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Board clarifies water‑main and mobile water‑supply rules; tankers may not be primary fire protection
Summary
PB26‑08 clarified fire‑protection water‑main sizing and the role of mobile water supply: extensions cannot exceed the diameter of the existing main, hydrants normally require an 8‑inch line (6‑inch allowed only with utilities director approval), and mobile water supply (tanker hauling) may be supplemental but not the primary fire‑protection source.
The Planning Board approved PB26‑08 on June 9, a text amendment that clarifies water‑main sizing rules and the allowable use of fire‑department mobile water supply for developments not served by county water.
Under the clarified language, an extension to an existing water main must not exceed the diameter of the existing main (to avoid pressure and water‑hammer problems). Fire hydrants are normally served by an 8‑inch water main; the Utilities Director may approve hydrants on a 6‑inch extension only when the extension connects to an existing 6‑inch main, and under no circumstances may hydrants be connected to mains smaller than 6 inches.
The amendment also addresses mobile water supply: tanker hauling (a practice used in lower‑density areas) remains an allowable option but “shall not be the primary source of fire protection.” Planning staff explained that means mobile water supply may supplement an otherwise acceptable system but cannot constitute more than half of the required fire‑protection capacity for a development.
Staff recommended approval, noting the amendment aligns the ordinance with operational realities and preserves minimum service standards to protect public safety. The board voted to approve the clarifying language by voice vote.
