Developers feel effect of Calif. drought

LOS ANGELES, June 6 (UPI) -- Water authorities in drought-plagued California have grown reluctant to grant permits for new development, citing a law that requires a 20-year water supply.

The law, on the books since 2001, had not had any effect on new construction until recently, The New York Times reports.

This week, the Eastern Municipal Water District in Riverside County granted permits to nine projects that had been held up for some months. But officials warned that the permits could be revoked.

"The statement that we're making is that this isn't business as usual," said Randy Record, a member of the district board.

Shawn Jenkins, a developer who had two projects before the board, said he has already changed landscaping plans so less water will be needed.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a statewide drought emergency declaration Wednesday. The declaration requires state and local agencies to work together to cut water use.

Many experts say the past two years of low rainfall and reduced snow pack could be the beginning of a long dry period in California.