A. 
Means of access for Fire Department apparatus shall consist of fire lanes, private streets, streets, parking lot lanes, or a combination thereof or other alternate means approved by the Department.
B. 
Means of access for Fire Department apparatus shall be provided to all structures in planned building groups in accordance with this section and the applicable provisions of §§ 44- through 44-.
C. 
Means of access for Fire Department apparatus shall be constructed of a hard all-weather surface designed to support the heaviest piece of fire apparatus likely to be operated on the fire lane, private street, street, or parking lot lane. A fire lane may be constructed of a minimum of six inches of compacted gravel or equivalent such that will support the heaviest piece of fire apparatus likely to be driven upon it and then covered with no more than three inches of soil, sod, or both. When a subsurface fire lane is constructed it shall be identified in a manner acceptable to the Department.
D. 
Every dead-end roadway more than 300 feet in length shall be provided at the closed end with a turnaround acceptable to the Department. This shall be consistent with the Calvert County Road Ordinance.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 104, Roads.
E. 
Turns in roadways shall maintain the minimum road width and shall be constructed with a minimum radius of 45 feet at the outside curb line.
F. 
Roadways shall be not less than 20 feet wide provided no parking is allowed, not less than 26 feet wide if parallel parking is allowed on one side, and not less than 32 feet wide if parallel parking is allowed on both sides. One way roadways may be reduced at the discretion of the Department but in no case below the Standards of the Calvert County Road Ordinance.
G. 
Parking in any means of access shall not be permitted within 20 feet of a fire hydrant, sprinkler or standpipe connection or in other manner, which will obstruct or interfere with the fire department's use of the hydrant or connection.
H. 
"No Parking – Tow Away Zone" Signs or other designation indicating that parking is prohibited shall be provided at all normal and emergency access points to structures and within 20 feet of each fire hydrant, sprinkler, or standpipe connection.
I. 
Where no recognized water supply distribution system exists, appropriate access shall be provided to water supplies in accordance with the provisions of the Department.
[1]
Editor's Note: For additional requirements, see Appendix A, included at the end of this chapter.
A. 
Fire lanes shall be provided as required in keeping with the following recommendations.
B. 
Fire lanes shall be at least 20 feet (six meters) in width with the road edge closest to the structure at least 10 feet (three meters) from the structure, for a total of 30 feet.
C. 
"No Parking – Tow Away Zone" signs shall be posted for all fire lanes.
D. 
Fire lanes connecting to public streets, roadways or private streets shall be provided with curb cuts extending at least two feet (0.6096 m) beyond each edge of the fire lane.
E. 
Chains or other barriers may be provided at the entrance to fire lanes or private streets, provided that they are secured in such a way to allow access for fire apparatus.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: For additional requirements, see Appendix A, included at the end of this chapter.
F. 
The designation and maintenance of fire lanes on private property shall be the responsibility of the owner.
Parking lot lanes shall have a minimum of 25 feet (7.5 meters) of clear width between rows of parked vehicles for vehicular access and movement.
A. 
At least three perimeter walls of structures and all exterior doors into structures constructed as a part of a planned building group shall be within 200 feet (61 meters) of an approved fire lane or street.
B. 
Structures exceeding 30 feet (9 meters) in height shall not be set back more than 50 feet (15 meters) from a street, fire lane, or private street. Exception: When any combination of private fire protection facilities, including, but not limited to, fire-resistive roofs, fire separation walls, space separation and automatic fire extinguishing systems, is provided and approved by the Department and/or State Fire Marshal as an acceptable alternative, Subsection B shall not apply.
C. 
All structures exceeding three stories in height and 3,000 square feet (279 square meters) in ground floor area and containing nonrated openings in exterior walls facing other structures shall be separated from other structures by at least 20 feet (6 meters) of clear space between structures and 10 feet (3 meters) from a common property line. (See § 44-2D.)
D. 
At least two means of access for fire apparatus shall be provided for each structure exceeding 30 feet (nine meters) or three stories in height.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: For additional requirements, see Appendix A, included at the end of this chapter.
E. 
At least 14 feet (four meters) of nominal clearance (height) shall be provided over the full width of streets, private streets, fire lanes and other means of vehicular access.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: For additional requirements, see Appendix A, included at the end of this chapter.
F. 
Placement of landscaping or other obstructions and the maintenance of existing features shall be coordinated with the proper review agencies so as not to impair or impede accessibility of firefighting or rescue operations.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: For additional requirements, see Appendix A, included at the end of this chapter.
A. 
All structures more than three stories in height or over 50 feet in height above grade and containing intermediate stories or balconies shall be equipped with a standpipe system in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems (see § 44-2D). Fire Department standpipe connections shall be located within 50 feet of a fire hydrant. Exception: This subsection shall not apply to industrial process structures where life or property of others is not imperiled by fire or explosion.
B. 
Automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be required as set forth in the applicable NFPA code or standard for the intended occupancy of the structures or as maybe otherwise required by the Department. Fire Department connections for sprinkler systems shall be located within 50 feet (15 meters) of a fire hydrant. All such systems shall be installed in accordance with the applicable NFPA standard or code for the type of fire extinguishing system installed. (See Appendix B.[1])
C. 
An approved automatic detection system shall be installed in each dwelling unit in accordance with NFPA 74 Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Household Fire Warning Equipment. The automatic detection system shall include at least one smoke detector on each dwelling unit. (See Appendix B.[2])
[2]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included at the end of this chapter. For additional requirements, see Appendix A, included at the end of this chapter.
D. 
For other than dwelling units, a fire warning or alarm system shall be provided in accordance with the applicable NFPA code or standard for the intended occupancy of the structure. Such systems shall be installed in accordance with the applicable NFPA code or standard for the type of system installed and shall be designed to alert occupants under emergency conditions and to retransmit to ensure notification of the Fire Department. Alarms or warning systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the applicable NFPA code or standard or as may be required by the Department and or State Fire Marshal. (See Appendix B.[3])
A. 
Water supply systems not publicly owned and installed shall meet the minimum requirements of NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, or NFPA 1231, Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting, where no recognized water supply distribution exists.
B. 
Fire flow requirements shall be determined by the type of zoning and permitted uses. In addition, the flow requirements below may be reduced if the County cannot provide the required flow and pressure to the site. In this case, fire flow will be the maximum provided by the County. Also, interim measures such as water storage tanks may be required. Upon upgrade of County water supply, fire flow shall be increased at the same level or until requirements are met.
C. 
No community water systems are required in the RUR Zone, and fire protection will be provided by Fire Department water supply using tankers to haul the needed water. The only exception to this rule is that water flow may be required for construction of non-single-family residences greater than 3,500 square feet in area.
D. 
R1, R2 and Town Center Zones may have community water systems or use individual well and septic with large lots. Fire protection requirements will vary with the usage.
E. 
Buildings and residences less than three stories will be considered attached or part of the same structure if they are closer than 30 feet to each other for more than five feet along any wall or structure.
F. 
Water systems supplying fewer than 100 single-family residences (100 residences) are not required to provide elevated water storage capacity for fire protection. However, requiring a minimum water main size of eight-inch diameter in smaller water systems allows the incorporation of elevated or groundwater storage to provide water for fire protection in the future.
(1) 
Single-family detached residences.
(a) 
Without community/multiuse water systems: Fire Department water supply by tankers.
(b) 
With community/multiuse water systems: a minimum of 500 gallons per minute (GPM) for a duration of 15 minutes with 7,500 gallons of real water and distribution mains sized for flows of 750 gallons per minute.
(2) 
Single-family attached residences.
(a) 
Without community/multiuse water systems: Fire Department water supply by tankers.
(b) 
With community/multiuse water systems: a minimum of 750 gallons per minute for a duration of 15 minutes with 10,000 gallons of real water and distribution mains sized for 1,000 gallons per minute.
(3) 
Townhouse residences. All townhouse developments will be required to have community water systems and a minimum of 1,000 gallons per minute fire flow for a duration of two hours.
(4) 
Multifamily residences.
(a) 
All multifamily residential buildings must be served by a community water system.
(b) 
If the largest building contains a maximum of four units, the required fire flow shall be 1,500 gallons per minute for a duration of two hours.
(c) 
If the largest building contains a maximum of eight units, required fire flow shall be 2,000 gallons per minute for a duration of two hours.
(d) 
Any building containing more than eight units shall be reviewed and approved by the department and in consultation with the local Fire Department to insure that an adequate level of fire protection is provided.
G. 
The RC, MC and TC Districts may have community water systems or have to depend on fire department water supply by tankers. Buildings will be considered part of the same structure and their square footage summed if they are closer than 30 feet to each other for more than five feet along any wall or structure.
(1) 
When commercial or industrial structures are built in areas without community water systems, the Department and the local Fire Department shall review the site plans and may require on-site storage of water or other special provisions such as ponds, roadways constructed to water systems, etc. to provide an adequate level of fire protection.
(2) 
In areas served by community water systems, fire flow requirements shall be as follows:
(a) 
Commercial and industrial buildings up to 5,000 square feet in size: 1,500 gallons per minute for a duration of two hours.
(b) 
Commercial and industrial building from 5,000 square feet up to 15,000 square feet in size: 2,000 gallons per minute for a duration of two hours.
(c) 
Commercial and industrial buildings of more than 15,000 square feet, or with a hazardous occupancy, exposure problem, or other special hazards may be required to have a higher fire flow or longer duration when the Department, the State Fire Marshal and in consultation with the local Fire Department decide that this is appropriate during their review of the building and site plan.
H. 
All fire flow requirements in this section assume that buildings are of ordinary construction. The required flow may be modified upward or downward by the Department in consultation with the local fire department at the time of its review of building and site plans to make allowances for the type of construction, exposures, or other special conditions which would make the fire risk significantly different from that which could be expected for ordinary construction.
I. 
All fire flow calculations shall be made with a minimum residual pressure in the system of 20 PSI at the location which is being evaluated.
J. 
The required duration shall be determined by taking into consideration the production rate of the wells in the system, the amount of water in storage, and the maximum daily consumption. In calculating the duration time, only the amount of water in storage that can be withdrawn while maintaining the residual pressure of 20 PSI at the test location shall be considered.
K. 
When the master plan is prepared for each town center within Calvert County, water supply requirements should be considered based on the expected use. A master plan for water supply that will deliver an adequate fire flow to the entire district should be prepared, and all water line construction should be designed to meet the ultimate flow requirements wherever practicable.
L. 
Flow requirements for buildings which are equipped with a NFPA Pamphlet 13 and/or 13D approved automatic sprinkler system may be reduced up to 75%. The Department, the State Fire Marshal and in consultation with the local Fire Department will determine in its building and site plan review how much reduction in flow requirements is appropriate.
M. 
Alternative or supplemental methods of providing water flow (e.g., from stormwater impoundments or underground storage tanks) can be used, if approved during review, to meet water flow requirements, provided the total flow meets the appropriate code.
N. 
The minimum water main size for all new water systems is eight-inch. However, six-inch water mains may be used in single-family detached residences when the main network is completely graded or proven hydraulically to meet fire flow requirements.
O. 
The contractor or installer of water supply systems in planned building groups shall demonstrate by actual test that the capacity of the water supply system will meet fire protection design requirements. Fire flow performance tests shall be witnessed by the Department.
P. 
Fire hydrants shall be marked in accordance with NFPA 291, Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants.
Q. 
Fire hydrants located in parking areas shall be protected by barriers that will prevent physical damage from vehicles.
R. 
Fire hydrants shall be set back not less than 24 inches from the edge of the roadway not more than 72 inches, but at no time shall the hydrant be placed in the actual flow of the ditch. In areas with curb closed road sections, the hydrant should not be set back less than 18 inches, no more than 96 inches from back of curb.
S. 
Fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with the standards of the American Water Works Association. (See Appendix[2]).
T. 
Threads on fire hydrant outlets shall be American National Fire Hose Connection screw threads and shall be equipped with thread adapters when the local Fire Department thread is different. (See NFPA 1963, Standard for Screw Threads and Gaskets for Fire Hose Connections.)
U. 
Fire hydrants shall be supplied by not less than a six-inch (15 cm) diameter main installed on a looped system or not less than an eight-inch (20 cm) diameter main if the system is not looped or the fire hydrant is installed on a dead-end main exceeding 300 feet (91 meters) in length.
V. 
Dead-end mains for fire protection shall not exceed 600 feet (182.5 meters) in length for main sizes under eight inches in diameter.
W. 
There shall be no more than 600 feet between hydrants, with spacing of 300 feet in commercial or industrial areas where practical. Hydrants shall be located near street intersections, with intermediate hydrants set to meet distance requirements. All distances shall be measured as hose can be laid by apparatus.
X. 
Location of hydrants in multifamily, commercial, industrial, or institutional complexes shall be with the approval of the Department and after the consultation with the local Fire Department and the Department of Public Works. In review of building and site plans, the County shall take into consideration requirements for supply standpipes, sprinklers or special hazards that might be encountered.
Construction of each structure shall be equal to the requirements of the building code of Calvert County.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 18, Building Construction.
A. 
Protection shall be not less than that required by the Department.
B. 
Fire Department vehicular access to all structures under construction shall be provided at all times.
C. 
The fire protection water supply system, including fire hydrants, shall be installed and in service prior to placing combustible building materials for structures, or combustible pretested fabricated building assemblies on the project site or utilizing them in the construction of building structures. If phased construction is planned, coordinated installation of the fire protection water system is permitted. (See § 44-15G.)
D. 
Trash and debris shall be removed from the construction site as often as necessary to maintain a firesafe construction site.
E. 
Flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored, handled, or used on the construction site in accordance with the applicable provisions of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code; NFPA 58, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases and NFPA 395 Standard for the Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids on Farms and Isolated Construction Projects.
F. 
At least one portable fire extinguisher having a rate of at least 4-A, 30-BC shall be within a travel distance of 75 feet or less of any point of a structure under construction. Personnel normally on the construction site shall be instructed in the use of the fire extinguisher provided. (See Appendix B.[2])
A. 
All plans for planned building groups shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction for approval before the issuance of the construction permit. This approval procedure shall include the Department.
B. 
In addition to the requirements of Subsection A, a small-scale drawing of the site's surrounding area showing streets, access points, water supply sources, and other items of fire suppression interest such as standpipe connections, sprinkler connections, hydrants, etc. shall be submitted to the local Fire Department through the Department before the start of any construction. (See § 44-2D.)
C. 
As-built drawings showing building floor plans, fire protection systems, and items of fire suppression interest such as standpipe connections, sprinkler connections, hydrants, etc. shall be submitted to the Department prior to issuance of a use and occupancy permit upon completion of the project.