The Council approved an ordinance limiting daily water use for all new non-residential land uses. The ordinance will cap daily water use at 200,000 gallons for new non-residential properties. Essential community uses, like hospitals and schools, will be exempt from this limit.
The Ordinance
On March 24, 2026, the Council adopted a temporary land use regulation (TLUR)* in response to worsening drought and record-low snowfall. The temporary rule:
- Set a daily water use limit of 200,000 gallons for new non-residential properties, such as offices, retail stores, and other commercial uses.
- Reduced the list of who is exempt from this limit.
The Council has now approved making these changes permanent. The ordinance sets a maximum daily water use of 200,000 gallons for new non-residential properties.
The limit does not apply to the following:
- Hospitals,
- Schools,
- Places of worship,
- Farms and agricultural properties,
- Government facilities that mainly provide social services**
*A TLUR is a temporary rule that can last up to 180 days without going through the City’s usual public hearing process. It is usually used when there’s an emergency or a compelling reason requiring immediate action.
**Social services mean a land use that provides direct service for people who are in need of assistance with basic needs (such as food, housing, or job training) or with medical needs (such as addiction and mental illness).
Meeting Recaps
Sept. 15: Council Vote
During the formal meeting, the Council unanimously approved an ordinance limiting daily water use for all new non-residential properties to 200,000 gallons per day. The Council also adopted the following legislative action* to help protect the local water supply:
- Analyze water use data once the maximum daily water use for non-residential properties at 200,000 gallons per day is in effect, to determine whether the maximum daily use could be further reduced, and submit a report to the City Council with their findings within 9 months; and
- Explore additional incentives to encourage the adoption of smart irrigation controllers by customers and other measures to reduce outdoor water use.
*Legislative action generally state the Council’s policy goals when they take action on an item. These intents are not binding but clarify the Council’s goals and guide future discussions.
Aug. 18: Public Hearing
The Council accepted public comments on the proposal. During the hearing, one resident suggested setting the limit at 100,000 to 150,000 gallons per day.
July 21: Briefing
City staff gave an overview of the proposal to the Council. Council members discussed how the 200,000-gallon daily limit was determined, inquired about the exceptions, and requested that the definition of “social services” in the ordinance be updated.
Planning Commission Recommendation
On May 27, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended approving the proposal.
For more information, view the meeting materials or watch the meeting.