City Code Section
- A. Who may use fire hydrants. Employees of the Water Bureau and Portland Fire & Rescue can use fire hydrants for their work. Other persons must apply for a permit to use a fire hydrant.
- It is unlawful to operate, change, remove, disconnect, connect to or interfere with a City fire hydrant without Water Bureau permission. The annual rates ordinance includes penalties for unauthorized fire hydrant use.
- B. The Water Bureau issues temporary and annual fire hydrant permits. A temporary permit lasts up to 90 days; an annual permit lasts up to one year. When a person applies for a permit, the person must bring a Chapman-type (slow-closing) gate valve. The Water Bureau must tag the valve with a permit listing the person’s name, the permit expiration date and the locations of fire hydrants the person is allowed to use.
- C. Charges for permits and use are in the annual rates ordinance.
- D. The person who obtained the permit is responsible for following all City, state and federal rules, regulations and guidelines for using and disposing of water.
- The Water Bureau requires backflow protection for all fire hydrant use. The City Administrator must determine the type of backflow protection necessary.
- E. Fire hydrant responsibility.
- 1. On public property in the City: The Water Bureau installs and maintains fire hydrants (this could be in a right-of-way or an easement).
- 2. Outside City limits: If a person wants to connect a fire hydrant to Portland’s water system outside City limits, they must pay for installation. The Water Bureau will connect the hydrant to the water system, own and maintain it.
- 3. On private property: The property owner installs and maintains any private fire hydrant and fire protection systems. The property owner must meet Portland Fire & Rescue and plumbing code requirements.