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Ordinance#210536Passed
In plain English

The ordinance lowers the size threshold for new buildings to use alternative water sources from 250,000 to 100,000 square feet and exempts some affordable housing projects from this requirement. It also establishes specific non-potable water usage guidelines, modifies fees, and mandates reports on water systems.

Ordinance amending the Health Code to 1) lower the threshold, from 250,000 to 100,000 square feet of gross floor area, for requiring that new buildings be constructed, operated, and maintained using specified alternate water sources for required non-potable uses; 2) exempt certain affordable housing projects and property uses from that requirement; 3) require that certain categories of new buildings use specific sources of nonpotable water for specific purposes; 4) modify certain administrative review fees; 5) require the payment of excess use charges and penalties for failure to properly use and maintain alternate water source systems; and 6) the completion of reports on purified water, recycled water, and Non-potable District Systems; amending the Business and Tax Regulations Code to update certain annual license fee amounts for operating alternate water source systems; and affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Introduced: Jun 29, 2021
Final action: Oct 8, 2021
Official record β†—

How it got here

The legislation originated from a need to enhance water conservation efforts in San Francisco by amending existing health and business codes related to non-potable water use.

1
Introduction of LegislationMay 2021
Supervisor Mandelman

Supervisor Mandelman introduced the ordinance to amend the Health Code regarding alternate water sources for non-potable applications.

CEQA Referral 051921
2
Substitution of LegislationJune 29, 2021
Supervisor Mandelman

The legislation was substituted to include additional requirements and clarifications regarding non-potable water systems.

CEQA Referral 070221
3
CEQA DeterminationJuly 8, 2021
Planning Department

The Planning Department affirmed that the proposed ordinance complies with the California Environmental Quality Act.

CEQA Determination 070221
4
Committee Hearing and AmendmentsSeptember 9, 2021
Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee

The committee held a hearing, amended the ordinance, and recommended it for passage.

Legislative Digest Ver3
5
Final PassageSeptember 28, 2021
Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors finally passed the ordinance, which lowers the threshold for non-potable water requirements and includes various exemptions.

Leg Final

Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record

Document trail
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Leg Dig Ver1
Official legislation text
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CEQA Referral 051921
Environmental review (CEQA)
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Leg Dig Ver2
Official legislation text
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CEQA Referral 070221
Environmental review (CEQA)
PDF β†—
CEQA Det 070221
Environmental review (CEQA)
PDF β†—
PDF β†—
PDF β†—
PDF β†—
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PDF β†—
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Leg Dig Ver3
Official legislation text
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How they voted

FINALLY PASSED
Board of Supervisors Β· Sep 28, 2021Pass
4-0
PASSED ON FIRST READING
Board of Supervisors Β· Sep 21, 2021Pass
4-0

Legislative journey

PresidentMay 11, 2021
β†’ASSIGNED UNDER 30 DAY RULE
Clerk of the BoardMay 19, 2021
β†’REFERRED TO DEPARTMENT
PresidentJun 29, 2021
β†’SUBSTITUTED AND ASSIGNED
Clerk of the BoardJul 2, 2021
β†’REFERRED TO DEPARTMENT
Planning DepartmentJul 2, 2021
Β·RESPONSE RECEIVED
Public Safety and Neighborhood Services CommitteeJul 8, 2021
β†·CONTINUED TO CALL OF THE CHAIRPass
Clerk of the BoardAug 29, 2021 – Sep 3, 2021
Β·NOTICED
Β·NOTICED
Public Safety and Neighborhood Services CommitteeSep 9, 2021
βœ“RECOMMENDED AS AMENDEDPass
✎AMENDED, AN AMENDMENT OF THE WHOLE BEARING SAME TITLEPass
Board of SupervisorsSep 21, 2021 – Sep 28, 2021
βœ“PASSED ON FIRST READINGPass
βœ“FINALLY PASSEDPass
MayorOct 8, 2021
βœ“APPROVED