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Morton amends code to require annual inspection and reporting of private fire hydrants
Summary
Trustees approved Ordinance 26‑02 amending the municipal code to require owners of private fire hydrants to arrange annual inspections by qualified contractors and submit reports through the Compliance Engine software used by the fire chief; the village retains inspection access and authority to operate hydrants when necessary.
The Village of Morton Board of Trustees on May 19 adopted an ordinance amending chapter 6 of title 5 of the municipal code to set duties for owners of private fire hydrants.
Under the ordinance the owners of private fire hydrants will be responsible for annual inspections conducted by qualified contractors and for submitting inspection reports through Compliance Engine, the software the fire chief uses to track compliance. The chief and staff told trustees that Compliance Engine will allow the department to see which private hydrants are out of compliance and to follow up with property owners.
Trustees and staff said the village’s primary focus will remain on public hydrants and that the village will continue to retain the authority to access and operate private hydrants when needed for fighting fires or water‑quality flushing. Historically the village has had private‑hydrant agreements tied to a utility billing charge (the chief referenced a $5 per month charge in prior agreements); the ordinance formalizes owner responsibilities for inspection, reporting and recordkeeping.
The board approved the ordinance by roll call vote; staff said letters would be sent to owners explaining their responsibilities pending final adoption.
