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Council issues order of notice for proposed irrigation ordinance; clarifications to follow
Summary
Council voted to place a proposed irrigation ordinance on public notice. The draft (based on North Kingstown model) would restrict sprinkler operations between 10 a.m.'2 p.m. and ban watering on certain days; staff will refine exemption language and clarity before the public hearing.
Planner Rich Bourbonnais presented a draft irrigation ordinance modeled on a neighboring town that aims to conserve water and protect storage supplies. The proposal would restrict sprinkler operation during mid-day hours (no sprinkler operation between 10 a.m.'2 p.m.) and would prohibit watering on specified days (for example, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday) in some districts as drafted. Council members asked for clarity on hand-watering exemptions, whether the rules are permanent or seasonal, and how the schedule would apply in split neighborhoods.
Bourbonnais said staff would refine definitions (for example, what constitutes "hand watering" and exemptions for edible gardens, livestock or critical needs) and would present those changes at the public hearing. The council voted to issue an order of notice (advance the draft to public hearing) and staff will return with revised language and exhibit clarifications for the hearing.
What happens next: staff will prepare the public hearing materials with clearer language and exemption sections and return to council at the advertised hearing for consideration of final ordinance language.
