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Bill addresses HOA watering
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SACRAMENTO (AP) — Homeowner associations would be prohibited from requiring residents to pressure-wash their driveways or other areas when droughts are declared locally or across California, under a bill sent to Gov. Jerry Brown.

Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen of Gerber says some homeowners are caught in bind. They face fines under state regulations that prohibit washing driveways, as well as fines from their associations if they don’t follow its rules.

SB992 also lets associations fine homeowners for refusing to water their lawns if the housing development uses recycled water for irrigation. A separate bill, AB2100, was signed into law and already blocks such fines under most circumstances.

Nielsen’s bill passed the Senate 36-0 Wednesday. It arose after reports that some homeowners were being fined for trying to save water amid California’s drought.