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Utility Activation for Commericial Sites

Purpose

Water Activation for a commercial site involves numerous requirements and coordination between developer, contractor and the City. On a typical site, four City departments inspect and have separate requirements to satisfy all prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. This map is intended to delineate the “jurisdictions” of these departments and identify their requirements.

Right of Way (R/W)

• Department of Public Works (DPW)
  • Subdivisions
  • Permits
• Department of Public Utilities (DPU)

The following Commercial Water Installation addresses a new commercial subdivision. The Public Works Department involvement includes Permits and Subdivisions. The inspections in the R/W are performed by Subdivisions, unless a project is strictly a commercial site not a commercial subdivision, Permits would conduct inspections within the right of way.

1. The Subdivision, Final Site Plan with meter calculations are submitted to DPW.

2. Once the Development Plans are approved, the Utility Activation Package for the right of way is sent to the respectful developer.

3. Prior to construction, contact Public Works Permits to obtain:

   1. Land Disturbing Permit

   2. Right of Way Permit

4. Once the 2 permits are obtained contact either of the two DPW departments at least forty-eight hours prior to commencement of construction of public facilities so that an inspection may be scheduled. To contact either Subdivisions or Permits

5. For all utility activation steps for the right of way see, How do I get Utilities within the R/W activated and accepted by the City

Water Meter Easement

• Department of Public Works (DPW)
  • Permits
• Department of Public Utilities (DPU)
  • Engineering
• Maintenance & Operations (M&O)

Once construction within the easement commences it is the responsibility of the contractor to request inspections, and pay for large meters (2” or greater) and domestic small meters (smaller than 2”) to DPU. Activation and setting of meter only occurs once DPU receives all documentation within the easements Utility Activation Package.

1. Any improvements made within the water meter easement are covered by the R/W permit.

2. When the Connection Fees are paid for at DPU they include payment for small water meters. Large meters are to be provided by the developer, delivered to M&O’s meter shop.

   Note: meter shop will not accept meters unless all connection fees are paid for.

3. Meter vault size and details are dependent on the water meter size. Refer to PFM standards for requirements:

   Small meters

   • PFM Vol III sec 33.04, 4a-c, vault size to meter size requirements
   • WMV-1, for vault size, and piping layout.

   Large meters

   • WMV-2, used for meter size 3” to 8”
   • WD 10, concrete vault size to meter size requirements.

   8” meters and larger will require specific details and dimensions that are not fully illustrated in WD-10 or WMV-2, and require plan approval before construction.

4. All meter vaults within the easement (refer to map) are to be constructed as per approved plan, then upon request they are inspected by Permits.

5. Water main and service line requirements and installation guidelines can be found in the PFM.

   • PFM Vol III sec 33.02, required pipe materials
   • PFM Vol III sec 33.03, installation requirements

6. During or after meter vault, service line, and piping installation, Permits is notified, and inspects vault piping against the details reflected on the development plan, and PFM Vol. II, City Standards.  

7. After completion of the meter vaults and piping within the easement is inspected as final pressure tests are performed on all lines within easement.

8. Upon completion of pressure test, the developer submits the water meter easement (As-Builts) to Permits.

Find out more about the CRD approval process

9. Following backflow device installation (seen on map as RPZ on edge of easement), DPU Engineering is notified, and M&O’s RPZ Cross Connection inspector, checks for installed RPZ to match specified plans, and manufacturing specifications.

10. Backflow Preventors (RPZ’s) are inspected by the Cross Connection Inspector:

    Small Meters

    1. Chlorination of water meter easement piping.
    2. RPZ installed, then inspected by Cross Connection Inspector.
    3. Meter is set by M&O.
    4. Contractor has 48 hours to perform RPZ test.

    Large Meters

    1. Chlorination of water meter easement piping.
    2. The Cross Connection Inspector checks to make sure that the correct Backflow device is installed and that the installation meets with the manufactures recommendations. (Inside building riser room, or on water meter easement)
    3. Meter is set by M&O.
    4. Water Line is turned on by city forces so that the backflow test can be made. The test report must be sent to DPU Engineering.  (This test is performed by a certified tester hired by contractor). 
    5. Bacteriological Tests are required if RPZ is located in the building. Contact DPU Engineering for application. Statement of Completion also required.

11. Chlorination and sampling points are noted by Permits inspectors and then administered by the Contractor per Flushing and Disinfection Policy.

12. After the final inspection and all meters are set, Permits issues Statement of Completion to DPU, DEQ and VDH.

13. Finally the appropriate departments are notified and is accepted for activation.

Private On-Site Utilities

• Private On-Site Utilities
• Neighborhood Services (NS)
• Fire Prevention (FP)

Neighborhood Services

The water facilities division of the map that concerns NS Plumbing division is seen as the domestic large to small (small <2”<=large) water main. The main connects to the back of the backflow prevention device and ends at a 5’ stand off from the building. Domestic water mains greater than 2” do not follow the permits and inspections process. Water lines of these sizes are inspected and tested by 3rd party inspections normally private engineers.

1. NS does require a Statement of Completion for the work on-site. This includes all domestic water main installation done against correct codes and procedures.

2. Bacteriological tests for on-site domestic water main is also to be performed and documentation to be turned into NS along with the Statement of Completion.

These two items are necessary for final water activation outlined in the previous easement section. If the domestic water services are less than or equal to the above stated and installed in accordance with International Plumbing Code (IPC) then a application for permits is required.

Fire Prevention

The water facilities that concern FP is the large underground fire main from the back of large water meter all the way to a 5’ stub out from building. Also of concern are the Fire Hydrants (FH’s), Fire Department Connections (FDC’s), Dry Hydrants, and PIV’s (Post Indicator Valve). These facilities are not inspected in any rigorous type of manner by FP but rather the tests are witnessed and the appropriate documentation furnished, this is referred to as acceptance testing.

1. As with all other site plans brought to the City from an Engineering service they are reviewed by each department and checked against codes, and city PFM standards. In fire prevention’s case a copy of the site plan is reviewed against the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), IFC (International Fire Code), SFPC (State Fire Prevention Code), and of course the City’s PFM.

2. Review of the site plan which includes the specified water main is done so to check for needed water demand in the occurrence of a fire. Normally the reviewer is checking the given calculations to make sure that the main can supply both the indoor water suppression system and the pull from the FH’s simultaneously. These calculations are checked from the IFC table B105.1 in determination of the type of building and the given fire area from which the total demand is multiplied by a particular percentage for the sprinkler system then added back to the specified demand for a final total. In short this is to make sure the given size fire main is adequate for the water demand.

3. FH and FDC distances are checked in reference to the building. This is to make sure that the maximum distance of the fire hoses (400 ft) can access any part of the building, and that there are no obstructions to the hose paths.

4. Various other requirements outlined by the PFM, and respectful code requirements are used in the review of the plan. These comments, and notes made on the plan are then given to the DPW within a respectful time frame. Here is a flow chart of the plan review process and submittal requirements for FP.

5. As is for all installed facilities an application for permit is required for the above mentioned and can be found at the following link:

6. Since the city isn’t able to inspect large water mains including the underground fire main, FP requires an Underground Flow Certificate. The Certificate’s purpose is to make sure the main withstands a particular hyrostatic pressure for a given period of time, and that the line is flushed of debris contingent with code. Acceptance testing is not required for all facilities from private large meter to 5’ stub out.

7. FH’s have many design and installation requirements. One of the major requirements for commercial private FH’s as seen on the map is that the minimum allowed flow to be 1000 gpm at a static pressure of 20psi. Another requirement is the coloring of the fire hydrants, and normally the other colors that are lower than 1000 gpm are either for existing hydrants or public hydrants. The fire hydrants do not require acceptance testing but do require 3rd part testing and inspection documentation sent to FP upon completion. FH color codes can be seen in the pfm under SFPC Section 508 - Fire Protection Water Supplies e1.1

8. FDC’s; used to supplement water into the building, have there own design and installation requirements. Some of these requirements outlined within the PFM is installation against NFPA 24 standards, location to be 40’ from building, access to FDC’s have no obstruction, and inspection and maintenance is in accordance with NFPA 25. More details can bee seen within the PFM under SFPC Section 912 – Fire Department Connections (FDC’s)

9. Also commercial dry hydrants need acceptance testing, and they are used as an alternative water source if at any point the current water source becomes insufficient during the fire. The dry hydrant can be seen on the map located at the pond. Either the contractor’s sump pump or fire engine is used to make sure the connection supplies the necessary flow to be pumped from the pond.

10. The above mentioned can be waived from acceptance testing if a 3rd party Engineering inspection is requested. This is only possible with approval by the Fire Code Official, and that the correct documentation is furnished and inspections are done by code.

Building

• Neighborhood Services ( NS Plumbing)
• Fire Prevention (FP)

Neighborhood Services

Neighborhood Services jurisdictions include all domestic water plumbing lines within 5’ from, and inside building, and exclude all Fire Prevention systems. Fire Prevention systems within the building are inspected forthright by the Fire Prevention Bureau.

In order to receive a permit for commercial or residential plumbing within a building a permit application is needed prior to construction. Once one acquires the application depending on how it is filled out determines the type of permit and what will be inspected by NS plumbing inspections. Also to be attached are the appropriate drawings and calculations if needed. The application can be found here.

Plumbing Inspection Process
Each of the following steps proceed once the inspection has taken place and has passed. Also pertinent, all inspections visual and otherwise are strictly checked per the International Plumbing Code (IPC).

1. Domestic plumbing 5’ from building and into building below slab grade is first inspected before the building is constructed.
• Once slab grade is poured it is checked for the appropriate grade.
2. Then into the building a Plumbing rough in inspection takes place. When Piping is roughed in it pertains to exposed piping within the walls and various other points within the building.
   • Pressure test is incurred within the rough in stage and again these tests are checked to comply with the IPC.
   • This stage would require the inspector to observe a pressure gauge that would have to maintain a certain tolerance pressure within a time constraint. These gauge tests vary depending on the type of pipe and system.
3. Final inspection of plumbing services then takes place once inspector is notified. Again everything is checked in accordance to the IPC.
   • A final pressure test for all piping takes place, and it is checked visually for leaks
   • Measurements and clearances for final piping is also checked.

Fire Prevention

The facilities of concern to FP inside the building are numerous. All though this document outlines the water suppression systems (sprinkler, stand pipe systems) that are mandatory for commercial buildings, there are various other items that concern FP. A few of these items of importance is the fire alarm, building access, paint markings, emergency lighting etc…

1. Unlike the site plan submitted to the city which contains numerous facilities to be checked against codes the plans for the building normally just include the sprinkler system. Also included with the sprinkler plans are calculations and manufacturer’s apparatus specifications.

2. These plans can be submitted to NS and all permits for facilities, and items specified herein can be obtained through NS or can be filled out online at the following link.

3. The sprinkler plans are checked for required fire flow per immediate fire area. The water flow rates and calculations are checked against the IFC given in appendix B &C. Once reviewed they are submitted back to NS for pickup.

4. The water systems from the 5’ stub out to inside the building are the systems that are inspected visually (hydro visually) and get acceptance testing from a FP inspector. The main pipe coming underground into riser room is inspected before slab grade is pored. Once this is inspected the riser room would be constructed with the appropriate piping. This piping would get a hydro visual and would be checked for 200 psi for 2 hours. Other inspection requirements for the 5’ stub out into riser room can be seen in the Letter of Transmittal.

5. As with the private on-site facilities an Above Ground Flow Certificate or Above Ground Piping procedure is required prior to acceptance testing. This certificate is used by the 3rd party to make sure that installation was in accordance with code. Similar to the UG Flow Cert it makes mandatory all water suppression systems witnessed; maintain a minimum static pressure of 200 psi for 2 hours. Also similar, the piping is flushed to make sure it’s clear of debris.

6. Sprinkler systems for commercial buildings are required to be installed under NFPA codes, NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D. When the systems are very extensive like a large commercial building they are installed in sections. After the installation of these sections it is required that the sectioned system be tested and again witnessed. If the building is of moderate size one complete The acceptance testing is again done by FP and a ‘request for inspection’ must be made before the test occurs.

7. Fire alarms are another very important part of the suppression system, and can be seen at the base of the riser room. They measure the flow into the building and once the flow is above a certain range notifies a monitoring company that a fire is occurring.

8. Fire alarms require a Record of Completion by FP prior to acceptance testing. This is done in riser room after the electrical wiring is installed. Also the tamper switches on the valves between the back flow prevention device in the riser room are inspected by FP with the alarm company present.

9. As mentioned previously this document is strictly focused on water facilities but a large part of what FP does inside the building is focused on inspecting certain items in order for the building owner to be granted a CO or (Certificate of Occupancy).

10. FP serves as an advisory party for NS to check some of the items like fire extinguishers, marked exit signs, emergency lighting, labeled FDC’s, fire lanes. In breif the sum total of these items are just checked for code violations.

11. Once FP does its final CO inspection and finds problems or infractions it will send NS a write up of the details and violations it encountered throughout the inspection. The write up also includes FP’s recommendation for changes and improvements to the listed items. A temporary CO can be granted to the building owner while the corrections are being made, and FP will give a timeline for these corrections.

Master Contact List

Department		Phone	Address
Public Works (DPW)			Department of Public Works 306 Cedar Road, 3rd Floor Chesapeake VA, 23322
	Subdivisions	757-382-6498
	Permits	Permits Engineer 757-382-3414 Permits Engineer Tech 757-382-3411
Public Utilities (DPU)			Department of Public Utilities 306 Cedar Road, 2nd Floor Chesapeake VA, 23322
	Engineering Permits & Forms	757-382-6671
	Maintenance and Operations (M&O)	Cross Connection Inspector 757-382-3414 Field Engineering 757-382-3411	Department of Public Utilities 906 Executive Blvd. Chesapeake VA, 23320
Neighborhood Services (NS) Applications for Permits		Main 757-382-6018 Plumbing 757-382-8542	Neighborhood Services 306 Cedar Road, 2nd Floor Chesapeake VA, 23322
	Inspection Request Fax: 757-382-8448 or 8555 Online: Customer Contact Center	757-382-2489	Department of Neighborhood Services P.O. Box 15225 Chesapeake, VA 23328
Fire Prevention Services (FP) Application for Permit		Fire Marshall Office 757-382-6566 or 6165 Inspection Request Line 757-382-8211	Fire Prevention 304 Albemarle Dr. Chesapeake VA, 23322
	Inspection Request Fax: 757-382-8448 or 8555 Online: Customer Contact Center	757-382-2489	Department of Neighborhood Services P.O. Box 15225 Chesapeake, VA 23328

 

Links

1. Concrete 1.  Vault Box Detail # WD_10

2. Right of Way

3. Utility Activation Procedure

4. Water meter