(A) Systems In addition to the requirements for domestic water, development shall be required to provide water systems for fire protection demands. Additional flow will be required for high and very high fire hazard zones. An additional 250 gpm shall be provided for systems where the CC&Rs do not require Class A roof material, as defined by the Uniform Building Code, on inhabited structures.
RURAL: Single-family dwellings on more than acre; recreational vehicle parks
500 gpm fire flow at minimum 20 psi
660 feet hydrant spacing
330 feet maximum distance from building envelopes
Four-inch mains and valves (one to four lots)
Six-inch mains and valves (five or more lots)
Four-inch riser with a single “county standard” hydrant or wharf hydrant for existing lots
RESIDENTIAL: Single-family dwelling on one acre or less
500 gpm fire flow at minimum 20 psi
660 feet hydrant spacing
330 feet maximum distance from building envelopes
Six-inch mains and valves
Four-inch riser with a single county standard or wharf hydrant for existing lots
Six-inch riser with a “county standard” hydrant (five or more lots)
RESIDENTIAL: Two single-family dwellings per acre
750 gpm fire flow at minimum 20 psi
660 feet hydrant spacing
330 feet maximum distance from building envelopes
County standard hydrant
RESIDENTIAL: Three or more single-family dwellings per acre; mobile home parks
1,000 gpm fire flow at minimum 20 psi
330 feet hydrant spacing
330 feet maximum distance from building envelopes
County standard hydrant
MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL: Duplex, neighborhood business of one story
1,500 gpm fire flow at minimum 20 psi
330 feet hydrant spacing
County standard hydrant
MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL: Triplex, apartment, one and two story; light commercial or light industrial; schools
2,000 gpm fire flow at minimum 20 psi
300 feet hydrant spacing
County standard hydrant
MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL: Three stories or higher; heavy commercial or industrial
2,500 gpm fire flow at minimum 20 psi
300 feet hydrant spacing
County standard hydrant
(B) Water storage capacities. Water storage capacities must be able to provide the above fire flow for a two-hour duration or meet the following exceptions:
(1) Separately developed dwellings with an individual private water supply will provide a minimum of 5,000 gallons supply of water each, dedicated for fire suppression, or as calculated by the following formula, whichever is greater (NFPA Standard 1231):
Single structure without exposure hazards |
total cu. ft. of struc./Occupancy Hazard Class x Construction Class #
|
Single structure with exposure hazards |
total cu. ft. of struc./Occupancy Hazard Class x Construction Class # x 1.5
|
(2) Lakes, ponds, swimming pools, streams or other water sources may be used for fire protection resources as long as provisions are made for access to the supply either by plumbing or fire engine access within 16 feet for drafting purposes and the capacities equal the requirements above.
(3) When the property division is a total of four lots or less and the topography, zoning and other conditions preclude its redivision or addition of more parcels on the system, the source may be not less than the required minimum storage of 20,000 gallons for the system.
(4) The use of San Felipe water for fire protection is permissible in lieu of other systems and storage if permitted by San Benito County Water District. If the system is not located at an accessible location, the line must be extended to a location that meets the rural: single-family dwelling guidelines above. Improvement plans must be approved by the San Benito County Water District and the county’s Fire Department.
(5) Residential sprinklers will reduce the needed water storage capacities by 50%.
(6) Fire protection water systems operated by water companies under regulations of the Public Utilities Commission shall comply with the standards of PUC General Order #103 or Title 22 as applicable.
(1966 Code, § 17B-5)