Ordinance No. 2021-02 Relating to Amending regulations of fire hydrants and water mains-Approved 022321
Page 1 of 10
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-02
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington, amending
Chapter 13.10, Regulation of Fire Hydrants and Water Mains, of the Bainbridge
Island Municipal Code to align that chapter with Title 20 of the Bainbridge Island
Municipal Code as amended by Ordinance No. 2020-01.
WHEREAS, the City of Bainbridge Island is concurrently adopting state-required
updates to the Washington State Fire Code through amendments to Title 20 of the Bainbridge
Island Municipal Code (“BIMC”); and
WHEREAS, in order to fully implement those changes and remove any duplication,
confusion, or conflicts between the changes to Title 20 BIMC and Chapter 13.10 BIMC,
amendments to Chapter 13.10 BIMC are necessary.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE
ISLAND, WASHINGTON, DOES ORDAIN, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 13.10 of the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code is hereby amended as
shown in Exhibit A.
Section 2. Severability. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, be declared unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid for any reason, or should any portion of this ordinance be preempted by state
or federal law or regulation, such decision or preemption shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to other persons or circumstances.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force five (5) days from its passage
and publication as required by law.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 23rd day of February, 2021.
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR 23rd day of February, 2021.
______________________________
Rasham Nassar, Mayor
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
Page 2 of 10
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: February 5, 2021
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: February 23, 2021
PUBLISHED: February 26, 2021
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 3, 2021
ORDINANCE NUMBER: 2021-02
Page 3 of 10
EXHIBIT A
Ordinance No. 2021-02
Chapter 13.10
REGULATIONS OF RELATING TO FIRE HYDRANTS AND WATER MAINS PUBLIC
WATER SYSTEMS
Sections:
13.10.010 Definitions.
13.10.020 Applicability.
13.10.030 Building permits and plats.
13.10.040 Variance.
13.10.045 New installation procedures.
13.10.050 Financial responsibility for water mains.
13.10.060 Fire Hydrant Location.
13.10.065 Fire flow.
13.10.070 Mains and service lines.
13.10.080 Private hydrants.
13.10.090 Repealed Flush-type hydrants.
13.10.100 Construction standards Repealed.
13.10.110 Repealed.
13.10.120 Repealed Surrounding vegetation prohibited.
13.10.130 Repealed Occupancy of building.
13.10.140 Repealed Unlawful conduct.
13.10.150 Inspection required.
13.10.160 Approval not deemed acceptance.
13.10.170 Penalties.
13.10.010 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter certain words and terms used herein are defined as set forth
below. Unless the natural construction of the word indicates otherwise, all words used in the
present tense include the future tense; all words in the plural include the singular number; and all
words in the singular number include the plural number.
A. Repealed by Ord. 2003-22.“BIMC” is the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code.
B. “DCSS” is the current version of the City of Bainbridge Island Design and Construction
Standards and Specifications as promulgated by the public works department.
CB. “Fire chief Marshal” is the fire chief designated member of the Bainbridge Island fire
department or histheir authorized agent responsible for implementation of BIMC Title 20.
Page 4 of 10
DC. “Fire department” means the Bainbridge Island fire department.
ED. “Fire flow” means water flow required for fire protection purposes.
FE. “Flush-type hydrant” means a hydrant installed entirely below grade.
GF. “Private hydrant” means a fire hydrant so situated and maintained on private property to
which provides water with limitations as to use by the fire and public works department as set
forth in BIMC 13.10.080.
HG. “Public hydrant” means a fire hydrant so situated and maintained on public right-of-way or
public easements and owned by the city of Bainbridge Island, or other water purveyor, to
which provides water without restriction as to use by the fire and public works departments.
I. “Public water supply system” means any system providing water for human consumption as
defined in WAC 246-290 and WAC 246-291. This definition also includes similar terms such
as “water system,” “public water system,” and “public water supply.”
JH. “Public works department” means the public works department of the city of Bainbridge
Island.
KI. “Single-family residential area” is as set forth in BIMC Title 18.
L. “Water Purveyor” or “Purveyor” is any entity operating a public water system for the supply
of potable water for domestic uses under the regulations and authority of the Washington
State Department of Health through WAC 246-290 or WAC 246-291. (Ord. 2003-22 § 17,
2003; Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.020 Applicability.
This chapter shall apply to all public water supply systems now existing or constructed in the
future, where fire flow is provided or is required by Chapter 20.04 BIMC. All water mains and
fire hydrants hereinafter installed shall meet the provisions of this chapter as well as all other
applicable plans, standards and ordinances adopted by the city of Bainbridge Island In addition,
existing hydrants not conforming with the requirements of this chapter shall, when replaced, be
brought into conformance. (Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.030 Building permits and plats.
A. Fire hydrants, water mains, and appurtenances shall be installed as required by this chapter as
a condition of approval of short plats, subdivisions, planned unit developments, and mobile home
parks.
B. No building permits shall be issued for erection of any building or structure until adequate
provision is made to assure that the provisions of this chapter will be met, including financial
responsibility, provided, this section shall not apply to the reconstruction, repair, rebuilding or
remodeling of a single-family dwelling. (Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.040 Variance.
In specific cases, a variance from the terms but within the spirit of this chapter as will not be
contrary to the public interest may be granted by the hearing examiner upon written application
of the property owner or developer, or their agent as set out in BIMC 2.14.0302.16.020 and
Page 5 of 10
2.16.120, within 30 days of the notification to comply with this chapter. In determining to grant a
variance from the terms of this chapter, including consideration of reasonable alternatives, the
hearing examiner shall be guided by the following standards and criteria:
A. Special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the property or structure
such as size, shape, topography or location and that strict enforcement of the provisions
of this chapter would deprive the property owner of rights commonly enjoyed by other
properties similarly situated.
B. The special conditions and circumstances are not primarily the result of the actions of the
applicant such as structure design necessitating greater fire protection especially, as it
may relate to commercial and multiple residential property development.
C. Unnecessary hardships and practical difficulties which make it difficult to carry out the
provisions of this chapter.
D. Granting of the application, or providing alternatives to this chapter, will not be
materially detrimental to the public health, safety, morals or welfare, or injurious to the
property or improvement in the vicinity of the applicant’s property with particular
emphasis on fire protection.
E. The variance is necessary to make possible the reasonable development of the property.
(Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.045 New installation procedures.
All hydrants and water mains water system components newly installed or replaced shall meet
the following requirements:
A. All proposed expansion, improvements, or replacements of water system components, on
City owned or operated public water systems, shall be submitted to the public works
department for review and approval, in accordance with Chapter 13.32 BIMC, and to the
Fire Department, in accordance with BIMC 20.04.090, prior to construction of said
improvements. The Public Works Department, at its sole discretion, may waive this
requirement where the expansion, improvement, or replacement is considered de minimis
and adequate conditions to protect the public interest can be imposed through other
mechanisms such as the issuance of a right-of-way permit in conformance with chapter
15.12 BIMC. In areas already platted operational hydrants and water mains may be
required to be installed in accordance with this chapter prior to the beginning of building
construction.
B. All proposed expansion, improvements, or replacements of water system components, on
non-City owned and operated public water systems, shall comply with the water
purveyor’s requirements and applicable requirements of Chapter 20.04 BIMC, and shall
provide documentation of such at the time of application for land use or building permits.
Five copies of engineered plans or drawings, accurately indicating main size, the location
of all valves, hydrants and thrust blocks to be installed, shall be submitted to the
engineering department with utility drawings at least 15 working days prior to the
beginning of any construction.
Page 6 of 10
C. In areas already platted, installation of operational hydrants and water mains may be
required in accordance with this chapter prior to the beginning of building construction.
In such case, an application as noted in subsection A or documentation as noted in
subsection B above shall be required. All construction shall conform to the city of
Bainbridge Island street and utility standards in effect at the time of construction. A
public works construction permit shall be obtained prior to commencement of
construction.
D. The city engineer and the fire department shall be notified in writing by the permit holder
when the hydrant(s) and water mains will be available for use and when they are placed
in service.
D E. Building construction shall not commence until plans required under this chapter have
the requirements of subsections A or B above have been submitted and approved
completed in accordance with the provisions of this and all other applicable chapters of
the BIMC and the applicable section of the DCSS or applicable design standards. When
water mains and hydrants are to be installed by the developer, such facilities and access
roadways serving same shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the
time of construction. No building shall be occupied until hydrants and mains for its
protection are placed in service and accepted by the purveyor.
E F. With respect to commercial, and industrial and/or multifamily construction only, no
conventional or stick construction shall be permitted to start until all hydrants required
for such improvements are placed in service and tested by the fire department. At the sole
discretion of the Fire Marshal, this condition may be waived or modified as a condition of
any permit for construction issued by the city.
G. When any new hydrant is installed in the vicinity of a ditch which would hinder fire
suppression operations, the hydrant must be centered near a 10-foot section of culvert for
purposes of ready access to equipment. (Ord. 89-14 § 1, 1989; Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.050 Financial responsibility for water mains.
A. The installation of water mains to properties not previously served shall be at the benefited
property owner’s or developer’s expense and in accordance with Chapter 13.32 BIMC.
B. Oversized water mains required for special use demands shall be installed at the developer’s
or property owner’s expense in accordance with Chapter 13.32 BIMC.
C. If the water mains installed pursuant to subsections A and B of this section provide service or
benefits to properties other than those owned by the water main installer, such installer
shallmay receive latecomer reimbursement from the owners of such properties in accordance
with Chapter 13.32 BIMC.
D. If the city requires a developer to install water mains larger than eight inches in diameter or
larger than a diameter required for special use the minimum size required by the DCSS or the
demands of the developer’s property, whichever is larger, then the developer shall may be
entitled to oversizing reimbursement in accordance with Chapter BIMC 13.18.030BIMC.
Page 7 of 10
E. When the city requires a developer to extend a water main along or through property in
accordance with BIMC 13.18.010, the developer shall not be required to install fire hydrants
outside of the developer’s property. However, the developer shall be required to install tees in
the water main extension at appropriate intervals to facilitate the future installation of fire
hydrants. (Ord. 2002-02 § 2, 2002: Ord. 86-05 §§ 1, 2, 1986; Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985).
13.10.060 Fire Hydrant Location.
The City of Bainbridge Island has adopted, with amendments, the International Fire Code in
Title 20 BIMC. The installation of fire hydrants and related water system infrastructure for fire
protection shall conform to Title 20 BIMC and the current version of the Bainbridge Island
Design and Construction Standards and Specifications as promulgated by the public works
department. In addition to the requirements referenced here, the following conditions shall apply
to the installation of fire hydrants within the city of Bainbridge Island:
A. Where potable water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not currently
needed, but where future need for the protection of structures exists, hydrants shall be
provided at spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet. In cases where a system does not provide
fire protection, spacing of valves and appurtenances related to isolation and line flushing
shall be done in accordance with the purveyor’s design and construction standards.
B. An auxiliary gate valve shall be installed at the main line tee to permit the repair and
replacement of the hydrant, or appurtenance installed for flushing purposes, without
disruption of water service.
A. All fire hydrant location requirements are subject to approval by the Bainbridge Island fire
department.
B. All public fire hydrants shall be installed at street intersections where possible. Hydrants
located mid-block shall be aligned with the extension of a property line, where possible. Public
hydrant spacing shall be measured along approved vehicular access routes.
C. Hydrant Spacing.
1. Residential structures shall be no further than 300 feet, as measured along an approved
route, from a fire hydrant. This distance may be doubled if the structures are equipped with
an automatic fire sprinkler system.
2. All structures, other than residential, shall be no further than 250 feet, as measured along
an approved route, from a fire hydrant.
3. For one- and two-family residential structures, fire hydrant spacing shall be no further
than 600 feet measured along the centerline of the fire apparatus access roadway. This
distance may be increased to 1,000 feet if the structures are served by the fire hydrants are
equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems.
4. For all structures, other than one- and two-family residential, fire hydrant spacing shall be
no further than 300 feet measured along the centerline of the fire apparatus access roadway.
5. Where potable water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for
the protection of structures, hydrants shall be provided at spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet.
Page 8 of 10
6. Minor deviations to these distances may be allowed subject to the approval of the fire
marshal and city engineer if it is deemed that such deviations would not jeopardize the safety
of building occupants or the ability to provide adequate fire protection.
D. Fire hydrants may be required to be served by a main which loops around the building or
complex of buildings and reconnects back into a distribution supply main. Location for the
installation of fire hydrants shall be mutually acceptable to the fire department and the city.
E. The number of fire hydrants shall be determined in accordance with BIMC 20.04.120.
F. Fire hydrant installations shall be adequately protected against vehicular damage, in
accordance with the standards and specifications promulgated herein.
G. An auxiliary gate valve shall be installed at the main line tee to permit the repair and
replacement of the hydrant without disruption of water service. (Ord. 2008-23 § 1, 2008: Ord.
89-14 §§ 2, 3, 1989; Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.065 Fire flow.
Minimum fire flow requirements shall be as stated in Appendix B of the currently adopted fire
code adopted in BIMC Chapter 20.04 BIMC.110. (Ord. 2008-23 § 2, 2008: Ord. 2007-17 § 5,
2007: Ord. 2004-14 § 6, 2004: Ord. 98-30 § 3, 1998; Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.070 Mains and service lines.
A. All public hydrants in single-family residential zoned areas shall be supplied by not less than
six-inch circulating water mains. All hydrants in areas other than single-family residential shall
be supplied by not less than eight inches circulating water mains. Dead-end water mains
supplying fire hydrants must be at least six inches in diameter per subsection C below. Mains 50
feet long or longer, shall be no less than six inches in diameter and shall not have a flow velocity
greater than 10 feet per second during fire flow conditions.
B. The service line from the water main to the hydrant shall be no less than six inches in
diameter. Any service lines over 50 feet in length from water main to hydrant shall be designed
as a water main. The provisions of this section shall apply without exception and regardless of
the size of the service main.
C. All water mains serving or intended to serve fire protection systems, installed or replaced in
the city of Bainbridge Island hereinafter shall have a minimum diameter of six inches in
conformance with WAC 246-290-230 or WAC 246-291-210.
D. Provisions shall be made wherever appropriate in any project for looping all dead-end or
temporarily dead-end mains. A minimum 1520-foot easement shall be required, in addition to a
temporary 10-foot construction easement on each side of the permanent easement. Construction
plans must be approved by the city engineer prior to the commencement of construction.
E. The minimum water main easement width shall be 20 feet in width. No permanent structures
shall be built in the water main easement area.
F. A minimum of 10 feet of horizontal clearance must be maintained between a water main and
any parallel sewer main. Separation between water mains and other utilities shall conform with
the other utility’s standards and the Pipeline Separation Design & Installation Reference Guide
Page 9 of 10
(Pub #06-10-029 or as amended or replaced) promulgated by the Washington State Department
of Ecology.
G. Water main extensions will be required when the property does not front on a water main or
when the existing water main is not adequate for the increased use proposed. The minimum
extension shall be to a point at least five feet inside the prolongation of the property line.
H. Due to the complexities of many water mains and their interface with other underground
structures, all water main construction shall be staked to insure placement within designated
easements. Any deviation from this requirement shall be approved by the city engineer.
I. Every effort shall be made to incorporate “looped” water mains into a project. In cases where it
is not possible to “loop” a new main installation, a minimum of a two-inch blow off shall be
required at all line ends.
J. All hook-ups to fire hydrants for temporary water for whatever purpose shall be approved by
the department of public works department, shall be metered, and will require a “temporary
hydrant valve.” In addition, double check valves may also be required if a potential for
contamination exists. (Ord. 94-29 §§ 13, 14, 1995; Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.080 Private hydrants.
The installation of private hydrants as defined herein shall meet the requirements for public
hydrants and shall be located in accordance with this chapter to provide adequate fire protection.
The fire and public works departments shall have the right to go upon the premises and to use the
private hydrant for testing, flushing and public emergency uses. When private hydrants are
proposed, prior to project acceptance, the responsible party shall record a covenant in a form
acceptable to the City stipulating inspection, maintenance, repair, and other conditions necessary
and incumbent on the owner to assure continued operation and availability of the fire hydrant for
public safety use in perpetuity.(Ord. 2008-23 § 3, 2008: Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.090 Flush-type hydrants.
Repealed by Ord. 2021-02. The installation of flush-type hydrants is prohibited unless
determined by the city engineer that undue practical hardship would otherwise be created
without relative increase in fire protection. (Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.100 Construction standards.
Construction shall be completed in accordance with approved plans and specifications. For City
owned and operated public water systems, in addition to the approved plans and specifications,
construction shall comply with the DCSS. Repealed by Ord. 94-29. (Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.110 Street grade and hydrant clearance.
Repealed by Ord. 94-29. (Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.120 Surrounding vegetation prohibited.
Repealed by Ord. 2021-02 A three-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the
circumference of fire hydrants, fire sprinkler system indicator valves, and fire department
connections. Access along the normal route of travel shall not be impeded except as otherwise
required or approved. (Ord. 2016-13 § 1, 2016: Ord. 2008-23 § 4, 2008: Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
Page 10 of 10
13.10.130 Occupancy of building.
Repealed by Ord. 2021-02 No building or structure shall be occupied or used prior to installation
and approval of required hydrants and mains as set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.140 Unlawful conduct.
Repealed by Ord. 2021-02 It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to occupy or use any
building used for a school, church, rest home, hospital, residential apartments or place of
assembly, in whatever use district located, unless such building is within 150 feet of a fire
hydrant. (Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.150 Inspection required.
All improvements shall be subject to inspection by a duly authorized representative of the city,
both during the course of construction and after construction is complete. The inspector shall
have the authority to determine whether or not materials of construction, methods of construction
and workmanship comply with working drawings and specifications. The contractor shall
provide for reasonable tests and proof of quality of materials as requested by the inspector. The
inspector may require that work be suspended for due cause. For purposes of this section, “due
cause” includes adverse weather conditions, poor workmanship, the use of questionable
materials or methods of construction, and nonadherence to specifications and drawings. (Ord.
85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.160 Approval not deemed acceptance.
Approval by the inspector shall not be deemed acceptance of the improvement by the city.
Acceptance shall be only by action of the Bainbridge Island city council. (Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)
13.10.170 Penalties.
Any person violating any provision or term of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be
punished by a fine of not more than $500.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or
by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 85-03 § 1, 1985)