(A) Nonsprinklered structures.
(1) The minimum water quantity for commercial structures and multi-family residential dwellings shall be determined as listed on Table 91.022. The Fire Official shall have the authority to grant variances from this requirement where specific conditions may require lesser amounts of water for exposure protection.
For a printable PDF of Table 91.022, click here.
Table 91.022: Minimum Water Supply (Gallons)
(2) For special fire protection problems, such as bulk flammable liquid and bulk flammable gas storage, the Fire Official shall determine the water supply required for firefighting purposes.
(3) The total required water supply shall be available from the supply source at a rate of not less than 1,000 gallons per minute (gpm).
(4) Where the required total water supply is provided by more than one source, multiple sources shall be interconnected so that the fire company will be capable of utilizing the entire required water supply from any one location or connection without interruption of flow.
(B) Structures with automatic sprinkler protection. For any structure fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system that meets the requirements of the current NFPA standard for sprinkler systems, as adopted by the Maryland Fire Prevention Code, at the date of installation, the Fire Official may waive any requirement for additional water supply required by this chapter.
(C) Structures with other automatic fire suppression systems. For any structure fully or partially protected by an automatic fire suppression system other than automatic sprinkler systems specified in division (B) above, the Fire Official shall determine the minimum water quantity required for firefighting purposes.
(D) Structures using a common water supply. Where structures use a common water supply meeting the applicable requirements of division (A) above, the water supply shall be computed for the largest structure or for the structure having the lowest OHCN, whichever requires the greater total water supply. The minimum water quantity shall in no case be less than 10,000 gallons.
(2004 Code, § 112-11) (Res. 202-90, passed 7-24-1990; Ord. 02-19, passed 11-21-2002; Ord. 04-12, passed 4-8- 2004; Ord. 05-06, passed 6-21-2005)