Do I need a fire hydrant?
All buildings are required to be within a specified distance from a fire hydrant. That distance is determined based on required fire flows as prescribed within Appendix B of the California Fire Code. The determination is based on type of construction and the gross floor area of all floor levels within the exterior walls, and under horizontal projections of the roof of a building.

Once the required fire flow has been determined, the number of and distance to a fire hydrant is found in Appendix C of the California Fire Code. If your proposed building is not within the specified distances required in Appendix C, then a new fire hydrant will be required to be installed as a part of your project. The best location to place the fire hydrant will be determined by the fire department based on operational needs.

Show All Answers

1. I am building a new building, do I need to install fire sprinklers? If so, what kind?
2. I am remodeling an existing building, do I need to install fire sprinklers? If so, what kind?
3. Who can install my fire sprinklers?
4. Where can I find a list of fire sprinkler contractors?
5. How many copies of drawings and calculations are required for permit submittal?
6. I am building a new building, do I need to install a fire alarm system?
7. I am remodeling an existing building, do I need to install a fire alarm system?
8. Who can install my fire alarm system?
9. Can I install my own fire alarm system?
10. Where can I find a list of fire alarm contractors?
11. I am submitting for a fire alarm permit, what documentation is required?
12. How many copies of drawings and calculations are required for permit submittal?
13. When are smoke detectors required to be installed?
14. Can I use battery powered smoke detectors?
15. When are carbon monoxide alarms required?
16. Where do I install carbon monoxide detectors?
17. How large do my address numbers need to be?
18. Where do I put my numbers?
19. Do I need a fire hydrant?
20. Where can I obtain fire flow information?
21. When is a turnaround required?
22. What is a fire lane, and when is one required?
23. What is a KNOX Box? Why do I need one? Where do I buy it?
24. What is a Class K fire extinguisher? When do I need one?
25. What kind of fire extinguishers do I need for my business?
26. How many fire extinguishers do I need?