4.24 FDC Requirements for Low-Rise Buildings
Reference: 2022 NFPA 13, Section 8.7.2.3 , 2019 NFPA 14 Sections 4.8 and 6.4.5.4
Purpose: The San Francisco Fire Department may require more than one FDC for buildings when any of the following conditions exist:
- The building fronts on more than one public way.
- The building has significant floor area where firefighter response to the location of the fire may be delayed.
- When the adjacent streets or public way characteristics may hinder firefighting operations.
- When determined necessary by the Fire Department.
Fire department connections (FDC) shall have 3-inch National Standard hose threads. (2022 SFFC Section 905.2.1)
FDC location(s) shall be approved by the Fire Department.
All FDC’s must be located at the exterior of the building wall with the connections facing the street.
FDC’s shall not be located within an alcove or near landscaping features (or other obstructions). A concrete path at least 4-feet wide to the FDC shall be provided or the FDC connections must be located at the property line.
***For more information, see SFFD 2022 Administrative Bulletins 4.05 & 4.06.