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
California Minimum Wage Rising To $9 Per Hour
July 1, 2014(AP) -- California's minimum wage is rising to $9 per hour, providing workers with the first increase since 2008.
California State Employees Receive Pay Raises Starting July 1
June 30, 2014California state employees will be getting the first pay raise many of them have had in years starting Tuesday.
California's Paid Family Leave Program Expansion Starts July 1
June 27, 2014A law that extends California’s paid family leave benefit to people caring for grandchildren, grandparents, siblings and in-laws will go into effect July 1. The original law took effect on the same day 10 years ago.
Capitol Roundup: New Sentencing Ballot Measure, State Help For Food Industry
June 26, 2014California voters will decide this fall whether some low-level drug and theft offenses should be tried as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Meanwhile, the Legislature and Board of Equalization are pushing policies to help the food industry.
New Workplace Protections for Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Abuse Victims
January 6, 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.
See All New Laws
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