§ 5-31. Code requirements for fire service water mains, fire hydrants and fire connections on private property.

(a)

Fire service water mains.

(1)

Fire service water mains shall be installed in accordance with approved plans and the city engineering public works department requirements and specifications for water main construction. Fire service mains shall also be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association standard for the installation of private fire service mains and their appurtenances, NFPA 24. Conflicting provisions of the city engineering and public works department specifications and NFPA 24 requirements should be reported to the fire department.

(2)

Fire service water mains, water meters and other appurtenances shall be designed to provide the minimum combined required sprinkler demand (if applicable) and needed fire flow at twenty (20) pounds per square inch residual pressure at the hydraulically most difficult fire hydrant.

It is assumed that other fire hydrants, if provided, will provide a greater quantity of water at the same residual pressure.

(3)

Required fire flow will be determined utilizing the North Carolina Fire Code Appendix B.

(4)

Water flow testing will be conducted at the time of the Certificate of Occupancy to determine that the water system meets the water supply quantities determined in subsection (a)(2). Failure to meet the water flow requirements subsection (a)(2) will result in denial of certificate of occupancy.

(b)

Fire hydrants. Fire hydrant coverage shall not exceed the limits established in Chapter 5 and Appendix C of the North Carolina Fire Code, to the most remote point of any building covered by the state fire prevention code.

(1)

All fire hydrants will be on a public main, no private fire hydrants are permitted.

(2)

For proper measurement, start at the fire hydrant and measure along the same path of travel as a fire truck would use. Do not measure according to the term "as the crow flies."

(3)

The approach route of firefighting apparatus should be kept in mind as fire hydrant locations are determined. Fire hydrants should be located so that the fire apparatus will not have to go past the fire to catch a fire hydrant, then double back to the fire.

(4)

Fire hydrants shall be installed and painted according to the city engineering, public works and fire department specifications.

(5)

Each fire hydrant must be readily visible and within six (6) feet of the curb line. No obstructions are permitted between the hydrant and the curb line.

(6)

All obstructions, such as fences, trees, shrubs, signs, etc., shall be at least three (3) feet from the fire hydrant in all directions. The city shall have the right to cut, trim or remove obstructions to the extent and for the purpose of correcting such hazards.

(7)

The five-inch Storz connection of the fire hydrant shall always face the curb.

(8)

The nut of the Storz connection cap shall be no less than eighteen (18) inches nor more than four (4) feet above grade.

(c)

Fire department connections. The fire department connections for standpipe and/or sprinkler systems are important supplements to normal water supplies. Under fire conditions, these devices permit the fire department to increase the water supply and pressure to fire protection systems which may be materially reduced by a larger number of sprinklers operating or by the use of hose streams from standpipe risers.

(1)

Minimum size pipe shall be 4" diameter.

(2)

All fire department fire sprinkler system connections for commercial buildings shall have one 5" Storz connection and protective cap. All fire department standpipe system connections for commercial buildings shall have two (2) 2½" NST connection and protective caps.

(3)

The fire department connections at buildings provided with more than two (2) standpipe risers shall all have two (2) 2½" NST connection and protective caps at all standpipe riser.

(4)

Fire department fire sprinkler connections on residential structures with residential sprinkler systems shall have five-inch Storz connection and protective cap. Fire department fire standpipe connections on residential structures with residential standpipe systems shall have two (2) 2½" NST connection and protective caps.

(5)

All fire department connections (fire sprinkler and standpipe) shall be located not less than ten (10) feet from building, nor more than five (5) feet above finished grade. Fire department connections (fire sprinkler and standpipe) are not permitted at backflow preventer or hot boxes. The fire chief will make final decisions on locations.

(6)

In case were both a fire sprinkler and standpipe connection is required, both connections shall be within five (5) feet of each other.

(7)

All fire department connections (fire sprinkler and standpipe) shall be provided a clear space of ten (10) feet horizontally and vertically in all directions.

(8)

All fire department connections (fire sprinkler and standpipe) shall be readily visible and not more than ten (10) feet from a street, fire lane or similar area providing access to fire department apparatus. The area between the connection and vehicular access shall be free of obstructions.

(9)

There shall be an approved pumper fire hydrant within one hundred (100) feet of the fire department connection (fire sprinkler and standpipe) measured along an approved path of travel for the fire apparatus.

(Ord. No. 2019-16 , § 3, 4-8-19)