106-4-2.100 Ditch Or Canal Improvements

1. Subdivisions creating three or more Lots shall pipe or otherwise improve canals, ditches, or irrigation conveyance infrastructure located within or adjacent to subdivision improvements as necessary to protect public safety and maintain irrigation function. Minor subdivisions creating one or two additional Lots may utilize alternative safety measures approved by the City Engineer and irrigation company, which may include setbacks, fencing, bridging, or other protective improvements in lieu of full piping where appropriate. The piping or relocation of irrigation infrastructure shall not reduce hydraulic capacity or impair the historic functional delivery of irrigation water, including access to headgates, turnouts, or gravity irrigation service, unless otherwise approved in writing by the irrigation facility owner. The City may waive or modify piping requirements where the applicant demonstrates that the subdivision will not materially increase risk to the irrigation facility or the public. 2. Protection of irrigation function. Subdivision improvements shall not impair the continued delivery of irrigation water to adjacent or remainder agricultural lands. Where proposed subdivision improvements affect existing canals, ditches, laterals, headgates, or historic agricultural drainage patterns, the applicant shall relocate, pipe, bridge, or otherwise improve such facilities in a manner acceptable to the applicable irrigation company or facility owner and the City Engineer. Required improvements may include access easements, maintenance corridors, and drainage facilities necessary to preserve historic irrigation function 3. A solid board, chain link, or other non-climbable fence not less than six feet in height shall be installed on both sides of existing irrigation ditches or canals which carry five second feet or more of water, or bordering open reservoirs, railroad rightsof-way or non-access streets, and which are located within or adjacent to the subdivision. The Planning Commission may determine that park areas, including streams or bodies of water, shall remain unfenced. Fencing or piping of canals, etc., shall not be required on subdivisions of four or fewer lots, or where canals are located 600 feet from the homes.