S.F. backs off on graywater permit requirement

Kelly Zito, Chronicle Staff Writer
San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco building officials Wednesday backed away from a controversial proposal that would have required homeowners to obtain potentially costly permits for systems to recycle household water for use in backyards and gardens.

If it had been approved, the measure would have reversed new state codes aimed at reducing the red tape for simple graywater systems. California officials enacted the regulations in August in response to the state's ongoing dry spell and scarce water supply.

At their regular meeting Wednesday, San Francisco's Building Inspection Commission voted unanimously to oppose a measure that would force property owners to apply for city building permits for so-called "laundry to landscape" projects that use water from washing machines to irrigate flowers and fruit trees.

Instead, staff members of the city's Department of Building Inspection said they will coordinate with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to develop a pilot program for residential graywater systems. Though the final details hadn't been hammered out yet, PUC officials suggested that the water utility would cover the city's cost to inspect 100 to 150 graywater systems. That would allow the building department to craft guidelines for future systems and likely exempt basic graywater systems for single-family homes from the permitting process.

The department made it clear, however, that complicated graywater systems and those for multi-unit buildings would still require permits and detailed plans.

Commissioners are hopeful that this new tack strikes a balance between graywater proponents frustrated by San Francisco's attempt to alter state codes and city inspectors who feared the do-it-yourself systems would result in a plumbing free-for-all.

Graywater advocates and many water agencies argue that water recycling is an important way for California to cope with a three-year dry spell, aging water infrastructure and the specter of climate change.

"We want to encourage people to use graywater, but by charging them a fee ... that would discourage them from installing these systems," said Commissioner Robin Levitt.

San Francisco's chief plumbing inspector Steve Panelli had proposed overturning the state codes over concerns for public safety. Panelli said San Francisco's steep slopes, tiny yards and dense populations could increase the risk of pooling water, destructive runoff and contamination.

But his plan met with vocal opposition from some environmental groups, some board members and city residents who said the city should be looking for ways to reduce pressure on its water system.

"Any restrictions on these systems is muddleheaded," Owen O'Donnell told the board.

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