ORDINANCE 1433ORDINANCE NO. 1433
AN ORDINANCE ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 10 -5 TO THE EL SEGUNDO
MUNICIPAL CODE ( "ESMC ") ESTABLISHING WATER CONSERVATION
MEASURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH WATER CODE § 375 AND
AMENDING ESMC §§ 1 -2A -1, 1 -2A -2, AND 1 -2A -3 TO ENFORCE ESMC
CHAPTER 10 -5 WITH ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS.
The City Council of the City of El Segundo does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: The City Council finds as follows:
A. Protecting, conserving, and managing water supplies is an issue of
municipal concern. Contamination, drought, or damage to the City's
potable water infrastructure can lead to a water emergency.
B. The City receives all of its water from the West Basin Municipal Water
District ( "WBMWD ") and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
( "MWD "; collectively, "Districts ").
C. It is in the public interest for the City to enact regulations for distribution
and use of potable water including, without limitation, water conservation
programs to encourage efficient water use and discourage waste.
SECTION 2: El Segundo Municipal Code ( "ESMC ") §§ 1 -2A -1, 1 -2A -2, and 1 -2A -3 are
amended to read as follows:
"1 -2A -1: Purpose.
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the city's police powers and Government Code
§ 53069.4 for the purpose of making any violations of El Segundo Municipal Code
§§ 5 -4 -1 to 5 -4 -13 (entitled "Storm Water and Urban Runoff Pollution Control') and
§§ 10 -5 -1 to 10 -5 -23 (entitled "Water Conservation ") subject to an administrative
fine and to set forth the procedures for the imposition and collection of such fines.
1 -2A -2: Applicability.
This chapter provides for administrative citations that are in addition to all other legal
remedies, criminal or civil, which the city may pursue to address violations of the
Storm Water Code and Water Conservation Code. The use of this chapter is at the
sole discretion of the code enforcement officer.
1 -2A -3: Definitions:
Unless the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the context, the following
definitions govern the construction of the words and phrases used in this chapter:
"Water Conservation Code" means §§ 10 -5 -1 to 10 -5 -24 of the El Segundo
Municipal Code and any federal, state, or local regulation enforced by and through
the Water Conservation Code including, without limitation, pertinent provisions of
Titles 13 and 15 of this Code."
SECTION 3: A new Chapter 10 -5, entitled Water Conservation, is added to the ESMC
to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 10 -5
WATER CONSERVATION
10 -5 -1:
Purpose.
10 -5 -2:
Definitions.
10 -5 -3:
Water Conservation Program.
10 -5-4:
Repair of Plumbing, Sprinkler and Irrigation System.
10 -5 -5:
Watering /Irrigation.
10 -5 -6:
Miscellaneous Restrictions.
10 -5 -7:
Commercial Car Washes.
10 -5 -8:
Washing of Equipment and Machinery.
10 -5 -9:
Cleaning of Structures.
10 -5 -10:
Cleaning of Surfaces.
10 -5 -11:
Water Spillage.
10 -5 -12:
Swimming Pools and Spas.
10 -5 -13:
Fountains, Decorative Basins, Ponds, Waterways.
10 -5 -14:
Cooling Systems.
10 -5 -15:
Commercial Laundry Facilities.
10 -5 -16:
Visitor - Serving Facilities.
10 -5 -17:
Restaurants.
10 -5 -18:
Construction.
10 -5 -19:
Use of Hydrants.
10 -5 -20:
Indiscriminate Use.
10 -5 -21:
Public Health and Safety.
10 -5 -22:
Water shortage contingency measures.
10 -5 -23:
Relief from compliance.
10 -5 -24:
Enforcement.
10 -5 -1: Purpose.
This Chapter is adopted pursuant to Water Code § 375 for the purpose of
establishing water conservation requirements and implementing contingency
measures in the event of water shortages.
10 -5 -2: Definitions.
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Unless the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the context, the
following definitions govern the construction of the words and phrases used
in this Chapter.
"Impervious surface" means a constructed or modified surface that cannot
effectively percolate water. The terms includes, without limitation, sidewalks,
driveways, gutters, and roads.
"Person" means a natural or corporate person who receives potable water
service from the City.
"Programmed" means a weather -based or senor -based irrigation controller
that was programmed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and
site - specific conditions.
"Responsible person" means the person responsible for daily operations of
each residential or commercial premises located within the City's jurisdiction
including, without limitation, the property owner.
"Sensor -based irrigation controller" means an irrigation controller that
operates based upon input received from any combination of sensors such
as rain, light, and soil moisture, installed within or around an irrigated
landscape area.
"Weather -based irrigation controller" means an irrigation controller that
operates based on evapotranspiration rates and historic or real -time weather
data.
10 -5 -3: Water Conservation Program.
All water customers are required to adopt and put into use at the earliest
possible date drought water conservation programs.
10 -5-4: Repair of Plumbing, Sprinkler and Irrigation System.
Responsible persons must, as soon as practicable, but not later than forty -
eight (48) hours after such person first discovers water leaks, commence
repair of any leaking pipes, faucets, plumbing fixtures, other water service
appliances, sprinklers, watering or irrigation systems, or distribution systems
and promptly complete such repair work, unless a waiver is obtained from
the City.
10 -5 -5: Watering /Irrigation.
Except as otherwise provided by this Section, it is unlawful for any person to
water their lawn or landscaping or permit their lawn or landscaping to be
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watered between the hours of nine (9:00) AM and five (5:00) PM. It is
unlawful for any person to water their lawn or landscaping or permit their
lawn or landscaping to be watered for a period longer than fifteen (15)
minutes per station each day. Notwithstanding these prohibitions, the
following is permitted:
A. Persons may operate an irrigation system between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
for the purpose of installing, repairing or routine maintenance of the same;
B. Persons may water between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM using any
of the following methods:
Properly programmed weather -based and /or sensor -based
irrigation controllers;
2. Drip irrigation;
3. By hand, using a bucket; or
4. By hand, using a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
10 -5 -6: Miscellaneous Restrictions. The following are unlawful for any person:
A. Allowing grass, lawns, groundcover, shrubbery, and open ground to be
watered at any time while it is raining.
B. Operating landscape irrigation system(s) that allow overspray or excess
runoff onto impervious surfaces (such as sidewalks, driveways, v- ditches,
gutters and roadways).
C. To use a water hose to wash any vehicle including, without limitation,
cars, trucks, boats, trailers, recreational vehicles, or campers, or any other
aircraft, tractor, or any other vehicle, or any portion thereof, unless the
hose is equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle. Except for individual
residential vehicle washing, all wash water from vehicle washing /cleaning
activity must be prevented from discharging to the stormwater drainage
system.
10 -5 -7: Commercial Car Washes.
A. It is unlawful for commercial car wash facilities to permit the washing of
any boat or vehicle in such facility or on its premises, other than by the
following methods:
Use of mechanical automatic car wash facilities utilizing water
recycling equipment or utilizing recycled water;
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2. Use of a hose that operates on a timer for limited time periods and
shuts off automatically at the expiration of the time period;
3. Use of a hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle; or
4. Use of bucket and hand washing.
B. All wash /rinse water must be captured and recycled or discharged into the
sanitary sewer system.
C. All new commercial conveyor car wash facilities must be equipped with a
water recycling system.
10 -5 -8: Washing of Equipment and Machinery.
It is unlawful for any person to use a water hose to wash any type of
equipment or machinery, or any portion thereof, unless the hose is equipped
with an automatic shutoff nozzle. All wash water from such washing /cleaning
activity must be prevented from discharging to the stormwater drainage
system.
10 -5 -9: Cleaning of Structures.
It is unlawful for any person to use water through a hose to clean the exterior
of any building or structure unless such hose is equipped with a shutoff
nozzle. All wash water from such activity must be prevented from
discharging to the stormwater drainage system.
10 -5 -10: Cleaning of Surfaces.
It is unlawful for any person to use water through a hose to clean any
sidewalk, driveway, roadway, parking lot, or any other outdoor paved or hard
surfaced area, unless all wash water from such activity is prevented from
discharging to the stormwater drainage system.
10 -5 -11: Water Spillage.
Every person must minimize water spillage into streets, curbs, or gutters and
minimize runoff beyond the immediate area of use. Every person is deemed
to have under his /her control at all times his /her water distribution lines and
facilities, and to know the manner and extent of his /her water use and excess
runoff.
10 -5 -12: Swimming Pools and Spas.
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It is unlawful for any person to empty and refill a swimming pool or spa
except to prevent or repair structural damage or to comply with public health
regulations. Discharge of pool water, other than directly to the sanitary sewer
system, must be consistent with this Code with regard to stormwater.
Discharge of pool filter backwash water to the stormwater drainage system is
prohibited. All pools and spas must be equipped with a water recirculation
device. The use of a pool /spa cover is encouraged to prevent evaporative
water loss.
10 -5 -13: Fountains, Decorative Basins, Ponds, Waterways.
It is unlawful for any person to use water to operate or maintain levels in
decorative fountains, basins, ponds, and waterways unless a recirculation
device is in use. Discharge of water, other than directly to the sanitary sewer
system, must be consistent with this Code with regard to stormwater.
Discharge of filter backwash water to the stormwater drainage system is
prohibited.
10 -5 -14: Cooling Systems.
No single pass cooling systems are permitted in new connections.
10 -5 -15: Commercial Laundry Facilities.
New commercial laundry facilities must be equipped with a water reclamation
system for rinse water.
10 -5 -16: Visitor - Serving Facilities.
The owner and manager of each hotel, motel, restaurant, and other visitor -
serving facility must ensure that such facility displays, in places visible to all
customers, placards or decals approved by the City, promoting public
awareness of the need for water conservation and /or advising the public that
waste of water is prohibited.
10 -5 -17: Restaurants.
Restaurants in the City cannot serve water to restaurant customers, except
upon request of the customer.
10 -5 -18: Construction.
A. It is unlawful to use potable water for compacting or dust control purposes
in construction activities where there is a reasonably available source of
recycled or other non - potable water approved by the California State
Department of Health Services and appropriate for such use.
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B. All water hoses used in connection with any construction activities must
be equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle when an automatic shutoff
nozzle can be purchased or otherwise obtained for the size or type of
hose in use.
10 -5 -19: Use of Hydrants.
It is unlawful for any person to utilize any fire hydrant for any purpose other
than fire suppression or emergency aid, without first obtaining written
approval from the City Manager, or designee.
10 -5 -20: Indiscriminate Use.
It is unlawful for any person to cause or permit the indiscriminate running of
water not otherwise prohibited by this chapter which is wasteful and without
reasonable purpose.
10 -5 -21: Public Health and Safety.
These regulations cannot be construed to limit water use which is
immediately necessary to protect public health or safety.
10 -5 -22: Water shortage contingency measures.
The City Council by resolution is authorized to require or impose reductions
in the use of water if such reductions are necessary in order for the City to
comply with water use restrictions imposed by federal, state or regional water
agencies or to respond to emergency water shortage conditions. Depending
on the expected duration and severity of the shortage, these measures may
include, without limitation, the following:
A. Prohibit the filling or emptying and refilling of swimming pools, excluding
normal maintenance of water levels due to evaporation.
B. Prohibit the use of a temporary fire hydrant meter from the City, or
otherwise using water through a temporary City water service.
C. Require all major water users to reduce their usage by the percentage
determined by the City Manager, or designee, to be necessary to sustain
adequate water supply for the City. Such percentage must be based both
on the rate of supply to the City and the rate of current water demand.
D. Impose an additional water surcharge above and beyond the existing City
water rates on all City residents, water users and water consumers who
fail or refuse to abide by the requirements, restrictions and priorities
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adopted by the City in response to the emergency water shortage
condition.
E. Suspend all sales and deliveries of City water, or use of City water, for
construction or grading purposes.
F. Reduce or prohibit consumption or use of City water by residential,
recreational, commercial, industrial and institutional water users for
landscape irrigation purposes.
G. Initiate or implement additional or innovative actions to increase the
supply of water available to the City and to conserve the City's existing
water supply.
10 -5 -23: Relief from compliance.
The City Manager, or designee, may grant written waivers to persons who
apply on forms supplied by the City for:
A. Prohibited uses of water if it is found that a waiver is necessary to prevent
an emergency condition relating to health and safety, and if the person
seeking a waiver demonstrates that he or she implemented water
conservation measures in some other manner that achieves the
objectives of this Chapter. No waiver can be granted for the filling of any
decorative fountain, basin, pond, hot tub, spa or permanent swimming or
wading pool, unless the filling occurs as the result of performing
necessary leak repairs and unless the other provisions of this Section are
met.
B. No waiver can be granted unless the person demonstrates that he or she
has already achieved the maximum practical reduction in water
consumption as can be achieved by the affected property or business.
Any waiver granted must be based upon the water consumption rates of
similar water users, properties or businesses.
10 -5 -24: Enforcement.
At least one written warning must be provided to persons upon the first
violation of this Chapter. Second and subsequent violations may be
enforced in accordance with applicable law including, without limitation, this
Code. It is the code enforcement officer's responsibility to enforce this
Chapter"
SECTION 4: CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT EXEMPTION. This
ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act
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(California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA ") and CEQA regulations
(14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) because it establishes rules and
procedures to permit operation of existing facilities; minor temporary use of land;
ensure maintenance, restoration and protection of the environment; and regulate
normal operations of facilities for public gatherings. This Ordinance, therefore, is
categorically exempt from further CEQA review under Cal. Code Regs. Title 14, §§
15301, 15304(e), 15308, and 15323.
SECTION 5: PUBLIC NOTIFICATION. The City Manager, or designee, is directed to
provide public notification regarding the regulations set forth in this ordinance through
any reasonable means including, without limitation, newspaper publications, flyers
contained within the City's utility bills, and advertising on the City's PEG cable channel.
SECTION 6: SAVINGS CLAUSE. Repeal of any provision of the SPMC or any other
regulation by this Ordinance does not affect any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred
before, or preclude prosecution and imposition of penalties for any violation occurring
before, this Ordinance's effective date. Any such repealed part will remain in full force
and effect for sustaining action or prosecuting violations occurring before the effective
date of this Ordinance.
SECTION 7: SEVERABILITY. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is
deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the city council intends that such
invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and,
to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
SECTION 8: VALIDITY OF PREVIOUS CODE SECTIONS. If this the entire Ordinance
or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, any repeal of
the SPMC or other regulation by this Ordinance will be rendered void and cause such
SPMC provision or other regulation to remain in full force and effect for all purposes.
SECTION 9: The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of this
Ordinance; cause it to be entered into the City of El Segundo's book of original
ordinances; make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting;
and, within fifteen (15) days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it
to be published or posted in accordance with California law.
SECTION 10: This Ordinance will take effect on January 1, 2010.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd da
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ATTEST:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF EL SEGUNDO
I, Cindy Mortesen, City Clerk of the City of El Segundo, California, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Ordinance No. 1433 , was duly introduced by said City Council at a regular meeting held on
the 6 day of PCT= 2009, and was duly passed and adopted by said City Council,
approved and signed by the Mayor, and attested to by the City Clerk, all at a regular
meeting of said Council held on the 3 day of ' NOV.- 2009, and the same was so
passed and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: McDowell, Busch, Brann, Fisher, Jacobson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
h.
Cindy Mo esen, City Clerk
r'
APPROV I
Mark D. 0
Karl H. Berger,
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A
F
t City Attorney