HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013/04/23 Item 03CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STATEMENT
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CHULAVISTA
Apri123, 2013
Item No.: 3
ITEM TITLE: A. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AMENDING CHAPTER 15.28 OF THE CHULA VISTA
MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 15.28.020,
RESIDENTIAL GRAYWATER STUB-OUT
B. 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
SUBMITTED BY: Assistant City Managevelopment 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 Adaptation Strategies. Strategy # 4, Local Water Supply and Reuse,
proposed adopting new regulations to incorporate single-source graywater plumbing stub-out in
new residential development. This Ordinance proposes requiring all new detached single-family
dwellings and duplexes to include a clothes washer graywater outlet and an outside stub-out to
facilitate the later installation of a clothes washer graywater irrigation system.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services 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 Director of
Development Services 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. Thus, no
environmental review is required.
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Item No.: 3
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RECOMMENDATION
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, January 14, 2013 meeting unanhnously
recommended adoption of the Ordinance.
The Resource Conservation Commission at their Monday, January 14, 2013 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. Strategy # 4, Loca] Water Supply
and Reuse, proposed adopting new regulations to incorporate clothes washer graywater plumbing
stub-out in new residential development to facilitate the later installation of a graywater
irrigation system. Graywater is water from clothes washing machines, 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 size of attached single-family
units and impracticality for multi-family buildings, staff is recommending 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, prolonged droughts exacerbated by climate
change could reduce water supplies from imported sources by 20% or morel These climate
change impacts could limit imported water availability, increase utility costs for residents and
businesses, and lead to higher demand for local water sources.. Using laundry water for irrigation
is one of many ways to conserve potable water supply and reduce flows to our wastewater
system. A clothes washer graywater system can save a typical single-family dwelling up to
7,000 gallons of potable water per yeaz.z Reusing laundry water for irrigation conserves our
precious water resources, conserves energy needed to pump and treat water, and saves money on
the water bill.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Department of Housing and
Community Development and several other environmental and water health agencies cooperated
in the development of graywater standards found in Chapter 16A, Part I, of the current California
Plumbing Code (CPC). These agencies declared that the standards are protective of public
health.
The CPC allows asingle-source residential clothes washer graywater irrigation 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 1603A.1.1 of the CPC is
provided for reference as Attachment B. The main requirements of the CPC aze as follows:
~ San Diego Foundation. "Focus 2050 Study: San Diego's Changing Climate." 2008
z Based on 20 gallons per load, 7 loads per week.
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Item No.• 3
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1. The user shall be able to direct the flow of the graywater to either the irrigation system or
the building sewer. This allows the user to divert any contaminated water to the building
sewer. In addition, if the irrigation area is saturated, it allows the user to divert the
graywater to the building sewer to prevent ponding or runoff.
2. The graywater shall be contained on site within the imgation field. The CPC does not
allow a pump to be added to the system and graywater must not be released above the
ground surface unless at least two (2) inches of mulch, rock, or soil, or a solid shield
covers the release point. This makes it illegal to use a sprinkler system to imgate using
graywater.
3. Ponding or runoff is prohibited. To reduce the potential of runoff, the proposed ordinance
exempts townhomes from the stub-out requirement because they typically have smaller
lot size. Furthermore, realizing that some properties and building layouts may not be
suitable for a graywater system, the proposed ordinance gives the Building Official the
ability to modify or waive the requirements.
4. Water used to wash diapers or similarly soiled or infectious garments, or water containing
hazardous chemicals shall be diverted to the building sewer.
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.
Homeowners must ensure that when they later install 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 to themselves or neighbors.
Deviating from the standards is a violation and the City will respond to complaints of violations
of graywater regulations.
To assist homeowners who are interested in utilizing clothes washer graywater systems, staff wil]
develop a "best practices" manual describing proper installation methods. The manual will
address clothes washer graywater 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 system's effectiveness, protecting human health, and avoiding
water runoff.
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 to the proposed
Resolution). Realizing that there might be other acceptable code complying approaches, the
proposed Ordinance and installation requirements give the Building Official the ability to
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Apri123, 2013
Item No.• ~
Page 4 of 5
approve equivalent alternate methods and/or materials. Furthermore, realizing that some
properties and building layouts may not be suitable for a graywater system, the proposed
ordinance gives the Building Official the ability to modify or waive the requirements when it can
be demonstrated to his satisfaction that compliance with the requirements is impractical due to
construction or physical constraints, or due to site and/or soil conditions.
The installation of a stub-out at time of new constmction facilitates the later installation and use
of a graywater system in residences. Based on staff s research, the incremental cost for installing
the pre-plumbing and stub-out during new construction is estimated to be between $200 and
$350 depending on the location of the laundry room in the house in relation to the most useful
location for the exterior stub-out.
In addition to presenting the proposed Ordinance and Resolution to the Board of Appeals and
Advisors (BOA&A) and the Resources Conservation Commission (RCC), on September 19,
2012, staff presented 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. Furthermore, recently staff
has held meetings with representatives from the Building Industry Association (BIA) and
discussed the proposed ordinance. While the BIA representatives have expressed concern that
City Climate Change measures directed towazd new construction create an additional financial
burden on a recovering construction industry, they did not indicate an intent to oppose the
proposed graywater ordinance.
Exniration of Local Standazds
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
adopted standards for City Council's consideration and adoption at the time staff brings forwazd
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 awaze, 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 costs will be minimal 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.
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Item No.• 3
Page 5 of 5
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 covered under the Conservation and
Environmental Services' budget.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Board of Appeals and Advisors January 14, 2013 Meeting Minutes.
B. Section 1603A.1.1 of the 2010 California Plumbing Code, Clothes Washer System.
Prepared by: Lou EI-Khazen, Building ~cial, Development Services
3-5
Attachment A
~°a
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS
CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
January 14, 2013 Conference Room #137 5:15 PM
276 Fourth Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sanfilippo, Lopez, Sides, West and Starkey
MEMBERS ABSENT: Meservy (Excused)
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Lou EI-Khazen, Building Official
OTHERS PRESENT: Dan Martin, Otay Water District
CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Chair Sanfilippo called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m and asked the
secretary to call roll. Building Official EI-Khazen noted Member Jones resigned as of November 5, 2012, and
the City would be in the process of finding a replacement. Also, Member Meservy had emailed stating he
would not be able to attend tonight's meeting. The Committee voted to excuse his absence.
1. ROLL CALL: Members present constituted a quorum.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 5, 2012
MSC (JL/BW) (5-0-0-1) Approve the Board of Appeals & Advisors minutes of November 5, 2012.
Motion carried with Member Meservy absent.
3. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Proposed residential clothes washer graywater stub-out ordinance (recommendation to City
Council)
Mr. Lou EI-Khazen, Building Official commented this ordinance was the same one presented at their
November 5"' meeting. At the last meeting it was presented as a discussion item because staff was
- not ready to take it before City Council, as the Otay Water District had concems about the laws and
regulations (Title 17) as they applied to graywater. Now staff is comfortable bringing it to the
committee for recommendation to Council, as the city and Otay Water has received correspondence
from the California Department of Health Services explaining their position on the regulations and
clothes washer graywater systems. -
Lou said the state understood the plumbing code exempted a homeowner from getting a building
permit for this system. They felt the 12 conditions in the plumbing code ensured the clothes washer
graywater system would be safe 'rf implemented correctly. It was the state's position that the backflow
prevention device (RP) is not necessary. They felt it was ultimately up to the water authority on how
they wanted to handle that. Staff said Otay Water was ready to move forward without requiring an RP
device on the meter; Dan Martin with the water authority was here to answer any questions.
Mr. Dan Martin, with Otay Water District reiterated their primary concern had to do with the
interpretation of Title 17 of the state code. Once they received clarification from the state (in written
communication) that backflow was not required, Otay Water did not have any concerns with the
ordinance.
Committee Members Concerns/Comments:
• If a homeowner deviates from the twelve conditions outlined in the plumbing code how will
that be dealt with? The building official said a complaint could be made to Code Enforcement
and Code Enforcement wilt inuesfiaate and abate any violations.
D
Board of Appeals & Advisors Page 2 D ~ January 14, 2013
Meeting Minutes
Are there recommendations on the type of detergent used for this system, and what-are the
environmental consequences if the wrong detergent is used? Lou said it's not part of the
policy, however, a Best Practices Manual is being created that will address questions. This
information will be available to the public, the homeowner, it will 6e available at fhe front
counter and on our city web page. Currently there are products available that are low in
sodium, no bleach and phosphates but you have to order them. !f a homeowner uses a
detergent that wasn't specified he would wind up harming some of his own landscaping.
What happens if there is run off into the storm drain? Lou said the Storm Drain Manager had
asked him for a copy of the report, which he reviewed, and had no issues with it.
Further discussion ensued concerning the levels of bacteria that might be found in the
graywater emitting from washing machines, and if there were any concerns how it may
environmentally affect the general population. Lou responded that if there was an
environmental concern, stakeholders such as the California Department of Public Health,
California Department of Housing and Community Development and other state health and
water agencies that were involved in the adoption of the plumbing code would not have
exempted single-source clothes washer systems from a permit.
If the Board of Appeals & Advisors (BOA) recommends it to city council what other groups
have already seen it? Lou stated he had presented it to the Resource Conservation
Commission this afternoon and they had unanimously approved it as a recommendation to
council to adopt it. Also the Oversight Committee has already reviewed it and they didn't
oppose it.
After further deliberation the committee members unanimously decided to recommend the ordinance
for adoption by the City Council.
MSC (AS/JL) (5-0-0-1) Recommend to the City Council that proposed Residential Clothes Washer
Graywater Stub-out Ordinance be approved.
4. MEMBERS COMMENTS/CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS/REPORTS: None
5. BUILDING OFFICIAL'S COMMENTS/REPORTS: None
6. COMMUNICATIONS (PUBLIC REMARKS/ WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE): None
7. ADJOURNMENT:
Chair SanFilippo adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m. to a regular meeting on February 11, 2013 at
5:15 p.m. in Planning and Building Conference Room #137.
MINUTES TAKEN BY:
ROSEMARIE RICE, SECRETARY
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT -BUILDING DIVISION
3-7
NON•POTABLE WATER REUSE SYSTEMS
bathtubs, showers. bathroom washbasins, clothes washing
machines, and Inundry tubs, but does not include wastewater
bom kitchen sinks or dishwashers
Graywater System, A system designed to collect graywater
and hansport it out of the structure for distribution in an Irri-
gation or Disposal Field. A gaywater system may include
tanks, valves. filters, pumps or other appur tenances along with
piping and receiving landscape
.Irrigation Field. An intended destination, for graywater~ in the
receiving landscape including but not limited to a drip irriga-
tion system, mulch basin, or other approved method of dis-
persal for irrigation purposes
Mulch. Organic waste material including but not limited to
leaves, prunings, straw, pulled weeds, and wood chips. Mulch
shall be permeable enough to allow rapid infiltration afgray-
Mulch Basin. A type of irrigation or disposal field filled with
mulch or other approved permeable material of sufficient
depth, length, and width to prevent ponding or runoff' A mulch
basin may include a basin around a tree, a uough along a row
ofplants, or other shapes necessary for irrigation ordisposal
Receivingl.andscape. Includes features such as soil, basins,
swales, mulch, and plants
Simple System. A gaywater system serving aone- or two-
family dwelling wish a discharge of 250 gallons (947 L) per
day or less Simple systems exceed a clothes washer system
Treated Graywater. Non potable water collected and treated
on-site suitable.for direct beneficial use
~ 1603A.0 Permit.
A written construcSon permit shall be obtained from the En-
forefngAgencyprior to the erection, construction, reconstruc-
tion, installation, relocation, or alteration of any gaywater
rystemthatrequiresapermit
Exception: A construction permit shall not be required for a
clothes washer system which does not require cutting of the
existing plumbing piping provided it is in compliance with
Section 1603A 1 1
160.3A.I System Requirements..
1603A.L.1 Clothes Washer System. A clothes washer
system in compliance with all of the following is exempt
from the construction permit specified in Section ].8 41
and may be installed or altered without a construction
permit
1 If required, notification has been provided to the En-
forcingAgency regarding the proposed location and
installation of a graywater irrigation or disposal
system
Note: A city, count}; or city and county or other
local government may, after a public hearing and
enactment ofan ordinance or resolufion, furtherre-
strict or prohibit the use ofgr-aywatersys[ems. For
additional information see Health and Safety Code
Section 18941.7
2 The design shall allow the user to direct the flow to
the irrigation or disposal field or the building
302
Attachment B
sewer: The direction control aftheo aysvater shall
be clearly labeled and readily accessible to the user.
3 The installation, change, alteratiorz or repair ofthe
system does not include a potable water connection
or n pump and does not affect other building, plumb-
ing, electrical, or mechanical componenfs inclzding
structura[featur~es egress, fire-1 fe safety, sanitation,
potable water supply piping oraceessibility
Note: The pump in a clothes washer shall not be
considered part Of the graywater system.
4 The graywater shall be contained on the site where
it is generated
S Graywater shall be directed to and contained within
an irrigation or disposal field.
6 Pondingor runoff is prohibited and shall be consid-
ered anuisance
7 Graywater may be released above the ground sur-
face provided of least two (2) inches (51 mm) of
mulch, rock, or soil, or a solid shield covers the re-
leasepoint. Ocher methods which provide equiva-
lent separation are also acceptable.
8 Graywater systems shall be designed to minimize
contact with humans and domestic pets
9 Water used to wash diapers or similarly soiled or in-
fectious gmments shall not be used and slxill be di-
verted to the building sewer.
10 Graywater shall not contain hazardous chemicals
derived from activities such as cleaning car parts,
washing greasy or oily rags, or disposing of waste
solutions from home photo labs or similar hobbyist
or home occupational activities
11. Exemptionfi~om consriuction permit requirements o
this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization
for arty graywater system to be installed in a manner
that violates other provisions of this code or any
ocher laws or ordinances of the Enforcing Agency.
12 An operation and maintenance manual shall be pro-
vided Directions shall indicate the manual is to re-
main with the building throughout the life of the
system and indicate that upon change of ownership
or occupancy, the new owner or tenant shall be no-
tified the structure contains a graywater system
I603A.L.2 SimpleSystem. Simple systems exceed a clothes
washer system and shall comply with the following:
1. The discharge capacity of a graywater system shall be
determined by Section 1606A 0. Simple systems have
adis~chargecapacityof2.SOgallons (947L)perdayor
less.
2 Simple ystems shall require a construction permit, un- i
less exempted from a consriuction permit by the En- I
,forcing Agency. The Enforcing Agency shall consult ~'.
with anypublic water system (as defined in Health and '
Safety Code, S'eetion 116275) providing drinking
water to the dwelling before allorocing an exemption
from a consnzrctiorz permit.
3-$ 2010 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING
CHAPTER 15.28 OF THE CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE
BY ADDING SECTION 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 implementation; and
WHEREAS, the adopted Climate Adaptation Strategies will help reduce the City's future
risks and costs from expected local climate change impacts; and
WHEREAS, the Implementation Plan for Strategy #4, Local- Water Supply and Reuse,
proposed adopting new regulations to incorporate clothes 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 Plumbing Code
Chapter 16A, Part I; and
WHEREAS, clothes washer graywater systems constructed according to Chula Vista
Clothes Washer Graywater Pre-Plumbing and Stub-Out for New 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 graywater system can save a typical single-family dwelling
up to 7,000 gallons of potable water per yeaz; 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 necessazy 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 reduced, 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 tum helps address these water-related climate change impacts.
3-9
Ordinance No.
Page 2
NOW THEREFORE the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby ordain as
follows:
SECTION I. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
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 Section 15.28.020, Residential Graywater
Stub-out, as follows:
15.28.020 Residential Graywater Stub-out.
All new detached single-family dwellings and duplexes shall include asingle-source
clothes washer graywater outlet and an outside stub-out to allow the later installation of a
clothes washer graywater irrigation system that complies with the requirements of Section
1603A.1.1 of the 2010 California Plumbing Code. The outlet and stub-out shall be
installed in accordance with the Chula Vista Clothes Washer Graywater Pre-Plumbing and
Stub-Out for New Residential Construction or an equivalent alternate method and/or
material approved by the Building Official.
The provisions of this Section may be modified or waived when it can be satisfactorily
demonstrated to the Building Official that compliance with these regulations is
impractical due to construction or physical constraints, or due to site and/or soil
conditions.
SECTION III. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance will take effect and be in force thirty days after its final passage.
3-10
Ordinance No.
Page 3
SECTION IV. PUBLICATION
The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause
the same to be published or posted according to law.
Presented by
Gary Halbert, P.E., AICP
Assistant City Manager/Development
Services Director
Glen R. Goog
~'( City Attorney
3-11
by
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 their implementation; and
WHEREAS, the Implementation Plan for Strategy #4, Local Water Supply and Reuse,
proposed adopting new regulations to incorporate clothes washer grayw-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 duplexes 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 compliance with the requirements and establish
consistency in the installation and inspection of these requirements, staff developed technical
installation requirements, Chula Vista Clothes Washer Graywater Pre-Plumbing and Stub-Out
for New Residential Construction (attached as Exhibit "A"); and
WHEREAS, the Boazd of Appeals and Advisors, at their January 14, 2013 meeting
recommended that City Council adopt the installation requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, 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 for
New Residential Construction, attached as Exhibit "A," as the installation requirements in the
City of Chula Vista.
Presented by
Gary Halbert, P.E., AICP
Assistant City Manager/Development
Services Director
Approved as to form by
Gl
/~~~ty Attorney
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EXHIBIT A
~~t/~
~"+~~ Clothes Washer Graywater Pre-Plumbing and
trio a vISTA Stub-Out for New Residential Construction
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 aze installed
adjacent to the regular clothes washer standpipe to allow the clothes washer to drain into the
regulaz sewer standpipe (leading to the building sewer) or be diverted to a graywater stub-out on
the exterior of the building. The following are the two methods: -
Configuration #1 involves a separate graywater standpipe installed adjacent to the regulaz
clothes washer standpipe. This can be done by installing an additional outlet box dedicated for
the graywater standpipe. The following installation requirements apply:
• The standpipe shall be vented (an air admittance valve is acceptable) and trapped, and all
plumbing materials shall be 2-inch in size.
• The standpipe shall have a 2-inch overflow pipe leading downward 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 dischazge pipe can be manually moved
between the two outlet box drainage pipes to either flow into the sewer or to a future
graywater system attached to the stub-out.
• The plumbing system must have a minimum Ya" per foot slope towazds 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 standpipe leading to the 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 I nf'?
3-13
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. DO NOT DRINK."
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 building throughout the life of the system and indicate that
upon change of ownership or occupancy, the new owner or tenant shall be notified the
structure contains a graywater stub-out or system.
• Stub-out
o Must extend a minimum of 3-inches outwazd 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 48-inches above
finished exterior grade. The higher the better 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 lazgest azea of landscaping as possible.
• All exterior materials shall be protected from UV rays by a latex paint, except for the
vacuum breaker device.
• All work and materials used shall conform to the Califortua Plumbing Code in effect at
the time of installation
• Both ends of the graywater stub-out plumbing need to be identified on the plans.
• The graywater plumbing and stub-out is required wherever the clothes washer outlet box
is installed in the building.
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