HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action form dated June 27, 1995 r .•
ITEM # 3 t
DATE: June 27, 1995
SUBJECT: Change in Chapter 21, Plumbing Code of the Ames Municipal Code,
regarding Irrigation Systems.
BACKGROUND:
City staff and several plumbing contractors have received numerous complaints over the
last couple of years from citizens who have had expensive irrigation systems installed,
only to find out they did not have enough pressure, capacity, or both to make the system
work properly. About 18 months ago, staff from Public Works, Water Pollution Control
and Inspections and the Plumbing Board of Appeals met and discussed options to avoid
future problems. We invited area irrigation contractors to the meeting, but none chose
to be present.
Several options were discussed during the meeting. The current practice is to only
require a permit by a licensed plumber to install a backflow device, with the irrigation
contractor then installing the watering system. The other extreme is to require a licensed
plumber for the entire installation of the irrigation system. The group chose to find an
option in the middle.
Last summer, the Municipal Engineer and Building Official sent letters to local irrigation
contractors warning them that if they did not police themselves, the City might require
additional steps to verify the citizens are receiving a safe and workable system. We
continue to receive complaints, so we are asking that a permit application be completed
to install an irrigation system. This application process will allow us to inform the installer
and/or owner of any possible problems with the sizing of the water supply line. The
penalty section would be used to protect the homeowner from an irrigation contractor who
should know about the possible problems.
The attached ordinance was prepared by the City Attorney's office and passed a public
hearing of the Plumbing Code Board of Appeals without any controversy.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the ordinance change as submitted for your consideration.
2. Deny the request.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1
granting the submitted changes.
COUNCIL ACTION: