Appeal 35028

507.5.1

FIRE HYDRANTS - ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES:
Where a portion of a structure is more than 600 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the structure(s), on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided, or an appeal granted.

Instead of on-site fire hydrants, we propose to provide residential fire sprinkler systems to each structure on site.

If a public hydrant is installed on the west end of N. Humboldt to match the pattern of existing hydrants in this area, this would meet code section 507.5.1 'for this and other nearby properties on this end of N. Humboldt St.

Reconsideration Text: We propose to provide residential sprinkler systems to all 3 cottages on the property in lieu of a private fire hydrant (and assuming a public hydrant cannot be provided by the city.)

Provision of a private hydrant for this property, which is similar in distance from public hydrants as other nearby properties, would pose an undue financial and maintenance burden to the owners.

Provision of a residential sprinkler systems plus non-combustible siding across the project decreases the property's fire hazard and would allow the project to proceed.

503.2.5, Table D1O3.4

503.2.5, Table D1O3.4

DEAD END ROADS AND TURNAROUNDS:
Dead end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 300 feet in length shall be provided with an approved turnaround. Diagrams of approved turnarounds are shown in the Access and Water Supply Guide.

We propose to

1. preserve a 30'x10' turnout in front of our project, see PDF
2. preserve access to the driveway at 2449 N. Humboldt St. for turnaround use
3. provide residential sprinkler systems for all site structures

If it would help meet this requirement, the adjacent driveway gate at 2449 N. Humboldt can be opened by the FD for use as a turnaround area. The driveway measures 74' long and 11' wide, see PDF.

Reconsideration text: In addition to preserving access to the driveway at 2449 N Humboldt for a turnaround and a 30'x10' clear space in front of the property as a turnout, we propose to sprinkler all structures on the site.

Pre-existing urban constraints beyond the property owner's control determine the existing road width and lack of space for diagram-compliant turnarounds. Moreover, other properties on N. Humboldt that are farther than 300' from the intersection with N. Gay face this similar constraint, and do not have code-compliant turnarounds.

503.2.2

TURNOUTS:
When a fire apparatus access road exceeds 400 feet in length, turnouts 10 feet wide and 30 feet long shall be provided in addition to the required road width and shall be placed no more than 400 feet apart, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. These distances may be adjusted based on visibility and sight distances.

We'd like to request this distance be adjusted due to:
a. clear visibility and sight lines along N. Humboldt
b. 400' length from N. Gay intersection is outside project boundary, and there is no turnout at the 400' limit
c. provision of turnout in front of our project, see below proposed design
d. provision of residential sprinkler system in all site structures

The part of N. Humboldt that is 400' from the intersection with N. Gay is beyond the purview of this project. We will keep clear a 30' x 10' pullout on the unimproved street in front of our project property, which still leaves a 37'-wide roadway to the south, see PDF.
Notably, through-traffic on this end of the street is scant.

Reconsideration text: See Alternate Requested above.

See 30'x10' turnout area proposed in front of property in PDF.
Pre-existing urban constraints beyond the property owner's control are determining the existing road width and possible turnout configurations.
Other properties that are beyond the 400' fire access road length do not have similar turnouts.
Site fire risk will be reduced by residential sprinkler system.