B. Utilities Concept

The Utilities Element supports the continued provision of adequate utility services to support existing and future development. Levels of service are established for City-managed water, sewer and surface water utilities and levels of service are established for non-City purveyors of water and sewer. In addition, water and sewer concurrency requirements are established for new development. A detailed explanation of level of service and concurrency requirements is in the Capital Facilities Element.

The Utilities Element provides policies for regional coordination of utility needs. A basis for coordination with regional and local providers is established to ensure fair and consistent review of system expansions and enhancements while providing appropriate public input. The environmental and aesthetic concerns of the community are balanced with the need to provide affordable and reliable utility service. As telecommunication technologies continue to evolve, the Utility Element supports systems that are widely available, reliable, efficient, and complete, and that respond to the ever greater business and residential demand to be connected.

The importance of efficiency, renewable energy and conservation is stressed as cost-effective means of accommodating the growing demand for services and reducing carbon emissions.