HomeMy WebLinkAbout403.003D - Public Water Main ReplacementEffective Date: July 2023 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/27/2023 Section 403.003d
Next Revision (1) Date: 7/27/2026 Page 1 of 3
400 Fire Prevention Manual
SECTION 403.003d PUBLIC WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements regarding public water main replacements and required
improvements including public fire hydrants.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all public water main replacements within the City of Fresno and
contract service areas. Please note private water companies (those recognized by
the California Public Utilities Commission) may have their own requirements which
are to be coordinated with FFD on a case-by-case basis.
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
the following:
• Where an existing public water main is being replaced, the installation
shall conform to the latest requirements of the City of Fresno,
Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Please contact DPU for additional
information.
• Prior to commencement of work, public water main replacement plans
shall be routed to FFD for review and approval. It is the obligation of the
water purveyor to contact FFD and provide all necessary information.
Normal plan review times apply to all water main replacement plan
reviews.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
When an existing water main replacement plan is reviewed, FFD staff are to ensure
all required fire protection system improvements are made (or retained). This includes
ensuring any affected public hydrants are spaced in accordance with current FFD
spacing requirements.
Fresno City Fire Department
Effective Date: July 2023 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/27/2023 Section 403.003d
Next Revision (1) Date: 7/27/2026 Page 2 of 3
Public Fire Hydrant Spacing
When an over-spaced hydrant condition is noted in a water main replacement area,
FFD staff require the condition to be corrected by the installation of new public
hydrants, and/or the relocation of existing public hydrants.
When considering over spaced public hydrant conditions, staff are to consider the
following conditions and ensure the proposed water main replacement (and any new
public fire hydrants) address the existing built environment.
For new public fire hydrants, the feasibility of installing additional hydrants should
include consideration of the following:
• Location of existing public hydrants.
• Walking access for FFD staff which may be required to use the new or
existing public hydrants (existing public hydrants which require FFD staff
to traverse a street median of any size or height is to be considered
“inaccessible” and cannot be used to satisfy hydrant spacing
requirements).
• Likely apparatus position and hose lays when using new or existing
public hydrants.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to new or existing fire sprinkler
system fire department connections.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to new or existing traffic lanes.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to new or existing bicycle lanes.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to new or existing bus stops and
bus ingress and egress lanes.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to pedestrian cross walks.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to parklets.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to utility easements.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to underground irrigation canals
or storm drains/sewers.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to utility (i.e., light, phone,
power) poles in the public right of way.
Effective Date: July 2023 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/27/2023 Section 403.003d
Next Revision (1) Date: 7/27/2026 Page 3 of 3
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to line vents.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to underground flammable gas
transmission lines.
• The proposed public hydrants proximity to existing or proposed
sidewalks.
Existing Fire Service Water Supply Connections (Private Hydrant and Fire Sprinkler
Systems)
When an existing water main replacement plan is reviewed, FFD staff is to ensure the
plan indicates the installing contractor and/or affected property owners are obligated
to ensure all required fire protection system impairments are properly mitigated as
noted in the currently adopted edition of the California Fire Code (CFC), California
Code of Regulations, Title 19. Public Safety (CCR T:19) and adopted referenced
standards.
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 protection water
supplies.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
California Fire Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 19. Public Safety