C20-2024-001_JointCodesCommittee_Feb21_Water Forward Reuse_LDC_Amendments — original pdf

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Onsite Water Reuse and Reclaimed Water Connection Requirements Kevin Critendon, P.E. Assistant Director Codes & Ordinances Joint Committee February 21, 2024 Water Forward Overview  Austin’s 100-year integrated water resource plan  Strategies to adapt to growth, drought, and climate change and ensure a sustainable, resilient, equitable, and affordable water future  Approved by Council in November 2018  Developed by Austin Water with the Council-appointed Water Forward Task Force and community input  Technical work supported by engineering, climate science, and hydrology consultants Reuse Conservation Supply Partnerships Current Water Forward Reuse LDC Provisions RECLAIMED WATER ONSITE WATER REUSE Effective Dec. 1, 2021 Effective Dec. 1, 2023 (now April 1, 2024) • Applies to new site plan permits submitted after the effective dates • Requires dual plumbing supply for non-potable water in buildings • Adds new requirements for large development projects only What is a Large Development Project? LARGE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT means the construction of one or more multi-family, mixed use, or commercial buildings on one or more parcels in accordance with a phased plan or approved site plan, with a total gross floor area for the building(s) of 250,000 square feet or more. Hotel, warehouse, hospital, industrial, civic… 2024 Proposed Amendments Development Size Current Requirements Effective 12/1/2021 Proposed Requirements Effective 4/1/2024 Small <250,000 square feet • Water Benchmarking Connect to centralized reclaimed water • No change within 250 feet Large ≥250,000 square feet without multifamily • Water Benchmarking Connect to centralized reclaimed water • Connect to centralized reclaimed water within 500 feet; OR within 500 feet Install an onsite water reuse system Large ≥250,000 square feet with multifamily • Water Benchmarking Connect to centralized reclaimed water • Connect to centralized reclaimed water within 500 feet; OR within 250 feet Install an onsite water reuse system Exclude projects accredited for Affordability Unlocked or State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Addressing Housing Affordability  New requirements will have near-term impacts to market-rate multifamily housing costs that will likely range from 0.02 to 1.4% (or $800-$7,100 per unit)  Staff is recommending code changes to exempt projects that qualify as affordable developments under the Affordability Unlocked program or the State’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program  These programs target incomes below 50% MFI and exempting these projects would not impact their development in the City Advancing Reuse & Funding Strategies  Incentives and grants for reuse and conservation  Expedited building permit review process  Low interest loan program  Cost sharing  GoPurple Community Benefit Charge (CBC)  Purple Choice and Purple Choice Plus Questions?