A persistent drought in Southern California could lead to a water fee for new construction projects in Ventura. Ventura’s City Council is considering a fee of up to $15,000 per acre-foot for any developers who don’t bring water rights with their projects.
The proposed Water Dedication and In-Lieu Fee would apply to “new or intensified development that requires increased water usage” if sufficient water rights are not transferred. Any funds collected would be earmarked for developing new sources of water.
City officials say new sources of water would cost two to three times as much as current sources. Developers opposed the measure, saying the city’s current water sources can support new development.
According to one developer, water is so plentiful in the area that on a recent project crews hit water seven feet below the surface. By comparison, the average water depth in surrounding communities such as Thousand Oaks is about 200 feet, he said.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2020
New NIBS report evaluates natural disaster mitigation strategies
Document examines strengthening buildings for flood, wind, wildfires, and earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | May 6, 2020
A few ways contractors can manage COVID-19 risks
Staggered start times, rigorous tool cleaning, virtual training among the strategies.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
NAHB loses influence in 2021 IECC building code development
Despite objections from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the development of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is nearing conclusion. NAHB objected to several more stringent energy efficiency provisions.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
2020 IECC will lead to significant carbon emissions reductions
New model building code nearly finalized.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2020
New York expands prevailing wage law
Now includes private projects with 30% or more of public subsidies.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2020
OSHA says most employers don’t have to track worker COVID-19 infections
Agency clarifies responsibility for contractors, others.
Codes and Standards | Apr 29, 2020
New York City tightens restrictions on construction during pandemic
Dept. of Buildings has issued more than 100 violations and stop-work orders.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2020
ASHRAE, WELL panels to tackle revising standards to limit spread of viruses in buildings
Will examine ways to reduce infectious threats through building designs and operations.
Codes and Standards | Apr 24, 2020
Dept. of Labor issues guidance for respiratory protection during N95 shortage
Elastomeric respirators or powered, air-purifying respirators, and expired N95s are allowable alternatives
Codes and Standards | Apr 23, 2020
Group will create ecosystem for smart building data
Seven Finnish companies aim to integrate all technical systems into a single platform.
