It is the intent of this article to ensure that adequate fire-protection
capability is provided in new commercial and industrial developments
in the Town growth area designated in the Comprehensive Plan where
public water is not currently available but is expected to be available
within two years. These systems shall be known as "interim fire-protection
systems."
A commercial or industrial development shall provide an interim
fire-protection system if:
A. The Planning Commission determines that the commercial or industrial
development is located substantially within adopted growth areas;
B. A public water supply and distribution system is not available or
scheduled in the capital improvements program of any responsible agency
to be in service within two years; and
C. The commercial or industrial development proposes more than 2,000
square feet of new commercial, industrial or institutional enclosed
area.
The adequacy of an interim fire-protection system in the proposed
commercial or industrial development shall be determined by the Planning
Commission after receiving the recommendations from the Hagerstown
Water Department, the Washington County Department of Water Quality,
Division of Environmental Management, the Town's Public Works
Department, other municipal governments or any other properly established
agency, including organizations charged with fire protection, with
the legal authority and responsibility to construct, maintain, improve
or permit hookup to the water supply system.
The interim fire-protection system shall be capable of providing
the same level of fire-protection service as if it were hooked up
to a public water supply and distribution system.
The procedures and standards established by the Maryland State
Fire Marshal shall be used in the design, review, approval and installation
of the interim fire-protection system.