§ 16.40.060.2.2. Irrigation.

A.

Irrigation design and layout. Irrigation systems are required for the development and redevelopment of non-residential and multifamily properties. Irrigation systems shall comply with the following requirements:

1.

Irrigation systems shall be water efficient irrigation systems designed to provide no more than the minimum amount of water required by any specific landscape material to ensure survival of that material. Irrigation system piping shall be underground. Such systems shall utilize a combination of sprinkler mechanisms and zones to accommodate the individual irrigation requirements of each type of landscape material, including trees, shrubs, ornamentals and sod areas.

2.

Irrigation systems shall be designed to provide 100 percent coverage and to prevent overspray, runoff, low land drainage and other conditions where water flows onto or over adjacent property, non-irrigation areas, water features and impervious areas.

3.

Irrigation systems shall be operated by an automatic irrigation controller or timer which has sufficient programming flexibility to respond to the needs of the irrigation devices being used and is capable of irrigating high requirement areas on a different schedule from low water requirement areas (provided that separate zones exist), has program flexibility (to allow repeat cycles and multiple program capability) and battery backup (to retain programs).

4.

The design of the irrigation system shall include sprinkler heads and devices appropriate for the landscape material to be irrigated. Sprays and rotors shall not be on the same control value circuit and shall have matching application rates within each zone. Sprinkler spacing shall not exceed 55 percent of the sprinkling diameter of coverage.

5.

Irrigation systems shall be designed with low trajectory heads, micro irrigation or low-volume water distributing devices in order to prevent overspray onto impervious areas. Micro irrigation systems shall not be used to irrigate sod areas. Sprinkler heads in and adjacent to lawn areas shall be designed to be flush with the ground surface when not in use.

6.

Irrigation systems shall be designed to place high water demand areas, such as lawns, on separate zones from those areas with reduced water requirements.

7.

A rain sensor device or switch shall be installed to regulate the controller's operation that will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when one-half to three-quarter inch of rainfall has occurred on any day.

8.

Irrigation application rates and controller duration times for each zone shall be calculated and noted on the irrigation plans.

9.

A permanent irrigation system shall not be required for areas within an approved low impact design landscape plans.

B.

Irrigation system maintenance. The irrigation system shall be maintained and managed to ensure water efficiency and prevent wasteful practices. This shall include, but not be limited to resetting the automatic controller according to the season, flushing the filters, testing the rain sensor device and replacing malfunctioning sensors, monitoring adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment such that the efficiency of the system is maintained, repairing broken irrigation heads and leaks.

(Code 1992, § 16.40.060.2.2; Ord. No. 195-H, § 1, 9-17-2015)