Resolution Supporting an Alternative Compliance Watering Program

THE REAL ESTATE COUNCIL OF AUSTIN, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF AN ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE WATERING PROGRAM

WHEREAS, Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA) supports the City of Austin’s efforts to reduce outdoor water use in the City of Austin; and

WHEREAS, current watering restrictions are largely based on watering times rather than water amounts; and

WHEREAS, substantially higher savings and better landscape care could be achieved through a program based on flexibility within a specified water budget; and

WHEREAS, the current water restrictions do not take advantage of the optimal planting times (fall, winter, and early spring) when plant materials require a fraction of the water to achieve establishment; and

WHEREAS, the current water restrictions conflict with the (1) erosion control requirements and (2) landscape code requirements to achieve environmental protection and for certificate of occupancy permits.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that RECA supports the creation of an Alternative Water Compliance Program for commercial and multi-family properties (i.e. properties that have substantial outdoor watering requirements), and asks the Austin City Council to direct the Austin Water Utility to work with stakeholders to create and implement a program that provides more flexibility in watering restrictions and landscape requirements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that RECA urges Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Austin City Council members to direct the Austin Water Utility to respond with its recommendations for this program within 90 days.

Adopted on this 15th day of February, 2012 by The Real Estate Council of Austin, Inc.

Scott Flack
President, Board of Directors
The Real Estate Council of Austin, Inc.