The purpose of this article is to protect the public health,
safety and welfare of city citizens by regulating the installation,
maintenance, operation and repair of irrigation systems within the
city to conserve water, avoid wasteful use, and improve the overall
quality of life for the citizens. The provisions in this article are
cumulative of all city ordinances. In the event of a conflict, the
more stringent provision shall apply.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
Chapter 344 of title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, as
amended, is hereby adopted as if set out word for word in this article.
In the event of conflict or inconsistency in the wording of this article
and chapter 344 of title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, the
more stringent provision shall apply.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
The provisions of this article shall apply to the installation,
alteration, repairs, relocation, and replacement, in addition to,
use or maintenance of irrigation systems within the city and this
article shall regulate installation of backflow prevention devices,
control valves, automatic irrigation controllers, control wiring,
and water conservation required for proper design, installation and
operation of irrigation systems. Exceptions to this article are:
(1)
A landscape irrigation system that is an on-site sewage disposal
system, as defined by section 366.002 of the Texas Health and Safety
Code;
(2)
An irrigation system that is used on or by an agricultural operation
as defined by section 251.002 of the Texas Agriculture Code; and
(3)
An irrigation system that is connected to a groundwater well used
by the property owner for domestic use.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
Unless otherwise expressly stated or clearly indicated by the
context, the following terms shall, for the purpose of this article,
have the meanings indicated in this section.
A complete physical separation between the free flowing discharge
end of a potable water supply pipeline and an open or nonpressure
receiving vessel.
An assembly containing an air inlet valve, 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. Atmospheric vacuum breaker is 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 nonpotable 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.
The building official or designated representative.
This code, as amended.
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.
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 hydraulics
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 shut-off
valves attached at each end of the assembly and fitted with properly
located resilient seated test cocks. Double check valve is 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, section
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 designated by the city
to inspect irrigation systems and perform other enforcement duties
for the city 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 title 30, Texas Administrative
Code, chapter 30 (relating to occupational licenses and registrations).
A person who has been designated by the city to inspect irrigation
systems and perform other enforcement duties for the city as an employee
or as a contractor. Such person is required to be licensed under chapter
30 of title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code (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 Texas Agricultural
Code, section 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 title 30, Texas
Administrative Code, 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 title 30, Texas Administrative
Code, 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.
A valve that is installed between the water meter and the
backflow prevention device.
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 state commission
on environmental quality under title 30, Texas Administrative Code,
chapter 30, to an individual that authorizes the individual to engage
in an activity that is covered by title 30, Texas Administrative Code,
chapter 30.
A pipe within an irrigation system that delivers water from
the water source to the individual zone valves.
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, 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 city water utilities department,
a suggested seasonal or monthly watering schedule based on current
evapotranspiration data for the north central Texas 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 mainline, 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 cross connection or potential cross connection from a landscape
irrigation system that involves any substance that generally would
not be a health hazard but would constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically
objectionable if introduced into the potable water supply.
Water that is not suitable for human consumption. Nonpotable
water sources included, but are not limited to, irrigation systems,
lakes, ponds, streams, gray water that is discharged from washing
machines, dishwashers or other appliances, water vapor condensate
from cooling towers, reclaimed water, and harvested rainwater.
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.
Any natural person, association of persons, partnership,
corporation, agent or officer, or other entity.
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. Pressure vacuum
breaker is 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.
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. Supervision
also means 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.
Grass that, when regularly mowed, forms a dense growth of
leaf blades and roots.
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 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(a)
No person shall connect an irrigation system to the water supply
within the city unless that person holds a valid license, as defined
by chapter 30 of title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code and required
by chapter 1903 of the Texas Occupations Code or as defined by chapter
365 of title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code and required by chapter
1301 of the Texas Occupations Code except for the below stated exemptions.
(b)
A property owner is exempt from this article’s requirement
to be licensed 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. This exemption is only from this article’s license requirement
and is not an exemption from the other provisions in this article.
(c)
In accordance with section 1903.002 of the Texas Occupation Code,
a person who is licensed by the state board of plumbing examiners
is exempt from this article’s requirement to be licensed. This
exemption is only from this article’s license requirement and
is not an exemption from the other provisions in this article.
(d)
In accordance with section 1903.002 of the Texas Occupation Code,
a person who is a licensed engineer, registered architect, or registered
landscape architect to the extent the person’s acts are incidental
to the pursuit of the person’s profession is exempt from this
article’s requirement to be licensed. This exemption is only
from this article’s license requirement and is not an exemption
from the other provisions of this article.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(a)
Permit required.
No person shall install a new irrigation
system or add zones and/or heads to an existing irrigation system
without obtaining a permit from the city.
(b)
Permit application.
A person shall submit an application
for a permit on a form prescribed by the city and the permit fee.
(c)
Registration required.
It shall be unlawful for any
person, business, firm, or corporation to perform, or cause to be
performed, any work described in this code as requiring a permit unless
such person, firm or corporation is the holder of a valid registration
with the city to perform such work. Such person, firm or corporation
shall be herein termed registrant. In extending the rights and privileges
of such registration, the city makes no statement of the technical
competency of those so registered, and no manner of license is proffered.
(d)
Information to be provided.
An applicant for registration
under this section shall provide to the building official the following
information:
(1)
The complete name, complete mailing address and telephone number
of the firm or corporation;
(2)
The name and private mailing address of a principal of the firm or
corporation who is a person authorized to bind the firm or corporation
in legal agreements;
(3)
The name and license identification of the licensed individual through
whom the person, firm or corporation is to be represented in all activities
before the building official; and
(4)
Other pertinent information deemed necessary by the building official.
(e)
Every registrant doing work in any city rights-of-way shall carry
contractor’s public liability insurance with a combined single
limit of not less than $1 million per occurrence.
(f)
The registrant shall make the city a certificate holder and present
proof of insurance at the time of registration and all subsequent
renewals. Notice of policy cancellations or failure to renew coverage
shall be cause for revocation of registration, denial of inspections
or cancellation of permits.
(g)
Transfer of registration prohibited.
No registrant under
this section shall allow his registration, by name or other identification,
to be transferred or assigned to, or in any manner directly or indirectly
used by, any person, firm or corporation other than the one to whom
issued by the building official, for any purpose.
(h)
Exemption for homeowner.
These registration requirements
shall not apply to work to be performed on a residential structure
when the person performing the work is the owner of the structure,
and has his legal residence there, and is not assisted by any other
person for remuneration. The homeowner shall be automatically considered
a registrant for the purposes of such a project. Notwithstanding such
relief from registration, all requirements for permits for the work
shall remain in force.
(i)
Business registration fee.
For a business registration
each prospective registrant shall pay a fee in the amount as established
by resolution of city council.
(j)
Expiration and renewal of business registration.
Registration
shall expire annually and shall be routinely reactivated by payment
of a renewal fee if application information remains accurate.
(k)
Registration suspended.
The building official shall
have the authority to suspend any registration issued under this code
for the following reasons:
(1)
Forfeiting an appeal of a stop order by allowing work to continue
on a project after the issuance of said stop order;
(2)
Forfeiting an appeal from the building official by initiating work
or allowing another to initiate work in violation of the building
official’s decision;
(3)
Causing or permitting the unauthorized or prohibited use of a valid
registration, by registrant or another, such as to allow the rights
and privileges of registration to be applied to one not duly registered;
(4)
Providing false information on business registration and/or permit
applications; and
(5)
Failure to request inspections as required by this article.
(l)
Permit application expiration and renewals.
(1)
After issuing a permit, the city shall remain empowered to require
the correction of errors in plans and specifications; and prevent
the commencement or continuation of construction operations conducted
under such plans and specifications when such operations are in violation
of this article or other ordinance;
(2)
Every permit issued under this article shall expire by limitation
and become null and void if the work is suspended or abandoned for
a period of one hundred eighty (180) days;
(3)
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply in writing for
an extension of the time within which work may commence under that
permit. The building official may extend the time for action by the
permittee for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days.
The permittee shall pay a fee for the extension of the unexpired permit.
No permit shall be extended more than once;
(4)
When a permit expires under this subsection, work may be recommenced
only upon the issuance of a new permit; and
(5)
An application for which no permit is issued within one hundred eighty
(180) days following the date of the application shall be voided due
to limitation of time and plans submitted for review may thereafter
be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official.
The building official may extend the time for action on the application
for an additional one hundred eighty (180) days upon a request in
writing submitted to the building official and payment of the extension
fee. No application shall be extended more than once. An expired application
may only be reactivated by filing of a new application including plans
and fees.
(m)
Right of entry.
Whenever it is necessary to make an
inspection to enforce the provisions of this article, or whenever
the city has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any
building or upon any premises any conditions or violations of this
article that make the building or premises unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous
or hazardous, the city shall have the authority to enter the building
or premises at all reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties
imposed upon the city by this article. If such building or premises
is occupied, the city shall present credentials to the occupant and
request entry. If such building or premises is unoccupied, the city
shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other
person having charge or control of the building or premises and request
entry. If entry is refused, the city shall have recourse to every
remedy provided by law to secure entry.
(n)
Stop work orders.
Upon notice from the building official,
work on any irrigation system that is being done contrary to the provisions
of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately
cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner
of the property, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing
the work. The notice shall state the conditions under which work is
authorized to resume. Where an emergency exists, the building official
shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the
work. No person shall continue any work in or about the structure
after having been served with a stop work order, except such work
as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe
condition.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
The city, upon notification from the building official, is authorized
to make the following inspection and such other inspections, at their
discretion, and shall either release that portion of the construction
or shall notify the permit holder of any violations that must be corrected.
Portions of the construction subject to inspection shall include:
(1)
Inspection of excavated trenches or ditches, installed piping and
control wiring, before any backfill is put in place.
(2)
Final inspection after the installation is complete and operational
and the installation is ready for use.
(3)
Where any work does not pass any initial inspection, the necessary
corrections shall be made to comply with this article. The corrected
work shall then be rescheduled for inspection.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(a)
An irrigation inspector or licensed plumbing inspector, who has been
designated by the city, shall enforce this article.
(b)
An inspector shall maintain a log of all irrigation systems inspected
that includes, but is not limited to the system location, property
owner, irrigator responsible for installation, permit status, problems
noted during the inspection, and date of inspection. The log must
be kept for three years. The log shall be available for review within
two business days of the request by the authorized representatives
of the state commission on environmental quality or any regulatory
authority with jurisdiction over landscape issues in the area the
inspector is employed to inspect.
(c)
An inspector may not inspect the following:
(1)
A landscape irrigation system that is an on-site sewage disposal
system, as defined by section 366.002 of the Texas Health and Safety
Code;
(2)
An irrigation system that is used on or by an agricultural operation
as defined by section 251.002 of the Texas Agriculture Code; or
(3)
An irrigation system that is connected to a groundwater well used
by the property owner for domestic use.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(a)
No permit required by this article shall be issued prior to payment
of all applicable fees.
(b)
If a permit fee is paid by check, such payment shall be considered
contingent upon payment by the drawee. If the drawee returns the check
marked account closed, or insufficient funds, the permit shall be
considered invalid.
(c)
Fees including the permit, registration, reinspection and appeal
fees shall be charged in accordance with the amount as established
by resolution of the city council.
(d)
If work requiring a permit is commenced prior to the issuance of
a permit, and a permit is subsequently issued, the fee shall be twice
the applicable amount as stated in the fee schedules except that this
provision shall not apply to emergency work when it shall be proved
to the satisfaction of the building official that such work was done
out of urgent necessity and it was not practicable to obtain a permit
prior to commencing the work. In all such cases, a permit must be
obtained as soon as is practicable.
(e)
No full refund shall be made of any fee paid unless a written request
is submitted by the original permittee no later than sixty (60) days
after the date of the fee payment; and
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
All irrigation systems shall be designed, installed, maintained,
altered, repaired, serviced, and operated in a manner that will promote
water conservation as defined in this article.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(a)
An irrigator shall prepare an irrigation plan for each site where
a new irrigation system will be installed. An approved paper copy
of the irrigation plan must be on the job site at all times during
the installation and inspection 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)
All irrigation plans used for construction must be drawn to scale.
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;
(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 (identify type);
(C)
Water emission device, including, but not limited to, spray heads,
rotary sprinkler heads, quick-couplers, bubblers, drip, or micro-sprays;
(D)
Valve, including but not limited to, zone valves, master valves,
and isolation valves;
(E)
Pressure regulation component; and
(F)
Main line and lateral piping;
(8)
The scale used; and
(9)
The design pressure.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(a)
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.
(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;
(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; and
(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.
(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,
but are not limited to, flow control valves, a pressure regulator,
or pressure compensating spray 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, soil conditions, and hydrological requirements. All nonturf
landscape areas shall be designed with subsurface irrigation, drip
irrigation, and/or pressure compensating tubing.
(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)
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, and
streets.
(h)
Master valve.
A flow control master valve shall be installed
on the discharge side of the backflow prevention device on all new
installations.
(i)
Pop-up heads.
Pop-up heads shall be installed at grade
level and operated to extend above all landscape turfgrass.
(j)
PVC pipe primer solvent.
All new irrigation systems
that are installed using PVC pipe and fittings shall be primed with
a colored primer prior to applying the PVC cement in accordance with
this code.
(k)
Automatic controllers.
All new irrigation systems must
include an automatic controller capable of providing all of the following
features:
(l)
Operational rain or moisture shut-off devices or other technology.
All new automatically controlled irrigation systems must include
operational sensors or other technology designed to inhibit or interrupt
operation of the irrigation system during periods of moisture or rainfall.
Rain or moisture shut-off technology must be installed according to
the manufacturer’s published recommendations. Rain or moisture
shut-off devices installed must be of a type established and published
by the building official.
(m)
Isolation valve.
All new irrigation systems must include
an isolation valve between the water meter and the backflow prevention
device.
(n)
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, 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; and
(3)
All trenches and holes created during installation of an irrigation
system must be backfilled and compacted to the original grade.
(o)
Wiring irrigation systems.
(1)
Underground electrical wiring used to connect an automatic 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; and
(4)
Underground electrical wiring that connects an automatic controller
to any electrical component of the irrigation system must be buried
with a minimum of six inches of select backfill.
(p)
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.
(q)
Beginning January 1, 2010, either a licensed irrigator or a licensed
irrigation technician shall be on site at all times while the landscape
irrigation system is being installed. When an irrigator is not on
site, the irrigator shall be responsible for ensuring that a licensed
irrigation technician is on site to supervise the installation of
the irrigation system.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(a)
Any irrigation system that is connected to the potable water supply
must be connected in accordance with the plumbing article, state commission
on environmental quality rules, this article, and other relevant law.
All backflow prevention assemblies shall be of a type and model approved
by the building official. 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.
(b)
If conditions that present a health hazard exist, one of the following
methods must be used to prevent backflow:
(1)
An air gap may be used if:
(2)
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies may be
used if:
(4)
Atmospheric vacuum breakers may be used if:
(A)
No backpressure will be present;
(B)
There are no shut-off valves downstream from the atmospheric vacuum
breaker;
(C)
The device is installed at a minimum of six 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;
(D)
There is no continuous pressure on the supply side of the atmospheric
vacuum breaker for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period; and
(E)
A separate atmospheric vacuum breaker is installed on the discharge
side of each irrigation control valve, between the valve and all the
emission devices that the valve controls.
(c)
Backflow prevention devices used in applications designated as health
hazards must be tested upon installation and annually thereafter.
(d)
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.
(e)
If a double check valve is installed below ground:
(1)
Test cocks must be plugged, except when the double check valve is
being tested;
(2)
Test cock plugs must be threaded, water-tight, and made of nonferrous
material;
(3)
A y-type strainer is installed on the inlet side of the double check
valve;
(4)
There must be a clearance between any fill material and the bottom
of the double check valve to allow space for testing and repair; and
(5)
There must be space on the side of the double check valve to test
and repair the double check valve.
(f)
If an irrigation system is connected to a potable water supply and
requires major maintenance, alteration, repair, or service, the system
must be connected to the potable water supply through an approved,
properly installed backflow prevention method before any major maintenance,
alteration, repair, or service is performed.
(g)
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.
(h)
The irrigator shall ensure the backflow prevention device is tested
by a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester that is registered
with the city prior to being placed in service and the test results
shall be provided to the city and to the irrigation system’s
owner or owner’s representative within ten (10) business days
of testing of the backflow prevention device.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(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 more than one water source to an irrigation system
presents the potential for contamination of the potable water supply
if backflow occurs. Therefore, 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 on-site sewage facility, as defined in title 30, Texas
Administrative Code, chapter 285, then:
(1)
All irrigation piping and valves must meet the separation distances
from the on-site sewage facilities system as required for a private
water line in title 30, Texas Administrative Code, section 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 title 30, Texas Administrative Code, section
344.50; and
(3)
Any water from the irrigation system that is applied to the surface
of the area utilized by the on-site 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 on-site sewage facilities system from
operating effectively.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
Upon completion of the irrigation system, the irrigator or irrigation
technician who provided supervision for the on-site installation shall
be required to complete four items:
(1)
A final “walk through” with the irrigation system’s
owner or the owner’s representative to explain the operation
of the system;
(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.
The items on the maintenance checklist shall include but are not limited
to:
(A)
The manufacturer’s manual for the automatic controller;
(B)
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;
(C)
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
(D)
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 automatic controller installed by
the irrigator or irrigation technician. The information contained
on the sticker must be printed with waterproof ink.
(4)
The irrigation plan indicating the actual installation of the system
must be provided to the irrigation system’s owner or owner representative.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(a)
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.
(b)
Colored 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 (section
605).
(c)
When maintenance, alteration, repair or service of an irrigation
system involves excavation work at the water meter or backflow prevention
device, an isolation valve, if an isolation valve is not present
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
(a)
The building official shall administer and enforce the provisions
of this article.
(b)
Any person violating any provision of this article, upon conviction,
is guilty of a class “C” misdemeanor and punishable by
a fine not to exceed $500.00. Each day that a provision of this article
is violated shall constitute a separate offense.
(c)
The remedies provided by this article shall be in addition to all
other criminal and civil remedies, which the city is entitled under
the authority of statutes, ordinances or in equity to pursue.
(Ordinance 2009-0884 adopted 4/6/09)
