The required distance between a fire hydrant and a building or structure varies depending on local codes and standards, but typical guidelines are as follows:
- Fire hydrants should generally be located no closer than 20 feet from any building or structure to ensure clear access and safety
. Some codes specify a minimum distance of 50 feet from a building unless otherwise approved by the fire chief
- The maximum distance from a fire hydrant to the nearest point on a building is usually 400 feet for commercial or larger buildings, according to NFPA 1 and IFC standards
. For one- and two-family dwellings, this maximum distance can be up to 600 feet if the building is equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system
- Fire hydrants are typically spaced so that no part of a building or structure is further than these maximum distances from a hydrant, measured along approved fire apparatus access roads or routes
- For parking regulations near fire hydrants, vehicles must generally park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant to avoid blocking access, though some states allow shorter distances (e.g., 10 feet in Connecticut, 5 feet in Iowa)
In summary:
- Minimum distance from building: About 20 to 50 feet (varies by jurisdiction)
- Maximum distance to building: 400 feet for commercial buildings; up to 600 feet for sprinklered residential buildings
- Parking distance from hydrant: Typically 15 feet minimum
These distances ensure fire department access for effective firefighting operations and safety compliance. Always check local fire codes and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for exact requirements in your area.
