§ 98-95. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Amendment means any material added to the soil to alter the pH or improve the physical properties of the soil.

Application rate means the rate of irrigation (inches per hour or gallons per minute) at which water is applied by an irrigation system.

Automatic control valve means a valve in an irrigation system which is activated by an automatic electric controller via an electric control wire.

Automatic irrigation system means an irrigation system that can be controlled without manual manipulation and which operates on a preset program.

Contour means a line drawn on a plan which connects all points of equal elevation above or below a known or assumed reference point.

Controller means an automatic timing device with enclosure, which signals automatic valves to open and close on a present program.

Coverage is a general term, used with respect to the spacing of sprinkler heads, which defines the manner in which water is applied.

Cycle means, in irrigation, the complete operation of a controller station.

Drip irrigation means low volume irrigation.

Grading means earthwork performed to alter the natural contours of an area to be planted.

Infiltration rate means the rate (inches per hour) in which water moves through soil under natural conditions.

Irrigation system means a complete connection of system components, including the water source, the water distribution network, and the necessary irrigation equipment.

Median means a planted area which separates two roadways or divides a portion of a road into two or more lanes.

Mulch means materials such as bark or sawdust placed on the soil surface to retain moisture, retard weed growth, or prevent erosion.

Overspray means water which is discharged from a popup or spray head which lands outside of the planting area.

Percolation means the movement of water through soil.

Permeability means the quality of a soil which allows water and air to pass through it.

Planting area means the parcel area less building pads, driveways, patios, decks, walkways and parking area. Planting areas include water bodies (i.e., fountains, ponds, lakes) and natural areas.

Planting plan means a plan showing the features, contours, and dimensions of a plot of land, along with the location and dimensions of elements to be constructed.

Point of connection means the point at which the irrigation system is connected to the public water system. This location is normally identified by the point at which a water meter is located or will be installed.

Precipitation rate means the amount of water, in inches per hour, discharged by a group of sprinkler heads.

psi means pounds per square inch gauge water pressure.

Rain shutoff means a feature of an automated irrigation system which interrupts the normal irrigation cycle when it detects a significant amount of rainfall.

Rehabilitated landscape means any planting area in which landscape materials are replaced or modified. Examples include a change of plants or ground cover, installation of a new irrigation system, and grading modifications.

Runoff means water which is not absorbed by the soil to which it is applied. Runoff usually occurs when water is applied at too great a rate or when water is applied to a steep slope.

Station means a position on an automatic irrigation controller which indicates the control point of automatic irrigation valves.

Tensiometer and moisture sensor mean an instrument for measuring the moisture content of the soil and capable of interrupting the irrigation cycle when excessive or adequate moisture is detected.

Toe and slope mean a horizontal section located at the base of a slope.

(Ord. No. 97-01, § 2(14.10.050), 1-2-1997; Ord. No. 97-13, § 2, 3-26-1997; Ord. No. 97-17, § 2, 9-24-1997)

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 1-2.