Statutes, codes, and regulations
District Of Columbia Administrative Code
Title 12 - CONSTRUCTION CODES SUPPLEMENT OF 2017Subtitle 12-K - GREEN CONSTRUCTION CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 2017
Chapter 12-K4 - SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE
Rule 12-K404 - LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AND OUTDOOR FOUNTAINS

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-K404

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Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024
Rule 12-K404 - LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AND OUTDOOR FOUNTAINS

Strike Sections 404.1, 404.1.1 and 404.1.2 of the International Green Construction Code in their entirety and insert new Sections 404.1, 404.1.1 and 404.1.2 in the Green Construction Code in their place to read as follows:

404.1

Landscape irrigation systems. Irrigation of exterior landscaping shall comply with Sections .1 and .2

Exception: Projects under the jurisdiction of the Residential Code.

404.1.1

Water for outdoor landscape irrigation. Outdoor landscape irrigation systems shall be designed and installed to reduce potable water use by 50 percent through plant selection, water efficient irrigation technology, the elimination of a permanently installed irrigation system, and/or, where permitted by District regulation or ordinances, with alternate onsite nonpotable water complying with Section 1115 of the Plumbing Code and local regulations. Designers shall use the EPA Water Sense Interactive Water Budget Tool to determine whether the design meets the 50 percent reduction threshold.

Exceptions:Potable water is permitted to be used as follows:

1. During the establishment phase of newly planted landscaping and during periods of drought in excess of 30 days.
2. To irrigate food production.
3. To supplement nonpotable water irrigation of shade trees provided in accordance with Section 408.2.3 of the Green Construction Code.
404.1.2

Irrigation system design and installation. Where in- ground irrigation systems are provided, the systems shall comply with all of the following:

1. The design and installation of outdoor irrigation systems shall be under the supervision of an irrigation professional accredited or certified by an appropriate local or national body.
2. Landscape irrigation systems shall not direct water onto building exterior surfaces, foundations or exterior paved surfaces. Systems shall not generate runoff.
3. Where an irrigation control system is used, the system shall be one that regulates irrigation based on weather, climate or soil moisture data, or time of day. The controller shall have integrated or separate sensors to suspend irrigation events during rainfall.
4. Irrigation zones shall be based on plant water needs with plants of similar need grouped together. Turfgrass shall not be grouped with other plantings on the same zone.

Strike Section 404.2 of the International Green Construction Code in its entirety without substitution.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-K404

Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 5679 (5/29/2020)