Utilities Development Standards and Information

Utilities Department

Environmental Compliance Division

Development Review Committee Information

CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM

• The City requires an approved Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA) on the potable water meter.
• The City requires an approved Backflow Prevention Assembly on any dedicated potable water irrigation meter.
• The City does not require a Backflow Prevention Assembly on a reclaimed water irrigation system, unless chemicals are being added to the customer’s system. If so, an approved Double Check Valve Assembly shall be installed directly after the reclaimed water meter as indicated in the City Standard Details.
• The City requires an approved Parallel Backflow Prevention Assembly on the potable water meter if the consumer requires an uninterrupted supply of water. The City recommends the parallel system if a loss of water pressure or supply would create a hardship for the customer. The BPA must be tested annually, and the water supply is interrupted during this time. The test usually takes 15-20 minutes if successful. If the BPA requires repair or replacement this can take significantly longer. A parallel system allows for the customer to continue to receive water during this process.
• The City requires a Double Check Detector Assembly on the fire service. However, if the fire system has any type of a fire water holding tank, chemical additives or another source of water, then a Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly would be required.
• All Backflow Prevention Assemblies shall be selected from the City’s Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly List. See form included herein.
• All meters and backflows shall be installed above ground as per the City Standard Details.
• All Backflow Prevention Assemblies must comply with the rules set forth in the latest edition of the Plant City Manual of Cross Connection Control and FAC 62-555.630.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

• The City's NPDES MS4 permit for the storm sewer system requires that we encourage the use of Green Infrastructure in development and re-development projects.  The main principles are to preserve natural hydrology and maximize infiltration of stormwater.  Information on techniques is available here:  https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure
• Light pollution is an emerging worldwide concern.  It harms wildlife and human health in various ways.  Reducing light pollution is as simple as making informed choices about lighting.  Plant City code 102.1468 (l) provides a minimum standard for lighting.  For additional benefits, follow these guidelines:
  • Lights on only when needed
  • Only light the area that needs it
  • No brighter than necessary
  • Minimize blue light emissions (red and yellow colors, not blue and white)
  • Be fully shielded (pointing downward) to avoid light trespass
  • https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/lighting-for-citizens/lighting-basics/

WATER CONSERVATION

Chapter 74 - Utilities, Article II - Water Service, Division 2 - Water Conservation

• Sec. 74-56 – Definitions
• Sec. 75-59 - Restriction or Curtailment of Water Uses
  • (c) Lawn and Landscape Use (2) (g) Significant Water Users

Automatic Irrigation System

• Landscape - Micro-irrigation methods (drip, micro-spray, micro-sprinkler, bubbler, and soaker hoses)
• Where applicable and/or feasible
  • Turfgrass – Water conserving nozzles, pressure regulated spray bodies and multiple stream spray heads  
  • Separate irrigation zones for trees, shrubs, landscape and turfgrass
• If available for connection – use reclaimed water for outdoor irrigation

Florida-Friendly Landscaping – Encouraged

Chapter 102 - Zoning, Article VII - Supplementary Regulations, Division 10 - Buffering, Landscaping and Tree Requirements, Sec. 102-1382

Turfgrass – Consider Bahiagrass

Rain Shutoff Device – Required  

Reference Sec. 74-59 – Restriction of Curtailment of Water Uses,

(c) Lawn and Landscape Use (2)

Consider a weather-based evapotranspiration (ET) “smart” controller

Significant Water Use – Potential Commercial-Industrial Water Users

As Applicable

Reference Sec. 74-59 – Restriction of Curtailment of Water Uses,

(g) Significant Water Users

Provide projected water usage information on the Industry Fact Sheet,

page 2, C., Additional Comments Section

Please forward to:  EnvironmentalCompliance@plantcitygov.com

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Southwest Florida Water Management District
• Florida Water Star – Voluntary certification program for new residential and commercial construction which meets specific water-efficiency criteria
• University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS
  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping Plant Guide
  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping for Community Landscapes and Landscape Professionals