On Tuesday, the Brentwood City Council will look to approve a resolution to bring back its Convert for Cash Water Conservation Rebate Program.
The council is set to approve $165k from its Water Enterprise Operating budget while also establishing guidelines which provide rebates for conversion of landscape to water efficient plants and drip irrigation, as well as replacement of appliances with water efficient models, in order to support continued efforts to use water more efficiently.
This dates back to on July 8, 2021, the California Governor issued Executive Order N-10-21 calling for a voluntary reduction in water use by 15% compared to 2020 usage. On October 19, 2021, the California Governor proclaimed a state-wide drought emergency. On March 24, 2023, the California Governor issued Executive Order N-5-23 eliminating the need for certain provisions in the State Emergency Proclamations that directed action by state agencies, departments, and boards to mitigate the effects of the extreme drought conditions. Improved conditions helped rehabilitate surface water supplies, but have not abated the severe drought conditions that remain in some parts of the State.
Back in 2015, the City of Brentwood program paid 594 conversions totaling approximately $222,900, from June 2015 to June 2016, and an approximately $300,000 in rebates paid through FY 16/17
The Public Works Department will be implementing and utilizing an equivalent of the previous program, also called the Convert for Cash Water Conservation Rebate Program (Program). Through the Program, eligible customers can receive rebates for certain appliance or equipment replacements with water efficient models which includes:
- $25 traditional toilet(s) replacement with high efficiency models
- $50 traditional washing machine replacement
- $50 pool cover purchase or replacement.
The Program will also include lawn and drip irrigation conversion rebates that are $1 per square foot of lawn replaced, with a maximum residential combined rebate of $1,000 and a maximum commercial combined rebate of $5,000.
There are several factors to consider in order for customers to qualify for the lawn conversion rebates. Lawns to be converted must:
- Be located in the front yard or in a publicly accessible area visible to the public, with a minimum of 300 square feet being converted, unless otherwise approved by City staff.
- Use enough plants (planted in the ground) so that at least 50% of the yard is covered once fully grown per Brentwood Muni Code 8.36.030. Tree canopy and plants outside of the converted area are not considered in the calculation, even if they are adjacent to or overhanging the converted area. Plants must be drought tolerant and adaptable to our local climate.
- Concrete and other non-permeable surfaces may be used but cannot make up more than 20% of the total area to be rebated. Artificial grass may also be used but cannot make up more than 20% of the total area to be rebated. The 50% plant coverage still applies to the entire area.
- Existing lawn sprinkler heads in the converted area must be removed. Any lawn areas remaining outside the converted area must be irrigated separately from the new landscape.
These rebates will be available to residential, commercial, and multi-family customers who receive potable water for their landscape through a metered service in the City. Rebates of $25 or less will be credited on the customer’s City utility account and rebates more than $25 will be issued by check, with confirmation that the customer’s City utility account is in “good standing.”
If approved, staff anticipates the program implementation by September 2023.
Request for Future Agenda Items
The council will take up the following items to see if they want to provide staff with direction to work on an item to bring back to the council for a full discussion:
- That the City Council consider and discuss the request from Mayor Bryant for City Council discussion of, and possible direction to staff to prepare a draft ordinance related to enclosures for grazing animals used for weed control
- Request from Vice Mayor Meyer to provide suggestions to the County for amendments to municipal codes related to animals being kept outdoors during extreme heat.
- Requests from Vice Mayor Meyer and Council Member Mendoza for City Council discussion of, and possible direction to staff regarding amendments to Brentwood Municipal Code Chapter 5.74, Lost, Stolen, or Abandoned Shopping Carts
- Request from Council Member Mendoza for staff to prepare an informational report and potential updates to the Urgency Ordinance related to the moratorium for any new tobacco smoke shop in the City, to include recent approvals and guidelines.
- Request from Council Member Mendoza for staff to prepare a local ordinance related to liquor licenses, with the ordinance defining “schools” and regulating proximity to specific uses.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY AGENDA
Zoom Webinar ID: 760 1397 0037
City Council Chambers
150 City Park Way
Brentwood, CA 9451
Agenda – click here
