Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

October 9, 2003

This letter is in response to your question regarding the Fire Code of New York State, 2002 edition (FCNYS)[19 NYCRR 1225.1].

Question:
Would the 600' distance as stated in FCNYS 508.5.1, exception #2 be measured from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road to the further point of the building or completely around the building and back to the fire hydrant?

Background:
A 2 story, Type 5B, Group R-1 with an automatic sprinkler system. A fire apparatus access road circles the complete building with one street entrance. At the rear of the building (oppoisite side of the street entrance and lobby) there is a fire hydrant. Traveling either way around the building, the distance from the hydrant does not exceed 600'.

Opinion:
FCNYS 508.5.1 is using the reference for measurement from a portion of a facility or building to the fire hydrant. It is not requiring the distance to be measured between fire hydrants or, such as in this case, the distance of a loop road back to the same hydrant. Therefore, as long as the fire department can stretch a supply line not longer than 600' along required fire apparatus access roads to a fire hydrant, the direction or arrangement of hydrants is the choice of the project designer.

This advisory opinion is rendered based upon the information provided. Administration and enforcement of the code are within the jurisdiction of the local authority. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter further, please call me at (518) 474-4073.

Sincerely,
Daniel E. Nichols
Fire Protection Engineer I
Division of Code Enforcement and Administration
Al03-226

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526