HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDOT MAINTENANCE FACILITY AT EAST VINE STREETS FACILITY PDP AND FDP - 30 91C - CORRESPONDENCE - STAFF'S PROJECT COMMENTS (2)and Environmenta&ices
Current Planning
City of Fort Collins
June 10, 1998
Rex Touslee
2660 Lochbuie Circle
Loveland, CO 80538
Dear Rex,
Staff has reviewed your documents for the CDOT Region 4 Fort Collins Maintenance
Facility PDP, that were submitted on May 6, 1998 and would like to offer the following
comments:
1. The Water Conservation Specialist offers the following comments:
a. The landscape plan shall contain a general note calling for the review and
approval by the City of Fort Collins of any required landscape irrigation
system, prior to the issuance of -a Building Permit. Please add this note to
the landscape plan.
b. The landscape plan shall include the total area (in square feet) for each
landscape category.- Landscape categories are distinguished by their water
requirements and intended maintenance level. Examples of possible
categories include, but are not limited to, high water turfgrass, low water
turfgrass, low water planting beds, moderate water planting beds, and non -
plant areas (paved areas, etc.).
2. The Light and Power Utility stated the developer needs to contact the electric
utility engineering division to coordinate electric facility (including transformer)
locations, electric service requirements, and electric development charges.
3. The Zoning Department offered the following comments:
a. What is the purpose of the drive around the building? It does not appear to
meet accessibility requirements for a fire truck and there are no doors on the
west building elevation.
b. Please indicate the proposed use for the building within the building footprint
on the Site Plan.
C. Please indicate building envelope dimensions on the Site Plan.
281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6750 • FAX (970) 416-2020
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13. A pressure reducing valve shall be installed on the mainline, or as a feature of the remote
control valves, if it is anticipated that the operating pressure at any spray sprinkler, minus the
maximum recommended pressure for that particular sprinkler, is equal to 20 psi or more.
14. A rain sensor shall be installed with each irrigation system, in order to interrupt irrigation in the
event of a significant rainfall.
15. When drip irrigation is used, emitter discharges within any single zone shall not vary by more
than 5%. If necessary because of long runs and/or elevation changes, pressure -compensating
emitters shall be used-.
16. Remote control valves shall have flow control stems.
Sprinkler spacing
For both cases below, the radius of throw is defined as the value shown in the manufacturer's
specifications for the specific design operating pressure for the sprinkler.
17. With a square pattern layout, sprinklers shall be spaced no further apart than 1.0 times the
manufacturer's published radius of throw.
18. With a triangular spacing layout, sprinklers shall be spaced no further apart than 1.1 times the
manufacturer's published radius of throw.
Hydraulic considerations
19. Where Kentucky Bluegrass and/or Perennial Ryegrass is used for turfgrass, the tap size sha
sufficiently sized to deliver 0.25 inches of irrigation water over the turfgrass area within an
hour period. Where Turf -type Tall Fescue is used, the tap size shall be sufficiently sized to
deliver 0.20 inches of irrigation water over the turfgrass area within an 8-hour period. For
special circumstances, the City may allow exceptions to this standard. (See Attachment C)
20. The maximum system discharge shall be less than or equal to the maximum allowable, relative
to the meter size, as determined by the City of Fort Collins Water Utilities. This shall be as
follows: 3/4" - 10 gpm, 1" - 25 gpm, 1-1/2" - 50 gpm, 2" - 80 gpm,.3" - 160 gpm. These
maximum discharges assume a disk -type meter. In certain cases of irrigation -only taps that are
1-1/2" or larger, turbine meters are allowed, which have somewhat higher maximum discharge
limits. Contact the Water Utilities for more information.
21. The maximum velocities shall be less than or equal to 5.0 feet per second for mainline pipe and
less than or equal to 7.5 feet per second for lateral pipe. (See Attachment C)
22. The irrigation system shall be designed such that the point -of -connection design pressure,
minus the possible system pressure losses, is greater than or equal to the design sprinkler
operating pressure. (See Attachment D)
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23. The lateral pipe shall be sized such that there is less than or equal to a 10% variation between ,�,
the highest and lowest sprinkler operating pressures on a zone.
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ATTACHMENT A
A Guide to Landscape Water -requirement Categories
Potential landscape water -requirement categories, including some of the plants.
Categories are based on inches of supplemental water necessary per watering season.
TURFGRASS
High Water Use: 24"/season
Moderate Water Use: 16"/season
Low Water Use: 5"/season
Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass
Turf -type Tall Fescue
Buffalograss, Blue Grama
PLANTINGS
High Water Use: 20"/season
Trees Birch, Cottonwood, Fir, nonnative Maple, Willow
Shrubs Hydrangea, Quince, Willow, Yew .
Perennials Cardinal Flower, Fern, Foxglove, Hosta, Meadow Rue
Moderate Water Use: 14"/season
Trees Aspen, Austrian Pine, Blue Spruce, Crabapple, Mountain Ash, Honeylocust,
Linden, English or Red or White Oak, Redbud, Tatarian Maple
Shrubs Cranberry Viburnum, Winged Euonymus, Honeysuckle, Lilacs, Potentilla
Perennials Ajuga, Bishop's Weed, Bleeding Heart, Bugleweed, Hardy Chrysanthemum,
Columbine, Coral Bells, Iris, Lupine, Peony, Periwinkle, Shasta Daisy
Low Water Use: 8"/season
Trees Bigtooth or Rocky Mountain Maple, Bristlecone or Ponderosa Pine, Golden
Raintree, Green Ash, Kentucky Coffeetree, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Russian
Hawthorne, Western Catalpa, Western Hackberry
Shrubs American Plum, Bluemist Spirea, Spreading Cotoneasters, Golden Currant, Grape
Holly, Littleleaf Mockorange, Mugho Pine, Potentilla, Shrub Rose, Siberian
Peashrub
Perennials Basket -of -Gold, Coreopsis, Candytuft, Daylilies, Dianthus, Harebell, Himalayan
Border Jewel, Lamb's Ear, Perennial Statice, Primrose, Sweet Woodruff
Very Low Water Use: 4"/season
Trees Amur Chokecherry, Bur Oak, Canyon Maple, Pinyon Pine
Shrubs Apache Plume, Buffaloberry, Junipers, Mexican Cliffrose, Mountain Mahogany,
New Mexican Privet, Rabbitbrush, Russian Sage, Sand Cherry, Saskatoon
Serviceberry, Three -leaf Sumac, Yucca
Perennials Blue Flax, Cacti, Gaillardia, Gayfeather, Hardy Ice Plant, Poppy Mallow, Prain
or Purple Coneflower, Pussytoes, Penstemon, Sedum, Snow -in -Summer, Sulfur
Flower, Woolly Thyme, Yarrow
NON -PLANT AREAS
Non -irrigated areas without plants; including walks or patios, but not parking lots or driveways.
ATTACHMENT B
Instructions for completing an Annual Water Use Chart
L Use the Water Use Chart below, including notes, as an example of what the City of Fort Collins requires to be
included on an irrigation plan.
2 The discharge figures for each lateral can be calculated by summing the appropriate discharge values in th-,
Mi
manufacturer's catalogs for the specified sprinklers, bubblers or drip emitters '
3- Irrigated areas for each lateral can be calculated using a scale and/or planimeter. This should be a "bes
estimate," splitting areas between zones as necessary. For drip irrigation, the irrigated area should approxunate ''' ''
the area actually wetted by the emitters. As a general guideline, you can use one square foot for each perennial,
four square feet for each shrub and twelve square feet for each tree.
4. To calculate precipitation rate (inches per hour), multiply the discharge (gallons per minute) times the
conversion factor of 96.26, and then divide by the irrigated area (square feet).
5. The average annual depth of irrigation can be determined by referring to Attachment A.
6. The annual volume of water (gallons) can be determined by multiplying the irrigated area (square feet) by the
average annual depth of irrigation (inches), and then dividing by the conversion factor 1.6.
7. The annual cost for the water is determined by multiplying the volume of water by the applicable water rate. It
is the responsibility of the irrigation designer to find out which water district serves the project, and to make
sure the current water rate. is used in the calculation. The water districts are: City of Fort Collins, 221-6681;
ELCO, 493-2044; and Fort Collins -Loveland, 226-3104.
ANNUAL WATER USE CHART (an example)+! a ..
nP
Al
40.0
12,100
0.32
16
120,700
$130
A2
42.0
13,050
0.31
16
130,150
141
A3
48.0
13,300
0.35
16
112,650
143
A4
25.0
1,500
1.60
16
15,000
16
A5
46.0
21850
1.55
16
28,400
31
A6
5.5
490
1.08
8
2,450
3
TOTAL
-
-
-
- 1
429,350
$464
Notes: - x.
1. This table assumes the City of Fort Collins 1996 water rate of $1.08 per 1,000 gallons.
2. The water use data corresponds with the June 3, 1996 landscape plan by Acme Landscaping.
ATTACHMENT C
Tap Size vs. Maximum Irrigated Turfgrass Area
Tap';.
Size
Maxonurra
pis'Charge
-.
3/4"
10
30,800
0.71
38,500
0.88
V
25
77,000
1.77
96,000
2.20
1-1/2"
50
154,000
3.54
192,500
4.42
2"
80
246,500
5.66
308,000
7.07
3"
160
493,000
1 11.32
1 616,000
1 14.14
Notes:
I. This chart is intended as an irrigation design aid, related to the City's water conservation standard that
limits the size of irrigated turfgrass area as a function of the tap size_ The above values are calculated
assuming peak daily evapotranspiration rates of 0.25 inches for Kentucky Bluegrass and 0.20 inches for
Turf -type Tall Fescue. For the purposes of the calculations, assume that the irrigation efficiency and tap
utilization efficiency are equal to 100%, and the maximum time of irrigation is 8 hours. More realistically,
however, this would be equivalent to irrigation and tap utilization efficiencies of 80%, and a maximum
time of irrigation of 12 hours.
2. These maximum discharges assume a disk -type meter. In certain cases of irrigation -only taps that are 1-
1 /7" nr Iarver turbine meters are allowed_ which have hip -her maximum discharee limits. .
Flow (GPM
Pipe Type
pe
Mpe Size
1,.
1-1}�.
` t-1'/2:•
2..
2-1.(2"
13"
4„
Mainline
Pipe
PVC Class 160
17
29
38
59
86
128
211
PVC Class 200
17
28
36
57
83
123
203
PVC Sch. 40
13
23
32
52
75
115
199
Lateral
Pipe
Polyethylene
20
35
48
-
--
--
PVC Class 160
26
43
57
88
130
192
PVC Class 200
26
41
54
85
124
184
PVC Sch.40
20
35
48
79
112
173
Note: This chart is intended as an irrigation design aid, related to the City's water conservation standard that
limits the maximum velocity of mainline pipe to 5.0 feet per second and the maximum velocity of
lateral pipe to 7.5 feet per second.
4b
ft
ATTACHMENT D
Pressure Calculation Worksheet
Complete this form for the most pressure -demanding lateral, and submit it to the City with the
irrigation plan_ You might want to make copies of this form so you have an adequate supply.
a.
Pressure available at point -of -connection
psi
b.
Pressure loss through the meter -
psi
c.
Pressure loss through backflow prevention device -
psi
d.
Pressure loss in mainline pipe from backflow prevention
device to remote control valve -
psi
e.
Pressure loss through remote control valve -
psi
f.
Pressure loss in lateral pipe from remote control valve
to most remote sprinkler -
psi
g.
Elevation change from point -of -connection to most remote
sprinkler (0.43 psi per foot of elevation):
pressure loss -
psi
or
pressure gain +
psi
h.
Miscellaneous losses through other valves, strainers, etc.
(in some cases this will not be applicable) -
psi
i.
Total possible pressure loss (add b through h)
- psi
i.
Remaining pressure (subtract i from a)
psi
j.
Minimum pressure required at sprinkler
psi
k.
Difference (Subtract j from i. If the value is negative,
a booster pump may be needed. If the value is more than
+15 psi, pressure reduction may be necessary for this
zone, and/or other zones.)
psi
d. Please dimension the length of the building (north to south).
4. The Poudre Fire Authority offers the following comments:
a. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or
portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the
jurisdiction when any portion of the facility or any portion of an exterior wall
of the fires story of the building is located more than 150 feet from fire
apparatus access as measured by an approved route around the exterior of
the building or facility. This fire lane shall be visible by painting and signage
and maintained unobstructed. Any building not meeting this criteria shall
be fire sprinklered.
b. The proposed building exceeds 5,000 square feet in size for Type V
construction and therefore must be fire contained or fire sprinklered.
C. The tum-around at the end of the emergency access must have -an outside
turning radius of forty (40) feet or more, and an inside turning radius of
twenty (20) feet.
d. Fire hydrants are required with a maximum spacing of 500 feet along an
approved roadway. Each hydrant must be capable of delivering 1,000
gallons per minute at a residual pressure of 20 psi. Hydrants shall be of an
approved type as defined by the water department and the fire department.
No commercial building. can be greater than 300 feet from a fire hydrant.
5. The Building Inspections Department offers the following comments:
a. Accessible exterior wheelchair routes and parking facilities shall be provided
with each phase of the development in accordance with Uniform Building
Code Chapter 11, Appendix Chapter 11, Division I and the American
National Standards Institute Publication A117.1-1992 titled Accessible and
Usable Buildings and Facilities. Accessible parking spaces are eight feet
wide with a five feet wide adjacent access aisle. Slopes for parking and
access aisles shall not exceed 1:50 in any direction.
b. Buildings larger than 5,000 square feet shall be equipped with an automatic
fire suppression system throughout in accordance with Uniform Building
Code Section 904.2.2 as amended by the City of Fort Collins.
C. Buildings shall be designed to comply with the Fort Collins Energy Codes.
The residential code is an amended version of the 1995 Model Energy Code
and the nonresidential code is based on ASHRAE/IES (American Society of
Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers/Illuminating
Engineering Society) 90.1-1989.
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6. The Current Planning Department offers the following comments:
a. Deciduous trees at 40 foot spacing are required on the north and south sides
of the Streets Facility Access Drive as noted on the redlined landscape plan.
Please refer to Section 3.2.1 [E][5][d] of the Land Use Code.
(�b According to Section 3.8.11 [2] of the Land Use Code, chain link fencing with
or without slats shall not be used as a fencing material for screening
purposes. A wooden fence is needed along the north, south and west sides
of the property
and shrubs)sredlined plan. Landscaping hould be placed onthe exter or s de of the f nn ce order
(./OtjQ provide visual integration of the fence in accordance with Section
3.2.1 [E][1 ][d] of the Land Use Code.
C. The proposed spacing of the ornamental and deciduous trees needs to be
in accordance with Section 3.2.1 [D][1 ][c] of the Land Use Code.
d. A 6' wide sidewalk detached 6' from the back of the curb is needed from
Linden Street across Lot 5-A and 4-A on the north side of the Streets Facility
0\t���W�, Access Drive. Please contact Ron Mills to discuss the City's willingness to
contribute to the cost of constructing the walk across Lot 57A. Please refer
to Section 3.2.2[C][5][a] of the Land Use Code.
e. 6' wide attached sidewalks are needed on the west side of the CDOT access
drive and the north side of the parking lot as noted on the redlined Site and
Landscape Plans. Please refer to Section 3.2.2[C][5][a] and Section
3.2.2[D][1] of the Land Use Code.
f. Patterned colored concrete crosswalks are needed as shown on the redlined
Site and Landscape Plans as per Section 3.2.2[C][5][b] and Section
3.2.2[D][1 ] of the Land Use Code.
g. Curbcuts and ramps are needed at all pedestrian crosswalks and handicap
parking spaces as per Section 3.2.2[C[[2] of the Land Use Code.
h. Please clarify the parking ratio used for the proposed facility. Industrial uses
are permitted a maximum of 0.75 spaces per employee.
I. The drive aisle of the parking lot must be a minimum of 20 feet wide as per
Section 3.2.2[L][1] of the Land Use Code.
Lighting levels shall not exceed 0.1 foot candle at a point 20 feet beyond the
property line as a direct result of on -site lighting as per Section 3.2.4[D][8] of
the Land Use Code. Please note the highlighted areas on the Lighting Plan
and revise accordingly.
(al-� comp<<arca ?
k. Per Section 4.23[E][1 ][c] of the Land Use Code, new building color shades
shall be neutral, with a medium or dark color range, and not white, bright or
reflective. Please revise the roof color.
I. Please revise the City' Planning certifications and signature blocks to
reference approval by the Director of Planning rather than the Planning and
Zoning Board. The proposed use is a Type 1 Land Use and is not subject
to Planning and Zoning Board review unless modifications to standards are
requested.
M. Please provide an Attorney Certification and Signature block on the Plat
regarding the ownership of the property. This certification is unnecessary on
the Site Plan and can be deleted.
n. Please revise General and Planting notes on the Site and Landscape Plans
as noted on the redlined plans.
o. Please provide a plant list in the format noted on the redlined landscape
plan.
P. Please revise the plan set in accordance with the miscellaneous changes
that are noted on the redlined plan set.
q. Please number the sheets of the plan set consecutively (Site Plan = sheet
1 of 4; Landscape Plan = sheet 2 of 4 ; Building Elevations = sheet 3 of 4;
Lighting Plan = sheet 4 of 4). -
r. Please return all redlined plans with the plari. revision submittal::
7. The Transportation Planning Department requests that a sidewalk be constructed
on the north side of the Streets Facility Access Drive from Linden Street to the
eastern property line of Lot 4A.
8. The Engineering Pavement Department stated that if public street construction
is required along Linden Street, a pavement design and final soils report will need
to be submitted prior to construction.
9. The Mapping Department offers the following comments:
a. The Basis of Bearing, calls the line "North Line of the Northwest 1/4". It
should be the Northeast 1/4.
b. In the dedication, the legal should be "Lots 3, 4, 5 of East Vine Streets
Facility PUD", not what is shown.
10. Comments and redlined utility plans from the Engineering Department are
attached. Please return all redlined documents with plan revisions.
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11. Comments and redlined utility plans from the Stormwater Utility are attached.
Please return all redlined documents with plan revisions.
12. Comments and redlined utility plans from the Water and Wastewater Utility are
attached. Please return all redlined documents with plan revisions.
This completes the review comments at this time. Additional comments may be
forthcoming as the various departments and reviewing agencies continue to review this
request.
Please provide a written response to each of the above stated comments with the submittal
of plan revisions. An administrative hearing date will be assigned once all comments have
been addressed and revisions have been reviewed.
Please contact me at 221-6206 if you have any questions or concerns related to these
comments.
Sincerely,
Michael Ludwig, AICP
City Planner
xc: Dave Stringer
Stormwater Utility
C:urrerit, Pla Wing File;#30-91'C,
City of Fort Collins
Water Conservation Standards for
LANDSCAPING and IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
General Information
7/96
What are the water conservation standards?
There are two separate standards for water conservation: (1) Landscaping and
(2) Irrigation Systems. The standards -for Landscaping promote the installation of
landscapes that require less water. The standards for Irrigation Systems ensure irrigation
systems are designed to apply water efficiently to meet the needs of the landscape.
What projects are subject to the standards?
All projects within the city limits that are required to submit a landscape plan to the City
as part of the development review process. In general, this includes all commercial,
industrial, institutional, and multi -family projects. Duplexes are also included when they
are part of a planned unit development. The standards apply to common areas of single-
family developments, but do not apply to single-family residential lots.
What do I have to do to comply with the Landscaping standards?
Submit a landscape plan as part of the development review process. The plan must meet
the requirements in the document, Landscaping Standards for Water Conservation before
the development plan is approved.
What do I have to do to comply with the Irrigation System standards?
Submit an irrigation plan as part of the construction permit review process. The plan must
meet the requirements spelled out in the document, Irrigation System Standards for
Water Conservation. The City will review the plan, and then inspect the system after
installation. The irrigation plan and system inspection must be approved by the City
before a certificate of occupancy is issued. If construction of the irrigation system is
delayed until after construction is completed, a certificate of occupancy can be issued
only with an acceptable bond deposited with the City.
How strict are the standards?
The standards most important to water conservation are mandatory requirements,
identified with the word shall. Other standards are more flexible, they use the phrases
should or to the extent practical. These are enforced on a case -by -case basis.
Where do 1 get more information?
Call the Water Utilities at 221-6681.
& to
City of Fort Collins
LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
for Water Conservation
12196
Landscape Plan Requirements
1. The landscape plan shall have a general note calling for the review and approval by the City
of Fort Collins of any required irrigation system, prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
2. The landscape plan shall include the total area (in square feet) for each landscape category.
Landscape categories are based upon water requirements. (See Attachment A, A Guide to
Landscape Water -Requirement Categories)
3. Mulch shall be used for planting beds. The mulch can be either organic or inorganic, and
shall be applied to a minimum depth of 3 inches. In order to prevent large expanses of
barren mulch, there shall be a minimum plant cover of 50% within five years of planting.
Design Considerations
4. Group plants with similar water requirements on the same irrigation zone.
5. Design the landscaping with an efficient irrigation layout in mind. For example, the
dimensions of turfgrass areas should be in multiples of the radius of throw of the sprinklers,
and the geometry should be such that overspray is minimized.
6. Minimize steep grades. Where necessary, design landscaping to minimize water runoff and
to take advantage of the water that does run off.
7. Use lower water -requiring plants on south -facing berms of 25% slope or greater.
8. Minimize landscaping in strips less than 8' wide. When necessary, such as between sidewalk
and street, use lower water -requiring plants.
Natural Area Preservation
9. If there are portions of the site that are worthy of preservation, the alternative of leaving
them undisturbed or with only slight improvements should be considered. The worthiness of
such sites shall be determined by the City's Natural Resources Director.
Other good practices for water -efficient landscapes, but not required
Have a testing laboratory analyze the nutrient and fertilizer needs of the soil. For most soils,
add at least 3 cubic yards of compost per 1,000 square feet. Rototil to a depth of 6 to 8
inches.
Consider using lower water -requiring turf and ornamental grasses. Turf -type Tall Fescue is
often a good substitute for Kentucky Bluegrass. For areas where a natural look is desired
Buffalograss, Blue Grama, Little Bluestem, Sideoats Grama, Smooth Brome, Crested s.
Wheatgrass or Western Wheatgrass can be good choices. For more information about theses
grasses, call the CSU Department of Horticulture at 491-7019.
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City of Fort Collins
IRRIGATION SYSTEM STANDARDS
for Water Conservation
Irrigation Plan
10194
If areas of planting are extensive, the installation of an underground irrigation system shall be
required and an irrigation plan shall be submitted to and approved by the City, prior tothe
issuance of a final certificate of occupancy. If no building permit is required, the plan is due
prior to commencing construction. If the water requirements of the plants are low enough to be
met with natural precipitation, and if a means of temporary irrigation is available to establish
the plants, the City may waive the requirement for an underground irrigation system. When
required, the irrigation plan shall be accurate and clear, drawn to the same scale as the
associated landscape plan, and include the following:
a. an annual Water Use Chart that includes: the square footage of irrigation zones,
lateral precipitation rates (inches/hour), and seasonal water use and cost. The seasonal
water use data shall reflect the water requirements of the plants identified in the
landscape plan associated with the irrigation plan. The irrigation plan shall reference
the specific landscape plan, with its date and the designer's name. (See Attachment B)
b. a general note stating the point -of -connection design pressure and the peak flow. For
example, the system design assumes a minimum dynamic pressure for the irrigation
system of 75 psi at a maximum discharge of 50 gpm at the 1-1/2-inch tap and point -
of -connection. The irrigation contractor shall verb pressure and flow on the site
prior to construction.
c. the design criteria to assist the installer with field adjustments, in a general note or in
the legend. The criteria shall include the sprinkler and nozzle specifications, the
sprinkler discharge at the design operating pressure, and the maximum distance
between sprinklers.
d. a general note stating that, Any field adjustment or redesign of this irrigation system
must conform to the City of Fort Collins Irrigation Standards.
e. in the specifications, or as a general note, a requirement for the contractor installing
the system to provide the owner with as -built drawings after installation is complete.
f. details of the installation method for bubblers or drip emitters, when the irrigation
design includes these components. It must also include the number and discharge rate
of emitters or bubblers per type of plant material.
Irrigation methods and layout
2. Where untreated, raw water is available from a nearby irrigation ditch or lake, it should be
considered as a possible water source.
3. As much as practical, plants with dissimilar water requirements shall not be irrigated on the
same zone. For example, turfgrass areas should be on separate zones from planting beds. (See
Attachment A for water requirements of specific plants)
4. On steep grades, an irrigation method with a lower precipitation rate shall be used, in order to
minimize runoff. If practical, these areas shall be zoned separately.
5. When practical, areas with significantly different solar exposures shall be zoned separ
6. Different types of irrigation equipment (drip, micro -spray, spray, rotary, etc.) shall no
combined on the same zone. Only drip and micro -spray equipment may be on the sam
7. As much as practical, the irrigation method shall be selected to correlate with the plan
For example, drip irrigation or bubblers should be used for sparsely -planted trees and
and sprinklers should be used for turfgrass.
8. The type of sprinkler and associated nozzles should be selected to correlate with the size and
geometry of the zone being irrigated. For example, pop-up spray sprinklers should be used for
smaller and more chopped up areas. As a rule of thumb, sprinklers should'be spaced no closer
than 75% of the maximum radius of throw for the given sprinkler and nozzle.
Equipment selection
9. A master valve should be installed on all irrigation systems with a tap of 2 inches or larger
10. For irrigation systems that are on a combined -use tap, with a water meter installed further
upstream to measure total water use, the installation of an irrigation -only submeter should be
considered. This submeter would enable the owner and landscape maintenance contractor to
more easily determine water use for irrigation, and would not be used for billing purposes. The
cost of installation and maintenance of the submeter shall be borne by the owner of the
property, and not by the City. All such submeters shall be installed in accordance with the
specifications established by the City of Fort Collins Water Utilities.
11. The irrigation controller shall have a minimum of the following capabilities:
a. multiple program
b. percent watering
c. multiple starts per day
d. enough stations to prevent the necessity of combining zones on a single station that
have dissimilar water requirements or precipitation rates, or exceed the hydraulic
limitations of the tap
12. Sprinklers and nozzles shall meet the following requirements:
a. spray sprinklers in turf areas shall have a minimum 3-1/2 inch pop-up riser height.
b. coverage arcs and radius of throw shall be selected and adjusted to water only
vegetated areas and minimize overspray onto hard -surfaces, buildings, fences, etc.
c. sprinklers, bubblers, or emitters on a zone shall be of the same manufacturer. Spray
sprinklers on a zone shall have matched precipitation nozzles. Nozzles for rotary
sprinklers on a zone shall approximate a uniform precipitation rate.
d. check valves shall be used on all low-lying sprinklers with 3 feet or more of lateral
pipe head against them, and on all sprinklers along sidewalks.