SB 221 - LAND USE AND WATER SUPPLY PLANNING
CONTACT THE GOVERNOR

ACTION NEEDED: Call, write, or fax Governor Davis and urge him to sign SB 221 by Senator Sheila Kuehl to provide an important linkage between water supply and land use planning.

Phone: 916-445-2841     Fax: 916-445-4633     State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814

THE SITUATION: SB 221 (Kuehl) promotes sound land use and water supply planning by requiring that a city or county must have verification, at the final stage of the planning process for a large residential development, that a sufficient water supply will be available by the time the housing units are built. A "sufficient water supply" must meet the needs of existing and planned water customers as well as the demand associated with the proposed project, even during drought years. Where additional water must be obtained, the developer is encouraged to work with the city or county and the public water system to identify and finance a supplemental water supply.

Senator Kuehl and the bill's sponsor, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, have worked with builders and developers, local governments, environmental groups, farmers, and others to ensure a fair and balanced approach. Early opposition from the building industry has been removed; however, it is crucial that the Governor hears strong support as he decides whether to sign the bill.

Please take action immediately! The Governor has until October 14 to sign or veto bills, but he could act on this measure at any time.

LEAGUE POSITIONS: The League supports measures that coordinate water resource planning with land use planning, providing for future needs without encouraging unnecessary growth. We recognize both land and water as a resource, and believe state standards can help maximize the effectiveness of local land use decision making and management.

POINTS TO MAKE:

• Under SB 221, communication between water agencies and cities and counties is facilitated. A city or county must include, as a condition of tentative map approval of a large residential subdivision, a requirement that sufficient water supplies will be available by the time the houses are built.
• SB 221 represents a significant compromise with building industry interests, who have removed their opposition because of the balanced approach contained in the bill.
• SB 221 creates an incentive for infill development by exempting projects that are on previously developed urban sites or surrounded by urban development. Housing projects for low and very low income households are also exempted.
• SB 221 encourages better groundwater management and disclosure of groundwater basin conditions.

SAMPLE LETTER:

[date]

The Honorable Gray Davis
Governor of California
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: SB 221 (Kuehl) - REQUEST SIGNATURE

Dear Governor Davis:

I urge you to promote sound land use and water supply planning in California by signing SB 221 by Senator Sheila Kuehl. This bill takes a common-sense approach in requiring that at the final stage of the planning process for large residential developments, cities and counties must verify that water supplies will be available by the time the houses are built.

Our state faces a major challenge in ensuring there will be adequate supplies of safe, clean water to sustain our growing population, the environment, and our various industries and businesses. I support measures that coordinate water resource planning with land use planning, providing for future needs without encouraging unnecessary growth. In calling for verification of water supplies before development proceeds, SB 221 will help prevent water shortages due to poorly planned sprawl.

[If possible, insert a paragraph about the need for coordinated water and land use planning in your community.]

Senator Kuehl has crafted a process that will be effective and that addresses concerns raised by a number of interested groups. Please sign this important measure.

Sincerely,

[your signature]