Title 14 - WATER AND SEWERS
Chapter 14.12 WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES
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Camarillo, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2025-08-15 10:03:35 [EST] (Supp. No. 26, Update 2)
Chapter 14.12 WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES1
Sections:
14.12.010 Definitions.
The following words and phrases whenever used in this chapter have the meaning defined in this section:
"GSP" means the current Groundwater Sustainability Plan adopted by the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency in accordance with the State's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. "Irrigation system" means an irrigation system with pipes, hoses, spray heads, or sprinkling devices that are operated by hand or through an automated system.
"Potable water" means water that is suitable for drinking. "Recycled water" means the reclamation and reuse of non-potable water for beneficial use as defined in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
"Significant new development project" means a project that proposes five or more new residential units or 10,000 or more square feet of new commercial or industrial space. "Single pass cooling systems" means equipment where water is circulated only once to cool equipment before being disposed.
"Water conservation administrator" means the person designated by the city manager to administer the provisions of this chapter or the administrator's designee. (Ord. No. 1126, § 3(Exh. A), 7-27-2016)
14.12.020 Purpose and aApplicability..
The purpose of this chapter is to establish ongoing, permanent water conservation measures, as well as a framework for implementing additional conservation measures based upon current or projected water supply levels, drought conditions, regional or statewide advisories, infrastructure constraints, wholesale supplier directives, or other circumstances affecting the city’s water supply or continued provision of reliable water service.
The provisions of this chapter apply to any person ’s in the use of water provided by the city. Nothing in this chapter limits the city’s authority under California Water Code Sections 350 through 353 or other applicable law to take emergency actions necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
The Permanent Water Conservation Measures Policy (PWCMP), as adopted and amended by the city council from time to time, is incorporated in this chapter by reference. The PWCMP establishes the water conservation measures that are in effect at all times.
1Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 1126, § 3(Exh. A), adopted July 27, 2016, amended Ch. 14.12 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 14.12, §§ 14.12.010—14.12.060, pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 1039, § 2, 7-22-2009; Ord. No. 1040, § 2, 8-26-2009; Ord. No. 1116, § 3(Exh. A), 11-4-2015.
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The Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) prepared pursuant to Water Code section 10632, as adopted and amended by the city council from time to time, is incorporated in this chapter by reference. The WSCP is a detailed plan for predicting and responding to foreseeable and unforeseeable water shortages or other required demand reduction conditions. It establishes water shortage levels, shortage response actions, and procedures for shortage response action implementation. (Ord. No. 1126, § 3(Exh. A), 7-27-2016) shall as determined by City Manager
14.12.030XX Implementation of water shortage contingency plan. Purpose and Implementation.
A. A. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) prepared pursuant to Water Code section 10632, as adopted and amended by the city council from time to time, is incorporated in this chapter by reference. The WSCP is a detailed plan for predicting and responding to foreseeable and unforeseeable water shortages or other required demand reduction conditions. It includes water shortage levels, shortage response actions, and procedures for shortage response action implementation.
B. B. The WSCP may be invoked in the following ways:
i. The city council’s approval of a DDeclarations of a Wwater Sshortage Emergency level at a public meeting per Water Code section 10632, as amended. and response actions may occur annually, or more frequently if conditions warrant it, after evaluation by City staff and approval by the City Council at a public meeting. The Declaration of a Water Shortage Emergency Such declarations shalwill (1) be based upon a the current shortage situation and regulatory, operational, wholesale supplier, or other conditionsfindings and a determination that the ordinary demands and requirements of water consumers cannot be satisfied without depleting the water supply to the extent that there would be insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, and fire protection; and (2) establish the applicable water shortage level as described in the City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP).
Based upon how conditions evolvedevelop, the city manager or a designee may recommend that the city council declare a transition to anothera different water shortage level or stage as prescribed by the WSCP.
ii. The city council’s findings and determination at a public meeting that an invocation of the WSCP is:
a. prudent to enhance or preserve the water supply, based upon relevant factors such as current or projected water supply levels, drought conditions, regional or statewide advisories, infrastructure constraints, wholesale supplier directives, or other circumstances affecting water supply availability or continued provision of reliable water service; or
b. necessary to comply with federal or state mandates, laws, or regulations.
CB. Once . The WSCP is a detailed plan for how the City intends to predict and respond to foreseeable and unforeseeable water shortages or other required demand reduction conditions. WSCPs describe potential water shortage levels, response actions, and implementation procedures, while this chapter defines how they are enforced (penalties, appeals, inspections). the city council has invoked the WSCP pursuant to this section, the city manager or a designee is
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authorized to implement and enforce thanythe WSCP in the form and manner prescribed by the WSCP and this chapter. Failure of any person in the cCity to comply with an implemented WSCP water use restriction constitutes a violation of this chapter., drought rates, and any additional or modified restrictions necessary to respond to water supply conditions, regulatory requirements, or wholesale supplier directives, consistent with the purposes of this chapter and deemed necessary in the City Manager’s discretion to attain
The City’s WSCP, as adopted and amended from time to time, is incorporated in this chapter by reference. The WSCP may be administratively updated to reflect changes in law, regulatory requirements, wholesale supplier policies, or best practices, provided that such updates do not expand enforcement authority beyond that authorized by this chapter.
Per the WSCP, City staff will perform an Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment (Annual Assessment), or on a more frequent basis if necessary, then the City Manager will advise City Council if a change to the existing water shortage level should be made along with appropriate response actions to implement. If City Council has established a shortage stage, and if additional water use restrictions are issued by the State of California, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan), and/or Calleguas Municipal Water District (CMWD) that require changes to water conservation measures, the City Manager is authorized to implement those requirements upon written notification to the City Council. The City Manager shall submit any changes to water conservation measures to the City Council for ratification in its discretion at a future meeting after the notification.
It is the intent of this chapter to recognize that there may be varying durations and intensities of water shortages or required water use reduction, and to apply water use restrictions and management techniques commensurate with the given extenuating conditions.
Nothing in this chapter limits the City’s authority under California Water Code Sections 350 through 353 or other applicable law to take emergency actions necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
14.12.0430 Permanent water conservation measures.
CMThea Permanent Water Conservation Measures Policy (PWCMP), which shall be as adopted and amended by the city council, and amended in the cCity mManager’s discretion with notice to the cCity cCouncil. The PWCMP, as amended from time to time, is hereby incorporated in this chapter by reference. The PWCMP establishes the water conservation measures that are in effect within the cCity at all times. The PWCMP shall comply with applicable federal and state laws and mandates.
B. The city manager or a designee is authorized to enforce the PWCMP. Failure of any person in the cCity to comply with a water conservation measure established by the PWCMP constitutes a violation of this chapter.The following water conservation measures are in effect at all times:
A. Watering Hours and Duration. Except for testing an irrigation system for a reasonable period of time, watering is prohibited between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and irrigation systems are limited to no more than 15 minutes of watering per day per station. These restrictions do not apply to the use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, an irrigation system that uses stream rotor sprinklers that meet a 70% efficiency standard, to very low-flow drip type irrigation systems where no emitter produces more than two gallons of water per hour, or to commercial nurseries and growers. In addition, irrigation for the purpose of installing and germinating new lawns or landscaping is exempt from these restrictions for a period not to exceed three weeks, unless the
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water conservation administrator gives written permission to a water user for an extension beyond three weeks due to a longer installation and germination period.
Drought Rates
B. Excessive Water Flow or Runoff. Watering in a manner that results in overspray or excessive runoff onto paved or hardscaped areas is prohibited.
C. Washing Hard or Paved Surfaces. Washing of hard or paved surfaces, including sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary hazards or as surface preparation for the application of any architectural coating or painting. All such permitted washing must be done by use of a hand- held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device, a low-volume, high-pressure cleaning machine, or a low-volume high-pressure water broom.
D. Obligation to Fix Leaks. Leaks in distribution, irrigation, or plumbing systems must be promptly corrected after discovery, and in no event more than 72 hours after receiving notice from the city.
E. Water Fountains and Decorative Water Features. Water fountains and decorative water features must have a water recirculation system.
F. Limits on Washing Vehicles. Washing any automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or any other vehicle is restricted to the use of a hand-held bucket or similar container or a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device. This provision does not apply to a commercial car washing facility.
G. Drinking Water Served Upon Request. Eating or drinking establishments, including restaurants, hotels, cafés, cafeterias, bars, or other public places where food or drinks are sold are prohibited from providing drinking water to any customer unless expressly requested.
H. Commercial Lodging Establishment Daily Linen Services. Hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments must provide customers the option of not having towels and linen laundered daily. Commercial lodging establishments must prominently display notice of this option in each guest room.
I. Single Pass Cooling Systems. The installation of single pass cooling systems is prohibited in buildings requesting new water service.
J. Restaurants Required to Use Water Conserving Spray Valves. Food service establishments, such as restaurants and cafés, must utilize water conserving nozzles on pre-rinse spray valves.
K. Commercial Car Wash Facilities. Commercial car wash facilities may not use or permit the use of any water to wash any car, truck, boat, trailer, bus, recreation vehicle, camper, or any other vehicle, or any portion thereof, except by the following methods:
1. Use of mechanical automatic car wash facilities utilizing water recycling equipment; or
2. Use of a bucket and hand washing; or
3. Use of a hose equipped with an automatic positive self-closing valve that requires the person using the hose to apply and maintain pressure at the outlet end of the hose to activate and maintain the flow of water.
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L. Watering During or Immediately After Measurable Rainfall. The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes is prohibited during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall. As used in this section, "measurable rainfall" means at least one-quarter inch of rain in the city within a 24- hour period as measured by the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) Weather Station #152 located in Camarillo (http://ipm.ucanr.edu/calludt.cgi/WXDESCRIPTION? STN=CAMARILLO.A) or such other weather station as may subsequently be identified by the City and the information posted on the city's website.
M. Watering of Turf on Public Street Medians. The irrigation with potable water of ornamental turf on public and private street medians is prohibited.
N. Compliance with Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. The irrigation with potable water of landscapes outside of homes and buildings must be done in a manner consistent with the applicable regulations or other requirements established under the city's water efficient l landscape ordinance as set forth in Chapter 14.14 of this code.
O. New Potable Water Service Impact Study. Applicants for new potable water service for a significant new development project must cause to be prepared a water impact study to the satisfaction of the public works director demonstrating the project's total water demand at build out.
P. Water Demand Offset Requirement. In order for an application for new potable water service to be approved and a will-serve letter issued for a significant new development project, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposed project will not create additional demand on the city's water system. To satisfy this requirement an applicant for a significant new development project must provide, to the satisfaction of the city and in accordance with the city's water demand offset program or water demand credit program, as applicable, substantial evidence of an enforceable commitment that the water demand for the project will be offset prior to the provision of a potable water will-serve letter. The applicant may satisfy this requirement through any one or a combination of the following methods: (i) modifications to the project to provide non-required water savings features, (ii) agreements with existing city water users to retrofit existing improvements and facilities with water savings features in accordance with the city's water demand offset program, (iii) by transferring groundwater pumping rights or allocations that comply with GSP strategies adopted by the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency and are immediately available for use by the city; or (iv) by credit for historic water use by a municipal or industrial customer served water prior January 1, 2014. (Ord. No. 1126, § 3(Exh. A), 7-27-2016)
14.12.040 Additional water conservation measures.
The following water shortage stages and additional water conservation measures are illustrative and non‑exhaustive, and represent a menu of measures that may be modified and implemented individually or in combination. After Declaration of a Water Shortage Emergency, Tthe City Manager or designessdesignees may implement additional or modified response actions after as necessary in the City Manager’s discretion to protect public health, maintain water supply reliability, or comply with State or wholesale supplier directives. The WSCP servesshall serve as a guide for the City Manager’s implementation of potential water shortage levels, response actions, and implementation procedures, provided they do not expand enforcement authority beyond that authorized by this chapter. Such additional water conservation measures apply upon the effective date of the city council's establishment of the relevant water supply condition stage, or upon subsequent written notification to the City Council from the City Manager identifying necessary adjustments to the existing water shortage level.
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The following additional water conservation measures, or others deemed appropriate, provide a general framework for measures to be adopted by the City Council and shall apply upon the effective date of the city council's establishment of the relevant water supply condition stage, or upon subsequent written notification to the City Council from the City Manager identifying necessary adjustments to the existing water shortage level. :
A. Stage 1 (Water Supply Condition - 10% Reduction Goal). The following additional water conservation requirements may apply during a declared stage 1 water supply condition:
1. Watering Days. Watering is limited to four days per week and is restricted to Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. (The exemptions set forth in Section 14.12.030(A) also apply to this provision.) B. Stage 2 (Water Supply Condition - 20% Reduction Goal). In addition to the restricted uses of water in subsection (A), the following water conservation requirements may apply during a declared stage 2 water supply condition:
1. Watering Days. Watering is limited to three days per week. Watering days will be determined by the last number of the account address. Addresses ending with an even number will be permitted to water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only. Addresses ending with an odd number will be permitted to water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only. (The exemptions set forth in Section 14.12.030(A) also apply to this provision.)
2. Obligation to Fix Leaks. Leaks in distribution, irrigation, or plumbing systems must be promptly corrected after discovery, and in no event more than 48 hours after receiving notice from the city unless other arrangements are made with the city.
3. Limits on Filling Ornamental Lakes or Ponds. Filling or refilling ornamental lakes or ponds is prohibited, except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life, provided that such aquatic life is of significant value and have been actively managed within the water feature prior to declaration of the stage 2 water supply condition.
4. Agricultural Irrigation: Agricultural water deliveries will be reduced to three days per week. Irrigation days will be on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only.
5. Construction Water. Recycled water must be used if available.
C. Stage 3 (Water Supply Condition- 30% Reduction Goal). In addition to the restricted uses of water in subsections (A) and (B), the following water conservation requirements may apply during a declared stage 3 water supply condition:
1. Watering. Watering is limited to two days per week. Watering days will be determined by the last number of the account address. Addresses ending with an even number will be permitted to water on Tuesday and Friday only. Addresses ending with an odd number will be permitted to water on Monday and Thursday only. (The exemptions set forth in Section 14.12.040(A) also apply to this provision.)
2. Agricultural Irrigation. Irrigation for commercial nurseries and growers is not permitted unless the city determines that recycled water is available and can be applied to the use.
D. Stage 4 (Water Supply Condition - 40% to 50% Reduction Goal). In addition to the restricted uses of water under subsections (A) through (C), the following additional water conservation requirements may apply during a declared stage 4 water supply condition:
1. Watering. Watering with potable water is prohibited. If the city determines that recycled water is available, it may be applied for the following uses:
(a) Maintenance of vegetation, including trees and shrubs (but excluding turf), that is watered using a hand- held bucket or similar container, hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device.
(b) Maintenance of existing landscape necessary for fire protection.
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(c) Maintenance of existing landscape for soil erosion control. (d) Maintenance of plant materials identified to be rare or essential to the well-being of protected species. (e) Maintenance of landscaped areas within active public parks and playing fields, day care centers, golf course greens, and school grounds, provided that such irrigation does not exceed two days per week according to the schedule and times established in Section 14.12.030(A). (f) Actively irrigated environmental mitigation projects.
2. Obligation to Fix Leaks. Leaks in distribution, irrigation, or plumbing systems must be promptly corrected after discovery, and in no event more than 24 hours after receiving notice from the city unless other arrangements are made with the city.
3. Limits on Washing Vehicles. Washing any automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat, or any other vehicle is prohibited except by use of a commercial car wash facility.
4. Limits on Filling Residential Swimming Pools and Spas. Refilling of more than one foot and initial filling of residential swimming pools or outdoor spas with potable water is prohibited.
5. No New Potable Water Service Connections: No new potable water service connections will be provided, no new temporary meters or permanent meters will be provided, and no statements of immediate ability to serve or provide potable water service (such as will-serve letters or letters of water verification) will be issued, except under any of the following circumstances:
(a) A valid, will-serve letter has been issued;
(b) A valid, unexpired building permit has been issued for the project; (c) The project is city capital project;
(d) The project is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and (e) The project is a temporary use that will not cumulatively use more than one-quarter acre foot of water.
6. No New Annexations. The city will suspend consideration of annexations to its service area. This provision does not apply to boundary corrections and annexations that will not result in any increased use of water.
E. Stage 5 (Water Supply Condition – greater than 50% Reduction Goal). In addition to the restricted uses of water under subsections (A) through (D), the following additional water conservation requirements may apply during a declared stage 5 water supply condition:
1. Water conservation measures as recommended by the City Manager to City Council. Which may include; - Adjustments to actions from previous stages as necessary depending on the severity and duration of the water shortage in coordination with the Emergency Response Plan - Water rationing requirement deemed appropriate to protect public health, safety, and welfare
(Ord. No. 1126, § 3(Exh. A), 7-27-2016)
14.12.050 Drought Rates
Any drought rates implemented pursuant to the WSCP mustshall go through rate- setting procedures compliant with the cCity’s Water Rate Setting Procedures, as amended, and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
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14.12.0650 Penalties.
A. Penalties. In addition to any other penalties or remedies provided by this code, the following civil fines and penalties may be assessed for any violation of this chapter and made payable as part of the applicable customer's water bill.
1. First Violation. The city will issue a written warning for a first violation and provide a copy of this chapter by mail.
2. Second Violation. A second violation within the 12 calendar months following the first violation is punishable by a fine not to exceed $100.
3. Third Violation. A third violation within the 12 calendar months following the first violation is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
4. Fourth and Subsequent Violations. A fourth and any subsequent violation need not be within the 12 calendar months following the first violation is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.
5. Water Flow Restrictor. In addition to the fines for the fourth and subsequent violations, the city will install a flow restriction device of 1 GPM capacity for services, for a period of at least 48 hours, up to one and one-half inch size, and comparatively sized restrictions for larger services, on the service of the customer at the premises at which the violation occurred. A charge for installing and removing such flow restricting device will be assessed based on the actual cost.
6. Termination of Service.
(a) The city may disconnect a customer's water service for willful violations of this chapter. (b) When water service is disconnected, it will only be reconnected upon:
1. Proof of correction of the condition or activity; and
2. Payment of the estimated reconnection charge, including the cost of any inspection fees or staff time.
B. Notice. The city will provide notice of each violation to both the customer's billing address and the service address by regular mail. For purposes of this section, notice will be deemed served 72 hours after deposit in the United States mail. All notices will contain, in addition to the facts of the violation, a statement of the possible penalties for each violation, a statement of the right to appeal the penalty, a brief summary of the appeal process, and if the penalty is termination of service, the date and time termination will occur. (Ord. No. 1126, § 3(Exh. A), 7-27-2016)
14.12.0760 Administrative review and appeals of penalties.
A. Administrative Review Procedure.
1. Persons may request an administrative review of any penalty imposed under this chapter within 10 days of the issuance of the notice of violation. This request must be made in writing to the city clerk and set forth with particularity the reasons the person believes a violation did not occur or that the person was not responsible for the violation and contain the address to which the conclusions of the city's review should be mailed. A request for an administrative review is a mandatory prerequisite to a request for an administrative hearing. Penalties, including termination of water service, will be stayed until such review is conducted and a written decision is made by the water conservation administrator.
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2. Upon receiving a request for an administrative review, the water conservation administrator will review the request and within 10 business days provide the person with a written determination as to whether the penalty was properly assessed.
3. The administrator must mail a copy of the notification to the person at the address on the request for administrative review along with notice establishing the penalty date and the procedure for requesting an appeal hearing.
B. Appeal Hearing Procedure.
1. Any person dissatisfied with the conclusion of the initial administrative review may contest the penalty by requesting an administrative appeal hearing. A person must file a request for an administrative appeal hearing with the city clerk within 10 days after the date the city served the person with notice of the administrative review decision. The request must be accompanied by the appeal hearing fee, if any, established by city council resolution. Pending receipt of a written appeal or pending a hearing pursuant to an appeal, the city may take appropriate steps to prevent any further unauthorized use of water as appropriate to the nature and extent of the alleged violations and the current declared water supply condition.
2. The appeal hearing will be scheduled to occur within a reasonable period of time following the receipt of the request for a hearing not to exceed 15 business days unless consented to by the appellant.
3. The appellant may present any evidence that would tend to show that the alleged violation did not occur. Formal rules of evidence will not apply and all relevant evidence will be admissible, unless a sound objection warrants its exclusion by the city hearing officer designated by the city manager. The decision of the hearing officer will be final and conveyed in writing to the appellant within five business days of the hearing.
(Ord. No. 1126, § 3(Exh. A), 7-27-2016)