Firebaugh City Zoning Code
§ 25-43.13 Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Irrigation Design Plan.
For the efficient use of water, an irrigation system shall meet all the requirements listed in this section. The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation, management, and maintenance. An irrigation design plan meeting the following criteria shall be submitted as part of the landscape documentation package.
a.
The irrigation design plan shall contain:
1.
Location and size of separate water meters for landscape.
2.
Location, type and size of components of the irrigation system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture sensing devices, rain switches, quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention devices.
3.
Static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply.
4.
Flow rate, application rate, and design operating pressure for each station.
5.
The signature of a licensed landscape architect, certified irrigation designer, licensed landscape contractor or any other person authorized to design an irrigation system.
b.
Dedicated landscape water meters are highly recommended on landscape areas smaller than 5,000 square feet to facilitate water management.
c.
Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evaportranspiration or soil moisture sensor data shall be required for irrigation in all irrigation systems.
d.
The irrigation system shall be designed to ensure that the dynamic pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range for optimal performance.
1.
If the static pressure is above or below the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system, pressure-regulating devices such as inline pressure regulators, booster pumps, or other devices shall be installed to meet the required dynamic pressure of the irrigation system.
2.
Static water pressure, dynamic or operating pressure, and flow reading of the water supply shall be measured at the point of connection. These pressure and flow measurements shall be conducted at the design stage. If the measurements are not available at the design stage, the measurements shall be conducted at installation.
e.
Sensors, either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions shall be required on all irrigation systems as appropriate for local climatic conditions. Irrigation should be avoided during windy, rainy, or freezing weather.
f.
Manual shut-off valves shall be required as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply to minimize water loss in case of an emergency or routine repair.
g.
Backflow prevention devices shall be required to protect the water supply from contamination by the irrigation system.
h.
High flow sensors that detect and report high flow conditions created by system damage or malfunction are recommended.
i.
Check valves or auto-drain valves are required for all irrigation systems.
j.
Each valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar site, slope, sun exposure, soil conditions, and plant materials with similar water use.
k.
Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers and turf.