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<br />CASE # 2 <br /> <br />IRRIGATION PERMIT & REGULATIONS REVIEW <br />By: Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />At the October meeting, the Board briefly discussed water conservation and what could be done <br />to lessen Ramsey's non-consumptive water usage. There was some uncertainty with what the <br />requirements and regulations are for irrigation systems and whether a permit is required. The <br />Board directed Staff to research this further and bring forth a case at the November meeting that <br />may lead into a broader discussion on water conservation techniques and programs. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />A permit for an irrigation system is required, whether for a single family home, multi-family <br />development or commercial/industrial developments. The permit fee is $47.50 for single family <br />properties and $60.50 for multi-family and commercial/industrial developments. There is only <br />one inspection and that is to verify that there is a backflow prevention device installed with the <br />irrigation system (purpose is to prevent backflow contamination of a home's drinking water as <br />well as to protect the city's public water system). <br /> <br />MN State Statute 103G.298 (Landscape Irrigation Systems), which took effect July 1, 2003, <br />requires all irrigation systems installed after the effective date be equipped with rain sensors and <br />reads as follows: <br /> <br />All automatically operated landscape irrigation systems shall have furnished <br />and installed technology that inhibits or interrupts operation of the landscape <br />irrigation system during periods of sufficient moisture. The technology must <br />be adjustable either by the end user or the professional practitioner of <br />landscape irrigation services. <br /> <br />Irrigation systems that were in place prior to the effective date of this statute are not required to <br />be retrofitted with rain sensors. If a system were to be retrofitted with rain sensors, or with newer <br />technology such as moisture sensors, no permit would be required. Attached is a copy of the <br />lawn irrigation handout available through the Building Division (and on the website). <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />The above information was included per the Board's direction at the October meeting. However, <br />Staff is hopeful that this will prompt a broader discussion on water conservation ideas that could <br />be implemented throughout the community such as a rain barrel program, encouragement of <br />water smart landscaping, residential and commercial/industrial rebates for installation (initially or <br />