HomeMy WebLinkAbout403.003C - Private Fire Hydrant Replacement (Dry Barrel)Effective Date: June 2021 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 2/13/2025 Section 403.003C
Next Revision (1) Date: 2/13/2028 Page 1 of 3
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Prevention Manual
SECTION 403.003C PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANT REPLACEMENT (DRY BARREL)
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements related to the replacement of private, dry barrel fire
hydrants (Apollo style or similar), as well as their associated valve assemblies.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all private, dry barrel, fire hydrant replacements, for any reason,
including, a defective hydrant base valve (the most common reason for replacement)
within the City of Fresno (COF) and contract service areas.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, and after careful deliberation, the Department has determined
that when a private, dry barrel, fire hydrant is replaced for any reason, it shall be
completed in accordance with the following:
1. Prior to commencing work, it is the obligation of the permit applicant to prepare
and submit for review, a fire hydrant replacement installation plan. The plan
must be submitted to FFD or the City of Fresno Planning and Development
Department (COF P&D) for review and approval.
2. At a minimum, the submitted fire hydrant replacement plans shall note the
location and number of fire hydrants to be replaced, the proposed location of
the fire hydrant lateral gate valve, depth of bury, etc. The plans shall also
include all manufacturers information sheets for each piece of equipment.
3. Once a permit has been obtained from either FFD or COF P&D, the entire fire
hydrant assembly, including the previously installed fire hydrant base valve,
must be replaced.
4. A new fire hydrant lateral gate valve must be installed in a traffic rated box, with
traffic rated lid, ahead of the fire hydrant. The required gate valve for the
hydrant shall be placed in an approved location, in accordance with the
currently adopted version of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 24,
Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their
Appurtenances.
Effective Date: June 2021 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 2/13/2025 Section 403.003C
Next Revision (1) Date: 2/13/2028 Page 2 of 3
5. Fire hydrant gate valves must be located within twenty feet (20’) of the fire
hydrant unless approved by the Fire Marshal (or designee). Fire hydrant or
other isolation gate valves are not permitted to be installed within parking
spaces or loading zones.
6. When a fire hydrant gate valve is placed in an FFD approved landscape area,
the fire hydrant gate valve must be set in an approved valve box. The valve
box must be set in a twelve inch by twelve inch (12” X 12”) or larger working
pad, with the top of the pad at landscape grade.
7. The new fire hydrant must be of an approved size and type (See the currently
adopted, COF Public Works Standard Drawing W-3 for approved, fire hydrant
types). Fire hydrants shall be dry hydrants unless approved by the Fire Marshal
(or designee). The valve seat shall be located in the bury.
8. At no time will an existing, defective base valve be permitted to be abandoned
in place.
9. It is the obligation of the permit applicant to ensure that all replaced fire hydrants
are in accordance with all California Fire Code (CFC), NFPA, and FFD policy
requirements prior to requesting a final inspection.
10. An economic condition is not considered a valid basis for a request to modify
the installation requirements noted above.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
As noted in the CFC, the fire code official has the authority to formulate policies they
deem necessary based upon local conditions related to all fire water systems and
equipment, including fire hydrants.
As noted in the fire code commentary, the availability of water is essential for fire-
fighting operations. Because fires will quickly increase in size from the time of
Effective Date: June 2021 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 2/13/2025 Section 403.003C
Next Revision (1) Date: 2/13/2028 Page 3 of 3
ignition to the arrival of the fire department, having properly operating fire hydrants is
essential for community and fire fighter safety.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 24, Currently adopted edition
City of Fresno Public Works Standard Drawings, Currently adopted edition
California Fire Code, Currently adopted edition