Water Conservation Codes

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Water Conservation Highlights of the Sierra Vista City Development Code  

Sierra Vista adopted its first water conservation code over twenty years ago, in 1985.  It was the first, and for many years was the only, governmental water conservation code in the basin. The code established standards for low-flow toilets, faucets and a range of other water conservation measures. Since 1985, the code has been updated a number of times to expand water conservation measures for the community.  The current City code contains numerous water conservation requirements, including:

  • The use of turf is prohibited in new government, commercial and industrial development
  • The use of turf in multi-family development is limited to 20% of landscaped areas
  • The use of turf in single-family residential development is limited to 200 square-feet in front and side yards. (no limit in rear yard)
  • All landscape plants utilized at commercial sites must be from a City approved plant list or the developer must demonstrate that the plant proposed is low water use and drought tolerant
  • Use of misters and automatic flush toilets in commercial development is prohibited
  • Covers are required for all new swimming pools
  • All new residences of four or fewer units must include hot water re-circulating systems
  • All new multi-family developments must provide independent unit metering with certain exceptions
  • All new commercial car wash facilities must recycle 75% of the water utilized
  • Waterless urinals are required for all commercial facilities utilizing urinals, including all remodels and retrofits
  • Toilets may not use more than 1.6 gallons per flush
  • Shower heads may not use more than 2.5 gallons per minute
  • Kitchen faucets may not use more than 2.5 gallons per minute
  • Lavatory faucets may not use more than 2 gallons per minute
  • Coolers and fountains must be equipped with recycling systems
  • All new hot and cold water pipes must be insulated to an equivalent of an R-4 rating
  • Any new golf course must incorporate low water-use turf, which is limited to 5 acres per hole.  Ponds/water traps must be limited to 500 square-feet in size, golf courses will require a conditional use permit
  • All artificial lakes, ponds or other water features are limited to 500 square-feet in size
  • Guidelines are also included in the development code to address conservation measures for irrigation systems, charity car washes, and the use of the newest technology such as high efficiency washing machines

Section 151.15

LANDSCAPING, WALLS, SCREENING AND BUFFER

151.15.001

Purpose

151.15-1

151.15.002

General Regulations

151.15-1

151.15.003

Native Plant Salvage

151.15-2

151.15.004

Landscaping

151.15-4

151.15.005

Walls and Screening Devices

151.15-08

151.15.006

Buffering and Screening Requirements

151.15-09

151.15.007

Low Water Use / Drought Tolerant Plant List

151.15-11

Section 151.16

151.16

WATER CONSERVATION

151.16.001

Purpose

151.16-1

151.16.002

Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures

151.16-1

151.16.003

Water Conservation Guidelines

151.16-3

151.16.004

Water Use Regulations - All Property

151.16-3