HomeMy WebLinkAbout404.001 - Housing Tract Clearances for Combustible Materials and Occupancy
Effective Date: June 2008 Darla Scott, Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector
Current Revision Date: 4/14/2023 Section 404.001
Next Revision (3) Date: 4/14/2026 Page 1 of 4
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Fire Prevention Manual
SECTION 404.001 HOUSING TRACT CLEARANCES FOR COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIALS AND OCCUPANCY
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to outline the requirements for obtaining approval from
the Fresno Fire Department (FFD) to begin construction with combustible materials
and for occupancy at residential housing tracts.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to companies developing and constructing residential buildings in
housing tracts.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Prior to Beginning Construction (Combustible Clearance):
Prior to the delivery of combustible materials, including lumber, to a housing tract site
or lot, the following items must be completed:
1. Hydrants
a. Hydrants adjacent to lots requesting a combustibles clearance
shall be fully accessible.
b. Hydrants adjacent to lots requesting a combustibles clearance
shall be fully functional.
c. Hydrants must be opened to full flow and be flushed until the
water flows clear.
d. All hydrant gate valves must be exposed and accessible.
Effective Date: June 2008 Darla Scott, Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector
Current Revision Date: 4/14/2023 Section 404.001
Next Revision (3) Date: 4/14/2026 Page 2 of 4
e. Each hydrant must provide a minimum fire flow of 1,500 gpm. If
there is concern about required fire flow, contact a Supervising
Fire Prevention Inspector or Fire Prevention Engineer.
2. Elevated Water Tanks
a. An elevated water tank holding a minimum of 10,000 gallons may
be used for a maximum of ten (10) lots per group. (See:
Administrative Manual, Section 404.002, Temporary Water
Supply and Fire Access for At-Risk House Permits.)
b. Water tanks will have a 4½ inch capped National Hose Thread
(NHT) male outlet.
c. A minimum 4-inch control valve must be installed, and the valve
must be locked with an approved X1 padlock.
.
d. Water tanks shall always be filled and maintained at full capacity.
3. Fire Access Roads
a. Fire access roads shall be graded to drain water away from the
road.
b. Access roads shall be constructed with an approved all-weather
surface, capable of supporting 80,000-pound vehicles. Roads
must be a minimum of 4-inch base rock over compacted or
undisturbed native soil.
c. Access roads shall be a minimum of 24 feet in width. Roads can
be a minimum of 20 feet in width with an approved method (i.e.,
installed curbs) to prevent shoulder degradation.
d. Access roads shall have a minimum 44-foot centerline turn
radius.
e. Access roads shall be provided with approved drive approaches.
f. Two means of access are required when the lots to be cleared
for construction are over 450 feet from a single point of access.
g. Turn-arounds must be provided, as required by the Fire Code
Official, or designee.
Effective Date: June 2008 Darla Scott, Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector
Current Revision Date: 4/14/2023 Section 404.001
Next Revision (3) Date: 4/14/2026 Page 3 of 4
4. Temporary Street Signs
a. Legible weatherproof temporary signs with contrasting
backgrounds, affixed to posts, and visible from either direction, or
stenciled curbs, must be installed.
Prior to Allowing Occupancy (Occupancy Clearance):
Each of the following items must be completed as noted below for the lots being
cleared for occupancy:
1. Hydrants
a. All hydrants shall be fully accessible.
b. All hydrants shall be fully functional.
c. All hydrants shall have permanent pads.
d. All hydrant gate valves must be exposed and accessible.
e. Each hydrant shall be flushed to confirm operation and minimum
flow.
f. See: Public Works Standard W-3, Fire Hydrant Installation, for
permanent hydrant installation requirements (note base
clearance and valve access).
2. Access Roads
a. Permanent paved streets shall be installed to all lots being
cleared.
3. Street Signs
a. Either permanent street signs or stenciled curbs shall be
installed, as approved by Traffic Engineering.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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Effective Date: June 2008 Darla Scott, Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector
Current Revision Date: 4/14/2023 Section 404.001
Next Revision (3) Date: 4/14/2026 Page 4 of 4
PROCESS
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INFORMATION
Unusual scenarios approved for construction (i.e., elevated tanks or temporary fire
access) must include a special notice.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
Administrative Manual
Section 404.002, Temporary Water Supply and Fire Access for At-Risk House
Permits
Public Works Standards
Standard W-3, Fire Hydrant Installation