Natomas Ready To Start Building As Drought Worries Hang Over Growth
NATOMAS (CBS13) — The lifting of a Natomas building moratorium will open up thousands of undeveloped acres for new homes, apartments and businesses, but it will come as California struggles to manage its water.
While the drought is prompting some cities to require tougher water restrictions for construction on new homes, that's not the case in Natomas. More than 1,000 new homes can be built in Natomas, an area that hasn't seen any growth in years.
The new housing boom comes during an unprecedented four-year drought. The city is confident it will have the water supply for the new development in Natomas. Building permits will start on June 16, just before the start of what is expected to be a long, dry summer.
Other cities aren't taking any chances. In Roseville, front yards of new homes can't have more than 50 percent grass, and landscaping must be picked from a list of drought-resistant plants. New homes must also have smart sprinklers that monitor weather and soil conditions before they spray.
Sacramento encourages water-efficient homes, but it's not mandatory. While the water conservation rules apply citywide, there are no special regulations for new homes being built.
Currently, homeowners can only water two days a week and can't allow water to run off into storm drains. But those requirements could get tougher if the drought persists.