San Diego Eliminates Water Conservation Certificate When Selling Property

SAN DIEGO, CA – The City of San Diego will no longer require property owners to submit a Water Conservation Certificate when selling a property, simplifying plumbing requirements while ensuring compliance with state law.

Recently, the City Council approved a change to the Municipal Code effective February 27, 2022.

In 1992, the city developed several permanent water conservation provisions with stricter guidelines. The City Council reported that the provisions required property owners to remove non-water conserving fixtures and install ultra-low-flow toilets and other low-flow fixtures in all new construction or permitted remodels.

In addition, owners were required to submit compliance information at the time of sale of a property.

“We regularly review processes to streamline the experiences of San Diegans and have determined that the Water Conservation Certificate is no longer required. This change removes an obstacle for property owners and makes it easier for them to do business in the city, while maintaining our commitment to water conservation,” said Juan Guerreiro, Interim Director of the City’s Utilities Department.

The City Council reiterated that since 2009, the State of California passed Senate Bill 407, requiring single-family, multi-family and commercial property owners to replace all non-compliant plumbing fixtures with water-saving fixtures.

SB 407 requires the seller and buyer to report non-compliant fixtures at the time of transfer of ownership. This requirement is usually included in the Real Estate Transfer Declaration.

City Utilities staff has contacted industry stakeholders, including real estate and trust associations, to notify the public of the approved change.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff