PD Background Report (PL-SPP-2023-000036)

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25. Water: According to the Department of Water Supply (DWS), the subject parcel is currently served by an existing 5/8-inch meter which is allotted one unit of water, equivalent to an average daily usage of 400 gallons per day (gpd) and a maximum daily usage of 600 gpd. DWS notes that water usage over the past year is approximately 1,300 gpd, which is equivalent to four units of water. While DWS states no objection to the establishment of the proposed bed and breakfast, the applicant is requested to reduce current water use and/or implement stringent water conservation methods to permanently reduce water use to a maximum of one unit of water with a maximum usage of 600 gpd. In response to DWS, the applicant states that the higher water use is likely due to irrigation needs for landscaping and fruit trees on the property, and that a leak in the irrigation system may be at fault.As such,the applicant proposes to hire an engineer to review the property's water usage with the objective of developing and implementing recommendations to reduce potable water consumption. 26. Wastewater: Wastewater is presently disposed of into an existing, permitted septic system. 27. Solid Waste: The property owner disposes of their own solid waste. The Department of Environmental Management states that"commercial operations", such as the proposed bed and breakfast, may not use transfer stations for disposal. 28. Food Service Operations: By definition, bed and breakfast establishments may only provide breakfast meals to guests. The Department of Health (DOH) has responded that a food establishment permit will be required if meals are to include "potentially hazardous food". If the bed and breakfast will only offer commercial cereals, certain pastries, breads, fruits, coffee, tea, or juice, then a food establishment permit may be avoided, however the limited menu must be documented with DOH and the applicant must comply with other DOH requirements. 29. Real Property Tax: The Real Property Tax Office (RPT) notes that while the subject parcel does not currently have a homeowner exemption, if the special permit is approved and verifiable STVR activity is confirmed through online booking sites or guest reviews, the parcel/owner will not be eligible for the homeowner classification, with the possibility of partial qualification if the homeowner lives on site. In response,the applicant has stated -5-