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Old 04-30-2010, 05:26 PM
 
1,134 posts, read 2,867,377 times
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I have a fire hydrant and green utility box on the edge of my yard. Where would I find regulations related to gardening around these?

Like, how far away do I need to stay from the hydrant? Can I add shrubbery or pompass grass to conceal or partially conceal the utility box provided it doesn't interfere with access?

Thanks!
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Old 04-30-2010, 10:58 PM
 
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I wouldn't plant near the hydrant. If there isn't a rule, there should be. The utility service box has buried conduit (~2'-3') marked by buried tape (~1'). I wouldn't plant shrubs but some shallow-rooted grasses might be ok. Leave room for access to the box. Pampas grass has sharp leaves that cut flesh - consider an ornamental switchgrass instead (try a variety which maintains its upright growth pattern after storms - like 'North Wind'). Also consider flowers like iris or daylilies.
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Old 05-01-2010, 12:08 AM
 
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Yep, no interest in hiding the hydrant. I just wanna know how far I need to stay away from it. Surely there is some law or ordinance to this effect.
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Old 05-06-2010, 11:32 PM
 
Location: Hampton Cove, AL
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Call the city utility department and the fire department. They should have this information readily available for you-I would think.
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Old 05-07-2010, 08:07 AM
 
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I have never planted around the hydrant but those other ugly boxes we have here? YEP!!! I don't understand why it can't all be in ONE box, planned BEFORE contruction like other places. I have planted Otto Luekin laurel around that big box. Done it several times in AL. I figure that if they have to dig, well so be it.
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Old 06-20-2014, 12:44 PM
 
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can you paint them? I wouldn't think so.
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Old 06-20-2014, 06:46 PM
 
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As far as I know, you can plant around them - I was going to & called 'miss utilities' - they came out and marked all the lines going to & from...I ended up not doing it, but might change my mind this fall
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Old 06-20-2014, 07:58 PM
 
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More information was made available online in the four years since this thread was started.

Huntsville Utilities Specifications (2013) Section 11 Fire Hydrants, says the hydrant "shall be located so as to provide complete and unobstructed access for a minimum of four feet in all directions."

https://www.hsvutil.org/ac/wp-conten...ions-20131.pdf

Pad mounted transformers (big green boxes) need 3' or 4' of clearance on three sides and 8' to 12' clearance on the access side (depending on the size of the box).
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