Retrofit Upon Resale…

California’s water resources are limited and we all need to do our part to meet the current and future water needs of residential, commercial and agricultural uses. With water conservation in mind, cities throughout the county have developed incentive programs, water audits, cash for grass landscape rebates, strict rules, irrigation schedules, hefty fines and local conservation programs. With the water resources varying by city, it’s understandable that there is a wide gamut in the response from each service district. When it comes to the sale of residential property, some addresses within the county require a Retrofit Upon Resale Certificate of Compliance, which states that the subject property has retrofitted it’s plumbing fixtures to water-conserving standards. Below we list the key areas in our county affected by such an ordinance. 

California Water Code Section 377  authorizes water suppliers to enforce a comprehensive water conservation program to reduce potable water consumption through establishment of non-compliance charges and other penalties, subject to advance notification to water users. Penalties may include a fine up to $1,000.

Arroyo Grande: In 2005, City Council adopted an ordinance implementing a plumbing retrofit program. This program is “mandatory” upon the change of ownership of any residential property. However, implementation is largely based on the honor system with the incentive of cost savings as the motivator. Under the ordinance, sellers are required to retrofit the property’s plumbing fixtures to meet the criteria of low-water use. The seller can elect to complete this on their own or request a retrofit through the city’s existing plumbing retrofit program. Through the retrofit program, the city provides low-flow toilets, showerheads, faucet aerators and pressure regulators. Participation is voluntary. 

Cambria: Adopted in 2013, Cambria Community Services District’s (CCSD) Water Fixture Retrofit Program encompasses three areas; new construction, retrofit upon resale and retrofit upon expansion of use. In each of these instances, the homeowner or business owner is required to obtain a retrofit verification. Once a property’s water fixtures have been retrofitted, the owner must submit a Retrofit Verification Request Form along with a $55 application fee. However, CCSD is currently offering a free “Water Use Efficiency Walk-Through” which qualifies as compliance, so long as retrofits are installed and maintained after the walk-through. In many instances, CCSD will also provide the retrofitted fixtures to the homeowner for free. 

Los Osos & Nipomo: Sellers of homes that use water from the Los Osos Groundwater Basin or the Nipomo Mesa Water Conservation Area must submit verification to the County Department of Planning and Building that toilets, showerheads and aerators meet low-flow requirements. Prior to the transfer of title, the verification must be completed by either a licensed plumber or a licensed home inspector. If the department approves the verification form, they will provide the seller a “Title 8: Retrofit Certificate”. The county offers an interactive website, where consumers can look up an address to see if the property falls within either boundary. 

Morro Bay: Any structure connected to the City’s water supply must have the toilet retrofitted to low-flow standards. Public Services keeps a record of those properties that have already been issued a certificate of compliance. If one has not been issued, the owner may request an inspection to verify compliance. A Certificate of Compliance must be issued regarding the property prior to close of escrow. 

San Luis Obispo: In 1992, San Luis Obispo City Council passed into law the Retrofit Upon Sale Ordinance #1224. This Ordinance requires that, prior to transfer of ownership, dwellings must retrofit with water conserving plumbing fixtures. Once the retrofit is complete, homeowners can call the Utilities Department to set up a verification inspection. The city maintains an online, interactive, verification status map, which denotes the known verification status of all SLO properties. 

For detailed information regarding your specific area, please visit the appropriate city and county websites.