Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
McLendon-Chisholm enacts ordinance to curb irrigation runoff; violations subject to fines up to $500
Loading...
Summary
Council adopted an amendment to Chapter 8 prohibiting irrigation runoff onto pervious surfaces and public rights-of-way, establishing enforcement and fines ranging from $1 to $500 per offense; council members said the ordinance addresses recurring nuisance and safety issues.
McLendon-Chisholm — The City Council on Feb. 26 adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 8 to add an article on irrigation and water conservation that prohibits irrigation systems from discharging runoff across roads, sidewalks or other public right-of-way and provides enforcement tools for habitual violations.
Staff said the ordinance responds to resident complaints about water flowing onto streets and sidewalks and noted the rule is intended both to conserve water and reduce roadway hazards. The ordinance text discussed at the meeting sets a fine range "not less than $1 and not to exceed $500 for each offense," and staff said the municipal court judge will set the specific window fines after passage.
Council members voiced support, with several saying they have observed habitual irrigation runoff in neighborhoods and that enforcement will address nuisance behavior. The ordinance passed unanimously on a show-of-hands vote.
Next steps: the municipal court judge will determine any window fines within the $1–$500 range, and city staff will implement enforcement and community outreach about proper irrigation practices.
