F-503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections F-503.1.1 through F-503.1.3. Deviations from these requirements shall be submitted to the Department for approval.

F-503.1.2 Additional access. Where a fire apparatus access road is not within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the front or main entrance of a building, the Department is authorized to require that a fire lane, at least 12 feet (3658 mm) wide, be installed within 50 feet (15,240 mm) of the front or main entrance to the building.

The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.

F-503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Section F-503.2.1 shall be maintained at all times. Where fencing or other security barricades are erected, an emergency means of access, approved by the Department, shall be provided.

F-508.3 Fire flow. Fire flow (fire fighting water supply via fire hydrants) quantities [requirements] for new and existing buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be [determined by an approved method] provided in accordance with Section F-508.5.

F-508.5 Private [F]fire hydrant systems. Private [F]fire hydrant systems shall comply with Sections F-508.5.1 through F-508.5.6.

F-508.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of [the] any facility or building is located or hereafter constructed or moved [into or within the jurisdiction is] more than 400 feet (122 m) from a fire hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site private fire hydrants and mains shall be provided [where required by the fire code official].

Exceptions:

1. For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).

2. For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section F-903.3.1.1 or F-903.3.1.2, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).

F-508.5.1.1 Number and location of private fire hydrants. Where private fire hydrants are required by this chapter, one fire hydrant is required for the first 20,000 square feet (1860 m²) or fraction thereof of the gross floor area at grade (footprint) of a building, plus one fire hydrant for each additional 50,000 square feet (4650 m²) or fraction thereof of gross floor area at grade. Where a property has multiple buildings requiring fire hydrants, for those buildings with a gross floor area per building not exceeding 20,000 square feet (1860 m²), one fire hydrant is sufficient for that group of buildings provided that each exterior point of a building is within 400 feet (122 m) of a fire hydrant. The exact location of the fire hydrants shall be specified by the Department after survey of the site or review of building plans to determine the most advantageous locations for fire fighting.

F-508.5.1.2 Water main size. Newly installed water mains that supply private fire hydrants shall not be less than 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter.

F-508.5.1.3 Flow and pressure requirements. Private fire service mains shall provide a minimum flow of 600 gallons per minute (2271 l/min) at a minimum residual pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (138 kPa).

Exception: Private fire hydrants installed prior to January 1, 2004 and meeting all other requirements of this chapter.

F-508.5.1.4 Type of private fire hydrants. Newly installed private fire hydrants shall be Philadelphia standard fire hydrants as specified by the Philadelphia Water Department. Existing private fire hydrants are acceptable provided the outlets and operating stems are the same as those on a Philadelphia standard fire hydrant. Existing pentagonal (5 sided) operating stems corresponding in dimensions to fire department fire hydrant wrenches are also acceptable.

F-508.5.1.5 Color coding of private fire hydrants. To assist the Fire Department in quickly locating private fire hydrants during a fire emergency and in identifying those connected to non-potable (untreated) water supplies, the fire hydrants shall be color coded consistent with the Water Department’s color coding of municipal fire hydrants in accordance with Sections F-508.5.1.5.1 and F-508.5.1.5.2.

F-508.5.1.5.1 Fire hydrants connected to potable water supplies. Private fire hydrants connected to potable water supplies shall be painted orange, with the bonnet (top portion) color coded to identify the diameter of the water main feeding the fire hydrant as follows:

1. Bonnets shall be painted orange for fire hydrants connected to water mains 8 inches (203 mm) or smaller in diameter.

2. Bonnets shall be painted green for fire hydrants connected to water mains 10 inches (254 mm) to 14 inches (356 mm) in diameter.

3. Bonnets shall be painted red for fire hydrants connected to water mains 16 inches (406 mm) or larger in diameter.

F-508.5.1.5.2 Fire hydrants connected to non-potable water supplies. Private fire hydrants connected to non-potable water supplies shall be painted entirely red.

F-508.5.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Private [F]fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by [the fire code official] Section F-508.5.3. Private [F]fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall comply with approved standards. Annual test records and certifications of private fire hydrants shall contain the name, address and license number of the person performing the test and shall be submitted in an approved form to the Department of Licenses and Inspections.