THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR GEORGIA RESIDENTS

THIS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION:

The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD) is charged with finding ways to comply with the  Metro Water District Plan. I It is my understanding that this is necessary in order to continue the ability to receive permits to draw water.

However, According to the MNGWPD staff memo, the group met 11 times in the last 9 months.  None of these meetings were public and some of the resolutions they have come up with are not in line with protecting property rights. 

Some of the recommendations are district-wide, but a majority of the proposed changes affect only those water systems that depend on the Chattahoochee and Lake Lanier, which includes all water systems in Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Hall and Fulton Counties.

 There are two recommendations on which we need to focus immediate attention:

•  Action Item CL-2: Encourage each local water provider to implement a rebate incentive program to convert older, inefficient toilets to high-efficiency toilets in multi-family properties.  Details are on pages 5 and 6 of the proposal.
•  Action Item CL-3:  Require local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance or policy that requires owners of residential and commercial structures built prior to 1993 to replace inefficient toilets, sinks, aerators, and shower heads upon water service reconnection following a change in property ownership.  This is referred to in the proposal as “retrofit on reconnect.”  Details are on pages 7 and 8 of the proposal.

Think about CL-3…. This is nothing more than a re-named “retrofit at resale”. 

• The buyer cannot reconnect until all fixtures are brought to current code
• The buyer is not likely to spend the money to update all the fixtures in the house prior to ownership. What happens if it doesn’t close?
• The seller would have to allow the buyer’s vendors if (if buyer is paying) to do the work on a home they currently own and still occupy.
• If the seller has to change all fixtures then that puts an undue burden on the seller that is probably already feeling financial pressure.
• Then there are the banks – what about foreclosures? Are the banks going to change out all the fixtures prior to closing? We know the banks are not going to let the buyer do any repairs prior to closing? Does that mean fewer buyers will be able to take possession at closing because they will need to have water??

We will keep you posted on any updates but PLEASE keep your eye on this as well.  We CANNOT let this happen and we all know that the rebate program will be much more successful as it is a retrofit at replacement and is not as likely to place an undue burden on the homeowner.

 The Governing Board voted yesterday to distribute the proposal for public comment.  The deadline for comment is October 22.  A final vote to approve the recommended changes could be held as early as December 2. 

 This has been another Just FYI….brought to you by Carol 

Carol
Carol Moson, REALTOR®
Sales/Instructor/Trainer
CRS – Certified Residential Specialist
SRS – Seller Representative Specialist
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
SFR – Short Sale and Foreclosure Certified
EAH – Employer Assisted Housing
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