When landscaping around fire hydrants, Fort Collins Utilities and Poudre Fire Authority require:

• 3 feet of clearance around hydrants so fire crews can locate hydrants quickly and connect fire hoses
• 15 feet of clearance above hydrants for maintenance
• 18 inches of vertical clearance from the hydrant's base to the center of the large cap so crews can connect fire hoses quickly and/or conduct maintenance

Additional Guidelines

• Never paint a fire hydrant
• Keep plants and landscaping to a minimum near hydrants