The law requires anyone seeking to alter or improve an older home to install water-saving toilets, faucets and showerheads.
In some cases it would apply even if a homeowner is remodeling an area that has no plumbing, such as a bedroom or garage.
It wouldn’t necessarily apply to an improvement such as a new roof. Steve Gorman is with the City of Sacramento’s building department. He said the law’s vagueness will likely result in cities interpreting it differently.
“The interpretation that comes into play is a result of it being a law and not a building code," said Gorman. "So when it comes out in a building code format, there has been thought given to how it’s going to be enforced and it’s given a little more specificity.”
Water agencies sponsored the bill to help meet the state’s goal of reducing water use 20 percent by 2025.
More New Laws
New Workplace Protections for Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Abuse Victims
Monday, January 06, 2014Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking in California no longer have to worry about being fired or discriminated against at their workplace under a new state law now in effect.
New Laws 2014 Interactive Graphic
Monday, January 06, 2014With all the new laws taking effect in California this year we wanted a quick and fun way to share the stories with our listeners. Explore the new legislation from teen drivers to immigration within this interactive graphic.
California Children Can Now Have More Than Two Legal Parents
Friday, January 03, 2014Children in California can now have more than two legal parents.
Divisions Persist As New Calif. Transgender Law Takes Effect
Friday, January 03, 2014A sixteen-year-old California student was a driving force behind a new state law aimed at improving school for transgender students.
Hard Liquor Tastings, Beer Growler Refills Now Legal in California
Thursday, January 02, 2014Craft breweries and liquor distillers in California could get shots of new business as a result of two new state laws taking effect in 2014 - and beer and liquor drinkers will likely be happy as well.