§ 54-921. Findings of fact.

The Board of County Commissioners of Sarasota County, Florida, hereby makes the following findings of fact:

(1)

As a result of the increased population growth in Sarasota County in recent years, there has been an increased demand for water resources.

(2)

Due to natural conditions, the capacities of water resources fluctuate. During drought conditions, the quantities of water available to County users could be greatly reduced.

(3)

Due to natural conditions and user demand, reduction in water use within the County may be necessary to protect and preserve water resources.

(4)

The maintenance of adequate water resources will promote the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Sarasota County.

(5)

The Water Shortage Plan of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Section, Chapter 40D-21.601(2), Florida Administrative Code, and the Year-Round Water Conservation Measures of the District, Chapter 40D-22, Florida Administrative Code, prohibit all wasteful and unnecessary water use.

(6)

Provisions of Chapters 40D-22 and 40D-21, Florida Administrative Code, grants the Board of County Commissioners the authority to further restrict the irrigation of established lawns and landscaping.

(7)

Less frequent landscape irrigation can reduce the amount of pollutants entering our waterways from fertilizer and pesticide application.

(8)

Peak demands on high water use weekends with irrigation allowed could negatively affect the water pressure in distribution systems compromising the public's health, safety and welfare.

(9)

Greater community-wide landscape water conservation can result in more drought-tolerant plantings less susceptible to plant diseases.

(Ord. No. 96-021, § 1, 4-9-1996; Ord. No. 2000-015, § 1, 1-26-2000; Ord. No. 2006-053, § 2, 8-23-2006)