In order to obtain approval to construct or change the size
or location of a fire pipe connecting to a public water main, the
owner shall submit a general service application. The application
shall be supplemented by a building site plan approved by the Superintendent,
by a permit issued pursuant to the City of Chicopee Fire Prevention
Code, and by such other permits, plans, specifications, and information
as the Superintendent may require. Approval of the application shall
be subject to the availability of capacity in the public water main
as determined by the Superintendent. Any general service application
issued shall be void and invalid unless the work authorized by it
shall have been commenced within 30 days after issuance; however for
cause shown and upon written request by the property owner, an extension
may be granted by the Superintendent.
A. Expenses borne by owner. All costs and expenses incident to the completion
of a general service application and the work authorized pursuant
to such application, including but not limited to design, construction,
connection, and inspection of a fire pipe shall be borne by the owner.
B. Existing users. In the absence of a signed general service application,
the provision of water service by the Superintendent and its use by
the owner shall nonetheless be deemed subject to all provisions of
this chapter.
The property owner shall own the entire fire pipe, extending
from the property to the public water main, including the control
valve at the main.
A. Design and construction standards. Fire pipes shall be constructed
in accordance with the City's Design Criteria and the latest versions
of the State Plumbing Code, Chicopee Fire Prevention Code and National
Fire Code.
B. Location of fire pipe. No fire pipe shall be laid in the same trench
with any other public or private facilities, except a water service
pipe, nor within 10 feet of a sewer. Any connection of a fire pipe
to a public main shall be made in a public way, a City-owned easement,
whether recorded or by prescription, or in a private way open to public
travel. The Superintendent at its sole discretion shall determine
the point of connection of the owner's fire pipe to the City's water
main.
C. Limitations on tapping mains. Water mains designated as transmission
mains shall not be tapped for a fire pipe, except when approved by
the Superintendent. All new taps shall be a minimum of one pipe size
smaller than the main to be tapped; however, where the Superintendent
deems this impractical, a solid sleeve three-way branch shall be used
to connect to the new main.
D. Limitations on water use. Where there is more than one public water
main in a street, the Superintendent shall determine which main the
owner may tap for a fire pipe connection. Water supplied through a
fire pipe shall be for fire protection only, except for annual fire
pump tests. Only prior written authorization from the Superintendent
shall permit any other use of water from a fire pipe. No water used
for fire protection/suppression systems shall be taken from a water
service pipe.
E. Installation of fire pipe. The owner shall be responsible, at its
expense, for installing the fire pipe and appurtenances, tapping and
making connection to the public water main designated by the Superintendent
and the cutting and capping of existing services and appurtenances
to be discontinued. The owner or owner's contractor shall arrange
at least 24 hours in advance for an inspection by the Superintendent
before backfilling the installed fire pipe and appurtenances. The
owner or owner's contractor shall not backfill the installation until
after receipt of a written inspection certificate from the Superintendent.
Only the Superintendent shall let-on water service after inspection
and approval of the fire pipe installation. The owner shall provide
access to the property for the inspection by the Superintendent and
shall not conceal the purpose for which the fire pipe is used or to
be used.
F. Installation of backflow device. All fire pipe supply lines shall
be equipped with an approved backflow prevention device.
G. Fire Department permit. An owner, in accordance with the Chicopee
Fire Prevention Code, shall be responsible for obtaining the necessary
permit from the Chicopee Fire Department when the fire pipe is shut
off for maintenance purposes.
H. Second source. If continuous water service is necessary, the Superintendent
may, at its discretion, require the owner, to install a second service
with backflow protection so that service will not be interrupted during
fire pipe testing and maintenance operations. Such second source shall
be installed in accordance with City specifications and in accordance
with this chapter. All costs and expenses incident to the installation
of a second source shall be borne by the owner.
The Superintendent may require that an owner install a detector meter on a fire pipe for the purpose of monitoring leakage and water use. If metering is required, all expenses for furnishing and installation of the meter shall be borne by the owner. The provisions of §
269-4.2, with respect to meter location, right to enter premises, meter testing, meter tampering, and meter replacement or repair shall apply to fire pipe meters.
The Commission includes within its rates an annual charge related
to the provision of water capacity to serve a fire service pipe. Unless
otherwise stated in the rate documentation, such annual charge shall
not include or be used for maintenance or repair costs to the fire
service pipe. Maintenance costs and repair costs are to be borne by
the owner of the premises.
Violations of Article
5.0 are subject to the imposition of fines and penalties as provided in Article
8.0 of this chapter.