Amend County Code Chapter 7.70 (Water Wells) and Chapter 7.73 (Individual Water Systems)
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Santa Cruz County is amending its local code to strengthen regulations governing water wells and individual water systems under Chapters 7.70 and 7.73, aligning with evolving state policies and recent court rulings that emphasize groundwater sustainability, environmental protection, and public trust resource preservation. The amendments introduce a tiered review process for well permits, including discretionary review and potential denial for high-impact Tier 4 wells, and mandate increased setbacks from streams, deeper well seals, and restrictions on drilling in sensitive karst areas. New requirements include mandatory metering and reporting for all non-domestic wells, enhanced water quality and yield testing—especially in limited-yield zones—and the recordation of deed notices for wells with compromised yield or quality. The County will adopt a formal Resource Protection Policy to guide implementation, and all well applications must undergo review and comment by affected water and groundwater sustainability agencies. Soil borings and stormwater infiltration devices are now subject to regulation to prevent contamination, and water quality and yield testing must be conducted at the time of property transfer. These changes are designed to mitigate long-term risks to groundwater basins, reduce stream depletion, and ensure reliable water supplies for residents while continuing to allow reasonable beneficial use. The amendments are classified as Coastal Implementing actions and will require certification by the California Coastal Commission following County adoption. The project is not a procurement contract but a regulatory update initiated under the California Environmental Quality Act, with a deadline for public input on February 10, 2025, and implementation to occur countywide. No federal contract clauses, pricing, delivery schedules, or contractor evaluations apply, as the activity concerns local land use and environmental governance. Key contacts for coordination are Matt Johnston and Sierra Ryan of the Community Development and Infrastructure Department. Supporting documents including an Annotated Resource Protection Policy, Critical Streams Table, and Notes on Stream Depletion Analysis are available through the County’s website. Oversight is conducted by the County itself, with inspections and enforcement tied to permit compliance rather than third-party contractors. The updates aim to preemptively address drought vulnerability, protect public water resources, and create a more resilient and transparent water well permitting framework consistent with current legal and environmental standards.
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