REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 12.34 (Water Conservation Restrictions) of Title 12 (Water and Sewers) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code to Implement AB 1572 by Prohibiting the Use of Potable Water to Irrigate Nonfunctional Turf and Finding the Action Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15307
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2023, the California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 1572 (codified in Cal. Water Code Section 10608.12 et seq.), which prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on specified properties. The law requires public water systems, including the City of Sunnyvale (City), to update their water service regulations, ordinances, or policies as necessary to implement the requirements and communicate them to customers by January 1, 2027. The proposed amendments to Chapter 12.34 (Water Conservation Restrictions) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code incorporate the requirements of AB 1572 into the City's existing water conservation regulations to meet the statutory requirement for updating the City's regulations.
Nonfunctional turf is defined as ornamental turf that is not regularly used for recreation, civic or community events, or other specified purposes. The prohibition is phased in by property type.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.3.1 – Legislative Management Goals and Policies, Policy 7.3B.3. Prepare and update ordinances to reflect current community issues and concerns in compliance with state and federal laws.
General Plan, Chapter 7 – Environmental Management, Goal EM-2 Water Conservation. Promote more efficient use of the City's water resources to reduce the demands placed on the City's water supplies.
Climate Action Playbook 2024 Update and Game Plan 2028, Move 4.I. Implement a policy that prohibits installation of non-functional turf in new commercial construction.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 12....
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