Subject:
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Variance request by the Tierra Verde Community Association, Inc. of County Code of Ordinances Chapter 82 Natural Resources Section 82.3 to change allowable irrigation hours for reclaimed water.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator of a Variance request by the Tierra Verde Community Association, Inc. of County Code of Ordinances (County Code) Chapter 82 Natural Resources Section 82.3 to change allowable irrigation hours for reclaimed water.
• Variance of County Code Chapter 82 Natural Resources Section 82.3 is requested from the TVCA based on low reclaimed water pressure on assigned day(s).
• Request to allow reclaimed water irrigation hours for all properties governed by the TVCA from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight) on regularly assigned days.
• The request is presented as a potential solution to the low-pressure issue on assigned day(s) causing system inefficiencies.
• Pinellas County Utilities Water Conservation and enforcement staff has reviewed the variance request and recommends approval.
• Variance to be effective from date of approval through March 22, 2025.
• Variance only applies to reclaimed water, not potable water.
• For County Administrator approval only, no signature required.
Variance of County Code Chapter 82 Natural Resources Section 82.3; effective upon approval through March 22, 2025; No cost to County.
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Strategic Plan:
Deliver First-Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.4 Strive to serve the needs of all Pinellas County residents and customers
Summary:
The TVCA has requested a short-term variance from County Code Section 82.3 County Reclaimed Water Shortage Conservation Measures. The request is to allow reclaimed water irrigation hours for all properties governed by the TVCA, located at 1275 Pinellas Bayway in Tierra Verde, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight) on the regularly assigned days.
Currently, the TVCA is allowed to water on regularly assigned days from Midnight to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to Midnight, three (3) days per week. The variance requested to the Community’s reclaimed watering schedule is necessary due to low water pressure during currently assigned watering times. The variance will be effective from date of approval through March 22, 2025.
Background/Explanation:
The TVCA has been working with the Utilities Department to address intermittent low reclaimed water pressure. TVCA is requesting a variance from the existing ordinance conditions to temporarily modify the allowable hours for irrigation. TVCA is at the end of the reclaimed water distribution system, making it vulnerable to intermittent periods of lower pressures during seasonal high demand periods. Allowing a variance could provide an opportunity for increased beneficial reuse through enhanced demand management throughout the day. Staff will continue to monitor reclaimed water pressures and availability after implementation of this variance to ensure adequacy of the reclaimed water supply and pressures.
This would apply to all reclaimed water service within the TVCA area that serves the following: single-family residential lawn/landscape irrigation, multi-family residential lawn/landscape irrigation, commercial or Institutional lawn/landscape irrigation, and golf course or athletic field irrigation.
The variance will allow improved distribution of reclaimed water to the TVCA and is consistent with the County Comprehensive Plan. The Variance will not result in hardship, irrigation system limitations or detriment to public safety or health.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this variance request is granted under Code Section 82-3 (f)(1-2).
Staff Member Responsible:
Megan Ross, Director, Utilities
Partners:
Tierra Verde Community Association, Inc.
Attachments:
Variance Application
South County Reclaimed Watering Schedule
County Code of Ordinances Chapter 82 Natural Resources
Department Approval Memo
Project Location Map