Title
REF250037 - WATER ALLOCATION POLICY
a. Conduct a public workshop to review and receive public input regarding policy options for a Water Allocation Policy and Ordinance for areas in unincorporated Monterey County served by the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD); and
b. Provide direction to staff.
Project Location: Unincorporated Monterey County MPWMD Water Service Area
Proposed CEQA action: A planning workshop is statutorily exempt per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 15262.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission:
a. Conduct public workshop to review and receive public input regarding policy options for a Water Allocation Policy and Ordinance for areas in unincorporated Monterey County served by the MPWMD; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Planning File Number: REF250037
Project Location: MPWMD Water Service Area
Plan Area: Carmel Valley Master Plan, Greater Monterey Peninsula, Del Monte Forest, and Carmel Area
SUMMARY:
Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (“MPWMD” or “the District”) has adopted rules that govern water resources within its jurisdictional boundaries. MPWMD rules include, among other things, the ability to allocate water credits to local governments within its territory. This includes the County of Monterey (“County”).
Water allocations, or water credits, are used by MPWMD to manage water supplies within the District boundaries. The County, as a recipient of MPWMD water allocations, may approve new development projects, subject to issuance of a water permit from MPWMD, and may suballocate all or a portion of the County’s water allocation to a property or development. If the County approves the suballocation of water credits, MPWMD debits the County’s allocation when they issue a water permit.
On January 27, 2025, the District adopted Ordinance No. 197 allocating 72-Acre Feet (AFY) of water to the County. Together with the County’s existing water al...
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