Irrigation Design Standards

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 Irrigation Design Standards revisions approved 5-23-23 ADA.pdfimportant 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You can view the current Irrigation Design Standards (no longer applicable after June 12, 2023) in Municode.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_fillable ADA.pdfAuthorization to Access Property - This form must be signed by the property owner and submitted with the Application. 

Self Inspection Check List_fillable ADA.pdfSelf-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_fillable ADA.pdfTemporary 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
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