Landscape Irrigation Licensing
Information about the licensing of individuals who install, maintain or design landscape irrigation.
RENEWAL OF LANDSCAPE
IRRIGATOR LICENSES
A number of new licenses have been added to the TCEQs Occupational Licensing Program. Therefore in an effort to ensure licenses and registrations are processed and issued in a timely manner, the following change for the renewal of Landscape Irrigator licenses will become effective April 1, 2009.
ANY IRRIGATOR LICENSE THAT IS RENEWED ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2009 WILL BE ISSUED A VALIDITY PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR. HOWEVER, ALL SUBSEQUENT RENEWALS FOR THOSE ONE (1) YEAR LICENSES WILL REVERT BACK TO A THREE (3) YEAR VALIDITY PERIOD. THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE ISSUED A ONE YEAR LICENSE WILL ONLY NEED EIGHT (8) HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION (CEUs) UPON THEIR NEXT RENEWAL. RENEWAL APPLICANTS THAT ARE ISSUED A ONE (1) YEAR LICENSE, BUT PAID FOR A THREE (3) YEAR FEE OF $111.00 WILL BE ISSUED A PRORATED REFUND OF $74.00.
WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS ISSUE PLEASE CONTACT THE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING SECTION AT (512) 239-6133 OR AT licenses@tceq.state.tx.us
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) promulgated new and revised rules on June 26, 2008 which affected many licensing programs including the Landscape Irrigation Program.
Please review the URL below to become acquainted with the newly
adopted Chapter 30 rules for
Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 30, Subchapter D:
Landscape Irrigators and Installers, Irrigation Technicians and
Irrigation Inspectors.
A person may not sell, design, install, maintain, alter, repair, service or inspect an irrigation system—or consult in these activities—in this state unless the person is licensed by the TCEQ. While connecting an irrigation system to a water supply, a licensed technician must be under the direct supervision of a licensed irrigator.
- When is a license not required?
- What does each license do?
- How do I obtain a license?
- How do I become a licensed irrigator?
- How do I become a licensed irrigation technician?
- How do I become a licensed irrigation inspector?
- How long is my license valid?
- How do I renew a license?
- I've moved. How do I notify you of my new address or phone number?
- I lost my license, how do I obtain a replacement?
- What are the relevant laws and rules for my license?
- Who can I call for more information?
When is a license not required?
The licensure requirements do not apply to:- a person who is licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and is working within the scope provided by the plumbing laws;
- a person who is registered or licensed as a professional engineer or architect or landscape architect if the work is related to the pursuit of the profession;
- a person who is under the direct supervision of a licensed irrigator and assists in the installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, or service of an irrigation system; or
- a person who is an owner of a business that employs a licensed irrigator to supervise the business' sale, design, consultation, installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, and service of irrigation systems. For the purpose of this subchapter, employs means steadily, uniformly, or habitually working in an employer-employee relationship with the intent to earn a livelihood, as opposed to working casually or occasionally.
- irrigation or yard sprinkler work that is performed by a property owner in a building or on premises owned or occupied by the owner as the owner's home;
- irrigation or yard sprinkler work other than extension of an existing irrigation or yard sprinkler system of a replacement system that is:
-
- performed by a maintenance person who does not act as an irrigator or engage in yard sprinkler construction or maintenance for the public and
- incidental to and on premises owned by the business in which the person is regularly employed or engaged;
- irrigation or yard sprinkler work that is performed:
-
- (A) by a regular employee of a railroad who does not act as an irrigator or engage in yard sprinkler construction or maintenance for the public;
- and
- (B) on the premises or equipment of the railroad;
- irrigation and yard sprinkler work that is performed on public property by a person who is regularly employed by a county, city, town, special district, or political subdivision of the state;
- irrigation or yard sprinkler work that is performed by a person using a garden hose, hose sprinkler, hose-end product, including soaker hose, or agricultural irrigation system;
- an activity that includes a commercial agricultural irrigation system;
- irrigation or yard sprinkler work that is performed by an agriculturist, agronomist, horticulturist, forester, gardener, contract gardener, garden or lawn caretaker, nurseryman, or grader or cultivator of land on land owned by the individual performing the work;
- irrigation or yard sprinkler work that is performed by a member of a property owners' association as defined by Property Code, §202.001, on real property owned by the association or in common by the members of the association if the irrigation or yard sprinkler system water real property that is less than ½ acre in size and is used for aesthetic or recreational purposes..
Even though you may be exempt from licensing, you must comply
with the standards established by
Title 30 TAC Chapter 344
. Irrigation system does not
include a system used on or by an agricultural operation as defined
in Section 251.002, Agricultural Code.
What does each license do?
Licensed irrigators (LI) can sell, design, consult, install, maintain, alter, repair, or service an irrigation system including the connection of such system to a private or public, raw or potable water supply or any water supply. This includes water wells and unincorporated areas of the state.
Licensed irrigation inspectors (II) are responsible for verifying that permits have been obtained, they will be licensed to inspect the irrigation system, determine the irrigation system complies with the rule requirements, determine if the appropriate backflow revention device is installed, tested and test results provided to the water purveyor, and investigates complaints.
Obtaining a License
Effective 01/01/2009
| To obtain this license ... | You need this much classroom training ... | You need this much experience ... | Pay an application fee of ... | And you must pass an examination, scoring at least a ... | |
|
0 years
|
0 years
|
$111
|
70% in each of the following sections:
Installation, Backflow Prevention, Hydraulics and Design
|
||
|
Irrigation Technician Course
|
0 years
|
$111.00
|
70 %
|
||
|
Basic Irrigation Course; Backflow Prevention
Assembly Tester; Water Conservation or Audit Course;or Irrigation
Inspector Course
|
0 years
|
$111.00
|
70 %
|
Applications for an Irrigator license must be submitted to the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) at least 14 days before the scheduled examination and must be approved before taking a license exam. You can call TEEX at 1-800-824-7303 for an application, approved list of providers, and exam schedule.
How do I become a licensed irrigator?
To become a Licensed Irrigator, you must complete the Basic Irrigator training course, submit an application with the appropriate fee, a copy of a certificate showing completion of an approved basic training course, and pass each section of the Irrigator exam (installation, backflow, hydraulics, and design). An approved application is valid for one year for the initial exam and/or three retests whichever occurs first. To obtain an application or inquire about additional fees, contact the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) at 1-800-824-7303.
How do I become a licensed irrigation technician?
To become a Licensed Irrigation Technician, you must submit an application with the appropriate fee,attend an Irrigation Technician Training course, and pass the Irrigation Technician exam,. An approved application is valid for one year for the initial exam and/or three retests whichever occurs first. To obtain an application or to inquire about additional fees, contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at 512-239-6133.
How do I become a licensed irrigation inspector?
To become a Licensed Irrigation Inspector, you must submit an application with the appropriate fee, attend a Basic Irrigation Course, a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester course, a Water Conservation or Water Audit course or a TCEQ approved Inspector course and pass the Irrigation Inspector exam. An approved application is valid for one year for the initial exam and/or three retests whichever occurs first. To obtain an application contact the TCEQ at 512-239-6133.
How long is my license valid?
After 01/01/2008 all new licenses (first time issued) expire in three years on the last day of the month they were issued, and must be renewed every three years in order to retain your license number.
If you do not renew your licensewithin 30 days after the expiration date, you will need to re-take and pass the examination for the license desired. For the irrigator license, you must have completed an approved basic training course since September 1, 1997. You will be assigned a new license number unless approval has been made by the Licensing Section for you to retain your old license number.
How do I renew a license?
RENEWAL OF LANDSCAPE
IRRIGATOR LICENSES
A number of new licenses have been added to the TCEQs Occupational Licensing Program. Therefore in an effort to ensure licenses and registrations are processed and issued in a timely manner, the following change for the renewal of Landscape Irrigator licenses will become effective April 1, 2009.
ANY IRRIGATOR LICENSE THAT IS RENEWED ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2009 WILL BE ISSUED A VALIDITY PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR. HOWEVER, ALL SUBSEQUENT RENEWALS FOR THOSE ONE (1) YEAR LICENSES WILL REVERT BACK TO A THREE (3) YEAR VALIDITY PERIOD. THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE ISSUED A ONE YEAR LICENSE WILL ONLY NEED EIGHT (8) HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION (CEUs) UPON THEIR NEXT RENEWAL. RENEWAL APPLICANTS THAT ARE ISSUED A ONE (1) YEAR LICENSE, BUT PAID FOR A THREE (3) YEAR FEE OF $111.00 WILL BE ISSUED A PRORATED REFUND OF $74.00.
WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS ISSUE PLEASE CONTACT THE OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING SECTION AT (512) 239-6133 OR AT licenses@tceq.state.tx.us
To renew your current license, you will be mailed a renewal postcard to the last known address on file at least 60 days before your license expires. Follow the directions on the postcard and you can either renew your license online at Texas Online or you can request a printed renewal application.
If you are unable to renew online, please contact our office immediately to receive a printed renewal application. You can contact the TCEQ Licensing Section at licenses@tceq.state.tx.us or phone (512) 239-6133. Please be sure to include your full name and license number with your request. Remember it is your responsibility to timely submit a renewal application.
| To maintain this license ... | You need this much continuing education ... | And you must pay an application fee of ... |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Irrigator (LI) | $111.00 | |
| Irrigation Technician | 16 hours | $111.00 |
| Irrigation Inspector | 24 hours | $111.00 |
To check the current status of your license, click here. To obtain a list of approved training providers, click here.
- Licensed Irrigator renewal procedures
- Irrigation Technician license renewal procedures
- Irrigation Inspector license renewal procedures
Licensed irrigator renewal procedures
- 8 hours of continuing education for each validity period of the license;
- Sign and date the application or renew online at Texas Online.
- Pay a renewal fee of $111;and
- Meet issues of compliance.
After your license is renewed, you must obtain 8 hours of continuing education for each validity period of the license, before the license expiration date.
Irrigation Technician license renewal procedures
- Complete sixteen(16) hours of continuing education
- Sign and date the application;
- Pay a renewal fee of $111 effective; and
- Meet issues of compliance.
Irrigation Inspector license renewal procedures
- Complete twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education
- Sign and date the application;
- Pay a renewal fee of $111; and
- Meet issues of compliance.
Obtaining a renewal application
To renew your current license, you will be mailed a renewal postcard to the last known address on file at least 60 days before your license expires. Follow the directions on the postcard and you can either renew your license online at Texas Online or you can request a printed renewal application.
If you are unable to renew online, please contact our office immediately to receive a printed renewal application. You can contact the TCEQ Licensing Section at licenses@tceq.state.tx.us or phone (512) 239-6719. Please be sure to include your full name and license number with your request. Remember it is your responsibility to timely submit a renewal application.
Follow the directions which accompany the application, and return it with the requested materials before your license expires.
Lost applications
If you've lost your renewal notification or application or did not receive one, call 512/239-6133 or e-mail (Please make sure you include your name, contact information, license number or social security number) to licenses@tceq.state.tx.us before your license expires to obtain a new application on an approved form.
Issues of compliance
You must be in compliance with guaranteed student loans, child support payments, and TCEQ fees or penalties.
If you are currently under enforcement, you are encouraged to resolve these issues before you renew to avoid delays in the renewal of your license.
Late renewal
License expired for less than 30 days?
License expired for more than 30 days?
If your license has been expired for less than 30 days:
You must show proof that you have completed the required number of hours of approved continuing education training before your license expired.
- If you lost or did not receive a renewal application, click here.
- If you completed your continuing education BEFORE your license
expired:
- You must submit your renewal application with the appropriate fee within 30 days after your license expired.
- We will also review whether you are delinquent in the paying student loans, and any penalties which may be owed to the TCEQ.
- If you did not complete your continuing education BEFORE your
license expired, you cannot renew your license:
- You will need to follow the same procedures as if your license was expired for more than 30 days.
- You are not licensed and may be subject to penalties for performing irrigation services without a license
You cannot renew your license if it has been expired for more than 30 days. You must then do the following:
- call TEEX at 1-800-824-7303, for an irrigator application
- submit the application for approval at least 14 days before taking the exam,
- pay an application fee,
- provide proof you have completed an approved basic training course since September 1, 1997, and
- pass the exam within 12 months of application approval. Once you pass the exam, you will be issued a NEW license number.
- Call TCEQ for an irrigation technician or irrigator inspector application at 512-239-6133.
I've moved. How do I notify you of my new address or phone number?
Within 10 days of the date you moved, you must notify us of changes in your address or phone number. The notification must be in writing and mailed to the TCEQ, MC-178, PO Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087; or faxed to 512/239-0533; or e-mailed to licenses@tceq.state.tx.us Mail from the TCEQ is NOT forwarded.
I lost my license, how do I obtain a replacement?
To replace your lost license, you can contact the licensing section at 512/ 239-6133 or download the request form. The replacement license is $20.00. Be certain to specify if you are ordering a wall certificate or pocket card (license card).
What are the relevant laws and rules for my license?
The laws relevant to landscape irrigation are Chapter
1903
of the Occupations Code and
Chapter 37
of the Texas Water Code
The state rules relating to licensing and standards are
Title 30 TAC Chapter 30, Subchapters A & D
, and
Title 30 TAC Chapter 344
.
The enforcement provisions relating to landscape irrigation are
found in Texas Water
Code, Chapter 7
Who can I contact or call for more information?
- Location - The second floor in building A of the TCEQ complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Austin, Texas
- Office Hours - 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday (excluding
holidays).
- Phone number -512/239-6133. Press #1 for New Applications or
Exams
Press #2 for Renewals - Fax - 512/239-6272
- Email address licenses@tceq.state.tx.us
- Mailing Address - TCEQ, Landscape Irrigation Licensing Program, MC-178, PO Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087
