All technical industry words or phrases related to the irrigation
systems not specifically defined in this section shall have the meanings
customarily attributable in the irrigation industry. The following
words and terms, when used in this division, have the following meanings,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
A complete physical separation between the free flowing discharge
end of a potable water supply pipeline and an open or non-pressure
receiving vessel.
An assembly containing an air inlet value, a check seat,
and an air inlet port. The flow of water into the body causes the
air inlet valve to close the air inlet port. When the flow of water
stops the air inlet valve falls and forms a check against backsiphonage.
At the same time it opens the air inlet port allowing air to enter
and satisfy the vacuum. Also known as an atmospheric vacuum breaker
backsiphonage prevention assembly.
A solid state timer capable of operating valve stations to
set the days, time of day, and length of time water is applied.
The mechanical prevention of reverse flow, or backsiphonage,
of non-potable water from an irrigation system into the potable water
source.
Any assembly used to prevent backflow into a potable water
system. The type of assembly used is based on the existing or potential
degree of health hazard and backflow condition.
When the landscape irrigation system has been installed,
all minimum standards met, all tests performed, and the irrigator
is satisfied that the system is operating correctly.
The act of providing advice, guidance, review or recommendations
related to landscape irrigation systems.
An actual or potential connection between a potable water
source and an irrigation system that may contain contaminates or pollutants
or any source of water that has been treated to a lesser degree in
the treatment process.
The act of determining the various elements of a landscape
irrigation system that will include, but not be limited to, elements
such as collecting site specific information, defining the scope of
the project, defining plant watering needs, selecting and laying out
emission devices, locating system components, conducting hydraulic
calculations, identifying any local regulatory requirements, or scheduling
irrigation work at a site. Completion of the various components will
result in an irrigation plan.
The pressure that is required for an emission device to operate
properly. Design pressure is calculated by adding the operating pressure
necessary at an emission device to the total of all pressure losses
accumulated from an emission device to the water source.
An assembly that is composed of two independently acting,
approved check valves, including tightly closed resilient seated shutoff
valves attached at each end of the assembly and fitted with properly
located resilient seated test cocks. Also known as a double check
valve backflow prevention assembly.
Any device that is contained within an irrigation system
and that is used to apply water. Common emission devices in an irrigation
system include, but are not limited to, spray and rotary sprinkler
heads, and drip irrigation emitters.
Engaged or hired to provide consulting services or perform
any activity relating to the sale, design, installation, maintenance,
alteration, repair, or service to irrigation systems. A person is
employed if that person is in an employer-employee relationship as
defined by Internal Revenue Code, 26 United States Code Service, sec.
3212(d) based on the behavioral control, financial control, and the
type of relationship involved in performing employment related tasks.
The spacing of spray or rotary heads equal to the manufacturer’s
published radius of the head.
A cross-connection or potential cross-connection with an
irrigation system that involves any substance that may, if introduced
into the potable water supply, cause death or illness, spread disease,
or have a high probability of causing such effects.
The science of dynamic and static water; the mathematical
computation of determining pressure losses and pressure requirements
of an irrigation system.
A licensed plumbing inspector, water district operator, other
governmental entity, or irrigation inspector who inspects irrigation
systems and performs other enforcement duties for a municipality or
water district as an employee or as a contractor.
A person who actually connects an irrigation system to a
private or public raw or potable water supply system or any water
supply, who is licensed according to V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative
Code, title 30, chapter 30 (relating to occupational licenses and
registrations).
A programmable device capable of providing multiple irrigation
programs with a least three (3) start times per program and capable
of limiting the irrigation frequency to once every seven (7) days.
A person who inspects irrigation systems and performs other
enforcement duties for a municipality or water district as an employee
or as a contractor and is required to be licensed under V.T.C.A.,
Texas Administrative Code, title 30, ch. 30 (relating to occupational
licenses and registrations).
A scaled drawing of a landscape irrigation system which lists
required information, the scope of the project, and represents the
changes made in the installation of the irrigation system.
Selling, designing, installing, maintaining, altering, repairing,
servicing, permitting, providing consulting services regarding, or
connecting an irrigation system to a water supply.
An assembly of component parts that is permanently installed
for the controlled distribution and conservation of water to irrigate
any type of landscape vegetation in any location, and/or to reduce
dust or control erosion. This term does not include a system that
is used on or by an agricultural operation as defined by V.T.C.A.,
Texas Agricultural Code, sec. 251.002.
A person who works under the supervision of a licensed irrigator
to install, maintain, alter, repair, service or supervise installation
of an irrigation system, including the connection of such system in
or to a private or public, raw or potable water supply system or any
water supply, and who is required to be licensed under V.T.C.A., Texas
Administrative Code, title 30, chapter. 30 (relating to occupational
licenses and registrations).
A subdivision of an irrigation system with a matched precipitation
rate based on plant material type (such as turf, shrubs, or trees),
microclimate factors (such as sun/shade ratio), topographic features
(such as slope) and soil conditions (such as sand, loam, clay, or
combination) or for hydrological control.
A person who sells, designs, offers consultations regarding,
installs, maintains, alters, repairs, services or supervises the installation
of an irrigation system, including the connection of such system to
a private or public, raw or potable water supply system or any water
supply, and who is required to be licensed under V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative
Code, title 30, chapter 30.
The irrigator responsible for all irrigation work performed
by an exempt business owner, including, but not limited to obtaining
permits, developing design plans, supervising the work of other irrigators
or irrigation technicians, and installing, selling, maintaining, altering,
repairing, or servicing a landscape irrigation system.
The science of applying the necessary amount of water to
promote or sustain healthy growth of plant material or turf.
An occupational license that is issued by the Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality, under V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative Code,
tit. 30, ch. 30, to an individual that authorizes the individual to
engage in an activity that is covered by V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative
Code, title 30, chapter 30.
A pipe within an irrigation system that delivers water from
the water source to the individual zone waives.
A document made available to the irrigation system’s
owner or owner’s representative that contains information regarding
the operation and maintenance of the irrigation system, including,
but not limited to: checking and repairing the irrigation system,
setting the automatic controller or smart contractor, weather monitor,
checking the rain or moisture sensor, cleaning filters, pruning grass
and plants away from irrigation emitters, using and operating the
irrigation system, the precipitation rates of each irrigation zone
within the system, any water conservation measures currently in effect
from the water purveyor, the name of the water purveyor, a suggested
seasonal or monthly watering schedule based on current evapotranspiration
data for the geographic region, and the minimum water requirements
for the plant material in each zone based on the soil type and plant
material where the system is installed.
Any activity that involves opening to the atmosphere the
irrigation main line at any point prior to the discharge side of any
irrigation zone control valve. This includes, but is not limited to,
repairing or connecting into a main supply pipe, replacing a zone
control valve, or repairing a zone control valve in a manner that
opens the system to the atmosphere.
A remote control valve located after the backflow prevention
device that controls the flow of water to the irrigation system mainline.
The condition in which all sprinkler heads within an irrigation
zone apply water at the same rate.
An irrigation system installed at a location where one did
not previously exist.
A written contract between a contractor or builder and a
licensed irrigator or exempt business owner to perform part or all
of the irrigation services relating to an irrigation system.
Water that is suitable for human consumption.
An assembly containing an independently operating internally
loaded check valve and an independently operating loaded air inlet
valve located on the discharge side of the check valve. Also known
as a pressure vacuum breaker backsiphonage prevention assembly.
Domestic or municipal wastewater which has been treated to
a quality suitable for beneficial use, such as landscape irrigation.
The irrigation plans, contracts, warranty information, invoices,
copies of permits, and other documents that relate to the installation,
maintenance, alteration, repair, or service of a landscape irrigation
system.
An assembly containing two independently acting approved
check valves together with a hydraulically operating mechanically
independent pressure differential relief valve located between the
two check valves and below the first check valve.
A device capable of receiving and monitoring weather data
using evapotranspiration technology or measuring soil moisture directly
to calculate or determine the amount of moisture lost from the soil
to automatically create or make adjustments to the irrigation schedule
to apply only the amount of water that is necessary to replace what
has been lost.
The pressure of water when it is not moving.
The on-the-job oversight and direction by a licensed irrigator
who is fulfilling his or her professional responsibility to the client
and/or employer in compliance with local or state requirements. Also
a licensed installer working under the direction of a licensed irrigator
or beginning January 1, 2009, an irrigation technician who is working
under the direction of a licensed irrigator to install, maintain,
alter, repair or service an irrigation system.
The design, installation, service, and operation of an irrigation
system in a manner that prevents the waste of water, promotes the
most efficient use of water, and applies the least amount of water
that is required to maintain healthy individual plant material or
turf, reduce dust, and control erosion.
A measurement, in gallons per minute or gallons per hour,
of the actual flow of water through a zone valve, calculated by individually
opening each zone valve and obtaining a valid reading after the pressure
has stabilized. For design purposes, the zone flow is the total flow
of all nozzles in the zone at a specific pressure.
An automatic valve that controls a single zone of a landscape
irrigation system.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
(a)
License required.
Any person who connects an irrigation
system to the water supply within the city or the city’s extraterritorial
jurisdiction, commonly referred to as the ETJ, must hold a valid license,
as defined by V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative Code, title 30, chapter
30 and required by V.T.C.A., Texas Occupations Code chapter 1903 or
as defined by V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative Code title 22, chapter
365 and required by V.T.C.A., Texas Occupations Code chapter 1301.
Exemption: A property owner is not required to be licensed in
accordance with V.T.C.A., Texas Occupations Code title 12, sec. 1903.002(c)(l)
if he or she is performing irrigation work in a building or on a premises
owned or occupied by the person as the person’s home. A home
or property owner who installs an irrigation system must meet the
remaining standards contained in this division. V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative
Code Title 30, chapter 344 regarding spacing, water pressure, spraying
water over impervious materials, rain or moisture shut-off devices
or other technology, backflow prevention and isolation valves. The
city may, at any point, adopt more stringent requirements for a home
or property owner who installs an irrigation system. See V.T.C.A.,
Texas Occupations Code sec. 1903.002 for other exemptions to the licensing
requirement.
(b)
Permit required.
Any person installing an irrigation
system, replacing a backflow prevention device and/or making additions
to an existing irrigation system within the territorial limits or
extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city is required to obtain a
permit from the city. Permits required for additions to an existing
system applies to commercial and right-of-way systems, and when adding
an additional zone to residential applications, repairs to existing
systems do not require a permit. Copy of an irrigation plan must be
submitted to the building official or the official city representative
in conjunction with the permit application with plan set being in
PDF format. A set of plans is required must be given to the property
owner on completion of the irrigation system. Any plan approved for
a permit must be in compliance with the requirements of this division.
Exemptions:
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20; Ordinance 2021-39 adopted 5/11/21)
(a)
General.
Any irrigation system that is connected to
the potable water supply must be connected through a back flow prevention
method approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
The backflow prevention device must be approved by the American Society
of Sanitary Engineers, the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control
and Hydraulic Research, the University of Southern California, the
Uniform Plumbing Code; or any other laboratory that has equivalent
capabilities for both the laboratory and field evaluation of backflow
prevention assemblies. The backflow prevention device must be installed
in accordance with the laboratory approval standards or if the approval
does not include specific installation information, the manufacturer’s
current published recommendations.
(1)
If conditions that present a health hazard exist, one of the following
methods must be used to prevent backflow:
(A)
An air gap may be used if:
(B)
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies may be
used if:
(i)
The device is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above ground
in a location that will ensure that the assembly will not be submerged;
(ii)
Drainage is provided for any water that may be discharged through
the assembly relief valve; and
(iii)
Freeze protection is provided with insulated enclosure or other
method approved by building official or chief building inspector.
(C)
Pressure vacuum breakers may be used if:
(i)
No back-pressure condition will occur;
(ii)
The device is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above any
downstream piping and the highest downstream opening. Pop-up sprinklers
are measured from the retracted position from the top of the sprinkler;
and
(iii)
Freeze protection is provided with insulated enclosure or other
method approved by building official or chief building inspector.
(D)
Spill-resistant pressure vacuum breakers may be used if:
(i)
No back-pressure condition will occur;
(ii)
The device is installed at a minimum of twelve (12) inches above
any downstream piping and the highest downstream opening. Pop-up sprinklers
are measured from the retracted position from the top of the sprinkler;
and
(iii)
Freeze protection is provided with insulated enclosures or other
method approved by building official, assistant building official
or chief building inspector.
(2)
Backflow prevention devices used in applications designated as health
hazards must be tested upon installation and annually thereafter.
(3)
If there are no conditions that present a health hazard, double check
valve backflow prevention assemblies may be used to prevent backflow
if the device is tested upon installation and test cocks are used
for testing only.
(4)
If a double check valve is installed below ground:
(A)
Test cocks must be plugged, except when the double check valve is
being tested;
(B)
Test cock plugs must be threaded, watertight, and made of nonferrous
material;
(C)
A y-type strainer is installed on the inlet side of the double check
valve;
(D)
Must be installed a minimum of 12" (inches) below grade, measured
from top of assembly to grade level and there must be a minimum twelve
(12) inch clearance between any fill material and the bottom of the
double check valve to allow for testing and repair; and
(E)
There must be space on the side of the double check valve to test
and repair the double check valve.
(5)
If any existing irrigation system without a backflow-prevention assembly
requires maintenance, alteration, repair, or service, the system must
be connected to the potable water supply through an approved, properly
installed backflow prevention assembly or devise before any major
maintenance, alteration, repair, or service is performed.
(6)
If an irrigation system is connected to a potable water supply through
a double check valve, pressure vacuum breaker, or reduced pressure
principle backflow assembly and includes an automatic master valve
on the system, the automatic master valve must be installed on the
discharge side of the backflow prevention assembly.
(7)
The irrigation contractor shall ensure the backflow prevention device
is tested by a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester through
our provider SC Tracking Solutions, prior to being placed in service
and the test results provided to the city and the irrigation system’s
owner or owner’s representative within ten business days of
testing of the backflow prevention device.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20; Ordinance 2021-39 adopted 5/11/21)
(a)
Before any chemical is added to an irrigation system connected to
the potable water supply, the irrigation system must be connected
through a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly
or air gap.
(b)
Connection of any additional water source to an irrigation system
that is connected to the potable water supply can only be done if
the irrigation system is connected to the potable water supply through
a reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or an air
gap.
(c)
Irrigation system components with chemical additives induced by aspiration,
injection, or emission system connected to any potable water supply
must be connected through a reduced pressure principle backflow device.
(d)
If an irrigation system is designed or installed on a property that
is served by an onsite sewage facility, as defined in V.T.C.A., Texas
Administrative Code title 30, chapter 285, then:
(1)
All irrigation piping and valves must meet the separation distances
from the onsite sewage facilities system as required for a private
water line in V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative Code, tit. 30, sec. 285.91(10);
(2)
Any connections using a private or public potable water source that
is not the city’s potable water system must be connected to
the water source through a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention
assembly as defined in V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative Code, title
30, sec. 344.50; and
(3)
Any water from the irrigation system that is applied to the surface
of the area utilized by the onsite sewage facility system must be
controlled on a separate irrigation zone or zones so as to allow complete
control of any irrigation to that area so that there will not be excess
water that would prevent the onsite sewage facilities system from
operating effectively.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
All irrigation systems shall be designed, installed, maintained,
altered, repaired, serviced, and operated in a manner that will promote
water conservation as defined in the definitions section of this division.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
(a)
An irrigation shall prepare an irrigation plan for each site where
a new irrigation system will be installed. A paper or electronic copy
of the irrigation plan must be on the job site at all times during
the installation of the irrigation system. A drawing showing the actual
installation of the system is due to each irrigation system owner
after all new irrigation system installations. During the installation
of the irrigation system, variances from the original plan may be
authorized by the licensed irrigator if the variance from the plan
does not:
(b)
The irrigation plan must include complete coverage of the area to
be irrigated. If a system does not provide complete coverage of the
area to be irrigated, it must be noted on the irrigation plan.
(c)
For all irrigation systems other than irrigation systems installed
on single-family lots, a certified landscape irrigation auditor shall
conduct the following required irrigation audits and inspections
(1)
Installation audit and inspection:
Immediately following
installation, an irrigation system audit and inspection shall be required
for all new commercial irrigation systems. For new developments, documentation
of the audit and inspection shall be submitted to the city prior to
issuing a certificate of occupancy. The audit and inspection must
include an evaluation of the system distribution uniformity and actual
zone precipitation rate. The audit shall be performed according to
the latest edition of the Recommended Audit Guidelines, published
by the Irrigation Association, 6540 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church,
Virginia 22042-6638. Distribution uniformity shall be measured on
the largest turf grass area zone of the irrigation system. Forms for
submission and documentation of audit and inspection information shall
be made available by the city.
(2)
Recurring inspections:
An irrigation system audit and inspection shall be required for irrigation systems, new and existing, shall be submitted to the city once every three years, and shall be conducted in the same manner as set forth in subsection (1), above, regarding the installation audit and inspection. The city shall establish a timeline and procedures for all developments to submit irrigation system audit and inspection documentation to the city for review. Forms for submission and documentation of inspection information shall be made available by the city.
(d)
All irrigation plans used for construction must be legible. The plan
must include, at a minimum, the following information:
(1)
The irrigator’s seal, signature, and date of signing;
(2)
All major physical features and the boundaries of the areas to be
watered;
(3)
A north arrow;
(4)
A legend;
(5)
The zone flow measurement for each zone;
(6)
Location and type of each:
(A)
Irrigation controller and sensor that has the capability to set thresholds
for both rain and freeze at 40 degrees or above.
(B)
Commercial and Right-of-Way installation will require that controller
and sensors be located above ground and shall be decorative or on
a decorative post stand, and sited inconspicuously.
(7)
Location, type, and size of each:
(A)
Water source, such as, but not limited to a water meter and point(s)
of connection;
(B)
Backflow prevention device;
(C)
Water emission device, including, but not limited to, spray heads,
rotary sprinkler heads, quick-couplers, tree bubblers, foundation
drip, non-turf drip or micro-sprays;
(D)
Valve, including but not limited to, zone valves, master valves,
and isolation valves;
(E)
Pressure regulation component;
(F)
Main line and lateral piping; and
(G)
Wiring splice locations.
(8)
The engineer’s scale used; and areas from heads showing head-to-head
cover coverage.
(9)
The design pressure; and
(10)
Total landscape area (excluding all impervious surfaces) served by
the irrigation system.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
(a)
Manufacturer’s limitations.
No irrigation design
or installation shall require the use of any component, including
the water meter, in a way which exceeds the manufacturer’s published
performance limitations for the component; and
(b)
Spacing.
(1)
The maximum spacing between emission devices must not exceed the
manufacturer’s published radius or spacing of the device(s).
The radius or spacing is determined by referring to the manufacturer’s
published specifications for a specific emission device at a specific
operating pressure. Turf area eight (8) feet or wider must have heads
spraying back to achieve head to head coverage.
(2)
New irrigation systems shall not utilize above-ground spray emission
devices in landscapes that are less than 48 inches, not including
the impervious surfaces, in either length or width and which contain
impervious pedestrian or vehicular traffic surfaces along two or more
perimeters. If pop-up sprays or rotary sprinkler heads are used in
a new irrigation system, the sprinkler heads must direct flow away
from any adjacent surface and shall not be installed closer than four
inches from a hardscape, such as, but not limited to, a building foundation,
fence, concrete, asphalt, pavers, or stones set with mortar.
(3)
Narrow paved walkways, jogging paths, golf cart paths or other small
areas located in cemeteries, parks, golf courses or other public areas
may be exempted from this requirement if the runoff drains into a
landscaped area.
(4)
Each double check backflow prevention device must be located no more
than three (3) feet from the water meter, if not applicable install
shall be no more than (3) feet from private side of public sidewalk
or property line. In cases where RPZ or PVB assemblies are used, the
device shall be located on the side of the building and integrated
into the building envelope or consolidated into an enclosed service
areas and screened with primary building materials used on the building
or living vegetative screens.
(c)
Water pressure.
Emission devices must be installed to
operate at the minimum and not above the maximum sprinkler head pressure
as published by the manufacturer for the nozzle and head spacing that
is used. Methods to achieve the water pressure requirements include
either a city-approved pressure regulator or pressure-compensating
heads. Commercial irrigation must use pressure-regulating heads on
all turf heads.
(d)
Piping.
Piping in irrigation systems must be designed
and installed so that the flow of water in the pipe will not exceed
a velocity of five feet per second for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe.
(e)
Irrigation zones.
Irrigation systems shall have separate
zones based on plant material type, microclimate factors, topographic
features, foundation protection, soil conditions, and hydrological
requirements. All non-turf landscape areas shall be designed with
drip irrigation to include pressure-compensating, non-draining emitters
and a 120 mesh filter. Parkway areas within ten (10) feet from the
curb must have either drip irrigation or high-efficiency, low-precipitation
nozzles, as approved in writing by the city. No single stream rotors
permitted in front yards unless approved in writing by the city.
(f)
Matched precipitation rate.
Zones must be designed and
installed so that all of the emission devices in that zone irrigate
at the same precipitation rate.
(g)
No-spray surface.
Irrigation systems shall not spray
water over surfaces made of concrete, asphalt, brick, wood, stones
set with mortar, or any other impervious material, such as, but not
limited to, walls, fences, sidewalks, streets, etc.
(h)
Foundations.
A separate station shall be installed and
dedicated only for drip irrigation for the purpose of watering a structure’s
foundation.
(i)
Master valve.
A master valve shall be installed on the
discharge side of the backflow prevention device on all new installations
and located within twelve (12) inches of the backflow prevention device.
(j)
Check valves.
Check valves are required where elevation
differences may result in low head drainage. Check valves may be located
at the sprinkler head(s) or on the lateral line. Any slope greater
than a 4:1 ratio must be irrigated by drip irrigation.
(k)
Bubblers.
Bubblers shall be installed at all trees
(l)
Pop-up heads.
Pop-up heads shall be installed and operated
to extend above all landscape turf grass.
(m)
PVC pipe primer solvent.
All new irrigation systems
that are installed using PVC pipe and fittings shall be primed with
a purple primer prior to applying the PVC cement in accordance with
the International Plumbing Code and local amendments.
(n)
Irrigation controllers.
All new irrigation systems must
include a programmable irrigation controller capable of providing
the minimum following features:
(o)
Operational rain and freeze shut-off devices capable of setting thresholds
for rain and freeze at or above 40 degrees.
All new automatically
controlled irrigation systems must include an operational sensor with
the capability to set thresholds for both rain and freezing temperatures
at or above 40 degrees or other technology designed to inhibit or
interrupt operation of the irrigation system during periods of freezing
weather at or above 40 degrees and rainfall. Freeze and rain shut-off
technology must be installed according to the manufacturer’s
published recommendations. Repairs to existing automatic irrigation
systems that require replacement of an existing controller must include
an operational sensor with the capability to set thresholds for both
rain and freezing temperatures at or above 40 degrees or other technology
designed to inhibit or interrupt operation of the irrigation system
during periods of freezing weather at or above 40 degrees and rainfall.
(p)
Rain/freeze installation.
Residential rain freeze sensor
must be installed on house and not under gutters. Commercial and right-of-way
installations will require that controller and sensors be located
on building or above ground and shall be decorative or on a decorative
post stand, and sited inconspicuously for right-of-way installation.
(q)
Isolation valve.
All new irrigation systems must include
an isolation valve between the water meter and the backflow prevention
device.
(r)
Depth coverage of piping.
Piping in all irrigation systems
must be installed according to the manufacturer’s published
specifications for depth coverage of piping.
(1)
If the manufacturer has not published specifications for depth coverage
of piping, the piping must be installed to provide minimum depth coverage
of six inches of select backfill for lateral lines and 12 inches for
main lines, between the top of the pipe and the natural grade of the
topsoil. All portions of the irrigation system that fail to meet this
standard must be noted on the irrigation plan. If the area being irrigated
has rock at a depth of six inches or less, select backfill may be
mounded over the pipe. Mounding must be noted on the irrigation plan
and discussed with the irrigation system owner or owner’s representative
to address any safety issues.
(2)
If a utility, manmade structure or roots create an unavoidable obstacle,
which makes the six-inch depth coverage requirement impractical, the
piping shall be installed to provide a minimum of two inches of select
backfill between the top of the pipe and the natural grade of the
topsoil.
(3)
All trenches and holes created during installation of an irrigation
system must be backfilled and compacted to the original grade.
(s)
Wiring irrigation systems.
(1)
Underground electrical wiring used to connect an irrigation controller
to any electrical component of the irrigation system must be listed
by Underwriters Laboratories as acceptable for burial underground.
(2)
Electrical wiring that connects any electrical components of an irrigation
system must be sized according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
(3)
Electrical wire splices which may be exposed to moisture must be
waterproof as certified by the wire splice manufacturer.
(4)
Underground electrical wiring that connects an irrigation controller
to any electrical component of the irrigation system must be buried
with a minimum of six (6) inches of select backfill.
(t)
Water contained within the piping of an irrigation system is deemed
to be nonpotable. No drinking or domestic water usage, such as, but
not limited to, filling swimming pools or decorative fountains, shall
be connected to an irrigation system. If a hose bib (an outdoor water
faucet that has hose threads on the spout) is connected to an irrigation
system for the purpose of providing supplemental water to an area,
the hose bib must be installed using a quick coupler key on a quick
coupler installed in a covered purple valve box and the hose bib and
any hoses connected to the bib must be labeled “nonpotable,
not safe for drinking.” An isolation valve must be installed
upstream of a quick coupler connecting a hose bib to an irrigation
system.
(u)
Beginning January 1, 2010, either a licensed irrigator or a licensed
irrigation technician shall be onsite at all times while the landscape
irrigation system is being installed. When an irrigator is not onsite,
the irrigator shall be responsible for ensuring that a licensed irrigation
technician is onsite to supervise the installation of the irrigation
system.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
The city will conduct an initial inspection of all piping, valves,
and other irrigation system components from the water source, up to
and including the master valve prior to backfilling any part of the
system for commercial and right-of-way installations only. For additions
to an existing commercial system or right-of way installation, the
point of connection shall be exposed for inspection.
(Ordinance 2021-39 adopted 5/11/21)
Upon completion of the irrigation system, the irrigator or irrigation
technician who provided supervision for the on-site installation shall
be required to complete the following items:
(1)
A final “walk through” with the irrigation system’s
owner or the owner’s representative to explain the operation
of the system. The “walk through” must include, but not
be limited to, visual inspection of all zones and emission devices
operating for not less than two minutes, a review of the currently
programmed, as well as seasonal, watering schedule, list of the components
that require maintenance and the recommended frequency of service,
location of the irrigation controller and associated manufacturer’s
manual, water meter, isolation valve, backflow preventer, sprinkler
heads, drip or pressure compensating tubing irrigation, rain or moisture
and freeze shut-off device, irrigation plan showing the installed
system, maintenance checklist, etc.
(2)
The maintenance checklist on which the irrigator or irrigation technician
shall obtain the signature of the irrigation system’s owner
or owner’s representative and shall sign, date, and seal the
checklist. If the irrigation system’s owner or owner’s
representative is unwilling or unable to sign the maintenance checklist,
the irrigator shall note the time and date of the refusal on the irrigation
system’s owner or owner’s representative’s signature
line. The irrigation system owner or owner’s representative
will be given the original maintenance checklist and a duplicate copy
of the maintenance checklist shall be maintained by the irrigator
and provided to the building official or the official city representative
as part of final document step. The items on the maintenance checklist
shall include but are not limited to:
(A)
Irrigator’s name, license number, company name, telephone number,
and the dates of the warranty period;
(B)
The manufacturer’s manual for the irrigation controller;
(C)
A seasonal (spring, summer, fall, winter) watering schedule based
on either current/real time evapotranspiration or monthly historical
reference evapotranspiration (historical ET) data, monthly effective
rainfall estimates, plant landscape coefficient factors, and site
factors;
(D)
A list of components, such as the nozzle, or pump filters, and other
such components; that require maintenance and the recommended frequency
for the service; and
(E)
The statement, “This irrigation system has been installed in
accordance with all applicable state and local laws, ordinances, rules,
regulations or orders. I have tested the system and determined that
it has been installed according to the irrigation plan and is properly
adjusted for the most efficient application of water at this time.”
(3)
A permanent sticker which contains the irrigator’s name, license
number, company name, telephone number and the dates of the warranty
period shall be affixed to each irrigation controller installed by
the irrigator or irrigation technician. The information contained
on the sticker must be printed with waterproof ink.
(4)
The irrigation “as-built” plan indicating the actual
installation of the system must be provided to the irrigation system’s
owner or owner representative.
(5)
In the event that the irrigation system owner or owner representative
is a residential home builder and the new residential home with the
associated irrigation system will be sold for the first time to a
new homeowner, a copy of the irrigation plan indicating the actual
installation of the system and corresponding maintenance checklist
must be placed within or attached to the irrigation controller. A
copy of the irrigation plan and corresponding maintenance checklist
must be placed within or attached to the irrigation controller if
the irrigation system is sold or transferred from the new home owner
or subsequent owners.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
(a)
The licensed irrigator is responsible for all work that the irrigator
performed during the maintenance, alteration, repair, or service of
an irrigation system during the warranty period. The irrigator or
business owner is not responsible for the professional negligence
of any other irrigator who subsequently conducts any irrigation service
on the same irrigation system.
(b)
All trenches and holes created during the maintenance, alteration,
repair, or service of an irrigation system must be returned to the
original grade with compacted select backfill.
(c)
Purple PVC pipe primer solvent must be used on all pipes and fittings
used in the maintenance, alteration, repair, or service of an irrigation
system in accordance with the International Plumbing Code and local
amendments.
(d)
When maintenance, alteration, repair or service of an irrigation
system involves excavation work at the water meter or backflow prevention
device, an isolation valve shall be installed, if an isolation valve
is not present.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
Reclaimed water may be utilized in landscape irrigation systems
if:
(1)
There is no direct contact with edible crops, unless the crop is
pasteurized before consumption;
(2)
The irrigation system does not spray water across property lines
that do not belong to the irrigation system’s owner;
(3)
The irrigation system is installed using purple piping and components;
(4)
The domestic potable water line is connected using an air gap or
a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device, in accordance
with V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative Code title 30, sec. 290.47(i)(relating
to appendices);
(5)
A minimum of an eight-inch by eight-inch sign, in English and Spanish,
is prominently posted on/in the area that is being irrigated, that
reads, “RECLAIMED WATER-DO NOT DRINK” and “AGUA
DE RECUPERACION-NO BEBER”; and
(6)
Backflow prevention on the reclaimed water supply line shall be in
accordance with the regulations of the city’s water provider.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
(a)
At least one vehicle must remain onsite and clearly visible when
used in the performance of irrigation installation, maintenance, alteration,
repair, or service must display the irrigator’s license number
in the form of “LI “ in a contrasting color of block letters
at least two inches high, on both sides of the vehicle.
(b)
All forms of written and electronic advertisements for irrigation
services must display the irrigator’s license number in the
form of “LI _ _ .” Any form of advertisement, including
business cards, and estimates which displays an entity’s or
individual’s name other than that of the licensed irrigator
must also display the name of the licensed irrigator and the licensed
irrigator’s license number. Trailers that advertise irrigation
services must display the irrigator’s license number.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
(a)
All contracts to install an irrigation system must be in writing
and signed by each party and must specify the irrigator’s name,
license number, business address, current business telephone numbers,
the date that each party signed the agreement, the total agreed price,
and must contain the statement, “Irrigation in Texas is regulated
by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), MC-178, P.O.
Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. TCEQ’s website is: www.tceq.state.tx.us.”
All contracts must include the irrigator’s seal, signature,
and date.
(b)
All written estimates, proposals, bids, and invoices relating to
the installation or repair of an irrigation system(s) must include
the irrigator’s name, license number, business address, current
business telephone number(s), and the statement: “Irrigation
in Texas is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(TCEQ) (MC-178), P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. TCEQ’s
web site is: www.tceq.state.tx.us.”
(c)
An individual who agrees by contract to provide irrigation services
as defined in V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative Code tit. 30, sec. 344.30
(relating to License Required) shall hold an irrigator license issued
under V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative Code title 30, chapter 30 (relating
to occupational licenses and registrations) unless the contract is
a pass-through contract as defined in V.T.C.A., Texas Administrative
Code title 30, sec. 344.1(36) (relating to definitions). If a pass-through
contract includes irrigation services, then the irrigation portion
of the contract can only be performed by a licensed irrigator. If
an irrigator installs a system pursuant to a pass-through contract,
the irrigator shall still be responsible for providing the irrigation
system’s owner or through contract, the irrigator shall still
be responsible for providing the irrigation system’s owner or
owner’s representative a copy of the warranty and all other
documents required under this chapter. A pass-through contract must
identify by name and license number the irrigator that will perform
the work and must provide a mechanism for contacting the irrigator
for irrigation system warranty work.
(d)
The contract must include the dates that the warranty is valid.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
(a)
On all installations of new or major repair of irrigation systems,
an irrigator shall present the irrigation system’s owner or
owner’s representative with a written warranty covering materials
and labor furnished in the new installation of the irrigation system.
The irrigator shall be responsible for adhering to terms of the warranty.
If the irrigator’s warranty is less than the manufacturer’s
warranty for the system components, then the irrigator shall provide
the irrigation system’s owner or the owner’s representative
with applicable information regarding the manufacturer’s warranty
period. The warranty must include the irrigator’s seal, signature,
and date. If the warranty is part of an irrigator’s contract,
a separate warranty document is not required.
(b)
An irrigator’s written warranty on new irrigation systems must
specify the irrigator’s name, business address, and business
telephone number(s), must contain the signature of the irrigation
system’s owner or owner’s representative confirming receipt
of the warranty and must include the statement: “Irrigation
in Texas is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(TCEQ), MC-178, P.O. Box 130897, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. TCEQ’s
website is: www.tceq.state.tx.us.”
(c)
On all maintenance, alterations, repairs, or service to existing
irrigation systems, an irrigator shall present the irrigation system’s
owner or owner’s representative a written document that identifies
the materials furnished in the maintenance, alteration, repair, or
service.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
A licensed irrigation inspector or plumbing inspector shall
enforce the ordinance of the city, and shall be responsible for:
(1)
Verifying that the appropriate permits have been obtained for an
irrigation system and that the irrigator and installer or irrigation
technician, if applicable, are licensed;
(2)
Determining that the irrigation system complies with the requirements
of this division;
(3)
Determining that the appropriate backflow prevention device was installed,
tested, and test results provided to the city through SC Tracking
Solutions;
(4)
Providing the final walk-through of the irrigation system, inspecting
underground installation for commercial and right-of-way installations;
(5)
Investigating complaints related to irrigation system installation,
maintenance, alteration, repairs, or service of an irrigation system
and advertisement of irrigation services; and
(6)
Maintaining records according to this division.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
Refer to the city master fee chart for fees on permits for residential
and nonresidential irrigation installations.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
(a)
The city shall have the power to administer and enforce the provisions
of this section as may be required by governing law. Any person, firm,
corporation or agent who shall violate a provision of this code, or
fails to comply therewith, or with any of the requirements thereof,
is subject to suit for injunctive relief as well as prosecution for
criminal violations. Any violation of the ordinance codified in this
section is declared to be a nuisance.
(b)
Any person violating any provision of this section shall, upon conviction,
be fined a sum not exceeding $2,000.00. Each day that a provision
of this section is violated shall constitute a separate offense. An
offense under this section is a class C misdemeanor, punishable by
a fine of up to $2,000.00.
(c)
Nothing in this section shall be construed as a waiver of the city’s
right to bring a civil action to enforce the provisions of this section
and to seek remedies as allowed by law, including, but not limited
to the following:
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
Provisions of this ordinance shall automatically update to reflect
State law changes as they are made.
(Ordinance 2020-18 adopted 4/14/20)
