S COMMENTS/REPORTS:
6. COMMUNICATIONS (PUBLIC REMARKS/WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE):
7. ADJOURNMENT TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING ON MONDAY,
December 10, 2012 AT 5:15 PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM 137.
COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT
The City of Chula Vista, in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), request individuals who
require special accommodations to access, attend, and/or participate in a city meeting, activity, or service,
request such accommodation at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance for meetings and five (6) days for
scheduled services and activities. Please contact Rosemarie Rice, Secretary for specific information (619)
409-5838 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (619) 585-5647 California Relay Service is
also available for the hearing impaired.
D°a
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS
CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
November 14, 2011 Conference Room #137 5:15 PM
276 Fourth Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sanfilippo, Lopez, Sides, Meservy, and West
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jones
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Lou EI-Khazen, Building Official
OTHERS PRESENT: None
CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Vice Chair Sides called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m and took the roll call.
1. ROLL CALL: Members present constituted a quorum.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 25, 2011
MSC (JL/LM) (5-0-0-1) Approve the-Board of Appeal & Advisors minutes of April 25, 2011. Motion
carried.
3. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Elect new Chair and Vice-Chair for fiscal year 2011/12. Vice Chair Sides tabled the election to
the next meeting (12/12/11) because two of the committee members were absent.
B. An ordinance amending Chapter 15.12, Green Building Standards, of the Chula Vista Municipal
Code, adding Section 15.12.030, Cool Roof
(Chair Sanfilippo arrived at 5:25 pm)
Mr. Lou EI-Khazen, Building Official gave some background information and a brief overview of the
amendments to CVMC section 15.12.030, Cool Roof presented in the staff report. He noted the
ordinance would be presented to City Council on December 13, 2011, and then reviewed by the
California Energy Commission, which would take possibly 2-3 months. A second reading of the
ordinance would probably occur in the early spring.
There was discussion concerning the differentiation between Climate Zones 7 and 10 and the results
of the study. Vice Chair Sides asked for clarification on why not have the same requirements on both
climate zones. Mr. EI-Khazen explained the difference between the two climate zones and the results
of the study show cool roofs not to be cost effective in Climate Zone 7.
After further deliberation, the Board approved of adding section 15.12.030 Cool Roof to Green
Building Standards, Chapter 15.12 and recommended that Council adopt the ordinance as proposed.
MSC (LM/CS) (5-0-0-1) Recommend that City Council adopt the ordinance as proposed.
4. MEMBERS COMMENTS/CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS/REPORTS:
There was discussion on whether they should table the election of new officers for FYE 2011/12 since
they didn't have a complete quorum of members at the meeting. Member Jones was absent. Chair
Sanfilippo asked if there were any other members that would like to be elected? There was no
response. The Committee took a vote and decided that Chair Sanfilippo and Vice Chair Sides would
remain in their current positions.
Board of Appeals & Advisors Page 2 D D 4 November 14, 2011
Meeting Minutes
Vice Chair Sides reminded the committee to go on line and do the two hours of Ethics Training and
also complete Form 700 if they hadn't already done so. It was important to turn in Form 700 on time
to avoid a penalty for late submission.
5. BUILDING OFFICIAL'S COMMENTS/REPORTS:
Mr. EI-Khazen stated that most likely there would not be another meeting until January 2012, unless
an appeal that is related to building codes comes up. Lou mentioned another Implementation
Measure, #4 that deals with water conservation, would be coming to the committee within 2-3
months. The measure will contain a recommendation to have builders install stub outs for gray water
from washing machines.
6. COMMUNICATIONS (PUBLIC REMARKS/ WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE): None.
7. ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Sanfilippo adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. to a regular meeting on December 12, 2011 at
5:15 p.m. in Planning and Building Conference Room #137.
MINUTES TAKEN BY:
ROSEMARIE RICE, SECRETARY
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT -BUILDING DIVISION
H:\BLD_HSG\Board of Appeals\BOard of Appeals and Advisors\2011-2012\MinuteslDraft Minutes\11.14.11 draft.doc
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STATEMENT
~~I/i
Clrv of
~~-~~~'~CHULAVISTA
Item No.:
Meeting Date:xx/xx/2012
ITEM TITLE: A. ORDINANCE OF THE CTI'X OF CHULA VISTA
AMENDING CHAPTER ,-15.28 Q',;,THE CHULA VISTA
MUNICIPAL CODE BY- /1DDIl SECTION 15.28.020,
RESIDENTIAL GRAY~JATER STUB U`tJT
B. RESOLUTION O~ THE CITY COUNCIL 0~ THE~CITY OF
CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE CHULA VISTA CLOTHES
WASHER GRAYWATER PRE=PLUMBING' AND STUB-
OUTFOR NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
SUBMITTED BY: Assistant City ~ana~er/Development Services Director
REVIEWED BY: City Manager
4/STHS VOTE: YES ~ NO
SUMMARY
On May 3, 2011, City Council approved Resolution 2011-076 adopting Climate Adaptation
Plans for the 11 Climate Adalatc~tion Strategies, strategy # 4, Local Water Supply and Reuse,
proposed adopting .new zegulatiozrs to incorporate single-source graywater plumbing stub-out in
new resid~ritial development. This Ordinance proposes requiring all new detached single-family
dwellings and duplexes to,itr~lude a olothes washer graywater outlet and an outside stub-out to
facilitate tlZe,later installation; of a clothes washer graywater irrigation system.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Developmenf Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with
the California Envirorrnerifal Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity falls
within the Class 8 Categorical Exemption pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14,
Chapter 3, Article 19 (the "State CEQA Guidelines") section 15308 and therefore is exempt from
environmental review; and notwithstanding the Class 8 Categorical Exemption, the Director of
Development Services has further determined that there is also no possibility that the activity
may have a significaa2t effect on the environment; therefore, p~usuant to section 15061(b)(3) of
the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is exempt from the provisions of CEQA. Thus, no
environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION
Item No.:
Meeting Date: xx/xx/2012
Page 2 of 4
That City Council place the ordinance on first reading and adopt the resolution.
BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Appeals and Advisors at their Monday, xxxx meeting unanimously recommended
adoption of the Ordinance.
The Resource Conservation Commission at their Monday, xxxx meeting unanimously
recommended adoption of the Ordinance.
DISCUSSION
On May 3, 2011, City Council approved Resolution 2011-076 adopting the proposed Climate
Adaptation Plans for the 11 Climate Adaptation Strategies. Sttate~y # 4, Local Water Supply
and Reuse, proposed adopting new regulations to incorporate,clathes washer graywater plumbing
stub-out in new residential development to facilitate Ili~e~~ later mstS~a~on of a graywater
irrigation system. Csraywa.ter is water fi•om washing machihes, showers, bathtubs, and bathroom
sinks. It is water that contains some soap but is clean"enough to water plants. As proposed, the
ordinance only applies to detached single-family dwellings and duplexes. "Staff took into
consideration other residential building types such as attached single-family (townhomes) and
multi-family and because of the typical small lot stze -a~ attached single-family units and
impracticality for multi-family buildings, staff is recomrrieXiding excluding theses types of
residential units from the requirements.
By 2050, San Diego County's demand for water is expected to increase by 37% as a result of
population and economic growth. In addition, pt~olonged droughts exacerbated by climate
change could reduce water supplies from importe-d sourcesiby 20% or more. These climate
change impacts could limit irYTporGed water availability, increase utility costs for residents and
businesses, and lead tt~higher demand for local water sources. Using laundry water for irrigation
is one of many ways~t~ conserve potable water ~p~fply and reduce flows to our wastewater
system. A clothes washer gr•.aywater system can 'save a typical single-family dwelling up to
7,000 gallons of potable watez=per year.2 Reusing laundry water for irrigation conserves our
precious water resotn'ces, conserves energy needed to pump and treat water, and saves money on
the water_bill.
The eun~ent California Plumbitlg Code (CPC), Chapter 16A, Part I, allows a residential clothes
washer graywatex inrigation system to be installed without a construction permit if the system is
installed and operated in accordance with the requirements of Section 1603A.1.1 of the CPC. A
copy of Section 1603 A. L 1 of the CPC is provided for reference as Attachment X. The main
requirements of the CPC are 1) the user shall be able to direct the flow of the graywater to the
irrigation or the building sewer, 2) the graywater shall be contained on site within the irrigation
field, 3) ponding or runoff is prohibited, 4) water used to wash diapers or similarly soiled or
infectious garments, or water containing hazardous chemicals shall be diverted to the building
sewer, and 5) an operation and maintenance manual shall be provided to the building occupant
and to remain with the building throughout the life of the system. Staff will assist builders with
the development of the information that needs to be included in the homeowner's manual.
~ San Diego Foundation. "Focus 2050 Study: San Diego's Changing Climate.° 2008
z Based on 20 gallons per load, 7 loads per week.
Item No.:
Meeting Date: xx/xx/2012
Page 3 of 4
Staff is proposing two approaches to installing the pre-plumbing and stub-out. One involves a
separate clothes washer graywater standpipe, similar to the standard clothes washer sewer
standpipe, where the homeowner can manually move the washer discharge pipe between the two
outlet boxes. The other involves a 3-way diverter valve where the valve can be positioned to
direct the graywater to either the sewer standpipe or irrigation stub-out. The proposed
installation requirements are outlined in the City of Chula Vista Clothes Washer Graywater Pre-
. Plumbing and Stub-Out for New Residential Construction (exhibit A tp the proposed
Resolution). Realizing that there might be other acceptable code coSnplying approaches, the
proposed Ordinance and installation requirements give the Building Official the ability to
approve equivalent alternate methods and/or materials. Furthermore, realizing that some
properties and building layouts may not be suitable for a ~i~aywater system, the proposed
ordinance gives the Building Official the ability to modify or wive the=r~guirements when it can
be demonstrated to his satisfaction that compliance with tite,rdquirements is impractical due to
construction or physical constraints, or due to site and/or soil conditions.
Homeowners must ensure that when they later inst~h a graywater irrigation system on their
property that it is designed and installed safely, is consistent with applicable code requirements,
and is operated in a manner that causes no harm or damage.tri_themselves or neighbors. To assist
homeowners who are interested in utilizi~ clothes washer gi'~~'water systems, staff will develop
a "best practices" manual describing proper installation methods for installing the systems. The
manual will address clothes washer gray water systems at both new homes (to complement the
new stub-out requirement described above) and at existing residences. Special emphasis in the
guides will also be placed on maximizing the sysl~m's effectiveness, protecting human health,
and avoiding water runoff,
The installation of a stnb-out at time of new const~ttct~on facilitates the later installation and use
of a graywater system in re,~idences. Based on staf~'s~research, the incremental cost fox installing
the pre-plumbing and stub-cut during new construction is estimated to be between $200 and
$350 depending on the locatiom of the laundry room in the house in relation to the most useful
location for the exterior stub-out.
In addrtioria~,presenting the°proposed" Ordinance and Resolution to the Board of Appeals and
Advisors (B(3A&A) and the .Resources Conservation Commission (RCC), on September 19,
2012, staff pres'etited them to the Development Services Oversight Committee (DSOC). The
DSOC consists of representatives from the design and construction industries and engaged
members of the general public Committee members raised some issues that were addressed by
staff and did not express any opposition to what is being proposed.
~iration of Local Standards
Pursuant to State law, local amendments to California building codes will no longer be in effect
the date new California building codes take effect. Therefore, if adopted, the proposed local
standards will have to expire upon the date the 2010 California Plumbing Code is no longer in
effect; currently projected to expire January 1, 2014 when the 2013 State codes take effect. If
City Council adopts the proposed Ordinance and Resolution, staff will reintroduce the locally
Item No.:
Meeting Date: xxJxx/2012
Page 4 of 4
adopted standards for City Council's consideration and adoption at the time staff brings forward
the new building codes to Council for adoption.
DECISION MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has determined that the recommendations requiring Council action are not site specific and
consequently the 500 foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Section 18704.2(a)(1) is
not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff been informed by
any City Councilmember, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker
conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
No current fiscal year impact. Plan review and inspection cats will ~he minirnal and staff is not
proposing an increase in fees. The cost of public education and outreach efforts will be covered
under the current Conservation and Environmental Services' budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Plan review and inspection costs will be minimal and staff is not proposing an increase in fees.
Ongoing cost of public education and outreach efforts will be. hovered under the Conservation and
Environmental Services' budget.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Board of Appeals and Advisors XxX Meeting Minutes.;.
B. Section 1603A.1.1 ofthe2Q10 California,~'lumbing Code, Clothes Washer System.
Prepared by: Lou El-Khazen, &uilding Official, Developmeni.~'¢rvices
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING
CHAPTER 15.28 OF TIIE CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE
BY ADDING SEC'T'ION 15.28.020, RESIDENTIAL
GRAYWATER STUB-OUT
WHEREAS, on May 3, 2011 City Council approved Resolution 2011-076 in which City
Council adopted the Climate Adaptation Strategies and approved their iinpl~mentation; and
WHEREAS, the adopted Climate Adaptation Strategies yvi11 reduce the City's future
risks and costs from expected local climate change impacts; acrd
WHEREAS, the Implementation Plan for Strategy Local Water Supply and Reuse,
proposed adopting new regulations to incorporate cllrthes washer graywater plumbing stub-out in
new residential development; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Water Resources and the Department of Housing and
Community Development adopted graywater regulations in the 2010 Californian Phunbing Code
Chapter 16A, Part I; and
WHEREAS, clothes washer graywater systgrns constructed according to Chula Vista
Clothes Washer Graywater Pre-Plumbing and Stub-Out DoT N..ew Residential Construction and
operated according to the 2010-California Plumbing Code Chapter 16A provide a safe method of
reducing potable water demand; and:
WHEREAS, a clothes washer gzaywater system can save a typical single-family dwelling
up to 7,000 gallons of potable water pet year; and
WHEREAS, the installation of a stub-out at time of construction greatly facilitates the
use of graywater in residences; and
WHEREAS, the City Council specifically and expressly finds and declares that adding
section 15.28.020;to Chapter 15.28 is necessary due to local climatic conditions. As a result of
prolonged droughts exacerbated by climate change, it is anticipated that water supplies from
imported sources are: teduced, and furthermore, as a result of population and economic growth,
demand for water is expected to increase. These impacts could limit imported water availability,
lead to higher demand for local water sources and increase utility costs. Requiring single-source
graywater stub-out in new residential development facilitates the use of graywater for irrigation
which in turn helps address these water-related climate change impacts.
NOW THEREFORE the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby ordain as
follows:
SECTION I. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Ordinance No.
Page 2
That the City Council has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity falls within
the Class 8 Categorical Exemption pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Chapter
3, Article 19 (the "State CEQA Guidelines") section 15308 and therefore is exempt from
environmental review; and notwithstanding the Class 8 Categorical Exemption, the City Council
has further determined that there is also no possibility that the activity may have a significant
effect on the environment; therefore, pursuant to section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA
Guidelines the activity is exempt from the provisions of CEQA.
SECTION II. CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE
That the City Council does hereby find and determine that Chapter 15.28 of the Chula
Vista Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding Se~tia~ 15.28.020, Residential Graywater
Stub-out, as follows:
15.28.020 Residential Graywater Stub-out:
All new detached single-family dwellings and- dupl~ces shall include asingle-source
clothes washer graywater outlet and an outside stuTi otiltto allow the later installation of a
clothes washer graywater irrigationaystem that comple~~v_ith the requirements of Section
1603A.1.1 of the 2010 California Plumbing Code. T'Yie outlet and stub-out shall be
installed in accordance with the Chula Vista Clothes Washer (3raywater Pre-Plumbing and
Stub-Out for New Residential Construction ox an equivalent alternate method and/or
material approved by the Building Official.
The provisions `of this Seetinn may be modified or waived when it can be satisfactorily
demonstrated to the Building Official that- compliance with these regulations is
impractical due to eonstrucfion or physi~ai constraints, or due to site and/or soil
conditions...
SECTION III. EFFECTIVE DATE
This _tadinance will tali effeex:and be in force thirty days after its final passage.
SECTION;IV. PUBLICATION
The City Cleileshall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause
the same to be publishez~'or posted according to law.
Presented by Approved as to form by
Gary Halbert, P.E., AICP Glen R. Googins
Assistant City Manager/Development City Attorney
Services Director
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE CHULA VISTA CLOTHES
WASHER GRAYWATER PRE-PLUMBING AND STUB-OUT
FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
WHEREAS, on May 3, 2011 City Council approved Resolution 2011-076 in which City
Council adopted the Climate Adaptation Strategies and approved thelr'plementation; and
WHEREAS, the Implementation Plan for Strategy #4, Lo~~l Water Supply and Reuse,
proposed adopting new regulations to incorporate clothes washer gray~s!ater plumbing stub-out in
new residential development; and
WHEREAS, staff is presenting to Council an ordinance amending Chapter 15.28 of the
Municipal Code to require all new detached single=family dwellings and duple~~ to include a
clothes washer graywater pre-plumbing and outside stub-out; and
WHEREAS, the installation of a stub-out at time of construction greatly facilitates the
use of graywater in residences; and
WHEREAS, in order to facilitate coxriplapee with the, requirements and establish
consistency in the installation and inspectxorr of these requirements, staff developed technical
installation requirements, Ckaula Vista Clothes' tiUasher Gra}?water Pre-Plumbing and Stub-Out
for New Residential Construction (attached as Exhibit "A");'and
WHEREAS, the Board of Appeals and Advisors, at thew xxx~€, 2012 meeting
recommended that City Couixcil,adopt the-installation requirements.
NOW, TH1;RE~'ORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista
that it hereby adopts the Chula Vista Clothes Washer Graywater Pre-Plumbing and Stub-Out fox
New Residential Construction, attached'as Exhibit "A," as the installation requirements in the
City of Chula Uista.
Presented by Approved as to form by
Gary Halbert, P.E., AICP Glen R. Googins
Assistant City Manager/Development City Attorney
Services Director
EXHIBIT A
~~I!/
Clothes Washer Grayvvater Pre-Plumbing and
~~n of Stub-Out for New Residential Construction
CHULA VISTA
These requirements, or an equivalent alternate method and/or material
approved by the Building Official, are applicable in all new detached single
family dwellings and duplexes.
There are two basic approaches to installing the pre-plumbing and stub-out for a future clothes
washer graywater system in newly constructed dwelling units. Both methods are installed
adjacent to the regular clothes washer standpipe to allow the clothes-washer to drain into the
regular sewer standpipe (leading to the building sewer) or be ctiyerted to a graywater stub-out on
the exterior of the building. The following are the twc?,inethcfds:
Configuration #1 involves a separate graywater standpipe installed adjacent to the regular
clothes washer standpipe. This can be done by installing an;additional outlet bow dedicated for
the graywater standpipe. The following installation requtrettaents apply:
• The standpipe shall be vented (an air admittance valve is acceptable) and trapped, and all
phtmbing materials shall be 2-incltZti s}ze.
• The standpipe shall have a 2-inch overflow pipe leading do'~zaviiard to the regular washer
sewer standpipe.
• The graywater standpipe outlet box shall be as close as possible to the sewer standpipe so
that the flexible washing machine wastewater discharge pipe can be manually moved
between the two outlet bob drainage pipes to either flow into the sewer or to a future
graywater sys#e~Yr attached tP the stub-out.
• The plumbing syst~ln must have aminimum.''/a" per foot slope towards the exterior stub-
out
Configuration #2 uses a 3-Way Diverter Valve connected to the end of the flexible washing
machine wastewater discharge pipe. The valve position directs the graywater to either the
regular stant~gipe leading to t)~e sewer or to the graywater sub-out. The following installation
requirements apply:
• The diverter valve and all additional plumbing materials shall be minimum 1-inch in size
or greater.
• The graywater-;stub-out shall have a vacuum breaker installed at the highest point in the
connection, either inside or outside.
• The diverter valve must be accessible and securely fastened to the interior wall at the
clothes washer.
The following general requirements apply to both configurations:
• Permanent labeling.
o Regular standpipe leading to the building sewer and diverter valve in position to
feed into the sewer standpipe must be permanently labeled "Building Sewer."
Page 1 of 2
EXHIBIT A
o Standpipe dedicated to feed the graywater stub-out and diverter valve in the
position to feed the graywater stub-out must be permanently labeled "Graywater
to Landscape."
o Exterior graywater stub-outs must be permanently labeled "Graywater Stub-Out.
Caution-Unsafe Water."
o Sections of the graywater piping 5-feet or longer must be labeled "CAUTION:
NON-POTABLE WATER, DO NOT DRINK."
• An operation and maintenance manual shall be provided. Directions shall indicate the
manual is to remain with the bLUlding throughout the life of th~;~ystem and indicate that
upon change of ownership or occupancy, the new owner oz tenarit, shall be notified the
structure contains a graywater stub-out or system.
• Stub-out
o Must extend a minimum of 3-inches outward past the exterior wall.
o Must have a rubber cap with a stainless steel tightening draw band to keep it
closed when not conducting graywater.,
o Exterior stub-outs should measure between 18-inches and 4&~inches above
finished exterior grade. The higher the Netter to assist with the gravity"flow of the
system but not to exceed 48" above finished exterior-grade.
o The stub-out should be as close to the largest area of landscaping as possible.
All exterior materials shall be prptected from UV rays by a latex paint, except for the
vacuum breaker device.
• All work and materials used shall co~rfbi~i }o the Califor-nla Plumbing Code in effect at
the time of installation.
• Both ends of the graywater stub-out plnmba'ng need tgbe'dentified on the plans.
The graywater plumbing :and stub-out is ;required whLrever the clothes washer outlet box
is installed in tkte building.
Page 2 of 2
~lkC~~evi~~{- ~7
NON-POTABLE WATER REUSE SYSTEMS
bathtzrbs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes was/zing sewer: 77ze direction corzh'ol of the graywater shall
nzachirzes, and laundry tubs, but does rzot include wastewater be clem'ly labeled and readily accessible to the user:
from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. 3. The installation, change, alteration, or repair of the
Graywater System. A system designed to collect graywater system does rzot include a potable water conrzectiorz
and transport it out of the sh'ucha'e for distribution in an h'ri- or a pump and does not affect other building, plumb-
gation or Disposal Field. A graywater system may include ing, electrical, or mechanical components inclzding
tanks, valves, filters, pumps or other appurtenances along with structural
features, egress, fre-life safety, sanitation,
piping and receiving landscape. potable water supplypiping, or accessibility.
Irrigation Field An intended destination forgraywater in the Note: The pump in a clothes washer shall not be
receiving landscape irzclztdirzg but not limited to a drip irriga- considered part of the graywater system.
tion system, nzzdch basin, or other approved method of dis-
persalfor irrigation purposes. 4. The graywater shall be cont¢irzed on the site where
it is generated.
Mulch. Organic waste material including bzzt not limited to
leaves, prunings, straw pulled weeds, and wood chips. Mulch S. Graywatershall be directed to and contained within
shall be permeable enozrgh to allow rapid infiltration ofgray- an irrigation or disposal feld.
water: 6. Ponding or runoffis prohibited and shall be consid-
Mulch Basin. A type of irrigation or disposal
field
f Iled with eyed a nuisance.
mulch or other approved permeable material of sufficient 7. Graywater may be released above the ground sur-
depth, length, and width topreventpondingorrunoffAmulch face provided at least two (2) inches (51 mnz).of
basin may include a basin around a tree, a trough along a row mulch, rock, or soil, or a solid shield covers the re-
ofplants, or other shapes necessary for irrigation or disposal. lease point. Other methods which provide equiva-
Receiving Landscape. Includes features such as soil, basins, lent separation are also acceptable.
swales, mulch, andplmzts. 8. Graywater systems shall be designed to minimize
Simple System. A graywater system serving aone- or two- contact with humans and domestic pets.
family dwelling with a discharge of 250 gallons (947 L) per 9. Water used to wash diapers or similarly soiled or in-
day or less. Simple systems exceed a clothes washer system. fectious garments shall not be used and shall be di-
Ti'eated Graywater Non potable water collected and treated verted to the building sewer:
on-site suitable for direct benefcial use. 10. Graywater shall not contain hazardous chemicals
derived from activities such as cleaning car parts,
' 1603A.0 Permit. washing greasy or oily rags, ar disposing of waste
A written construction permit shall be obtained from the En- solutions from home photo labs or similar hobbyist
forcirzgAgencyprior to the erection, construction, reconstruc- or home occupational activities.
timz, installation, relocation, or alteration of any graywater 11. Exemption from construction permit requirements of
system that requires a permit. this code shall not be deemed to grant authorizafron
Exception: A construction permit shall not be required
far a for any graywater system to be installed in a manner
clothes washer system which does not require cutting of the that violates other provisions of this code or any
existingplumbingpipingprovided it is in compliance with other laws or ordinances of the Enforcing Agency.
Section 1603A.1.1. 12. An operation and maintenance manual shall bepro-
I603A.I System Requirements. vided. Directions shall indicate the manual is to re-
I603A.LI Clothes Washer System. A clothes washer main with the building throughout the life of the
system in compliance with all of the following is exempt system and indicate that upon change of ownership
from the construction permit specified in Section 1.8.4.1 or occupancy, the new owner or tenant shall be no-
and may be installed or altered without a construction tified the structure contains a graywater system.
permit: I603A.L2 Simple System. Simple systems exceed a clothes
1. If required, notificatr'on has been provided to the En- washer system and shall comply with the following:
forcirigAgency regarding the proposed Zocatz'on and 1. The discharge capacity afa graywatersystem shall be
installation of a graywater irrigation ar disposal determined by Section 1606A.0. Simple systems have
system. a discharge capacity of250 gallons (947L) per day or
- Note: A city, county, or city and county or other Zess.
local government nzay, after a public hearing and 2. Simple systems shall requireaconshuctionpermit, un-
enactment of anordinance or resolution, further re- less exempted from a constriction pernzit by the En-
strict or prohibit the zise of graywater systems. For forcing Agency. The Enforcing Agency shall consult
additional information, see Health mid Safety Code with mzypublic watersystenz (as defined in Health and
Section 18941.7. Safety Code, Section 116275) providing drinking
2. T1ae desi,g7z shall allow the user to direct the flow to ~ water to the dwelling before allowing mz eserazptiorz
the irrigation or disposal field or the building from a consbziction permit
302 - 2010 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE