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Mr. Corbett stated that there are significant advantages for a business to do this because there are different rates for domestic and irrigation waters. He noted that water use is a common measurement for sewer capacity and use, and by separating out irrigation, it portrays a more accurate picture of the true sewer usage of a building. He added that the connection fees for two smaller meters are typically significantly less than the fee for one larger meter. In response to Commissioner O’Connor’s inquiry regarding connection fee costs, Mr. Corbett replied that a connection cost is paid for each meter but that there are different rates are for domestic water and irrigation water. Commissioner O’Connor inquired if staff was requiring only non-residential projects and not residential projects to meet Tier 1 standard. Mr. Corbett replied that there are different requirements for residential and for non-residential projects and that the requirement for separate meters is only for non-residential projects. Commissioner O’Connor inquired if staff envisions eventually requiring separate meters for residential projects for having grey water or recycling water for irrigation. Mr. Corbett replied that the City has had one large home in town where the owner installed a separate meter for irrigation purposes because irrigation water rates were much less expensive. Mrs. Rondash added that the City’s Utilities Division indicated that if a residential project owner wanted to propose separate meters, they would potentially have lower bills and other fees may not be tacked on; however, this would be the property owner’s option rather than a CALGreen requirement. Commissioner Blank inquired what future incentives might be provided for residential homes utilizing separate meters for irrigation and landscaping purposes. Mrs. Rondash referred the question to Ms. Stern who handles the City’s Climate Action Plan. Ms. Stern stated that this would be a good question for the Climate Action Plan and the Energy and Environment Committee to consider as part of the Plan. Commissioner Blank inquired if there were cities that offer incentives for Tier 1. Ms. Stern replied that she did not know whether other cities had enough experience or were already offering any incentives. Commissioner Blank stated that it struck him that the City would limit green building requirements to commercial buildings greater than 20,000 square feet. He indicated PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, September 29, 2010 Page 11 of 21