(A) Installation of private fire protection systems.
(1) Installation of private fire protection water supply systems shall follow the guidelines found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 24 and § 93.03 of this chapter.
(2) Easements to allow access to and maintenance of a private fire protection water supply system shall be provided by the property owner. Easements may be required for approval of any subdivision or development plans. The minimum easement width shall be ten feet; however, the City Engineer or Fire Chief may determine that a greater width is required for proper access and maintenance of the private fire protection water supply system as warranted by specific site circumstances.
(B) Maintenance of fire protection systems required. The approved private fire protection water supply system, as required by NFPA Standard 25, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, shall be maintained by each property owner when such system is not part of the publically maintained fire protection system.
(C) Testing of fire protection systems required. Fire protection water supply systems, including private fire hydrants, shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the Fire Chief or his or her designee and shall be operable at all times.
(1) Fire hydrants shall be inspected annually and after any operation of the hydrant. Flow tests shall be conducted every three years by the property owner.
(2) Unobstructed access to fire hydrants shall be maintained at all times, which shall include a three-foot clear space around the hydrant, unless otherwise approved by the Fire Chief or his or her designee. Physical protection to prevent damage to hydrants may be required.
(D) Repairs to fire protection systems required. Private fire protection water supply systems shall be repaired upon notification by the Fire Chief or his or her designee as prescribed in NFPA Standard 25.
(1) By order of the Fire Chief or his or her designee, the owner of a private fire protection system including hydrants and appurtenances shall make repairs for the proper operation of the system, which shall include the repair of leaks, physical damage and corrosion.
(2) Should repairs not be made within the time prescribed by the order of the Fire Chief or his or her designee, the city shall effect such repairs by city personnel or contractor and shall bill the owner of the system for said repairs.
(3) For emergency conditions where the issuance of an order by the Fire Chief or his or her designee to make repairs is not feasible or timely, the city personnel or contractor may make repairs and subsequently invoice the property owner for all costs. The city shall make effort to provide notice to the property owner before any such emergency work is undertaken.
(Ord. 20-2015, passed 11-16-2015) Penalty, see § 93.99