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:

 

WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Florida-Friendly Landscaping is encouraged

  • Chapter 102 – Zoning, Article VII – Supplementary Regulations Division 10 – Buffering, Landscaping and Tree Requirements Sec. 102-1382 - Florida-Friendly Landscaping
  • Chapter 74 – Utilities, Article II – Water Service, Division 2 – Water Conservation Sec. 74-56 - Definition

Automatic Irrigation Systems  (Rain Shutoff Devices Required)

  • Chapter 74 – Utilities, Article II – Water Service, Division 2 – Water Conservation Sec. 74-56 – Definitions

Automatic irrigation system means a permanent underground watering system equipped with surface, subsurface, or overhead emitters, properly installed and correctly functioning approved backflow prevention assembly and rain shutoff device, which operates following a preset program. Hose bibbs (faucets) with hoses and portable sprinklers do not constitute an automatic irrigation system. Automatic irrigation systems and components thereof shall be designed and installed in accordance with City plumbing code (Florida Building Code-Plumbing, F.S., ch. 553, pt. IV, app. F, Construction Building Codes for Turf and Landscape Irrigation Systems.

Rain shutoff device means a calibrated device that is designed to detect rainfall and override the irrigation cycle of the irrigation system when a predetermined amount of rainfall has occurred. Examples of such devices include a rain sensor, soil moisture sensor or evapotranspiration controller with a local weather station.

  • Sec. 74-59 – Restriction or Curtailment of Water Uses (c) (2)

Significant Water Use

  • Chapter 74 – Utilities, Article II – Water Service, Division 2 – Water Conservation Sec. 74-59 – Restriction or curtailment of water uses

   Potential commercial-industrial water users 

   Please provide water usage information on the Industry Fact Sheet, page 2, C.  Additional Comments section

https://www.plantcitygov.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/utilities_operations/page/21171/industryfactsheet20230607.pdf

 

(g)  Significant water users. Commercial-Industrial users who withdraw an average of 25,000 gallons per day or greater from the city's potable water system, shall provide a water conservation plan to the City. Water conservation plan(s) shall meet the requirements of the water management district and shall be submitted to the City annually on or before February 1 of each year. Following the initial submittal, subsequent annual submittals may consist of update letters to the original plan and progress reports on water conservation projects and programs.

 

Additional Resources

  • Southwest Florida Water Management District
  • University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)
  • Use of low-volume irrigation methods and micro-irrigation are encouraged
  • If available for connection, investigate the feasibility of utilizing reclaimed water for outdoor irrigation

Supporting Documents

PDF icon CPCTechnicalManual_Utilities (6 MB)
PDF icon Datasheet for FDEP Permit Application (119 KB)
PDF icon Manual of Cross Connection Control_Final_February 2022 (1 MB)
File UtilityPermitAPPChecklist (48 KB)
File AssetDataTable_March2021 (64 KB)
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