Ivins planners begin work to remove secondary irrigation requirement from subdivision rules

The Ivins Planning Commission discussed proposed amendments to the city’s subdivision ordinance on Feb. 28 that would eliminate the requirement that new subdivisions provide a separate secondary (irrigation) water system.

Planning staff said the change is driven by updates to the local conservancy district’s master plan, which no longer requires secondary water systems for new developments. The commission held a discussion and heard comments about water reuse, infrastructure costs and conservation but did not take a final vote; staff indicated the ordinance will be revised (removing references to secondary water) and return for public hearing and formal action.

Planning staff explained that the current code requires two water systems — one culinary and one for irrigation — and that counsel prepared redline edits to delete the secondary‑water requirement. Staff advised commissioners that, rather than retaining a cross‑out statement, the final draft will likely remove the secondary‑water references and renumber the ordinance for clarity when it returns.

Commissioners and others discussed broader water topics during the item. Commissioner Waite referenced the conservancy district’s master plan as the impetus for the change. A person identified as Chuck (who assembled the ordinance language) and an audience member named Mike Scott were cited as participants or observers. One commissioner noted that removing the secondary‑water requirement would not prohibit communities or developers from installing a secondary irrigation system where it remains available; the change would only eliminate the requirement for new subdivisions going forward.

Commissioners and staff discussed cost implications. A planner in the discussion estimated that the developer cost of installing a secondary system is “probably a couple percent” of development cost; another speaker noted that extending existing secondary mains in built areas could be more expensive because of needed street work. Commissioners also raised the possibility of recycled (purple pipe) water use and broader conservation trends; one commissioner said many communities across the West now reuse a large share of treated water for nonpotable uses.

Staff advised that the ordinance amendment must return for a formal public hearing and that a cleaner redrafted version will be presented. No final action was taken at this meeting.