Department
Public Works
Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
title
Request approval to adopt the Model Adoption Resolution and the local amendment to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code for water efficiency pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 8-2-25(c)(1). (APPROVED)
body
Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
O.C.G.A. § 12-5-572 established the MNGWPD and charged it with addressing comprehensive water resource management planning from a regional perspective through policies, plans and intergovernmental coordination.
O.C.G.A. § 8-2-25(c)(1) permits the governing authority of a county to adopt and enforce minimum standard building, plumbing, and electrical codes that are more stringent than state minimum standard codes when such standards are based on local factors. Any such proposed amendments to the state minimum standard codes must be submitted to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs sixty (60) days prior to the adoption of such amendment. If the department fails to respond within that time, the local governing body may adopt the proposed amendment.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Health and Human Services
Commission Districts Affected
All Districts ☐
District 1 ☐
District 2 ☐
District 3 ☐
District 4 ☐
District 5 ☐
District 6 ☒
Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background (First sentence includes Agency recommendation. Provide an executive summary of the action that gives an overview of the relevant details for the item.)
Scope of Work: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of the Model Adoption Resolution and the local amendment to Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code, as outlined in Chapter 14, Article II, Division 1, Section 14-38 of the Fulton County Code of Ordinances. In December 2022, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD) updated the Water Resources Management Plan to include new requirements for water providers within the MNGWPD, including action item WSWC-8 requiring an increase in indoor and outdoor water efficiency through new requirements adopted as local plumbing code amendments. Fulton County is a member of the MNGWPD and is required to adopt these amendments by January 1, 2024 for developments in the unincorporated areas of Fulton County. Georgia established itself as a national leader when the state passed the Water Stewardship Act of 2010, which directed the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to set more efficient state-wide minimums for indoor water efficiency. In the past 11 years, new water efficient technologies and standards have been developed, and more efficient technologies have become widely available at comparable prices in the marketplace that increase indoor and outdoor water efficiency. These technologies and practices are included as part of the Metro Water District - Water Efficiency Code Requirements.
Community Impact: The new water efficiency code requirements incorporate the latest water-efficiency products that are readily available in the marketplace and will apply to new construction of homes and multi-family properties, as well as building renovations, effective January 1, 2024. Required water-efficient plumbing fixtures, equipment, and irrigation system components are one of many key water conservation strategies in the updated plan to help protect our region’s limited water supplies. According to the MNGWPD, the adoption of the indoor and outdoor residential plumbing code changes could save up to 24,000 gallons of water per home annually. These new requirements will only apply to all new and redevelopment activity occurring in the unincorporated portions of Fulton County. Each individual city within Fulton County will be required to adopted similar code changes as part of their development codes.
Department Recommendation: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of the Model Adoption Resolution and the local amendment to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code for water efficiency, as outlined in Chapter 14, Article II, Division 1, Section 14-38 of the Fulton County Code of Ordinances.
Project Implications: The County could incur fines and other penalties, including potential impacts to water and wastewater permits, if it does not adopt the resolution and subsequent amendments to the Plumbing Code. Additionally, failure to adopt the resolution could potentially impact Fulton County’s ability to meet the MNGWPD’s goal of 11% reduction in per capita water usage by 2030.
Community Issues/Concerns: The Department of Public Works is not aware of any issues/concerns raised by the community.
Department Issues/Concerns: The Department of Public Works does not have any issues or concerns with the resolution.
Additional Information: To protect the interests of the County, the County Attorney shall approve the [e.g., contract, Intergovernmental Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, etc.] as to form and substance, and make any necessary modification, prior to execution by the Chairman.
Fiscal Impact / Funding Source
Funding Line 1:
N/A