§ 22-111. Water point sources.

(a)

Generally. As a basis for evaluating the quality of public fire protection services throughout the United States, Insurance Services Office (ISO) analyzes the relevant data in a community and assigns a Public Protection Classification (PPC) number ranging from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire protection program does not meet ISO's minimum standards. In turn, this PPC number is used by insurance providers to assist in developing premiums that reflect the risk of loss in a particular location.

(b)

Purpose and intent. Rowan County recognizes the importance of adequate fire protection for its citizens and further acknowledges there is a correlation between the development of major subdivisions and their potential impact on a fire department's ability to maintain and provide adequate fire protection for the existing and proposed structures in their respective jurisdiction. Rowan County has fire districts with PPC ratings ranging from six (6) to 9S. The objectives contained in this article are designed to accomplish a goal established by the board of commissioners for the fire districts to achieve and maintain a PPC rating of six (6).

Based on ISO standards, a district's PPC rating is based upon the department's fire alarm and communication system; its equipment, staffing and training; and water supply system. Furthermore, without a water supply system that is able to deliver two hundred fifty (250) gallons per minute for a two-hour period, a district may not attain a rating of Class eight (8) or better.

(c)

Provision for requirement and standards. Major subdivision proposals equal to or greater than fourteen (14) lots are subject to the requirements of this chapter, in which all lots must be located within one (1) road mile of a water point source as certified by the Rowan County Fire Marshal and the chief of the fire department having jurisdiction, otherwise the subdivider shall be responsible for providing or participating with the fire department with responding jurisdiction in installation of a water point source. Provision of a water point source shall be by one (1) of the following methods:

1.

Municipal water supply system. Connections to a municipal water supply system shall be in accordance with sections 22-102 and 22-106 of this chapter. Hydrant type(s) and placement(s) shall be as specified by Appendix C of the N.C. State Building Code: Fire Code.

2.

In-ground cistern or aboveground water tank. Installation of a cistern or aboveground tank must be provided at a location in, adjacent to or within one (1) road mile of all lots in a proposed major subdivision. The cistern or tank should hold a minimum of thirty thousand (30,000) usable gallons and be designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 22.

3.

Pond. Construction of a pond must be provided at a location in, adjacent to or within one (1) road mile of all lots in the proposed subdivision. Construction of the pond and installation/use of a float dock or dry hydrant for drafting of water shall be in accordance with standards and practices of NFPA 1142. The pond must have the capacity to maintain in excess of thirty thousand (30,000) gallons as certified by a certified hydrologist, professional engineer, or a staff member of the Rowan County Soil and Water Conservation District to account for seasonal variations and water availability/sediment below the strainer, and/or be able to withstand a 50-year drought as certified by a certified hydrologist, professional engineer or a staff member of the Rowan County Soil and Water Conservation District. Ponds created through use of existing streams or by continuous fill from a ground water well, must also obtain the drought tolerance certification from any of the aforementioned sources.

(d)

Responsibility for installation. Responsibility for installation of a water point source for projects subject to the provisions of subsection 22-111(c) of this article are based on the following principles:

1.

Without provision of a water point source, major subdivision proposals located in fire districts with a PPC rating of eight (8) or less will adversely affect the PPC rating of said district. As such, a water point source shall be provided at the expense of the subdivider. Installation, inspections and certifications required to comply with NFPA 22 and 1142 (as applicable) will be the responsibility of the subdivider.

2.

Without provision of a water point source, major subdivision proposals located in fire districts with a PPC rating of nine (9) or 9S will not necessarily affect the PPC rating of said district. However, the county recognizes the importance of adequate fire protection for its citizens and providing water point sources is an accepted method for limiting property damage and saving lives in the event of fires. To this end, the subdivider and fire department having jurisdiction shall equally share in the costs for installation, inspections and certifications for the minimum standards as may be required to comply with NFPA 22 and 1142 (as applicable) of providing the water point source, unless the subdivider waives the fire department's participation requirement. For purposes of this section, cost participation of the fire department shall not include land or easement purchase costs nor shall equal participation of the subdivider be diminished by a value (assumed or established) of the lot or easement containing the water point source.

(Amend. of 7-16-07(2); Amend. of 6-16-08)