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SEC. 12A10.  REQUIRED WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES.
   The following water conservation measures are required for residential buildings as defined in Section 1204(i) of this Code, notwithstanding Section 1209 of this Code:
   (a)   Replace all showerheads having a maximum flow rate exceeding 2.5 gallons per minute, with showerheads not exceeding the maximum flow rate established by the California Energy Commission, as set forth in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601 to 1608, as it may be amended. Showers shall have no more than one showerhead per valve. For purposes of this subsection, the term "showerheads" includes rain heads, rain tiles, or any other fitting that transmits water for purposes of showering.
   (b)   Replace all faucets and faucet aerators having a maximum flow rate exceeding 2.2 gallons per minute at a water pressure of 60 pounds per square inch, with plumbing fittings not exceeding the maximum flow rate established by the California Energy Commission, as set forth in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601 to 1608, as it may be amended.
   (c)   Replace all water closets that have a rated water consumption exceeding 1.6 gallons per flush with fixtures not exceeding the maximum rated water consumption established in the San Francisco Plumbing Code, Chapter 4, Section 402.2, as it may be amended. A seller of a residential building may request an exemption from replacing a water closet in the building if the replacement would detract from the historical integrity of the building, as determined by the Director of the Department of Building Inspection pursuant to the California Historical Building Code and Section 12A11(b).
   (d)   Leak repair. All water leaks shall be located and repaired.
      (1)   For residential buildings with one and two units, water meter registration shall be used to determine the existence of leaks. Compliance is achieved if there is no meter movement for ten minutes while all household fixtures are shut off.
      (2)   For residential buildings with three or more units, visual inspection or water meter registration shall be used. If water meter registration is used, compliance is achieved if there is no meter movement for ten minutes while all household fixtures are shut off.
      (3)   In all residential buildings, all tank type water closets shall be tested with leak detector tablets or dye to detect slow valve leaks, and all flushometer type fixtures shall be visually checked for proper operation with respect to timing and leaks.
   (e)   An exemption from the requirement for showerheads listed in Paragraph (a) of this Section will be granted for a residence upon filing with the Public Utilities Commission a letter from a licensed physician specifying a valid medical reason on the part of the occupant of that residence for non-compliance. An exemption under this Section shall continue in force until the individual qualifying for the exemption no longer resides at the exempted property, or until the medical condition qualifying for the exemption terminates. Within one year following the departure of the individual qualifying for the exemption from the exempted residence or termination of the medical condition, all showerheads in the property shall be replaced in compliance with Section 12A10(a). Upon transfer of title of any building subject to an exemption in whole or in part under this Section, the provisions of Section 12A09 shall apply; however, proof of an exemption under this Section shall be sufficient to show compliance with the requirements of this chapter as to low-flow showerhead and/or an exempted residence within a multiple-family residential building. An exemption for a single residence under this Section shall not constitute an exemption for an entire multiple-family building wherein the single residence is located.
(Added by Ord. 185-91, App. 5/15/91; amended by Ord. 346-91, App. 10/19/91; Ord. 161-92, App. 6/4/92; Ord. 361-94, App. 10/19/94; Ord. 350-95, App. 11/3/95; Ord. 256-07, App. 11/6/2007; Ord. 76-09, App. 5/14/2009, Eff. 7/1/2009)