(A) The entire private fire protection service on a customer’s premises shall be subject to inspection and tests by the utility at such times as it deems necessary.
(B) Before any modifications are made to any private fire service protection system or before service is furnished to new private fire protection system connected to or proposed to be connected to and supplied with water from the utility’s distribution mains, final plans of such fire protection system shall be filed with and approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety.
(C) The following shall be shown on the final plans:
(1) The number of sprinkler heads to be served;
(2) The sizes and location of the system piping;
(3) The sizes and locations of all connections to the utilities;
(4) The sizes and locations of all valves;
(5) The sizes and locations of all hose connections, reels, or cabinets;
(6) The sizes and location of storage tanks connected to the fire system; and
(7) The outlet sizes and locations of fire hydrants.
(D) (1) All fire protection lines that are within buildings must be installed in such manner that all pipes will be easily accessible for inspection at any time. Underground pipes outside of the building must be placed and maintained at a minimum depth of four and one-half feet.
(2) All private fire protection lines, hydrants, and metering facilities shall be maintained by and at the expense of the customer.
(3) No connection with a fire protection system will be permitted to supply water for general purpose unless the customer’s fire underwriter has approved the connection and unless the general purpose water is metered.
(4) If such a connection is approved, it shall be made outside the building to be served and both the protection line and the general purpose line shall be separately valved in accordance with the utility’s specifications to permit either to be turned on or off without affecting other.
(E) A private fire protection system without a tank shall be equipped with a minimum of a double check-detector check. A system with a tank shall have an air gap or a reduced pressure device. All valves must be as close to the distribution main as possible.
(F) Hydrant and other fixtures connected to a private fire service connection may be sealed by the utility and such seal shall be broken only in case of fire or as specially permitted by the utility. The customer must immediately notify the utility when any such seal is broken.
(G) Where a service tap on a utility distribution main provides water for both fire and general purposes to a customer or customers, separate charges shall be made for the purpose to each customer by the utility in accordance with the established rules and schedule of rates.
(H) A private fire service, at the option of the customer and after the approval of his or her fire underwriter, may be connected to the metered water service. The minimum monthly charge for such combined fire and general purpose uses shall be as set out in the established rate schedules.
(I) The customer must pay any additional investment cost incurred by the utility in such metering. Maintenance of the general water service meter will be at the expense of the utility.
(J) Whenever a private fire system is to be tested under the regulations of the fire service underwriters, the customer shall notify the utility of such proposed test, naming the day and the hour same is to be made, so the utility may have a representative present for the test.
(Ord. 1-2021, passed 6-22-2021) Penalty, see § 10.99