Irrigation Requirements

Permit Applications

Requirements for irrigation permits are as follows:

1. Irrigation Plan Requirement checklist must be completely filled out and match the irrigation plan.
2. All irrigation permit requests will require a irrigation plan of the lot indicating property lines, structures, fences and any impervious surfaces located on the property.
3. The plans must be submitted by an Irrigation or Plumbing Contractor with a current Denison registration. If submitted by an irrigator, the irrigators seal must be on the plans.
4. Installations must declare compliance with Section 1903.251, Texas Occupations Code.
5. Sprinkler heads must be located on private property with the heads oriented so as not to spray onto public roads, walls, fences, sidewalks, driveways, brick, wood or stone.
6. Any system installed with a chemical injection system must utilize a Reduced Pressure Principle Zone (RPZ) backflow device.

General Information

1. Irrigation and plumbing contractors as well as backflow testers must be registered with the City of Denison prior to obtaining any permit. Registration fees are $50.00 per year for irrigation contractors. There is no registration fee for plumbing contractors, but registration is required.
2. Permits must be obtained before any work can begin. At any time work is being done, a licensed irrigator or irrigation technician — or a journeyman or master plumber must be present on the job. If the permit has been issued to a homeowner, the homeowner must do the work and be present at all times while work is being done.
3. At all times during the installation of the irrigation system, the building permit must be displayed in such a way that it is visible from the street.

Installation Requirements

1. A Double Check Assembly (DCA), Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) or a Reduced Pressure Principle Zone (RPZ) device are the only approved backflow devices for a lawn sprinkler system. An RPZ backflow device must be used when a chemical injection system is installed as a part of the irrigation system.
2. All new irrigation systems must contain sensors or technology that interrupt the operation of the system during periods of moisture, rainfall or freezing conditions.
3. Sprinkler heads must be located on private property with the heads oriented so as not to spray onto public roads, walls, fences, sidewalks, driveways, brick, wood or stone
4. Double Check Assembly (DCA). The following provisions apply to installation requirements when a Double Check Assembly is installed:
   1. The Double Check Assembly must be installed within five feet (5’) of the connection to the water supply.
   2. The Double Check Assembly must be installed in a box.
   3. There must be at least six inches (6”) of pea gravel in the bottom of the box.
   4. There must be a clearance of six inches (6”) between any test cock and the side of top of the box.
   5. A "Y" strainer must be installed pointing in the down direction.
   6. Quarter turn ball valves must be installed before and after the valve.
5. Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) or Reduced Pressure Assemblies (RP). The following provisions apply to installation requirement when Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) or a Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP) backflow device is installed.
   1. If the backflow device is installed in a box, the box must contain drain holes. Additionally,the backflow device must be placed in a meter box large enough to provide the following clearances:
      1. Twelve inches (12”) between the bottom of the assembly and the highest sprinkler head in the system for a PVB and twelve inches (12”) between relief valve opening and the ground for an RPZ.
      2. Six inches (6”) between the assembly test cocks and any portion of the box.
   2. All plumbing lines and any backflow device located above the ground must be protected from freezing conditions. Such lines and devices must be installed in an approved hotbox or wrapped with heat tape. Any electrical circuit required for the heat tape or hot box requires a separate electrical permit. The permit can only be issued to a licensed electrician or the homeowner if the homeowner lives at the property where the work is being done.
   3. The device must be installed within five feet (5’) of the connection to the water supply.
   4. Any system installed with a chemical injection system must utilize a Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP) backflow device.
   5. For RP devices, a Y strainer must be installed pointing in the down direction.
   6. For RP devices, quarter turn ball valves must be installed before and after the valve.

Required Inspections

1. Irrigation Backflow Final
   1. All work is to be complete.
   2. A warranty label must be placed on the control panel with irrigators contact information and signature.
   3. The certification of the backflow device must be submitted to the Building Inspections office prior to requesting this inspection.
   4. If the backflow device is installed in a box, the irrigation contractor must invert or remove the lid to the meter box housing the backflow device prior to calling for inspection. This will allow for inspection of the assembly without the possibility of an inspector breaking a lock or cracking a box while trying to remove a box lid.
   5. It is the responsibility of the Irrigation installer to comply with all TCEQ inspection requirements in Title 20 Part 1 Chapter 344 Rule §344.63