San Marcos Municipal Code § 507.2 California Fire Code

Table 507.2.2 and installed in accordance with NFPA 22. Water tanks for commercial fire protection, when authorized by the fire code official, shall be sized utilizing nationally-recognized standards.

TABLE 507.2.2 RESIDENTIAL WATER TANK REQUIREMENTS

Building Gallons Per Minute Capacity Duration Square Feet Water Flow Gallons Minutes

Up to 1,500 250 5,000 20 Over 1,500 250 10,000 40

When the exposure distance is one hundred feet (100') or less from an adjacent property, or where additional hazards or higher fire flow exists, the required water storage may be modified by the fire code official.

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.

Supply outlet shall be at least four inches 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 four-inch National Standard Thread (male), reduced to one two and one-half inch National Standard Thread (male). Additional outlets may be required.

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.

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.

All exposed tank supply pipes shall be of an alloy or other material listed for above ground use. Adequate support shall be provided.

Water storage tanks shall be constructed from materials allowed by NFPA 22 and installed per manufacturer recommendations.

The fire code official may require any necessary information to be submitted on a plot plan for approval.

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

The bottom of the water storage tank shall be level with or above the building pad.

(Ord. No. 2011-1341, 1-25-11; Ord. No. 2016-1429, 10-11-2016; Ord. No. 2019-1479, § 1(Exh. A), 10-22-2019; Ord. No. 2022-1525, § 1(Exh. A), 10-25-2022)