New Hanover County TRC Agenda Full 8.16.20231
TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA
August 16th, 2023
New Hanover County’s Technical Review Committee (TRC) will meet Wednesday, August 16, 2023
at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the below items.
PLEASE NOTE:
This meeting will be conducted remotely via teleconference. Interested parties can contact the Planning
and Land Use Department at 910-798-7165 for more information.
Item 1: 5510 Olsen Park Ln – Olsen Park Expansion – SITECN-23-000033
Request by tony Caudle with the City of Wilmington (tony.caudle@wilmingtonnc.gov) for the expansion
of Olsen Park. The site is 19.3 acres and is zoned R-15. The engineer is William Stanton with CLH Design,
P.A. (wstanton@clhdesignpa.com). The case planner is Zach Dickerson (zdickerson@nhcgov.com, 910-
798-7450)
Item 2: 2653 Northchase Parkway SE – IKA Works Expansion – SITECN-23-000034
Request by Ray Watkins with IKA Works, Inc. (ray.watkins@ika.net) for the expansion of the existing IKA
Works facility. The site is 8.45 acres and is zoned PD, Planned Development. The engineer is Rick Moore,
PE with McKim & Creed (ramoore@mckimcreed.com) . The case planner is Wendell Biddle
(wbiddle@nhcgov.com, 910-798-7068)
5510 Olsen Park Lane – Commercial Site Plan – TRC Review
To: Tony Caudle, City of Wilmington (tony.caudle@wilmingtonnc.gov)
William Stanton, CLH Design P.A. (wstanton@clhdesignpa.com)
From: Zach Dickerson
Senior Planner
Date: August 16, 2023
Egov#: SITECN-23-000033
Subject: Olsen Park Expansion – Major Site Plan – TRC Review
Address: 5510 Olsen Park Lane
The following comments have been received for the August 16, 2023, TRC meeting. Additional comments
may be made upon further review of subsequent revisions.
Please note: following the TRC meeting, a revised preliminary plan addressing each of the below items
must be resubmitted prior to receiving preliminary plan approval.
Planning, Zach Dickerson 910-798-7450
1. Zoning district: R-15
2. Parking
a. Parking is sufficient, no minimum is required for park and recreation area.
3. Access:
a. Please provide all NCDOT approvals upon receipt. Please be aware that no building permit
will be issued until NCDOT has issued the Driveway Permit.
b. That being said, it looks like the park will use existing access point, but we have not
received comments from NCDOT yet. Because of the expansion, they may require an
update to the driveway permit.
4. Tree Retention:
a. It does not appear that there is any tree removal proposed for the development.
5. Landscaping and Buffering:
a. Landscaping plan is sufficient, no further landscaping is required.
6. Exterior Lighting:
a. Is there lighting proposed for the new parking lot and pickleball courts? If so, the below
comments apply. If not, please disregard.
5510 Olsen Park Lane – Commercial Site Plan – TRC Review
b. Please provide a lighting plan- approval of the lighting plan is required before site plan
approval (Section 10.3.6, Site Plan) or zoning compliance approval (Section 10.3.8, Zoning
Compliance Approval), whichever comes first. A lighting plan must be provided to
illustrate that street lighting, all exterior lighting, and indoor lighting visible from outside
shall be designed and located so that the maximum illumination measured in foot candles
at ground level at a lot line, UDO Section 5.5. Please refer to Table 5.5.4.B of the UDO.
c. Before the building permit can be issued, documentation must be provided to illustrate
that illumination plan.
NHC Fire, Sunnie Batson 910-798-7464
1. See appendix below.
NHC Engineering (Stormwater), Galen Jamison 910-798-7072
1. The erosion control permitting will be issued by NC DEQ DEMLR. Please submit for permit as the
design is completed.
2. Please contact the State for the stormwater permit modification requirements.
3. A revision to the stormwater permit issued by the County is required for this project. Please
submit for permit application documents to gjamison@nhcgov.com as the design is completed.
4. A preliminary review of the stormwater narrative included with the TRC submission noted the
below. Please address these comments and update narrative with the stormwater permit
application. a. Per Section 2.3.2.2&3 of the stormwater design manual, please include NOAA Atlas
14 data, drainage area maps, culverts design will flowrates indicated, 25 and 100 year flow
analysis for open channels, and energy dissipater calculations using the 25 year storm. b. Per
Section 4.4.2, the minimum pipe size is 15”
NHC Environmental Health, Dustin Fenske 910-798-7324
1. Site is on public water and sewer. Proposed infrastructure will not violate setbacks to
surrounding properties well or septic systems.
NHC Addressing, Katherine May
1. No comments
CFPUA, Bernice Johnson 910-332-6620
1. CFPUA TRC Comments provided are preliminary comments only.
2. Engineer to confirm with CFPUA the scope of the project to determine/verify if CFPUA Plan
Review will be required.
3. Utility Plan Review required by CFPUA. CFPUA is moving toward becoming paperless. When
ready to submit plan review package, upload all documents to
https://www.cfpua.org/FormCenter/Engineering-3/Engineering-Plan-Review-103.
4. CFPUA water and sewer available. Sewer is served by private lift station.
5. CFPUA Meter Sizing Form may be required.
5510 Olsen Park Lane – Commercial Site Plan – TRC Review
WMPO, Jamar Johnson 910-343-3915
1. Increase width of multiuse path to be 10’ in width to meet the minimum City of Wilmington,
NCDOT and FHWA standards for multiuse paths.
2. Asphalt or Concrete surface is acceptable for the multiuse trail. Please provide an acceptable
design that meets the following minimum requirements:
a. 1.5” SF9.5A and 6”ABC
b. 1.5” SF9.5A, 4” ABC, and soil stabilization geotextile fabric
c. 4” concrete with welded wire mesh reinforcement
3. Show all curb ramps on plan sheets.
NCDOT Projects:
TIP Projects in the Area: N/A
WMPO 2045 Projects: N/A
New Hanover County CTP: N/A
TIA: Based on the 11th edition ITE Trip Generation Manual, a TIA is not required.
Land Use (ITE Code) Intensity Unit 24 Hour
Volumes
AM Peak
Hour Trips
PM Peak
Hour Trips
ITE 410 Public Park 19.3 Acres 15 0 2
NCDOT, Nick Drees, 910-398-9100
1. No comments received yet.
Army Corps of Engineers, Brad Shaver 910-251-4611
1. If there will be wetland impacts, a permit would be required.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
TRC Plan Review - 2018 NC Fire Code
Pursuant to the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and New Hanover County Ordinances Section 26
SITECN-23-000033
5510 Olsen Park Lane – Olsen Park Expansion
Required for Plan Review Submittal
• The complete TRC/Site plans comments from New Hanover County Fire staff shall be submitted
along with the building plans for review to New Hanover County Building Safety. This shall
include the complete set of civil plans. Failure to submit the comments or complete set of civil
plans will result in a resubmittal for review for verification of compliance.
• Any building with a generator or aboveground storage tank (AST) shall include an engineered
plan complying with the NCFC Chapter 23, 57 and NFPA 30 showing all applicable distances as
required from those specific requirements.
• Any plan involving an underground storage tank (UST) shall include an engineered plan
complying with the NCFC Chapter 23, 57 and NFPA 30 for Underground Storage Tank Cover
requirements. This plan shall also show all vent lines.
• Per NCFC 503.6, submit for review the details and manufacturer information for the gate across
the fire department access road. Include both the UL and ASTM Listing in the documentation
attachments for approval. This review shall include the written approval of the Fire Chief or any
New Hanover Deputy Fire Marshal and any additional details of approval during this review
process. (EMBEDDED ON PLANS) (WRITTEN TRC APPROVAL)
• Per NCFC 507.1, Provide an Engineered fire flow analysis report in accordance with the fire
code and Appendix B to include pertinent information. A fire flow test shall be conducted in
accordance with NFPA 291 and NCFC 507.4. This report shall be submitted by a P.E. and
include the stamp of the submitting individual on the report.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
Accessibility
• All new structures must comply with Appendix J of the NC Fire Code, Building Information
Signs. An example can be provided upon request.
• Fire apparatus access roads are required at time of construction. They are to be capable of
handling the weight of fire apparatus and be passable in all weather conditions. Fire apparatus
access roads are to be a minimum of 20 feet wide (Chapter 5), unless there are fire hydrants
installed along the roadway then minimum is 26 feet wide (Appendix D). The fire code official
may increase this width as necessary based on potential for fire apparatus response. Dead end
roads greater than 150 feet in length shall require an approved means for fire apparatus to turn
around (Chapter 5 and Appendix D). Fire apparatus access roads shall provide a clear vertical
clearance of 14 feet including trees, canopies, bridges, etc. (Chapter 5 requirement is 13 feet 6
inches, however AHJ requires 14 feet based on local apparatus).
• Street and road signs are required, temporary signs during construction are acceptable as long as
they are legible and weather resistant. (Chapter 5).
• Fire apparatus access roads that access commercial buildings greater than 30 feet in height are to
be a minimum of 26 feet wide, be capable of handling the weight of aerial fire apparatus
(100,000 lbs.) and be passable in all weather conditions.
• Parking shall not be allowed on either side of the above-mentioned roadway. If roadside parking
is desired the minimum road width shall be increased, contact the fire code official for further
information. No Parking signs shall be a minimum of 12 inches wide and 18 inches tall.
Commercial buildings shall have fire lanes marked (Chapter 5)
• Gates on fire apparatus access roads are discouraged due to the delay in response. If gated access
is deemed necessary it shall be either staffed with personnel 24 hours per day every day, 365
days of the year or must include KNOX key bypass switch and siren activation (both). (Chapter
5).
o Manual gates shall have a KNOX padlock in place for access during an emergency.
• Traffic calming devices are highly discouraged due to the delay in response. Speed
bumps/humps are prohibited. Requests for other traffic calming devices must be evaluated
during the Technical Review (TRC).
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
• Fire lanes shall be a minimum of 18 feet wide and 14 feet vertical clearance feet including trees,
canopies, bridges, etc. and must be marked.
• Premises identification is required. Address and or unit numbers are required on the street side as
well as unit identification on rear access doors. Letters and Numbers shall not be less than 6
inches tall and ¾ inches wide; must be weather resistant and contrasting in color to their
background. (Chapter 5). Buildings constructed under the 2018 code shall require additional
signage per Appendix J.
Water Supply (Chapter 5 and Appendix C)
• If a water supply is required for fire protection a fire hydrant system or other means approved by
the fire code official must be present prior to beginning construction and be maintained operable
during the construction period. (For construction, fire dept. water shuttle counts as long there is a
fill site within range)
• An engineered fire low calculation indicating the available fire flow shall be submitted to
Building Safety during plans review.
• If an approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection is
available, fire hydrants shall be provided.
• If the approved water supply is not capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection
a private system shall be engineered to meet the required fire flow for both automatic sprinkler
systems and fire hydrants.
• Fire Hydrants
o All fire hydrants shall have a 5 ¼ inch barrel, a 5 ¼ inch valve opening, two 2 ½ inch
NST side discharges and a 5-inch pumper nozzle with a 5-inch STORZ connection.
Further information on the technical specifications is available from the fire code official
or Cape Fear Public Utility Authority.
o All fire hydrants shall be installed so they are visible from the fire apparatus access road
with unobstructed access and a clear space no less than 36 inches in all directions. They
shall be protected from vehicle impact by curbing, guard posts or other means approved
by the fire code official. They shall be oriented with the large discharge facing the nearest
street. All discharges shall meet the NFPA requirements for distance above grade.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
o Fire hydrants in mixed use and commercial areas shall be installed so that all insured
properties are within 250 feet of a hydrant (hydrant spacing approximately 500 feet apart
along fire apparatus access roads and preferably located at intersections when possible).
o Additional fire hydrants may be required by the fire code official based on the type of
hazard or use of the protected structure. (Appendix C)
o Fire hydrants should be located 50 feet or more from the structure they protect.
• All existing fire hydrants must be shown on submitted plans.
• Three additional fire hydrants are required.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
Demolition
o All demolition work must comply with Chapter 33.
IKA Works, LLC Expansion –TRC Review
Page | 1
To: Ray Watkins, IKA Works, Inc; ray.watkins@ika.net
From: Wendell E. Biddle - Associate Development Review Planner
Date: August 16, 2023
Energov: SITECN-23-000034
Subject: IKA Works facility Expansion – Major Site Plan – TRC Review
Address: IKA Works, Inc – 2653 Northchase Parkway
The following comments have been received for the August 16th, 2023 TRC meeting. Additional comments
may be made upon further review of subsequent revisions.
Please note: Following the TRC meeting, a revised site plan addressing each of the below items must be
resubmitted prior to receiving approval.
Planning, Wendell E. Biddle 910-798-7068
1. Zoning district: Planned Development (PD)
2. General Comments:
a. Please confirm the use of the expansion will be the same as the existing use.
b. Please add the ITE trip generation peak hour trips into the Site Data Table.
3. Parking: Minimum 1.5/1,000 Sq Ft. Proposed 50 spaces meet requirements.
4. Tree Retention:
a. The plan does not appear to have any tree removal proposed for the development. Please
confirm this is correct.
5. Landscaping and Buffering
a. General Standards:
i. Please detail the diameter and height of the 15 trees to be planted. UDO 5.4.2.B.
requires at least a two-inch diameter at breast height (DBH) for each tree planted.
ii. CL101 Site Data stipulates a total of 21 required/provided, but the site plan details
20 trees.
b. Screening:
i. Please show the type of screening proposed for the dumpster. Any dumpster or
trash receptacle shall be screened from the view of any public right-of-way, UDO
Section 5.4.4.
IKA Works, LLC Expansion –TRC Review
[DOCUMENT TITLE] | [Document subtitle]
ii. Please detail how the loading bay will be screened.
c. Buffer yard to remain intact as Type A: Opaque Buffer between development and R-15
zone.
d. Please detail landscaping for perimeter parking highlighted on page CS101. Please ensure
that the landscaping is in accordance with UDO Table 5.4.5.B and Table 5.4.5.C.
6. Lighting- If the expansion is proposing new lighting, the below comments apply. If there is no new
lighting, please disregard.
a. Please provide a lighting plan- approval of the lighting plan is required before site plan
approval (Section 10.3.6, Site Plan) or zoning compliance approval (Section 10.3.8, Zoning
Compliance Approval), whichever comes first. A lighting plan must be provided to illustrate
that street lighting, all exterior lighting, and indoor lighting visible from outside shall be
designed and located so that the maximum illumination measured in foot candles at
ground level at a lot line, UDO Section 5.5. Please refer to Table 5.5.4.B of the UDO.
b. Before the building permit can be issued, documentation must be provided to illustrate
that illumination plan.
7. Are you aware of any future sign locations? Please refer to UDO Section 5.6 for sign regulations.
Fire Services, Sunnie Batson 910-798-7464
1. Please see appendix below.
NHC Engineering (Stormwater), Galen Jamison 910-798-7142
1. A land disturbing permit issued by the County is required for this project. Please submit for permit
as the design is completed.
2. A revision to the stormwater permit (ATC# 550-04/01/16) issued by the County is required for this
project. Please submit for permit application documents to gjamison@nhcgov.com as the design
is completed.
3. Please contact the State for the stormwater permit modification requirements.
Environmental Health, Dustin Fenske 910-798-7324
1. OSWP (Septic) Comments: Site is on public water and sewer. There are no well or septic systems
on record surrounding this property.
Planning (Addressing), Katherine May 910-798-7443
1. No comments
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Bernice Johnson 910-332-6620
1. CFPUA Meter Sizing Form required to determine if the existing services are sufficient and if
CFPUA Utility Plan Review will be required.
NCDOT, Nick Drees, 910-398-9100
1. No comments received yet.
IKA Works, LLC Expansion –TRC Review
[DOCUMENT TITLE] | [Document subtitle]
WMPO, Jamar Johnson, 910-341-3915
1. Provide turning templates of the largest design vehicle to access the site.
NCDOT Projects:
TIP Projects in the Area: N/A
WMPO 2045 Projects: N/A
New Hanover County CTP: N/A
TIA: Per previous comments, no TIA required.
Comments not received at this time from:
NCDEQ, Chad Coburn
New Hanover Soil & Water, Dru Harrison
NCDEMLR, Dan Sams
DCM, Tanya Pietila
USACE, Brad Shaver
New Hanover County Schools, Laura Severt
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
TRC Plan Review - 2018 NC Fire Code
Pursuant to the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and New Hanover County Ordinances Section 26
SITECN-23-000034
2653 Northchase Parkway SE, IKA Works Expansion
Required for Plan Review Submittal
• The complete TRC/Site plans comments from New Hanover County Fire staff shall be submitted
along with the building plans for review to New Hanover County Building Safety. This shall
include the complete set of civil plans. Failure to submit the comments or complete set of civil
plans will result in a resubmittal for review for verification of compliance.
• Any building with a generator or aboveground storage tank (AST) shall include an engineered
plan complying with the NCFC Chapter 23, 57 and NFPA 30 showing all applicable distances as
required from those specific requirements.
• Any plan involving an underground storage tank (UST) shall include an engineered plan
complying with the NCFC Chapter 23, 57 and NFPA 30 for Underground Storage Tank Cover
requirements. This plan shall also show all vent lines.
• Per NCFC 503.6, submit for review the details and manufacturer information for the gate across
the fire department access road. Include both the UL and ASTM Listing in the documentation
attachments for approval. This review shall include the written approval of the Fire Chief or any
New Hanover Deputy Fire Marshal and any additional details of approval during this review
process. (EMBEDDED ON PLANS) (WRITTEN TRC APPROVAL)
• Per NCFC 507.1, Provide an Engineered fire flow analysis report in accordance with the fire
code and Appendix B to include pertinent information. A fire flow test shall be conducted in
accordance with NFPA 291 and NCFC 507.4. This report shall be submitted by a P.E. and
include the stamp of the submitting individual on the report.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
Accessibility
• All new structures larger than 7,500 square feet must comply with Section 510 of the NC Fire
code. An Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) survey must be conducted, and results
given to the Building Safety Fire Plan Reviewer. All buildings that are more than one story,
underground, windowless or buildings with a basement must complete an ERRC survey. (It is
highly recommended that a pre-construction survey be conducted, however a pre-construction
survey is not required).
• All new structures must comply with Appendix J of the NC Fire Code, Building Information
Signs. An example can be provided upon request.
• Fire apparatus access roads are required at time of construction. They are to be capable of
handling the weight of fire apparatus and be passable in all weather conditions. Fire apparatus
access roads are to be a minimum of 20 feet wide (Chapter 5), unless there are fire hydrants
installed along the roadway then minimum is 26 feet wide (Appendix D). The fire code official
may increase this width as necessary based on potential for fire apparatus response. Dead end
roads greater than 150 feet in length shall require an approved means for fire apparatus to turn
around (Chapter 5 and Appendix D). Fire apparatus access roads shall provide a clear vertical
clearance of 14 feet including trees, canopies, bridges, etc. (Chapter 5 requirement is 13 feet 6
inches, however AHJ requires 14 feet based on local apparatus).
• Street and road signs are required, temporary signs during construction are acceptable as long as
they are legible and weather resistant. (Chapter 5).
• Fire apparatus access roads that access commercial buildings greater than 30 feet in height are to
be a minimum of 26 feet wide, be capable of handling the weight of aerial fire apparatus
(100,000 lbs.) and be passable in all weather conditions.
• Parking shall not be allowed on either side of the above-mentioned roadway. If roadside parking
is desired the minimum road width shall be increased, contact the fire code official for further
information. No Parking signs shall be a minimum of 12 inches wide and 18 inches tall.
Commercial buildings shall have fire lanes marked (Chapter 5)
• Fire apparatus access roads shall provide access to within 150 feet of each side of the first-floor
exterior walls unless the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler
system then the distance increases to 200 feet (Chapter 5). If these options are not selected,
please contact the fire code official and fire department for guidance.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
• A secondary fire apparatus access road may be required based on the size of the project 62,000
sqft, or 3 stories or 30ft in height) or if an impairment of a single fire apparatus access road
would limit access under emergency conditions. Secondary access may also be required to
facilitate evacuation during a natural or man-made disaster Chapter 5 and Appendix D).
• Gates on fire apparatus access roads are discouraged due to the delay in response. If gated access
is deemed necessary it shall be either staffed with personnel 24 hours per day every day, 365
days of the year or must include KNOX key bypass switch and siren activation (both). (Chapter
5).
• Fire lanes shall be a minimum of 18 feet wide and 14 feet vertical clearance feet including trees,
canopies, bridges, etc. and must be marked.
• Key Boxes (KNOX Boxes)
o Required if structure is required to have a fire alarm system or automatic sprinkler
system.
o Knox Box required at/adjacent to the front (main) entrance, at an elevation of 5 ft, +/- 6
in. A KNOX box(es) is(are) required at the exterior access nearest the fire sprinkler
riser(s). Larger facilities may require additional key boxes. All key box locations must be
shown on the building plans. All key boxes are required to be installed prior to final
inspection.
o The customer may order online from Knox.
• Premises identification is required. Address and or unit numbers are required on the street side as
well as unit identification on rear access doors. Letters and Numbers shall not be less than 6
inches tall and ¾ inches wide; must be weather resistant and contrasting in color to their
background. (Chapter 5). Buildings constructed under the 2018 code shall require additional
signage per Appendix J.
• Rooms containing controls for HVAC, fire sprinkler risers, fire alarm control panels, or other fire
detection/protection equipment must be identified with signage (Chapter 5).
• Generator and solar installations shall be in accordance with Chapter 6.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
Water Supply (Chapter 5 and Appendix C)
• If a water supply is required for fire protection a fire hydrant system or other means approved by
the fire code official must be present prior to beginning construction and be maintained operable
during the construction period. (For construction, fire dept. water shuttle counts as long there is a
fill site within range)
• An engineered fire low calculation indicating the available fire flow shall be submitted to
Building Safety during plans review.
• If an approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection is
available, fire hydrants shall be provided.
• If the approved water supply is not capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection
a private system shall be engineered to meet the required fire flow for both automatic sprinkler
systems and fire hydrants.
• Fire Hydrants
o All fire hydrants shall have a 5 ¼ inch barrel, a 5 ¼ inch valve opening, two 2 ½ inch
NST side discharges and a 5-inch pumper nozzle with a 5-inch STORZ connection.
Further information on the technical specifications is available from the fire code official
or Cape Fear Public Utility Authority.
o All fire hydrants shall be installed so they are visible from the fire apparatus access road
with unobstructed access and a clear space no less than 36 inches in all directions. They
shall be protected from vehicle impact by curbing, guard posts or other means approved
by the fire code official. They shall be oriented with the large discharge facing the nearest
street. All discharges shall meet the NFPA requirements for distance above grade.
o Fire hydrants in general residential areas shall be installed so that all insured properties
are within 500 feet of a hydrant (hydrant spacing approximately 1000 feet apart along a
fire apparatus access road, installed at intersections where possible). The first fire hydrant
should be installed at or near the entrance to the residential area.
o Fire hydrants in mixed use and commercial areas shall be installed so that all insured
properties are within 250 feet of a hydrant (hydrant spacing approximately 500 feet apart
along fire apparatus access roads and preferably located at intersections when possible).
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7420 Fax: (910) 798-7052
Protecting the citizens and visitors of New Hanover County
o Fire hydrants for industrial and manufacturing areas shall be installed so that all
structures are within 250 feet of a fire hydrant; distances may be adjusted more or less
based on approval of the fire code official and based on the hazards present.
o Additional fire hydrants may be required by the fire code official based on the type of
hazard or use of the protected structure. (Appendix C)
o Fire hydrants should be located 50 feet or more from the structure they protect.
• Fire Department Connections (FDC)
o Fire Department connections shall utilize 5-inch Storz connections with a 30 degree
down angle. Remote FDC’s are discouraged.
o A fire hydrant shall be located no less than 50 feet from the structure and no greater than
100 feet from the fire department connection. For buildings with multiple fire department
connections, each one shall have a dedicated fire hydrant.
o The fire department connection shall be located so that the fire apparatus and the hoses
connecting it to the fire hydrant and to the fire department connection do not obstruct
access to the buildings for other fire apparatus.
o Fire department connections shall not be obstructed by fences, bushes, dumpsters,
utilities or vehicles.
o Fire department connections are to be unobstructed with 36 inches clearance to both sides
and 78 inches vertically.
o An audible/visual device indicating water flow or fire alarm activation shall be located
above the fire department connection.
o The fire department connection shall be labeled with code compliant signage indicating
the type of connection and where more than one fire department connection exists
additional signage is required to indicate the area protected.