Chapter 13.08
FIRE HYDRANTS
Sections:
13.08.020 Installation – Required generally.
13.08.030 Installation – Required for use expansion.
13.08.040 Minimum water required.
13.08.070 Service main lead diameter.
13.08.080 Distance between hydrants – Intersections.
13.08.090 Distance between hydrants – Residential areas.
13.08.100 Specifications – Outlets, ports and drain.
13.08.110 Specifications – Marinas.
13.08.120 Installation standards – Approval required.
13.08.130 Installation standards – Placement.
13.08.140 Protection required when.
13.08.150 Nonconforming hydrants – Replacement.
13.08.160 Ownership and maintenance responsibility.
13.08.170 Obstructions – Visibility requirements.
13.08.180 Compliance required for building permit.
13.08.200 Sprinkler requirements.
13.08.010 Definitions.
Whenever the following terms are used in this chapter, they shall have the meanings as defined in this section. The definitions given are not necessarily limited to the meaning given in this section whenever the term is one of common usage, in which case the definition shall be augmented and enlarged by accepted public use of the term. The word “shall” always denotes mandatory; the word “should” denotes that which is recommended but not required; and the word “may” indicates a use of discretion in making a decision.
“Approving authority,” for the several conditions of this chapter, means the County fire marshal.
“Automatic fire-extinguishing systems” means an approved system of devices and equipment which automatically detects a fire and discharges an approved fire-extinguishing agent onto or in the area of a fire.
“Commercial hydrant(s)” means one that will be utilized by, but not limited to, commercial, industrial and institutional properties.
“Commercial hydrant flow” means a quantity of water to provide for a pumping rate of 500 gpm for a continuous period of time of 60 minutes.
“Commercial and industrial properties” means and includes, but is not necessarily limited to, such risks as stores (retail and wholesale), warehouses, service stations, manufacturing facilities, garages, theaters, hotels, motels, restaurants, bars and taverns, banks, showrooms, barber and beauty shops, multi-family or high-density dwellings. Transient accommodations that meet the definition in WAC 212-52-005 of lodging houses, limited to no more than five guest rooms, and adult family homes in a residential environment which are exempt from mandated state fire flow requirements per WAC 212-43-035 are not considered “commercial or business properties” or “hotels or motels” for the purposes of this code.
“Fire department” means any recognized fire department in the County and/or any recognized fire department normally responding in the area, to include private brigades organized, trained and equipped to protect specified property.
“Fire flow” means the amount of water required to extinguish a fire. For the purpose of this chapter, the requirement shall be applied by the fire chief of the respective districts.
“Hydrant(s)” means a fire hydrant so situated and maintained to provide water for firefighting purposes without restriction as to use. The location is such that it is accessible for immediate use of the fire department.
“Institutional properties” means and includes, but is not necessarily limited to, places of worship, schools, public and private hospitals, nursing homes, lodges and fraternal orders, unless the structure contains a function of a commercial or industrial nature.
“Marinas” are considered commercial.
“Pumper supply point” is as defined in the requirements for such by the Washington Service Rating Bureau.
“Residential hydrant(s)” means one that serves single-family residences only.
“Residential hydrant flow” means a quantity of water to provide for a pumping rate of 500 gpm for a continuous period of time of 20 minutes.
“Residential properties” means those intended for a purpose of human habitation. A residence constructed and equipped for occupancy by two or more families is defined as a multi-family dwelling or high-density dwelling, the terms being identical in meaning.
“Roadway” means the traveled portion of the roadbed and does not include the shoulder. (Ord. 13-1996; Ord. 91-1992; Res. 230-1979 § 1. Formerly 15.12.010)
13.08.020 Installation – Required generally.
The installation of fire hydrants in accordance with this chapter is required of the owner and/or developer of any future business, commercial, institutional or industrial facility or residential dwelling development requiring a common water system. A dwelling development requiring a common water system includes but is not limited to developments with an average lot size of less than five acres. The County fire marshal may waive hydrant requirements for subdivisions with an average lot size of five acres or more. This section does not apply to the division of land through the simple land division process as defined in Chapter 16.04 SJCC. (Ord. 13-1996; Res. 230-1979 § 2. Formerly 15.12.020)
13.08.030 Installation – Required for use expansion.
The installation of fire hydrants may be required of the owner/developer of any existing business, commercial, institutional or industrial facility when the square footage of such facility in current use is expanded by 50 percent. (Ord. 13-1996; Res. 230-1979 § 3. Formerly 15.12.030)
13.08.040 Minimum water required.
The areas requiring fire hydrants shall have on hand at all times a minimum amount of water for firefighting purposes to meet the requirements of residential and commercial hydrant flow as defined in SJCC 13.08.010 under “commercial hydrant flow” and “residential hydrant flow.” (Res. 230-1979 § 4. Formerly 15.12.040)
13.08.050 Dry hydrants.
A dry hydrant is acceptable under the provisions of SJCC 13.08.040, provided it meets the requirements set forth by the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau for “approved pumper supply points.” (Res. 230-1979 § 5. Formerly 15.12.050)
13.08.060 Foot valves.
There shall be a foot valve installed between the service main and the hydrant sufficient to permit the repair and replacement of the hydrant without disruption of water service. The type and style shall be determined by the approving authority. The location of all such valves installed shall be properly and accurately marked on identifiable plans or drawings, two copies of which shall be furnished the approving authority. This valve shall be furnished with a standard valve box. (Res. 230-1979 § 6. Formerly 15.12.060)
13.08.070 Service main lead diameter.
The lead from the service main to the hydrant shall be no less than six inches in diameter. (Res. 230-1979 § 7. Formerly 15.12.070)
13.08.080 Distance between hydrants – Intersections.
Fire hydrants shall be installed at all intersections in all areas except single-family residential, so that the distance between them shall not exceed 300 feet and if the distance between intersections is over 400 feet, then one hydrant shall be placed halfway between. (Res. 230-1979 § 8. Formerly 15.12.080)
13.08.090 Distance between hydrants – Residential areas.
Fire hydrants shall be so installed in single-family residential areas so that the distance between them shall not exceed 800 road feet. (Res. 230-1979 § 9. Formerly 15.12.090)
13.08.100 Specifications – Outlets, ports and drain.
Standard hydrants shall have two two-and-one-half-inch hose outlets and one four-and-one-half-inch pumper port outlet. All outlet ports shall be national standard thread. The hydrant shall have a positive and automatic barrel drain, shall be Iowa type or equal and shall be of the “safety” or “break-away” style, i.e., when accidentally broken off, water will not flow. All ports shall be capped. (Res. 230-1979 § 10. Formerly 15.12.100)
13.08.110 Specifications – Marinas.
A. A hydrant shall be located within 20 feet of the access ramp to the floats.
B. If the floats are over 250 feet in length, a one-and-one-half-inch standpipe connection shall be located at 100-foot intervals and supplied with a two-inch water line extending the length of the float/pier. At the shore end, the water line shall be equipped with a two-and-one-half-inch hose adapter. The float/pier water line will be normally dry when freezing temperatures occur. In lieu of a storage reservoir, an approved pumper supply point capable of meeting the requirements for water flow and obtaining water from the sound (salt water), and upon approval from the district chief, may be accepted. (Ord. 13-1996; Res. 230-1979 § 1. Formerly 15.12.010)
13.08.120 Installation standards – Approval required.
Fire hydrants shall be installed to meet sound engineering practices to include concrete blocking and strapping in all cases, and to the approval of the County fire marshal who shall also approve the selection and use of all pipe, fittings and valves. (Res. 230-1979 § 11. Formerly 15.12.110)
13.08.130 Installation standards – Placement.
Hydrants shall stand plumb, be set to the established grade with the center of the lowest outlet of the hydrant no less than 18 inches above the grade, and the top of the hydrant not to exceed 36 inches, and no less than a 36-inch radius of clear level area around the hydrant for clearance of the hydrant wrench on both outlets and on the control valve. The pumper port shall face the street. No hydrant shall be in excess of 10 feet from the road/street edge. Where the road/street cannot be clearly defined or recognized, the port shall face the most likely location of the fire truck while pumping (i.e., usually 90 degrees to the centerline of the road), to be determined by the local district fire chief or County fire marshal. (Ord. 13-1996; Res. 230-1979 § 12. Formerly 15.12.120)
13.08.140 Protection required when.
Where needed, the fire chiefs of their respective districts will require hydrants to be protected by two or more posts, each eight inches in diameter by five feet in length, to be installed with 30 inches above ground level. Posts are to be made either of reinforced concrete or steel, their location to meet the provisions of SJCC 13.08.130. (Res. 230-1979 § 13. Formerly 15.12.130)
13.08.150 Nonconforming hydrants – Replacement.
If there presently exists fire hydrants which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter, such hydrants when replaced shall be replaced with hydrants which do conform to the standards set forth in this chapter. This does not preclude a requirement by proper authority that a deficient hydrant must be replaced should structural conditions of the area change to require a hydrant or hydrants of larger flow capacity. (Res. 230-1979 § 14. Formerly 15.12.140)
13.08.160 Ownership and maintenance responsibility.
Ownership of the hydrants and the responsibility for maintenance of the hydrants shall remain with the parties responsible for the water system, i.e., water district, community water system members, etc. (Res. 230-1979 § 15. Formerly 15.12.150)
13.08.170 Obstructions – Visibility requirements.
No one shall plant any vegetation, erect any structure or perform any action which results in obstructing the view of a fire hydrant for a distance of 50 feet. The owner/occupant of any area in which a hydrant is located shall be responsible for removing weed and tree growth from around the hydrant for a distance of no less than a 36-inch radius, also maintaining an eight-foot clear space at the edge of the road directly in front of the hydrant and area between the road and the hydrant. Continuous maintenance is required. Installation of blue markers is recommended. The purpose of this section is to ensure the maintenance and visibility of hydrants and is in addition to the requirements of SJCC 13.08.130. (Ord. 13-1996; Res. 230-1979 § 16; 148-1981. Formerly 15.12.160)
13.08.180 Compliance required for building permit.
The passage of this chapter is necessary for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the County. No building permits shall be issued for erection of any building or structure until reasonable proof of intent to comply with this chapter is indicated and the approving authority is satisfied that hydrants are to be and/or can be installed to comply with this chapter. (Res. 230-1979 § 17. Formerly 15.12.170)
13.08.190 Inspections.
The inspection of fire hydrants shall be done by the County fire marshal with inspection prior to coverage, and at his discretion thereafter. (Res. 230-1979 § 18. Formerly 15.12.180)
13.08.200 Sprinkler requirements.
In lieu of fire hydrants, all habitable structures 4,000 square feet or more of living area shall be required to install an automatic fire extinguishing system as per UBC Section 904 and UFC Section 1003. (Ord. 13-1996; Res. 230-1979 § 19. Formerly 15.12.190)
13.08.210 Variances.
A. Upon written recommendation from the district fire chief, the County fire marshal may grant a variance if there is sufficient evidence the fire district’s equipment can adequately suppress a fire in the specific area in question. A variance may be issued by the County fire marshal in areas or on smaller islands where there is no fire protection equipment to utilize hydrants or pumper supply points.
B. If a variance is issued by the County fire marshal for a particular plat or development, such variance shall be recorded against the property stating “no fire hydrants, stored water, or other means of fire protection is in place for this development”. (Ord. 13-1996; Res. 230-1979 § 20. Formerly 15.12.200)
13.08.220 Enforcement.
The enforcement of this chapter shall be through the provisions of the Uniform Fire Code, 1997 Edition. (Ord. 14-2000 § 7(EE); Ord. 13-1996. Formerly 13.08.200)