[Adopted effective 9-1-1997, 3-14-2005, 9-30-2006]
The purpose of this section is to establish criteria and requirements for the installation of an initial attack fire suppression water supply for commercial, industrial and residential developments. The intent of this section is to ensure that an initial supply of water is available and accessible for the immediate use by the Fire Department in the case of a fire emergency.
8.14.210 
All commercial or industrial buildings of 5,000 square feet or more and/or building renovations or additions of 2,500 square feet or more shall install a 30,000 gallon water storage tank system for initial attack fire suppression. Larger tanks or multiple tanks will be required for complexes exceeding 20,000 square feet subject to the determination by the Fire Marshal.
8.14.220 
All residential subdivisions, resubdivisions or multi-family complexes of three to 10 units approved on or after March 14, 2005, shall install a 30,000 gallon water storage tank system for initial attack fire suppression.
8.14.230 
Subdivisions, resubdivisions or multi-family complexes having more than 10 units approved on or after March 14, 2005, shall provide an additional 30,000 gallon water storage tank system for each additional 10 units or portion thereof.
8.14.240 
Applicants shall request the District Fire Chief and the Fire Marshal to determine the number and placement of the required water supply systems prior to the time of plan submission to the Commission. Such plans shall reflect the approved tank and hydrant location at the time of plan submission.
8.14.310 
Fire suppression water tanks shall be buried, nonmetallic and equipped with appropriate piping, sump, drainage overflow and a standard manhole for access to the tank. Specifications for tank installation, filling and testing are on file in the offices of the Newtown Fire Marshal. Required pipe and fittings for fire truck attachment shall be installed pursuant to such specifications as provided by the Fire Marshal.
8.14.320 
The final standard attachment fitting, adapter and cap will be provided by the District Fire Department.
8.14.330 
Fire suppression water tanks shall be fed from a natural water source (stream or river), roof drains, parking lot drainage, or any reliable source engineered to prevent the intake of silt. The contractor shall be responsible for the initial filling of water in the tank.
8.14.340 
Fire suppression water tanks installed for residential subdivisions will be regularly monitored and maintained by the District Fire Department. The owners of commercial, industrial and multiple-family housing developments shall be responsible to maintain a minimum storage level equal to 80% of the tank capacity.
8.14.350 
Access to all fire suppression water tank hydrants shall be hard surfaced and shall be maintained accessible for fire apparatus at all times by the property owner. If the owner is unavailable or undetermined, the responsibility will be assumed by the District Fire Department.
8.14.360 
The installer of all water tanks shall be responsible for notifying the Fire Marshal to conduct an inspection prior to the system being backfilled. The Fire Marshal or his designee will inspect all piping, connections, tank installation and any other components. A test of the system shall be conducted by the Fire Department within 15 days of the final inspection. Copies of the "as built" plans shall be provided to the Fire Marshal at the completion of the testing phase and acceptance of the system.
8.14.410 
The installation of a water storage tank for fire suppression pursuant to these regulations may be waived by the Fire Marshal subject to his finding that such a waiver is warranted due to the presence of an acceptable alternative water supply, including the following:
8.14.411 
A public water system is available and fire hydrants are proposed for installation.
8.14.412 
A National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, 13D or 13R approved sprinkler system will be installed within the applicable structure or structures.
8.14.413 
A surface water supply greater than indicated in Section 595-8.14.200 herewith is maintained and accessible 365 days a year provided such surface water supply is within 1,000 feet of each building and specific improvements are installed to permit utilization and access. Further, the District Fire Chief shall have authority for determining that the location of the surface water supply has adequate accessibility for utilization for fire protection purposes. Should the District Fire Chief find that the surface water supply is inadequate due to accessibility, length of hose lay, etc., an underground water tank must be installed.
8.14.414 
All requests for approval of a natural or man-made surface water supply must be accompanied by a drainage analysis prepared by a licensed professional engineer. Such an analysis must state the minimum number of gallons available during the dry season of the year and shall indicate the source and amount of water that is supplied to the surface water supply during all weather conditions. Specifications for surface water fire suppression equipment and its installation are available in the offices of the Fire Marshal.
8.14.420 
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 595-8.14.200, commercial complexes of less than 5,000 square feet of gross floor area shall not be required to have a fire suppression water system if the District Fire Chief and the Fire Marshal deem that the nature of the business does not present a high fire risk.
8.14.430 
All requests for approval of a natural or man-made on-site surface water supply must be accompanied by a drainage analysis prepared by a licensed professional engineer. Such an analysis must state the minimum number of gallons available during the dry season of the year and shall indicate the source and amount of water that is supplied to the surface water supply during all weather conditions.
8.14.440 
Specifications for surface water fire suppression equipment and its installation are available in the offices of the Fire Marshal. [Effective 9-1-1997]
All fire suppression tanks shall be installed, filled, tested and approved by the Fire Marshal and District Fire Chief before a certification of occupancy is issued.