The following are the requirements for installation of water storage tanks in the local response area that do not have pressurized water systems within Kings County. Please contact our department if there are any questions PRIOR to installation. While all of these points may not apply to your situation, they are provided for your information and review. Violations of the following are enforced under the authority of the California Fire Code (CFC), Public Resource Code, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in accordance with the Kings County Ordinance Code.

All residential and commercial structures shall meet NFPA 1142 fire flow requirements or as specified by the Fire Department. Water storage tanks shall meet NFPA 22 requirements. Water tank maintenance shall meet NFPA 25C, Chapter 9 requirements.

• Exceptions:
  • This shall not apply to pole barns, detached carports, and other small non-enclosed structures.
  • Structures falling within this exception shall not have more than two sides enclosed and shall not be located within 25 feet from adjacent structures.
  • R-3 occupancies which are single story with a square footage at or less than 2,499 square feet; and for R-3 occupancies which are two story, at or less than 2,999 square feet.
  • Mobile homes shall not have to adhere to NFPA 1142. Even if these exceptions are met, the Fire Department reserves the right to require a water storage tank or pool system due to the projected fire flow requirements of the property.

1. Tank Connection:

• Connection to the tank shall be located not less than 8” from the bottom of the tank.
• An approved brass shut-off valve shall be located at the tank.
• There shall be an elbow attached to the interior of the tank descending to no less than 2” from the bottom of the tank.

2. Pumper Connections:

• The Fire Department Connection (FDC) shall be equipped with a 4-1/2” male coupling (National Hose Thread) per NFPA 24-5.9.2.2.
• The FDC shall be placed at least 40’ from the building and no more than 150’ from the furthest portion of the structure.
• The FDC shall not be less than 24” or more than 36” from final grade.
• The FDC and piping shall be supported in an approved manner per NFPA 24-9.1.2.
• FDC shall be protected by barrier posts if deemed necessary per NFPA 24-5.9.1.4.

3. Materials (NFPA 1142-8.3.2):

• Piping shall be listed for fire protection service and comply with AWWA standards. Piping shall be designed to withstand a working pressure of at least 150 psi. (PVC minimum of Schedule 40 for underground sections only.)
• All joints and fittings shall be approved and listed.
• Caps shall be required and may be of brass or polyurethane. They must be properly secured and arranged for easy removal by the Fire Department per NFPA 24-5.9.2.2.
• Underground piping, if applicable, shall be no less than 6” in diameter per NFPA 24-5.2.2.
• All bends and changes in direction of the piping shall be supported with thrust blocks. If using Schedule 40 PVC pipe underground, the thrust block must completely surround the galvanized elbow joint to prevent movement.
• A maximum of three 90-degree elbows shall be permitted.
• A tracer wire shall be installed with the underground piping.

4. Access:

• The tank and/or Fire Department Connections shall be accessible to all fire apparatus at all times by an all-weather road. Location shall not interfere with nearby objects including buildings, fences, posts, or other obstructions. There shall be at least 3’ of clearance in all directions and the connection shall face the engine access as directed by the Fire Department.
• All roadways shall have an unobstructed width of no less than a 20’ easement with an all-weather surface, exclusive of shoulders, capable of supporting fire department apparatus and 13’ 6” vertical clearance per CFC 503.2.1.
• The FDC shall be located within 8’ of the fire apparatus access road.

5. General Requirements:

• Plans shall be submitted to the Fire Department PRIOR to installation. These plans shall include piping details (class and type), lengths, joint information, size and location of water supply, type and location of valves, FDC locations, and measurements. All water tanks over 5,000 gallons shall be on an approved foundation or a foundation recommended by the tank manufacturer. Foundation plans shall be provided and approved by the Building Department.
• Pipe depth shall be at least 3 feet (36 inches).
• A reliable means of automatically maintaining the water level in the tank shall be provided, normally by means of a float valve.
• Refill piping shall not be less than ¾” galvanized pipe from the top of the tank.
• There shall be a 24” x 24” inspection hatch on the top of the tank.
• There shall be a ladder available for all inspections.
• There shall be a 4” vent, equivalent to the outlet size, located on the top of the tank. This vent shall be protected from invasion of excessive dirt and/or living things.
• A floater shall shut off at least 2” below the water line (see schematic).
• Poly tanks shall not exceed 10,000 gallons.
• Only two tanks will be allowed to achieve water storage requirements.
• The metal ring that forms the base for the tanks shall be three inches wide.
• The water shall be onsite and in service prior to combustible material being onsite.

6. Testing:

• Provide a copy of the Contractor’s Material & Test Certificate furnished by the installing contractor.
• Trench shall be backfilled between joints before testing to prevent movement of the pipe. All joints shall be visible during testing.
• All new service mains shall be tested hydrostatically at not less than 50 psi for 2 hours.
• Testing shall be done in the presence of the Fire Department.
• All control valves and FDCs shall be fully opened and closed under system pressure.

6. Documentation:

• Water Storage Tank