PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Ordinance #17-04 Amending Irrigation Requirements (Project #17-104)

During the early part of this year, the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) discussed a potential ordinance amendment regarding irrigation requirements for multi-family and commercial/industrial developments.  The intention originally was simply to eliminate the City Code requirement that in-ground irrigation systems be installed in all multi-family and commercial/industrial projects.  However, based on information received at their January meeting from a guest speaker, the EPB directed Staff to revise the Ordinance so that it also stipulates that if an irrigation system is installed (including single family parcels), it shall be equipped with a rain sensor (per state statute) as well as one or more water efficient technologies.  This could include, but would not be limited to, a smart controller, soil moisture sensor(s), and/or an evapotranspiration (ET) sensor(s).  This provides enough flexibility so that as future advances in water efficient irrigation technologies are developed, it will not require additional ordinance amendments.

 

The Public Hearing for the proposed ordinance was properly published in the City's Official Newsletter.

The cost of 'smart', water efficient technologies has come down as they have become more commonplace.  Again, based on input from a guest speaker from Conserva Irrigation, including a smart controller, for example, to a new irrigation system, only adds about $250-$350 to the overall cost.  It is more expensive to retrofit existing systems with the more water efficient technologies, approximately $650-$750.  However, the Return on Investment (ROI) for a standard residential system could be realized relatively quickly, maybe in as few as 2-4 years (and would be even quicker on larger, commercial systems).

As water supply continues to be a prominent concern for the City and as the 'smart' technologies become more commonplace (and therefore with prices coming down), the EPB believes that requiring water efficient technologies is appropriate.  However, the EPB has also noted that they want to ensure that this is enforceable.  At this time, it does not appear that it could be addressed through any existing building or plumbing inspection, as it is common that the in-ground system is not yet installed when the backflow preventer inspection is done.  This inspection will be incorporated into the standard landscape inspection (verifying that yard is established and required trees are planted) when part of a new construction project (majority of irrigation permits) or as a stand-alone inspection for those systems that are not part of a new construction project. 

A draft of this Ordinance was reviewed with the Planning Commission at its regular March meeting.  There have been no revisions to the document since that time.

The EPB is recommending adoption of Ordinance #17-04.

This is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Motion to recommend City Council adopt Ordinance #17-04 eliminating the requirement for in-ground irrigation systems in any zoning district and requiring any newly installed irrigation system to have one or more water efficient technologies.