Chapter 5.55
RETROFIT REQUIREMENTS
Sections:
5.55.010 Retrofit requirements.
5.55.020 Required certification of fixtures.
5.55.030 Requirements of water saving fixtures.
5.55.040 Specific requirements for new construction.
* Prior legislation: Ord. 38.
5.55.010 Retrofit requirements.
A. Prior to the issuance of a will serve from the Hi-Desert Water District, for both commercial and residential applicants, the applicant must identify types of fixtures to be installed and sign an agreement that affirms that such fixtures will be installed. Upon completion of the project, a representative of the Hi-Desert Water District shall inspect the facilities and certify that the required and designated fixtures have been installed. Service shall be contingent upon such certification and will not be provided until such fixtures are installed and reinspected.
B. Any building which is being substantially remodeled (i.e., any building where plumbing fixtures are removed and replaced because of structural or cosmetic remodeling; or any building which makes structural changes other than original construction affecting plumbing) shall replace existing fixtures with ultra-low flow toilets or water closets, showerheads and faucets.
C. Prior to transfer of ownership of either commercial or residential property, all existing structures shall be retrofitted, if not already so, with ultra-low flow toilets or water closets, showerheads and faucets that conform to the standards expressed in this chapter. Prior to transfer of water service, both the transferor and the transferee shall certify in writing that the property has been retrofitted in conformance with this chapter, and service shall be transferred and continued upon inspection and certification of said property by a representative of the Hi-Desert Water District.
D. Upon change of user of property, as in rental properties changing tenants, owner shall sign certification that said property has been retrofitted, if not already so, and shall have service transferred and continued upon inspection of said property by a representative of the Hi-Desert Water District. [Res. 90-04 § 1].
5.55.020 Required certification of fixtures.
The plumbing fixtures and devices required to be installed pursuant to this chapter shall be certified by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and comply with all applicable American National Standards Institute standards. [Res. 90-04 § 2].
5.55.030 Requirements of water saving fixtures.
A. Toilets, water closets, urinals and flushometer valves designed to use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush shall be utilized only.
B. Showerheads, except where provided for safety reasons, shall be installed and will not allow a water flow rate in excess of 2.5 gallons per minute. The flow limitation device must be a permanent and integral part of the showerhead and must not be removable to allow flow rates in excess of 2.75 gallons per minute.
C. Faucets (general) installed in all lavatory, kitchen, and bar sinks shall be equipped with a flow control device or aerator which will not allow a water flow rate in excess of 2.5 gallons per minute.
D. Faucets (Public Restrooms). In addition to the general requirements set forth in subsection (C) of this section, lavatory faucets located in restrooms intended for use by the general public shall be of the metering or self-closing type. [Amended during 2010 codification; Res. 90-04 § 3].
5.55.040 Specific requirements for new construction.
A. Hot water recirculating units shall be required in all new construction and they must be equipped either with a timer or a thermostat for energy conservation; and all pipes shall be wrapped and insulated.
B. All new construction prior to issuance of will serve shall submit plans to the district showing exterior landscape development and are required to comply with the low water use guidelines established by the district.
C. Water-cooled refrigerating systems must utilize the best available technology for water savings and shall be equipped with one or a combination of the following devices:
1. Cooling tower;
2. Evaporative condenser;
3. An acceptable water recirculating device.
D. The provisions of subsection (C) of this section shall not apply to systems with an aggregate total of two tons or less or a rating of two horsepower or less and located at one street address. Multiple-dwelling unit structures are considered as one street address. However, such systems must be equipped with:
1. Water regulation valves adjusted to use the minimum amount of water;
2. Thermostats that will positively stop water flow when off. [Res. 90-04 § 4].
5.55.050 Variances.
Allowances of variance can be set by the general manager for a specific amount of time and until the requirement can be met if certain products are not available at the time required, but changes must be made within a 90-day period and are subject to inspection by a representative of the district. [Res. 90-04 § 5].
5.55.060 Allowances.
In the event the building inspector finds that the plumbing situation or drainage situation is such that there is not sufficient water to flow the sewage to the septic tank, there will be an allowance made. [Res. 90-04 § 6].