HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG-11/19/2024 WS November 19, 2024 Town Board Work Session
IV-1 9:00 Councilwoman Doherty, Councilwoman Smith, Government Liaison Gwynn
Schroeder, Assistant Planning Director Mark Terry and Planner Mara Cerezo re:
Report from the Housing Plan Working Group on Proposed ADU Accommodations
IV-2 Councilwoman Doherty re: Proposed Tree Code
IV-3 10:00 Tim Abrams, Building Maintenance Supervisor re: Pickleball Court Fencing at Old
Schoolhouse Park
IV-4 10:15 Town Board Break
IV-5 Supervisor Krupski re: Fire Marshal Position- Request Town Clerk to Advertise
IV-6 Supervisor Krupski re: Raising Fees
IV-7 Legislation Regarding Political Signage
IV-8 11:00 Vincent Orlando and John Stype (Zoom), Members of the Town of Southold Water
Advisory Committee re: Proposed Irrigation Legislation
IV-9 Announcement: Hugs, Inc. "FREE NALOXONE TRAINING" on Monday, December
2nd at S:OOpm at the Southold Town Recreation Center
IV-10 Authorize Town Clerk to Advertise for Part Time Community Relations Specialist
(Youth Program)
IV-11 12:00 Town Board Lunch Break
xec, ;tNvELS % i,-O-n
IV-12 Potential Acquisition(s), Sale or Lease of Real Property Where Publicity
Would Substantially Affect the Value Thereof
12:30 Lillian McCullough, Land Preservation Executive Assistant
IV-13 Labor- Matter Involving the Employment/Appointment of a Particular Person(s)
1:00 Janet Douglass, Recreation Supervisor
1:30 Chief Steven Grattan
2:00 Heather Lanza, Planning Director
rr 1.
Office of the Town Attorney
Town of Southold
Town Hall Annex, 54375 Route 25
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971-0959
Telephone: 631-765-1939
Facsimile: 631-765-6639
MEMORANDUM
To: Jill Doherty, Town Board
From: Julie M. McGivney, Assistant Town Attorney
Date: November 14, 2024
Subject: Tree Code
Hi Jill. Attached is the updated Tree Code. Pursuant to our conversation and
conversations with Tree Committee, this Code was drafted for the following 2 purposes:
1. Prevent unnecessary clearing of vacant lands for construction.
2. Limit the cutting of existing trees on improved properties.
If there are additional objectives, please provide me with same and I will start
researching them. This is a basic starting point to grow from there.
1
CHAPTER - TREE CLEARING
§1. TITLE
§2. FINDING; PURPOSE; J13RISFACTION
§3. CONFLICTS
§5. DEFINITIONS
§6. GENERAL PROHIBITIONS
§7. EXEMPTIONS
§8. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT REQUIREMENTS; STANDARDS;
CONDITIONS; COMPLETION; and CONSULTATION
§9. MAXIMUM CLEARING LIMITS
§10. OTHER CLEARING
§11. TRANSFERABILITY
§12. APPEALS; COMPLIANCE; PENALTIES; and FEES
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§1. Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Tree Clearing Code of
Southold Town."
§2 Findings; Purpose; Jurisdiction.
A. Findings. The Town Board finds that it has been established that
trees stabilize the soil and control water pollution by preventing
soil erosion and flooding, reduce air pollution, provide oxygen,
yield advantageous microclimatic effects, temper noise and,
further, that unusual, large and old trees have unique aesthetic and
historical values. Indiscriminate removal of trees causes
deprivation of these benefits and disrupts the Town's ecological
systems.
The Town, furthermore, takes note of the findings of the New
York State Environmental Quality Review Act, among them being
the obligation of the Town to serve as a steward of air, water, land
and living resources and the obligation to protect the environment
for the use of this and further generations. It is the intent of the
Town to recognize these responsibilities in part by providing these
procedures as well as to preserve the health and welfare and rural
character of the community which is reflected in the woodlands of
the Town of Southold.
B. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish and maintain
the maximum amount of tree cover on parcels in the Town of
Southold. Additionally, to establish a responsible program for the
removal of trees. It is also to prevent the indiscriminate or
unnecessary destruction of trees within the Town of Southold.
C. Jurisdiction. All vacant and improved parcels are subject to this
Chapter unless they fall in any of the below listed categories:
1. SITE PLAN or SUBDIVISIONS:
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a) those governed by Article XXIV of Chapter 280 of the
Southold Town Code, said provisions of Chapter 280 which
require site plan approval; or
b) those governed by Article XIII of Chapter 240 of the
Southold Town Code, said provisions of Chapter 240 which
pertain to land subdivision; OR
2. ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE PLANS:
a) those governed by Chapter 275, under the jurisdiction of
Southold Town Trustees;
b) those governed by Chapter 111, properties in the Coastal
Erosion Hazard Area; and
c) Those governed by Chapter 280, including applications to
the Zoning Board of Appeals; OR
3. THOSE SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT IN §7 OF THIS
CHAPTER.
§ 3. Conflicts.
Where there is a conflict between Chapters 280, 240, 275 and/or 111
and this Chapter, whichever Chapter has more strict interpretation
and/or is more restrictive shall apply. A Tree Removal Permit issued
pursuant to this Chapter does not relieve the permit applicant from the
responsibility of obtaining other permits or approvals as may be
necessary, nor does it convey any right or interest in real property.
§4. Severability.
The invalidity of any section or provision of this chapter shall not
invalidate any other section or provision thereof.
§5. Definitions.
4
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the purpose
of this chapter, having the meaning as herein defined. Any word or term not
noted below shall be used with a meaning as defined in Webster's Third
International Dictionary of the English Language, unabridged (or latest
edition).
Applicant-The property owner, person, or his/her duly authorized
agent, requesting a Tree Removal Permit from the Town pursuant to
this Chapter.
Clearing Limit- Limit on trees to be removed under a Tree Removal
Permit..
DBH/Diameter Breast Height- Tree trunk diameter measured 4.5 ft.
above ground level at breast height. The DBH of trees with multiple
trunks shall be the sum of the individual trunk diameters at breast
height. Trees with less than 4.5 feet of clear trunk shall be measured
as the diameter of the largest vertical branch or leader at breast height.
Destruction of the natural habit of growth - Pruning that causes irreparable
damage and permanent disfigurement to a tree such that, even with re-
growth, the tree will never regain the original characteristics of its tree
species; or pruning which amounts to tree abuse as defined herein that
results in the death of the tree.
Land clearing - The clearing of vegetation and soils for the purpose of land
development activities. This includes, but is not limited to, construction for
buildings, rights-of-way, utility easements, access or drainage ways, parking
lots and other structures, rock mining, the control of weeds or the initial
clearing of vegetation to enhance property value or agricultural activities
that involve the removal of trees as defined by this article.
Mitigation - To compensate for impacts to tree(s),
Person - Any natural person, individual, owner, operator, public or private
corporation, firm, association,joint venture, partnership, municipality,
5
governmental agency, political subdivision, public or private utilities, public
officer, responsible parry or any other entity whatsoever, or combination
thereof, of whatever kind.
Prune - To cut away, remove, cut off or cut back parts of a tree.
Remedial action - A corrective action required to offset the impacts of
removal or damage to tree.
Removal- To cut down, dig up, destroy, effectively destroy, or the
unlicensed relocation of any tree.
Tree - Any living, self-supporting, woody perennial plant which is no less
than twenty (20) inches in diameter measured at 4.5 feet above grade.
Tree Removal- Removal of a tree(s) or vegetation, through either direct or
indirect actions including, but not limited to, clearing, topping or cutting,
causing irreversible damage to roots or trunks; poisoning; destroying the
structural integrity; and/or any filling, excavation, grading, or trenching in
the dripline area of a tree which has the potential to cause irreversible
damage to the tree, or relocation of an existing tree to a new planting
location.
Tree Service Provider - Any person or entity engaged in commercial tree
work.
Tree Removal Permit- A permit granted pursuant to the requirements of
this chapter which allows the removal of trees.
§6. General Prohibitions.
Unless otherwise authorized by this article, no person shall cause,
suffer, permit or allow the following:
a) The removal of any tree, as defined in §5, on vacant land
without first obtaining a Tree Removal Permit from the
Building Department as herein provided;
6
b) The removal of any tree, which exists on improved
parcels for a period of one year upon taking ownership of
property;
c) The removal of any tree, as defined in §5, on improved
property, upon proof of(b) above, without first obtaining
a Tree Removal Permit from the Building Department as
provided herein; or
d) Any tree removal, encroachments, excavations, or change
of the natural grade of property unless it can be
demonstrated to the Building Department prior to the
commencement of said activity, that the activity will not
negatively impact any trees located on property or
neighboring property and proof of qualification for §7 —
exemptions.
§7. Exemptions.
The following activities are exempt from the provisions of this
Chapter:
a) Normal and routine pruning operations and maintenance;
b) All tree maintenance or removal activities upon
commercial bona fide agricultural lands;
c) Trees that do not exceed 20" in diameter when measured
at the DBH;
d) Emergency conditions caused by hurricane or other
natural disasters which necessitate to remedy an
immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare;
e) All actions under Chapter 240 of the Town of Southold
Code pertaining to Subdivisions and Site Plan Approvals.
Any actions requiring Planning Board approval shall be
exempt from this Chapter and shall follow the guidelines
of tree removal under Chapter 280 Article XXIV and
Chapter 240;
f) Removal of trees by all town-licensed nurseries,
botanical gardens and commercial orchard operations,
but only in relation to those trees which are planted and
grown for the sale or intended sale to the general public
in the ordinary course of the licensed business;
g) Removal of trees by all governmental and private
nurseries with respect to trees which have been planted
and grown for future relocation;
h) Removal of any tree that is hazardous to the extent that
its continued existence creates an imminent threat to
public safety or property. In order to claim this
exemption, the owner of the property must document by
photographs or other evidence that such condition(s)
existed prior to the removal of the tree;
i) Removal of trees located within a cemetery;
j) Removal of trees that are dead, dying, or diseased, or
trees which have suffered damage, or any tree whose angle
of growth makes it then a hazard to structures, roads, or
human life as determined by the Highway Department,
Building Inspector, or Town Engineer;
k) Removal of trees, except historical or specimen trees, by
franchised utility companies provided that:
1. The utility company provides notice to the Town
Highway Department specifying the trees proposed to
be removed or trimmed pursuant to a Tree Trimming
Program.
§8. Tree removal permit requirements, application requirements;
standards; conditions; completion; consultation.
A. Permit Requirements:
8
1. Unless otherwise exempted by this Chapter, a person shall
obtain a Tree Removal Permit from the Building
Department prior to removing trees on vacant or improved
property.
B. Permit Application Requirements:
1. Application forms: A tree removal permit application
shall be submitted to the Building Department on
Building Department approved application form(s).
2. Fees: The permit application must be accompanied by the
required fee(s) as established by the Town Board. Permit
application fees are non-refundable and nontransferable.
3. Required application data: The permit application data
required shall include, but is not limited to:
a. the physical address and Tax Map designation of the
property on which the trees are located name and address
of the applicant and owner, if not the same;
b. the name and address of the applicant and owner, if not
the same;
c. the purpose of proposed tree removal; and
d. for request of lot percentage, owner or applicant/agent
must provide limits on survey or as requested by building
department. Owners seeking less than the lot percentage
may provide a drawn depiction of trees to be removed,
this may include drawn on surveys, site plans, or drawn
freehand.
Action on permit application shall be in accordance with the
provisions Chapter 144 Section 144-9(A). Upon issuance of Tree
Removal Permit, owner or agent must post a copy of the permit on
premises. Said posting shall be visible from street and must be
secured. Failure to post said permit shall be a violation of this
Chapter.
C. Permit Standards for Tree Removal:
9
1. Any person conducting tree removal activities shall only
remove tree(s) from a site as approved for removal in a
Building Department Tree Removal Permit.
2. The reasonable term of a Tree Removal Permit shall be
determined by the Building Department, however, not to
exceed 12 months.
3. Damage to any other tree or trees on the site during tree
removal activity may constitute a violation of this article.
4. An applicant may be eligible to receive a Tree Removal
Permit if one of the following considerations are present:
a. a proposed development cannot be located on the
site without tree removal; or
b. the location of trees provides no other alternative
but to place a structure outside the permitted
building setbacks; or
C. the applicant has made every reasonable effort,
consistent with the plan of development, to
incorporate existing trees in the development
project and to minimize the number of trees
removed; or
d. a tree proposed to be removed is of poor quality
and condition; or
e. a tree proposed to be removed is obstructing safe
vehicular cross visibility; or
f. a tree proposed to be removed is damaging
existing improvements; or
g. a tree proposed to be removed is creating ongoing
safety problems for existing development; or
h. owner requests removal for other reason. In this
event, tree removal may not exceed maximum
allowable percentage and this percentage will be
the maximum allowed for a period of three years.
Owner, without other reason above, will not be
permitted to remove any other trees, in excess of
10
the percentage, until three years after the initial
permit.
D. Permit Subject to Conditions:
The Department shall, in administering this chapter, impose such
conditions and safeguards as it may deem appropriate, necessary
or desirable to preserve and protect the spirit and objectives of
this chapter and shall give consideration, among other things, to:
The number, size and location of the tree or trees and associated
vegetation to be removed;
fa
The condition of the tree or trees with respect to disease and the
potential for creating hazardous conditions;
alThe proximity of the trees to existing or proposed structures
and utility appurtenances;
The use or necessity of trees as a buffer between the subject
property and adjoining properties;
The necessity of the removal of a tree or trees;
L
The environmental effects of the land clearing;
91
Any of the considerations enumerated in the legislative intent of
this chapter;
The reasonable relocation of proposed foundation walls,
driveways, grading, surface and subsurface improvements or
drainage systems to preserve specific trees;
Regulation of days and hours of removal;
11
10
Safeguards as appropriate to minimize the environmental
impact of such removal operations; or
11
Determination if the disturbed area is to be backfilled.
E. Completion.
Within 10 days of completion of said work covered under the
Permit, applicant shall notify Building Inspector. Building
Inspector and or Code Enforcement officer, at their discretion,
may perform an inspection. Upon inspection, Building
Inspector and or Code Enforcement shall document said
inspection, determine if same is in compliance and if not, report
any violations of this Chapter.
F. Consultation.
The Building Department may request written consultation with
the Town of Southold Tree Committee at any time and in any
manner. Any information provided and relied on shall have the
effect of the Building Department having made the
determination itself.
§9. Maximum Clearing Limit
The maximum number of trees to be removed shall be determined by the
required schedule below:
Lot size and permissible limits of clearing. Existing native and/or nonnative
vegetation shall be preserved subject to the following limits of clearing schedule.
LOT SIZE (square feet) PERCENTAGE OF SITE
PERMITTED TO BE CLEARED
12
I to 15,000.00 75%
15,001 to 30,000 60%
30,001 to 60,000 50%
605001 to 90,000 35%
90,001 to 140,000 25%
140,001 to 200,000 20%
200,001 or greater 15%
Any parcel owner requesting a percentage of site clearance, shall provide clearing
limits. Limits shall be clearly staked and approved by a New York State licensed
engineer or surveyor prior to any clearing or grading.
Clearing of slopes equal to greater than 15%. The Building Department may
permit the clearing of slopes equal to or greater than 15% with the approval of an
erosion and sediment control plan prepared by a New York Licensed Engineer,
provided clearing limits and clearing of slopes are not governed and/or required
under §2 (C)(1-2), which shall take precedence.
§10. Other Clearing.
Parcel owners may request a permit, from the Building Department, for
removal of a designated number of trees provided same does not exceed the
clearing limit for the lot area. All trees shall follow the same procedures and
rules for permit approval.
§11. Transferability.
A valid Tree Permit may be transferred to another applicant by approval
of the Building Department upon a determination by the Building
Department that the land, in its current status, conforms to the terms and
conditions of the permit as issued. The fee for transferring said permit
shall be determined by Town Board resolution.
13
§12. Appeals; Compliance Requirements; Penalties; Fees.
A. Appeals.
Any person aggrieved by a determination by the Building
Department may, within 30 days of the decision, file a written
application to the Town Board for review of the decision. Reviews
shall be conducted based on the same record that was before the
Building Department and using the criteria set forth in this
Chapter. The Town Board decision shall be final.
B. Compliance Requirements.
All activities conducted and work performed pursuant to a
Tree Removal Permit issued by the Building Department under
this chapter, shall conform to the specific requirements of the
Permit. It shall be the duty of the Building Inspector, Code
Enforcement Officer, or Harbormaster to inspect periodically any
such activities or work to ensure compliance. In the event it is
determined that such activities or work is not being conducted or
performed in accordance with the Permit, the Building Inspector or
the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a stop-work order and all
affected activities and work shall immediately cease. No further
affected activities or work shall be undertaken while the stop-work
order is in effect.
It shall be the responsibility of the parcel owner or agent to prove
the tree work was done by permit and within the parameters of said
permit. Any tree work done on a parcel, without permission, shall
be a presumptive violation of this Chapter unless owner or
applicant/agent can verify work was done to Code or not required
by Code.
C. Penalties.
Any person, firm, corporation or other entity who or which
undertakes any regulated activity without a tree removal permit
required by this Chapter of the Southold Town Code or who
violates any condition attached to a tree removal permit, or who
14
otherwise violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be
guilty of an offense punishable of a fine of not more than
$2,500.00. For a second and each subsequent violation of this
Chapter shall be guilty of an offense punishable by a fine of not
more than $2,500.00 for each violation.
D. Fees.
Any fines assessed shall be payable half to the Town of Southold
and half to the Southold Town Tree Committee fund. Fines
attributable to the Tree Committee are paid to the Fiduciary Fund
and used by the Tree Committee exclusively for the planting of
new trees and replacement of damaged or removed trees.
15
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Riverhead Political Sign Code
Definition:
POLITICAL SIGN
A temporary sign indicating the name and/or picture of an individual seeking election or
appointment to a public office, or relating to a proposition or change of law to a public
election or referendum, or pertaining to the advocacy by persons, groups, or parties
of political views or policies.
Political signs and posters are permitted, subject to the following criteria:v
Such sign(s) shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
The candidate must obtain permission of the owner of any land used for political signs,
which must be obtained prior to the erection of the sign.
Such sign(s) may not be erected or maintained on or in a public right-of-way or upon utility
poles or upon public property.
All such signs shall be removed within two weeks subsequent to the date of public election
or within 60 days of the issuance of the permit for said signs.
Candidates seeking to display any political sign(s) shall post a bond, check or such other
equivalent security with the Building Department Administrator in the amount of$200 per
candidate. A sign displaying the name of more than one candidate shall require an
additional fee of$200. This security shall guarantee compliance with the provisions of this
section regarding removal of signs set forth in Subsection H(4) above.
The existence of political signs in violation of Subsection H(4) of this section shall act to
forfeit the aforementioned bond and to allow the Town to remove said signs.
Ill
Editor's Note:Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 101, General Provisions,
Art. P.
Southampton Political Sign Code
Definition:
POLITICAL SIGN
A nonilluminated sign designed to influence voters or to express a political opinion.
Town of Southold Water Committee
Water Conservation Code Suggestions
The average homeowner uses around 130,000 gallons of water a year. The Town of Southold is looking to
be proactive with the amount of water that residents and businesses use in the Town. The highest use of
water is during the summer months, where 70%of the water usage during that time is from irrigation
systems. *
Experts estimate that as much as 50%of water is wasted due to overwatering caused by inefficiencies in
irrigation methods and systems. *
The public needs to be educated on how to use less water,the use of rain barrels, rain gardens and other
water storage saving techniques. Lawns only need 1% "of rain a week. *
Based on land variables, only about 29 to 57% of precipitation recharges into the aquifers. **
Saltwater intrusion is a concern in Southold Town. This is ber, of the number of miles of shoreline with
many peninsulas and low-lying areas.
Ponding water on the roads deteriorates the road. ; `' ;,
Residents and businesses can obtain discounts for i � lain of new systems from Peconic Estuary
Partnership and SCWA.
c�
WA
*From SCWA r�
** aM
NY Water Science Center % ,
i
,
Code Suggestions: %,�,
%/ i °
1. EFFECTIVE DATE: W `� 5 Thiaw will be effective 4/1/25 and applies to homeowners or
,oil �
businesses that), " tall a NE" prinl system that waters their lawns, flowers and plants, by an
automatic sprinkle system o� ose� , whether the water is from a water company or well water. This
%rr
law does not apply t isc � rs. If a property owner needs to replace or update their system, it will
be up to the new instltA ��specifications.
i,P
2. WATERING AFTER A RAINSTORM: No watering of lawns for at least a minimum of 2 days, after 1/2 inch
of rain has fallen in the Town of Southold.
3. TIME OF WATERING: You can water lawns, flowers and plants only between 4:00 pm and 10:00 am and
only water your property on odd or even days based on your street address#. The odd or even day
watering is recommended by SCWA. No daily watering.
4. USE OF WATER SAVING DEVICES EPA Water Sense approved (SMART CONTROLLERS): All NEW
installations must have at least Two of the following: smart controller, rain sensor, on-site weather
station or a soil moisture sensor installed and be in operation at initial installation. Once the rain
sensor detects%" of rain, it turns off the system. The shut off must last for at least a minimum of 2
days before the sensor puts the system back on. This also applies to an increase in the current system,
of at least 30% in the number of heads of additional coverage. Proof needs to be given to the Town.
5. USE OF WATER SAVING DEVICES EPA Water Sense approved (SMART CONTROLLERS): All CURRENT
automatic lawn sprinkler systems need to have at least Two of the following: smart controller, rain
sensor, on-site weather station or a soil moisture sensor and have it operating in the on position. Once
the rain sensor detects%" of rain, it turns off the system. The shut off must last for at least a
minimum of 2 days before the sensor puts the system back on. Any home or business that does not
have one of the above systems will have until 4/1/28 to have one installed and be in operation. Proof
needs to be given to the Town.
6. EDUCATION: The Town will have included on their web site information in the new Town code. It will
also have links to web sites showing the proper techniques for a lawn and plantings. This information
will also be on the lawn sprinkler contractor's web site and water provider's web site. The Town
should also develop a pamphlet or flyer that can be used by the providers to state what the new code
is and a web site link. Advertisements will be placed by town in the local paper each Spring and
beginning of Summer to notify the public.
7. CALENDAR WATERING ALLOWED: Lawns,flower's and,,, la�rt scan only be watered by sprinkler systems
between April 1 and October 15th, unless a new plaeng, Fall watering should be altered to take into
consideration lower temperatures.
8. CONTRACTORS: Lawn sprinkler contractors need*6o/c w municate with their clients about this law and
give them options needed to follow this,,/law. This Would include a flyer from the Town as well as
information on options for increasing tf r system, T e,contractor would also have to provide the
property owner with proof that they ar .f' llo i t# ;Town code. When providing a new estimate to
a customer,the contractor it,p� vide thitn,°the minimum requirements set by the Town.
9. DISCOUNTS: PEP and SCWA ,rot flabt✓resources. Maybe the Town can also provide a discount.
10. OUT OF TOWN USE 'P TOE! 0F`,� UTHOLD WATER: Make this illegal. Review with public water
providers. Penalties need to,,be set' or the provider of this water to out of Town users.
11. AREA OF PROPERTY'l IAW1 ,AND TREE REMOVAL: There should be a zoning code that states what the
total area of a piece of",prrop',O,rty can be sprinklered or tree coverage on the property. This includes the
taking down of trees. Tres help keep lawns and property from drying out and make the area cooler.
Encourage the use of high grass areas and natural vegetation instead of green lawns.
12. NO PONDING FROM IRRIGATION ON ROADS, SIDEWALKS OR DRIVEWAYS: Water deteriorates the road.
13. WATER DROUGHT CONDITIONS: The Town should work with public water companies and the
community, when there is a water drought condition, to have residents and businesses reduce their
water consumption. This could mean not having irrigation systems run during this time. This could also
include car washing at home.
14. INCREASE RATES ON LARGEST USERS: Work with public water companies to look at increasing rates for
the top users of water and for homeowners that use over 10%over the average home. The %of
increase will be the %they are over the average.
Penalties:
1. First notice is a warning.
2. Second notice $500 fine. Give them 30 days to rectify.
3. Third notice or continuous violation, $1,000 fine. Give them two weeks to rectify.
All penalties are the responsibility of the property owner.
Permit:
The Town should have a permit for every irrigation system, whether the system is on public water or
well water. This will provide income for the code enforcement officer. $100 for a two-year permit. It
will need to be investigated to have the permit application to be done online, so no additional staff will
be needed. The use of Municity is very important. It is the responsibility of the property owner to
submit the permit to the Town.
Definitions:
Automatic Irrigation system: An automatic unwound, above� rund, or grade-level system that
allows or provides a means to apply controlled" rnounts f water to land for irrigation,
Rain Sensor:The system will shut off b s d,on the amount of rain the sensor picks up. The system is
then shut down for a two-day period. This is4f er y; " of�r in has fallen.
Business Owner: Business o r t; hat is n6fln the business of growing (food) vegetables, plants and
shrubs.
Exempt from the lahas law s not apply to Misc. users that water plants during the day..
Weather Static-;phis contr *r hasits own weather station that you install with it. It uses real-time
data from the we h r statiort'to adjust the watering times. It is very accurate if it uses a good
weather station.
Lawn Sprinkler Contractor: One who installs and maintains lawn and plant sprinkler systems for
residential and business owner users.
Law applies to:This law applies to residential users or businesses that water their lawns, flowers and
plants, by an automatic sprinkler system or hoses, whether the water is from a water company or well
water.
Misc. user: Nurseries, greenhouses, vineyards, golf courses, vegetable, animal and grain farmers,
commercial car washes, and garden centers.
Soil Moisture Sensor: A moisture sensor (often more than one), (1 is common in residential) is placed
under the irrigation system to measure the actual amount of moisture in the soil. The irrigation time is
based on the amount of moisture present.
Residential user: A residence that is used for habitation use only.
EPA Water Sense approved Smart Controllers: "Smart Controllers" are controllers that automatically
update the watering schedule to allow for changes in water needs throughout the year. A smart
controller will automatically reduce the watering times as the weather gets cooler,when less water is
needed. Then as the weather begins to warm up,the controller will add more watering time.
Sole Source Aquifer:An aquifer designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the
sole or principal source of drinking water for the area above the aquifer and including those lands
where the population served by the aquifer live :that is, an aquifer which is needed to supply 50%or
more of the drinking water for that area and for which there are no reasonably available alternative
sources should the aquifer become polluted.
Miscellaneous items to review
1. It was mentioned at our meeting to allow ptivate well ;f+2r irrigation purposes.
2. With Saltwater intrusion happening,you irnight, aive to limit how many irrigation systems or the
use of sprinklers close to the water.
3. SCWA told us that odd/even wateringAi;114 best,Way to go, instead of watering during certain
times of the day.
4. Our goal to reduce.t, use of water"is,15%. We are also growing,which will increase usage
automatically.
5. There nee /,td de ain, duc 1pn component to this new code. The contractors thought that the
Town s4oy ld put sor6e,"t g our tax bills.
11/14/24
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