2014-008 Amending Chapter 25, Plumbing and Gas, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Paris, adding Article IV, Irrigation StandardsORDINANCE NO. 2014 -008
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 25, PLUMBING AND GAS, OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS ADDING
ARTICLE 1V, IRRIGATION STANDARDS, TO ESTABLISH THE
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION AND ALTERATION OF
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS; WITHIN THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS;
MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE
SUBJECT; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, during the 2007 legislative session, the Texas Legislature adopted House
Bill 1656; and
WHEREAS, Section 551.006 of the Texas Local Government Code requires a city with
a population of 20,000 or more to regulate the installation of irrigation systems within the
corporate limits of the city as well as the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, properly - installed irrigation systems will conserve water, support the city's
drought contingency plan, and improve the overall quality of life for the citizens of Paris; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that such amendments are necessary
to conform and comply with state law to conserve and protect the health, safety, and welfare of
the city's water supply and the citizens of the City of Paris.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PARIS, PARIS, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the findings set out in the preamble to this ordinance are hereby in all things
approved.
Section 2. That Article IV, Chapter 25 the Code of Ordinances of the City of Paris shall be and is
hereby added to read as follows:
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"Sec. 25 -39. Irrigation Standards — Purpose.
The purpose of these rules and regulations is to provide minimum standards to conserve water,
support the city's drought contingency plan, and improve the overall quality of life for the
citizens of Paris by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of
materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of irrigation systems.
Exceptions: The following systems are exempt from this article provided such systems are not
directly or indirectly connected to a public water supply.
(1) An irrigation system that is an on -site sewage disposal system, as defined by Section
355.002, Health and Safety Code; or
(2) An irrigation system used on or by an agricultural operation as defined by Section 251.002,
Agriculture Code; or
(3) An irrigation system connected to a groundwater well used by the property owner for
domestic use.
Sec. 25 -40. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this ordinance, have the following meanings,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Air gap - -A complete physical separation between the free flowing discharge end of a potable
water supply pipeline and an open or non - pressure receiving vessel.
(2) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker - -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 back -
siphonage. 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 Back - Siphonage Prevention
Assembly.
(3) Backflow prevention - -The mechanical prevention of reverse flow, or back siphonage, of
nonpotable water from an irrigation system into the potable water source.
(4) Backflow prevention assembly - -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.
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(5) Completion of irrigation system installation- -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.
(6) Consulting - -The act of providing advice, guidance, review or recommendations related to
landscape irrigation systems.
(7) Cross - connection - -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.
(8) Design - -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.
(9) Design pressure - -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.
(10) Double Check Valve - -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.
(11) Emission device - -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.
(12) Employed -- 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, §3212(d) based on the behavioral control,
financial control, and the type of relationship involved in performing employment related tasks.
(13) Head -to -head spacing - -The spacing of spray or rotary heads equal to the manufacturer's
published radius of the head.
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(14) Health hazard - -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.
(15) Hydraulics- -The science of dynamic and static water; the mathematical computation of
determining pressure losses and pressure requirements of an irrigation system.
(16) Inspector - -The building official or authorized representative charged with the
administration and enforcement of these standards. As used in this article, the term inspector,
irrigation inspector and building official shall have the same meaning.
(17) Installer - -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).
(18) Irrigation inspector -- The building official or authorized representative charged with the
administration and enforcement of these standards. As used in this article, the term inspector,
irrigation inspector and building official shall have the same meaning.
(19) Irrigation plan - -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.
(20) Irrigation services -- Selling, designing, installing, maintaining, altering, repairing,
servicing, permitting, providing consulting services regarding, or connecting an irrigation system
to a water supply.
(21) Irrigation system - -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, §251.002.
(22) Irrigation technician - -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).
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(23) Irrigation zone - -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.
(24) Irrigator - -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.
(25) Irrigator -in- Charge - -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.
(26) Landscape irrigation - -The science of applying the necessary amount of water to promote
or sustain healthy growth of plant material or turf.
(27) License - -An occupational license that is issued by the Texas 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.
(28) Mainline - -A pipe within an irrigation system that delivers water from the water source to
the individual zone valves.
(29) Maintenance checklist - -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 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.
(30) Major maintenance, alteration, repair, or service - -Any activity that involves opening to
the atmosphere the irrigation main line at any point prior to the discharge side of any irrigation
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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.
(31) Master valve - -A remote control valve located after the backflow prevention device that
controls the flow of water to the irrigation system mainline.
(32) Matched precipitation rate - -The condition in which all sprinkler heads within an irrigation
zone apply water at the same rate.
(33) New installation - -An irrigation system installed at a location where one did not previously
exist.
(34) Pass - through contract - -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.
(35) Potable water- -Water that is suitable for human consumption.
(36) Pressure Vacuum Breaker - -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 Back - siphonage
Prevention Assembly.
(37) Reclaimed water -- Domestic or municipal wastewater which has been treated to a quality
suitable for beneficial use, such as landscape irrigation.
(38) Records of landscape irrigation activities —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.
(39) Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly - -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.
(40) Static water pressure - -The pressure of water when it is not moving.
(41) Supervision - -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
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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.
(42) Water conservation - -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.
(43) Zone flow - -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.
(44) Zone valve - -An automatic valve that controls a single zone of a landscape irrigation system.
Sec. 25 -41. Valid License Required.
Any person who, installs, maintains, alters, or repairs an irrigation system connected 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 Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 30 and
required by Chapter 1903 of the Texas Occupations Code, or as defined by Chapter 365, Title 22
of the Texas Administrative Code and required by Chapter 1301 of the Texas Occupations Code.
Exception: A homeowner is not required to be licensed in accordance with Texas Occupations
Code, Title 12, § 1903.002(c)(1) if he or she is performing irrigation work in a building or on a
premises owned and occupied by the person as the person's home. A home or property owner
who installs an irrigation system must meet the standards contained in Title 30, Texas
Administrative Code, 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. See Texas Occupations Code §1903.002 for other exemptions to the
licensing requirement.
Sec. 25 -42. Registration Required.
No irrigator shall obtain a permit to install, maintain, alter, or repair an irrigation system
connected to the water supply within the city or the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction without first
registering his or her irrigator license with the City of Paris. Application for registration shall be
made on forms provided by the building official. If the building official determines that such
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application for registration is complete, and the applicant holds a valid irrigator license as
required in Sec. 25 -41, then the building official shall approve the registration.
Sec. 25 -43. Permit Required.
Any person who, installs, maintains, alters, or repairs an irrigation system connected to the City
water system within the city limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city is required to obtain a
permit from the city. Any plan approved for a permit must be in compliance with the
requirements of this article; shall bear the irrigator's seal, signature, and date of signing; and shall
include a statement of compliance with the Texas Occupations Code, the Texas Water Code,
Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, and any other applicable state statute or Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality rule.
Exceptions:
(1) Maintenance and repairs to existing irrigation systems which do not include removal
or replacement of a backflow prevention device, or any piping or components between
the water meter and the backflow prevention device.
(2) A permit shall not be required to install, maintain, alter, or repair an irrigation system
within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city if such system is connected to a water
supply system other than City of Paris Public Water Supply. All other applicable
provisions of this article shall apply.
Sec. 25.44. Backflow Prevention Methods and Devices.
(a) Any irrigation system that is connected to the potable water supply must be connected
through a backflow 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; or the Foundation for Cross - Connection Control and Hydraulic Research,
University of Southern California; or the International 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.
(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:
(A) there is an unobstructed physical separation; and
(B) the distance from the lowest point of the water supply outlet to the flood rim
of the fixture or assembly into which the outlet discharges is at least one inch or
twice the diameter of the water supply outlet, whichever is greater.
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(2) Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies may be used if-
(A) 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; and
(B) drainage is provided for any water that may be discharged through the
assembly relief valve.
(3) Pressure vacuum breakers may be used if.
(A) no back - pressure condition will occur; and
(B) 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.
(4) Atmospheric vacuum breakers may be used if:
(A) no back - pressure will be present;
(B) there are no shutoff 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) If there are no conditions that present a health hazard, a double check valve backflow
prevention assembly may be used, and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
If a double check valve is installed below ground:
(1) test cocks shall be plugged, except when the double check valve is being
tested; and
(2) test cock plugs shall be threaded, water - tight, and made of non - ferrous
material; and
(3) a Y -type strainer shall be installed on the inlet side of the double check valve;
and
(4) there shall be a minimum 6 inch clearance between any fill material and the
bottom of the double check valve to allow space for testing and repair; and
(5) there shall be space on the side of the double check valve to test and repair the
double check valve; and
(6) double check valve shall be 12 inches minimum below grade; and
(7) double check boxes shall be 18 inches minimum deep with a pea gravel base
at least 4 inches deep; and
(8) double check boxes shall not be placed with any public right of way and shall
be as near as possible to the water meter.
(d) If an existing irrigation system without a backflow - prevention assembly 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.
(e) 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.
(f) The irrigator shall ensure the backflow prevention device is tested by a licensed Backflow
Prevention Assembly Tester prior to being placed in service, after repairs or relocations and the
test results provided to the building official and the irrigation system's owner or owner's
representative within ten business days of testing of the backflow prevention device.
(g) If a health hazard exists, the irrigation system owner shall ensure the backflow prevention
device is tested by a licensed Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester at least annually and the test
results provided to the building official within ten business days of testing of the backflow
prevention device.
Sec. 25 -45. Specific Conditions and Cross - Connection Control.
(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 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); and
(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
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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.
Sec. 25 -46. Water Conservation.
(a) All irrigation systems shall be designed, installed, maintained, altered, repaired, serviced, and
operated in a manner that will promote water conservation as defined in Sec. 25 -40.
(b) No existing or new irrigation system shall be designed, installed, maintained, or operated in a
manner that:
(1) causes a substantial amount of water to fall upon impervious areas instead of upon the
lawn or landscape, or excessive irrigation, such that a constant stream of water overflows
from the lawn or landscape onto a street or drainage area; or
(2) causes an irrigation system or other lawn or landscape watering device continues to
operate during any form of precipitation; or
(3) causes an irrigation system or other lawn or landscape watering device continues to
operate within the corporate limits of the City of Paris, Texas when the temperature is
below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
(4) has any broken or missing sprinkler heads; or
(5) has not been properly maintained in a manner that prevents the waste of water.
Sec. 25 -47. Irrigation Plan Design: Minimum Standards
(a) An irrigator 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, amendments to the original plan may be authorized by
the licensed irrigator if the amendment from the plan does not diminish the operational integrity
of the irrigation system, or violate any requirements of this article. Such amendments shall be
clearly indicated on the irrigation plan.
(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) Where applicable, 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;
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(4) a legend;
(5) the zone flow measurement for each zone;
(6) location and type of each:
(A) controller; and
(B) sensor (for example, but not limited to, rain, moisture, wind, flow, or freeze);
(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, 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.
See. 25 -48. Design and Installation: Minimum Requirements.
(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.
(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
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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.
(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, streets, etc.
(h) Master valve. When provided, a master valve shall be installed on the discharge side of the
backflow prevention device on all new installations.
(i) 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 the plumbing code.
0) Rain or moisture shut -off devices or other technology. All new automatically controlled
irrigation systems must include 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.
Repairs to existing automatic irrigation systems that require replacement of an existing controller
must include a sensor or other technology designed to inhibit or interrupt operation of the
irrigation system during periods of moisture or rainfall.
(k) Isolation valve. All new irrigation systems must include a lockable isolation valve between
the water meter and the backflow prevention device.
(1) 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
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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, man -made 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.
(m) 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.
(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.
(n) Water contained within the piping of an irrigation system is deemed to be non - potable. 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 bibb (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 bibb must be installed using a quick coupler
key on a quick coupler installed in a covered purple valve box and the hose bibb and any hoses
connected to the bibb must be labeled "non potable, not safe for drinking ". An isolation valve
must be installed upstream of a quick coupler connecting a hose bibb to an irrigation system.
(o) 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 onsite, the irrigator shall
be responsible for ensuring that a licensed irrigation technician is on -site to supervise the
installation of the irrigation system.
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Sec. 25 -49. Completion of Irrigation System Installation.
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;
(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, if the system is automatic;
(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. If the irrigation system is manual,
the sticker shall be affixed to the original maintenance checklist. 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.
Sec. 25 -50. Maintenance, Alteration, Repair, or Service of Irrigation Systems.
(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.
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(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) 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
plumbing code.
(d) When maintenance, alteration, repair or service of an irrigation system involves excavation
work at the water meter or backflow prevention device, a lockable isolation valve shall be
installed, if an isolation valve is not present.
Sec. 25 -51. Reclaimed Water.
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 components;
(4) the domestic potable water line is connected using an air gap or a reduced pressure principle
backflow prevention device, in accordance with Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Section
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 RECUPERACI6N — NO BEBER "; and
(6) backflow prevention on the reclaimed water supply line shall be in accordance with the
plumbing code.
Sec. 25 -52. Advertising, Contract, and Warranty.
A licensed irrigator is responsible for providing advertisements, contracts, and warranties that
comply with the requirements of Texas Occupations Code, the Texas Water Code, Title 30 of the
Texas Administrative Code, and any other applicable state statute or Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality rule.
Sec. 25 -53. Duties and Responsibilities of Irrigation Inspectors.
A licensed irrigation inspector shall enforce the ordinance of the city, and shall:
(1) verify 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) inspect the irrigation system and backflow prevention device for compliance with the
requirements of this article;
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(3) investigate complaints related to installation, maintenance, alteration, repairs, or service of an
irrigation system and advertisement of irrigation services; and
(4) maintain records according to this article; and
(5) disconnect, or cause to be disconnected, the water source to any irrigation system which is in
violation of this ordinance.
Sec. 25 -54. Items not covered by this ordinance.
Any item not covered by this ordinance and required by law shall be governed by the Texas
Occupations Code, the Texas Water Code, Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, and any
other applicable state statute or Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rule.
Sec. 25 -55. Fees.
The required fee for the granting and issuance of a permit for the construction, or alteration of
any irrigation system shall be as follows:
(a) One- and 2- family residential properties..... $25.00 per master control valve
(b) All others .......... ............................... $50.00 per master control valve
Section 3. That all provisions of the ordinances of the City of Paris, Texas in conflict
with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed, and all other provisions of the
ordinances of the City of Paris not in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance shall remain
in full force and effect.
Section 4. That the repeal of any ordinance or part of ordinances affected by the
enactment of this ordinance shall not be construed as abandoning any action now pending under
or by virtue of such ordinance or as discontinuing, abating, modifying, or altering any penalty
accruing or to accrue, or as affecting any rights of the municipality under any section or
provisions of any ordinance at the time of passage of this ordinance.
Section 5. That it is the intention of the City Council of the City of Paris that this
ordinance and every provision hereof, shall be considered severable, and the invalidity or partial
invalidity of any section, clause, or provisions of this ordinance shall not affect the validity of
any other portion of this ordinance.
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Section 6. That any person violating any provision of this ordinance shall be guilty of a
Misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine in accordance with provisions of
Sec. 1 -6 of Chapter One of the City of Paris Code of Ordinances, and each and every day's
continuance of any violation of the above - enumerated sections shall constitute and be deemed a
separate offense.
Section 7. That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of April, 2014
ATTEST:
� y
a ce Ellis, City Clerk
PROVED AS TO FORM:
W. Kent McIlyar, City Attorney
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