16.36.010 Fire Apparatus Access Roads:
In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 503 of the 2009 State Fire Code, fire apparatus access roads shall meet the following requirements:
A. Surface. Fire apparatus access roads for commercial or industrial buildings or developments shall have an unobstructed width of twenty feet (20'), be designed and engineered to withstand heavy traffic loads, and be provided with an all weather driving surface. Unless otherwise approved by the Fire Chief, an all weather surface shall mean an asphaltic or Portland cement concrete hard surface or pavement which can be well maintained. Additionally, access roads serving one and two family residences may be surfaced as approved by the Fire Chief.
B. Turning Radius.
1. The turning radius for any turn around or cul-de-sac that is greater than 220 feet long, measured from the intersection of the streets to the center of the cul-de-sac, on a required fire apparatus access roadway within city street right-of-way or on private property shall not be less than forty-six feet (46'). The forty-six foot (46') radius shall be measured from the center point of the cul-de-sac or turn around and extend to the back of the curb, or on private access roads to the edge of asphalt if no curb is installed.
2. The turning radius for any turn around or cul-de-sac that is equal or less than 220 feet long, measured from the intersection of the streets to the center of the cul-de-sac, on a required fire apparatus access roadway within City street right-of-way shall not be less than thirty feet (30'). The thirty foot (30') radius shall be measured from the center point of the cul-de-sac or turn around and extend to the back of the curb.
3. Turn arounds or cul-de-sacs installed on required private fire apparatus access roadways shall be hard surfaced capable of withstanding heavy vehicle traffic. Alternate methods of creating private access road turn arounds may be approved by the Fire Chief. Approved temporary turn arounds may include hammerhead arrangement designs or a graveled surface ninety-two feet (92') in diameter.
C. Grade. The gradient for a private fire apparatus access road shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%), except that fire apparatus access roads leading to buildings fully protected by automatic sprinkler systems may exceed fifteen percent (15%) when, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, fire fighting or rescue operations would not be impaired.
D. Closure of Access Roads. When approved by the Fire Chief, gates and barricades may be placed across fire apparatus access roads, provided that they can be opened by the Fire Department with the provision of an approved “key box”. For gates controlled electronically, the gate shall be equipped with an approved key switch override, and a manual release mechanism shall be accessible to firefighters through a “man-gate” installed no further than fifty feet (50') from the roadway gate.
E. Access Identification. When required by the Fire Chief, fire apparatus access roads shall be posted with signs reading “No Parking - Fire Lane”. Signs shall have three inch (3") reflective red lettering on a white background. The top of the sign shall not be less than four feet (4') nor more six feet (6') from the ground. Vertical curbs shall be painted yellow or red on the top and side. Rolled curbs or surfaces without curbs shall have a yellow or red six inch (6") wide painted stripe. The paint or striping shall extend the length of the designated fire lane.
F. Aerial Fire Apparatus Access Roads. Buildings or portions of buildings, or facilities exceeding thirty feet (30') in height above the lowest level of Fire Department access shall be provided with a roadway that complies with Section D105 of the 2009 State Fire Code as currently adopted or as amended in the future.
G. Residential Developments. Access shall be provided to new residential developments in accordance with Sections D106 and D107 of the 2009 State Fire Code as currently adopted or as amended in the future.
H. Commercial and Industrial Developments. Fire apparatus access for commercial and industrial developments shall comply with Section D104 of the 2009 State Fire Code as currently adopted or as amended in the future. (Ord. 2706, 3/11/14; Ord. 2559, 4/27/10; Ord. 2476, 6/23/09; Ord. 2283, 12/12/06; Ord. 2082, 7/23/02)