Assured water supply; building permits
The passage of SB1599 is likely to have significant implications on state laws regarding land use and water resource management. It establishes a clearer framework for obtaining water supply assurances, thereby potentially easing the concerns of municipalities regarding new developments that could strain local water resources. This shift may lead to stricter evaluations of water availability for future constructions and could also affect local development regulations. In essence, municipalities will have more authority when approving new subdivisions since they must confirm water provisions beforehand.
SB1599, introduced by Senator Sundareshan, amends section 45-576 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically concerning the assurance of water supply for building permits related to subdivided lands. This bill mandates that individuals or entities offering subdivided lands within an active management area must obtain a certificate of assured water supply from the director prior to submitting a plat for approval or filing a notice of intention to sell such lands. The intent behind this provision is to ensure that there is adequate water supply available for new developments, thereby safeguarding the interests of future homeowners and promoting responsible growth in water-scarce regions.
While the bill aims to promote sustainable water management, it may face contention from developers and some local governments concerned about the additional bureaucratic hurdles it creates. Developers may argue that the requirements could delay project timelines and increase costs, which could impede housing availability in areas with high demand. Local governance bodies might be concerned about potential limitations or exemptions that developers could exploit, particularly in relation to existing water service commitments. As such, debates may arise over balancing the need for growth with the responsible stewardship of water resources.