Irrigation

How to properly install an irrigation system in the JCSA’s service area that meets regulatory requirements.

  1. If utilizing a contractor for the installation, choose a contractor that is properly licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), and has a James City County (JCC) business license.  The James City Service Authority (JCSA) recommends that you seek multiple estimates and obtain a written contract for the work to be performed.  
  2. Pay the JCSA Lawn Irrigation Connection (LIC) fee of $1,000 to the JCSA at the JCSA Operations Center located at 119 Tewning Road, Williamsburg, VA.  Alternatively, the LIC fee may be mailed to the JCSA at:

    • JCSA 
      ATTN: Customer Service Department
      119 Tewning Rd
      Williamsburg, VA 23188

  3. If mailed, please include an explanation of what the payment is for, the property address where the irrigation system will be installed, and a mailing address for the receipt to be mailed to (if different).  The receipt will be mailed to the address you provide.  
  4. Apply for or have your chosen contractor apply for a plumbing permit for the backflow prevention assembly (BPA) and irrigation system installation via the JCC PermitLink website. There are instructions for this process at the website.   
  5. Attach/upload a copy of your paid LIC receipt to the permit. The permit will not be issued until the LIC fee receipt is attached to the permit.
  6. Pay for the permit via the PermitLink system.
  7. Ensure a properly approved BPA is installed near or at the tap into your water supply line.  Approval criteria, JCSA BPA test forms, and additional information regarding our Backflow Prevention & Cross Connection Control (BP&CCC) Program may be found on the Backflow page.  A rain sensor or smart controller that functions as a rain sensor is also required to be installed by JCC Ordinance 116A-36.
  8. The Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Plumbing Code, and the JCSA Utility Regulations requires that the BPA be tested at the time of installation, whenever repaired or relocated, and at least annually.  Ensure that a properly DPOR licensed Backflow Device Worker test the BPA and submits a test report to the JCSA at: jcsa.bpatest@jcsava.gov  The final inspection for the permit will not be approved until a passing BPA test report indicating a rain sensor is installed is received by the JCSA.  
  9. Note that violating the JCSA Utility Regulations is subject to a fine of $1000.00  Additionally, any property owner found to be in violation of the BP&CCC program or the Rain Sensor Ordinance may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $2,500, and/or sentenced to 30 days in jail, either or both, as directed by the court for each violation. Each day upon which a violation of the provisions of the program or ordinance shall occur shall be deemed a separate and additional violation for the purposes of this section.