San Diego County Municipal Code § 507.2 Type of water supply

A water supply may consist of reservoirs, pressure tanks, elevated tanks, water mains or other fixed systems, as approved by the fire code official, capable of providing the required fire flow. In setting the requirements for fire flow, the fire code official shall follow section 507.3 or Appendix B of the CFC, or the standard published by the Insurance Service Office, "Guide for Determination of Required Fire Flow".

Private fire service mains and appurtenances shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24 as referenced in Chapter 80 of CFC.

The fire code official shall require a waterline extension for the purpose of installing a fire hydrant if a water main is 1,500 feet or less from the property line.

Exception: Water tanks are only allowed as determined by the fire code official if a letter from the applicable water district is provided stating that the district would not be able to provide service (proper fire flow) if the water line were extended and a hydrant installed.

Water tanks for private residential fire protection, when authorized by the fire code official, shall comply with Table 507.2.2 and be installed in accordance with the NFPA 22 edition referenced in Chapter 80 of CFC. Water tanks for commercial fire protection, when authorized by the fire code official, shall be installed in accordance with the NFPA 22 edition referenced in Chapter 80 of CFC. Water tanks are only allowed as determined by the fire code official if a letter from the applicable water district is provided stating that the district would not be able to provide service (proper fire flow) if the water line were extended and a hydrant installed.

TABLE 507.2.3 RESIDENTIAL WATER TANK REQUIREMENTS (with NFPA 13D Sys.)

1. Tank bottom elevation shall be equal to or higher than the fire department connection on the premises. Regardless of domestic use, all tanks shall be equipped with a device that will ensure that the tank contains the designated amount of water for fire flow duration as determined by the FAHJ. Tank size may be increased to serve multiple structures on a single parcel. The bottom of the water storage tank shall be level with or above the building pad.

2. Supply outlet shall be at least one-4 inch in diameter from the base of the tank to the point of outlet at the fire department connection. The fire department connection shall have an approved means of controlling water flow. The fire department connection shall be at least one-4 inch National Standard Thread (male), reduced to one- 2½ inch National Standard Thread (male). Additional outlets may be required.

3. Location of fire department outlet shall be shown on the plot plan when submitted to the FAHJ. Consideration will be given to topography, elevations, and distance from structures, driveway access, prevailing winds, etc.

4. The outlet shall be located along a fire apparatus access roadway and shall not be closer than 50 feet or further than 150 feet from the structure unless approved by the FAHJ.

5. All exposed tank supply pipes shall be listed for above-ground use as per the NFPA 13 edition referenced in Chapter 80 of CFC. Adequate support shall be provided.

6. Water storage tanks shall be constructed from materials approved by the NFPA 22 edition referenced in Chapter 80 of CFC and installed per manufacturer instructions.

7. Plans shall be submitted to the FAHJ for approval prior to tank installation. Tanks shall be installed as per County Zoning setback requirements. See "Annex F" example plan submittal.

8. Vessels previously used for products other than water shall not be allowed.

9. All underground piping serving the fire department connection shall be listed and approved as per the NFPA 24 edition referenced in Chapter 80 of CFC.

(Added by Ord. No. 9915 (N.S.), effective 1-30-08; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)