Revisions to the Irrigation Design Standards were approved on
May 23, 2023, and go into effect June 12, 2023. The new requirements limit the
area that can be permanently irrigated to 50% of the permeable area and outline
additional maintenance requirements for non-residential systems (including
common areas in residential developments), among other changes.
A link to the ordinance will be provided once it is available.
Staff has crafted a document highlighting 
important changes to the Irrigation Design Standards and definitions.
You can view the current
Irrigation Design Standards (no longer applicable after
June 12, 2023) in Municode.
Trainings
Citizenserve
Training
We
are migrating the approval process from our irrigation portal to Citizenserve
on June 12, 2023. We are hosting a virtual Citizenserve Application Training on
June 6, 2023, from 2-3 pm. A zoom link will be available as the date approaches
and will also be emailed directly to businesses already registered with the
county. Training documents will also be posted to this page.
Florida
Water Star Accredited Professional (FWSAP) Trainings
A
FWSAP training is hosted annually in Alachua County. Additional FWSAP trainings
are also offered in other areas. Check
the Florida
Water Star events calendar for upcoming dates, details, and registration.
For information on obtaining the State's voluntary Irrigation license, which
also qualifies you for self-inspection, visit the Florida Irrigation Society.
Background
On September 22, 2015, the Alachua County Board of County
Commissioners adopted Chapter 77, Article VI, Landscape Irrigation Design and
Maintenance Standards, to promote water conservation and improve water
quality. The design standards took effect 4/1/2016 and became applicable
countywide on October 1, 2019.
The standards were revised on May 23, 2023 (effective June 12,
2023) to limit the area that can be permanently irrigated to 50% of the
permeable area. All new irrigation systems or additions to existing systems
that would reduce the efficiency of the system require County approval. The
approval process will migrate to Citizenserve on
June 12, 2023.
Irrigation professionals installing or maintaining irrigation
systems within Alachua County must register their business with the County.
Fees and site plans are waived for new construction that achieves Florida Water Star Gold
Certification.
Fees
Homeowners
If you are installing a new irrigation system, making additions to an existing system, or making
changes that will reduce watering efficiency, you must comply with this ordinance. Please consult
with Hollie Greer at 352-264-6827 if you plan to install it yourself, as
we will help you navigate the approval process.
Forms and Resources
Application submittal through
CitizenServe –
Beginning Monday, June 12, 2023, irrigation professionals will use this site to
register, submit applications, pay fees, and set up inspections on-line. Links
to training documents will be posted soon. Mark your calendar for the virtual
training scheduled for June 6, 2-3 pm (see above under Trainings).
Authorization to Access Property - This form must be signed by the property owner and submitted
with the Application.
Self-Inspection Checklist - This form lists the design
standards required to pass inspection and is a GREAT tool to ensure all
self-inspection projects meet the code. We recommend that you keep a copy of
the signed checklist for your records. While this form does not have to be
uploaded with your self-inspection documentation, you will be required to
verify your self-inspection in CitizenServe within 14 days of project
completion.
Temporary Irrigation Affidavit - This
form documents the use of temporary irrigation and is required for any
in-ground temporary systems, which must be registered in Citizenserve within 14
days of system installation. Temporary systems must be removed or disabled one
year after the completion date of the project The
department may grant an extension if it is deemed necessary for tree
establishment or in periods of severe drought. Temporary irrigation must
clearly be separate from a permanent irrigation system.
Questions or concerns, please contact:
Rebecca Hoffmann 352-264-6809
or
Hollie Greer at 352-264-6827