In use since the 1700s, fire hydrants remain a critical fire protection measure. Yet despite their importance to public safety, fire hydrants are often overlooked in the construction plan approval process.
Prior to the start of any construction project, a detailed drawing indicating the location of all fire hydrants to be installed, must be submitted and approved by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), as well as with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). To speed up the process, these filings can be submitted simultaneously. In the case of temporary fire hydrant installations, only DEP approval is necessary; FDNY approval is not required.
If you have a construction project that mandates the installation of a new fire hydrant or the relocation of an existing fire hydrant, follow the additional tips below on how to expedite the hydrant filing process and avoid job delays.
Public Hydrants
FDNY applications should be filed with a “simple sketch” electronic copy, signed and sealed with a directional North Arrow, demonstrating:
- Each Siamese installation on a building is within 100 feet of a hydrant.
- A hydrant is located within 250 feet of the front entrance.
- The size dimensions of the water main.
- Identification of the four street corners closest to the hydrant.
- Distances to other surrounding hydrants.
DEP applications should be filed with:
- A cover letter seeking approval for private/internal hydrant installation, relocation and water main installation/relocation (if applicable).
- The water main and hydrants indicated on plans.
Private Hydrants
FDNY applications should be filed with a simple sketch electronic copy, signed and sealed with a directional North Arrow, demonstrating:
- Each Siamese installation on a building is within 100 feet of a hydrant.
- A hydrant is located within 250 feet of the front entrance.
- The size dimensions of the water main.
DEP applications should be filed with:
- A cover letter seeking approval for private/internal hydrant installation, relocation and water main installation/relocation (if applicable).
- The water main and hydrants indicated on plans.
Note: The distance between the hydrants and Siamese installations/front entrances should be depicted on the plans with scaled radius circles with the appropriate dimensions.
To ensure your fire hydrant installations and relocations go smoothly, we encourage you to contact a Milrose Consultants.
