Discussion and possible direction regarding the proposed water conservation regulations for the Sierra Vista Sub-watershed.

Beverly Wilson, Planning Director, opened the meeting with a PowerPoint presentation outlining the intent of the proposed amendments to the water conservation regulations.  The regulations are intended to:

• Reduce the rate of depletion of groundwater resources within the sierra Vista sub-watershed;
• Reduce overall per capita water use;
• Ensure compliance with the most current and innovative water-saving conservation fixtures, appliances, and techniques;
• Ensure the efficient delivery of hot water in new commercial and residential development; and
• Ensure new home development meets or exceeds WaterSense specifications.

Ms. Wilson also pointed out that a great deal of the language the supervisors are seeing is already adopted in the regulations.  The biggest changes are the inclusion of remodels, hot water delivery systems, and the prohibition of air-cooling misters.  Ms. Wilson then asked for questions. 

Chairman English, Vice-Chairman Searle, and Supervisor Call all agreed that remodels should be removed from the regulations.  They also agreed that they would prefer to see an incentive-based system such as giving a discount on the building fees for those who choose to build to WaterSense standards. 

Vice-Chairman Searle left the meeting at 2:04.

Supervisor Call suggested that if incentives are offered, they should be county-wide, not just in the Sierra Vista sub-watershed and Chairman English concurred.

Mr. Ambrose cautioned the Supervisors that regulations based on incentives and extending county-wide would need to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission before coming to a Board of Supervisors' agenda.  If the only change the Board makes is to remove remodels, the issue would not need to reappear before the Commission.

Another work session will be scheduled for February 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m