(A) Required fire flow. The required fire flow for new occupancies and additions shall be determined by the Fire Official using the insurance services office, Guide for Required Fire Flow, most current edition and the International Fire Prevention Code, N. C. Amendments. Construction alternatives shall be required if the available water supply is insufficient for firefighting operations.
(B) Fire hydrants. Fire hydrant coverage shall not exceed 400 feet to the most remote point of any building in residential zoning districts. In commercial, industrial and multi-family construction development hydrants shall be placed 400 feet apart. The distance shall be measured along an approved path of travel for the fire apparatus. On rural thoroughfares, hydrants may be placed up to 800 feet apart, subject to review and approval by the Fire Code Official.
(C) 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, and then double back to the fire.
(D) Fire hydrants shall meet the requirements of AWWA C502. All hydrants shall be 5-1/4–inch barrel hydrants with the Storz quick connection and cap, with two 2-1/2–inch hose outlets and one 5-1/4–inch main valve opening.
(E) Fire hydrants located inside the public right-of-way and/or to be maintained by the town shall be painted safety yellow and touched up with two coats of paint after installation. Fire hydrants located on private property and to be maintained privately shall be painted red.
(F) Each fire hydrant must be readily visible and within six feet of the curb line. No obstructions are permitted between the hydrant and the curb line.
(G) The 5-1/4–inch connection of the fire hydrant shall always face the curb.
(H) The nut of the 5-1/4–inch hydrant cap shall be no less than 18 inches or more than four feet above the grade.
(I) "Out of Service" hydrant markers or bags shall be immediately installed on all hydrants and not removed until the water line has been activated and accepted by the town.
(J) Modification of distance requirements. The Chief of the Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau shall have the authority to modify the distance requirements in division (B) to 600 foot intervals based on the occupancy and presence of an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the International Fire Prevention Code, N. C. Amendments.
(K) All obstructions, such as fences, trees, shrubs, signs, and the like shall be at least three feet from the fire hydrant in all directions. The town shall have the right to cut, trim or remove obstructions to the extent and for the purpose of correcting such hazards.
(Ord. passed 10-13-08; Am. Ord. passed 9-9-13)