Chapter 15.28
FIRE HYDRANT INSTALLATION
Sections:
15.28.020 Definitions and abbreviations.
15.28.040 Timing of installation.
15.28.050 Number of hydrants required.
15.28.060 Location of hydrants.
15.28.070 Materials and installation.
15.28.090 Hydrant workmanship.
15.28.100 Hydrant obstructions.
15.28.120 Prohibited installation.
15.28.140 Interpretation, purpose and conflict.
15.28.150 Violation – Penalty.
15.28.010 Applicability.
(1) All buildings constructed within the city shall be served by fire hydrants installed in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. In addition, existing fire hydrants which do not conform with the requirements and standards of this chapter, when replaced, shall be replaced with hydrants which conform to the standards and requirements of this chapter.
(2) No building shall be constructed within the city unless there is an approved water supply system with hydrants capable of supplying the required fire flow for the classification of the building to be constructed. Any cost incurred to bring the system up to required standards shall be the responsibility of the property owner. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 1, 1997).
15.28.020 Definitions and abbreviations.
(1) Whenever a reference is made to any portion of this code or any other applicable law or ordinance, the reference applies to all amendments and additions now or hereafter made.
(2) For the purpose of this chapter, the following words, terms, phrases and their derivations shall have the meaning given in this section unless the context otherwise indicates. Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the plural include the singular, and the singular the plural. The word “shall” is always mandatory.
(a) “AWWA” means the American Water Works Association.
(b) “Fire authority” means the building official or their designee for the purposes of the code section.
(c) “Flush hydrant” means a hydrant installed entirely below grade.
(d) “LID” means a local improvement district as authorized by RCW 57.16.060.
(e) “Standard specifications” means the “Standard Specifications for Municipal Public Works Construction” prepared by Washington State Chapter, American Public Works Association, current edition.
(f) “IBC” means the International Building Code as adopted, including amendments, by the city of Port Orchard.
(g) “IFC” means the International Fire Code as adopted, including amendments, by the city of Port Orchard.
(h) “Water authority” means the city engineer, their appointee or any other approved entity distributing water to fire hydrants within the city of Port Orchard. (Ord. 017-23 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 2, 1997).
15.28.030 Plans.
Two copies of detailed plans or drawings, accurately indicating the location of all valves and fire hydrants to be installed, shall be submitted to and approved by the fire authority prior to the commencement of any construction. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 3, 1997).
15.28.040 Timing of installation.
(1) The UFC shall govern. The developer shall provide written notification to the appropriate water authority and fire authority of the date of installation and expected date of serviceability of fire hydrants.
(2) The developer shall provide written notification to the fire authority when all newly installed hydrants or mains are placed in service. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 4, 1997).
15.28.050 Number of hydrants required.
The fire authority will determine the number of fire hydrants to be installed in accordance with UFC. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 5, 1997).
15.28.060 Location of hydrants.
(1) The fire authority shall determine the location of the hydrants based upon a determination of utility, topography and building location.
(2) The UFC shall govern the location of fire hydrants required by this chapter. All provisions of this code shall govern unless specifically excluded or modified by statements in the body of this chapter.
(3) Fire hydrants shall be within 400 feet of each other. Where this is not feasible, the distance between fire hydrants shall be determined by the fire authority and approved by the water authority.
(4) Hydrants shall be a minimum of 50 feet away from the building or structure. Where that is impossible, they shall be set where chance of injury by falling walls is small and from which men are not likely to be driven by smoke or heat. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 6, 1997).
15.28.070 Materials and installation.
(1) The document entitled “Standard Specifications for Municipal Public Works Construction” shall be the specification which shall govern the material and installation of hydrants and water lines required by this chapter.
(2) All provisions of these specifications as they relate to the activities required by this chapter shall govern unless specifically excluded or modified by statements in the body of this chapter. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 7, 1997).
15.28.080 Water mains.
(1) All newly installed mains shall be a minimum of eight inches in diameter. All new mains shall be constructed as loop systems where appropriate as determined by the water authority. A minimum 10-foot easement will be required for mains constructed on private property.
(2) The leads from the service main to the hydrant shall be no less than six inches in diameter. Any hydrant leads over 50 feet in length from the water main to the hydrant shall be no less than eight inches in diameter. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 8, 1997).
15.28.090 Hydrant workmanship.
(1) All hydrants shall stand plumb and be set with the lowest outlet of the hydrant not less than 18 inches above grade.
(2) Each hydrant shall be equipped with two-and-one-half-inch outlets and a steamer port with four-and-one-half-inch outlet National Standard Thread. The steamer port shall also be equipped with five-inch Storz quarter turn coupling complete with cover.
Exception: When it is determined by the fire authority and the city engineer that the Storz coupling is no benefit to the fire authority, this requirement may be waived, and a standard four-and-one-half-inch National Standard Thread steamer port be allowed.
(3) The steamer port shall face the street. Where the street cannot be clearly defined, the fire authority will determine the appropriate alignment of the ports.
(4) There shall be a cleared and level area around the hydrant with a minimum radius of 36 inches. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 9, 1997).
15.28.100 Hydrant obstructions.
Hydrants shall not be obstructed by any structure or vegetation that would impair sight visibility of the hydrant within a distance of 150 feet in any direction of vehicular approach to the hydrant. (Ord. 017-23; Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 10, 1997).
15.28.110 Hydrant protection.
Fire hydrants shall be adequately protected against vehicular damage, when deemed necessary by the fire authority. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 11, 1997).
15.28.120 Prohibited installation.
The installation of flush-type hydrants is prohibited unless approved by the fire authority. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 12, 1997).
15.28.130 Exemption.
Where the fire authority determines that practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships, or results inconsistent with the general intent of this chapter would occur from its strict literal interpretation and enforcement, an exemption from the requirements of this chapter may be granted, provided:
(1) The structure is entirely surrounded and adjoined by public space, street or yards not less than 60 feet in width;
(2) The owner agrees to sign a “no protest agreement” to take part in an LID when one is proposed for the installation of fire mains and hydrants. This agreement shall be a covenant running with the land and shall be binding upon all parties and their heirs and assigns until the permanent water main and hydrants conform to the standards and requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 13, 1997).
15.28.140 Interpretation, purpose and conflict.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public safety. It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants or other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where this chapter imposes a greater restriction, the provisions of this chapter shall govern. It is to be noted, however, that where private restrictions are greater than those imposed by this chapter, they are not superseded by the provision of this chapter. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 14, 1997).
15.28.150 Violation – Penalty.
A violation of any section or provision of this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $250.00 for each offense. Each day upon which a violation occurs or continues constitutes a separate offense. (Ord. 066-21 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1699 § 16, 1997).