VENTURA : Building Permits, Toilets May Be Linked
The Ventura City Council is expected today to allow new residential housing if developers replace water-wasting toilets in existing buildings with water-saving models.
The toilet requirement is part of a series of actions by the council to lift a three-year ban on residential development imposed during the drought.
The proposal was passed last fall for commercial developers, and this action would extend it to include residential developers.
Developers would have to find water-guzzling toilets in buildings and replace them with toilets that use 1.6 gallons or less per flush.
According to a city staff report, the estimated cost of installing new toilets is $120 each. The city also would charge developers $11.55 per toilet for inspection and a $28.05 administrative charge per developer.
Developers said the toilet requirement would add to their costs and would be passed on to consumers.
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