1503.20 ACCESS STREETS, ROADWAYS, DRIVEWAYS AND FIRE LANES.

   (a)   Access streets, roadways, driveways.

      (1)   The width shall be sufficient to permit easy passage of any Fire Department apparatus and in no case shall the width be less than twenty feet.

      (2)   The surface shall be reinforced and shall be of sufficient strength and type to adequately support any fire apparatus under any weather conditions.

      (3)   The curve radii and grade elevations shall be such as to permit any Fire Department apparatus to negotiate curves and grades under any weather conditions.

   (b)   Fire Lanes.

      (1)   Fire lanes shall be designated for the efficient and effective operation of fire apparatus. They shall be 24' minimum distance from curb to curb.

      (2)   Fire lanes shall be free of obstructions, vehicles and shall be properly marked.

      (3)   Signs shall be located so they are visible from one sign to the next sign.

      (4)   Dimension of sign shall be 12" x 18" with 2" lettering, white background with red block letters, stating "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE."

      (5)   Curb shall be painted solid yellow the entire length of designated area and a minimum of six inches wide on top. If there is no curb, a minimum six-inch solid yellow line shall be painted on the concrete where it meets the asphalt.

      (6)   Fire lane markings shall be clean and legible. They shall be maintained as necessary for proper visibility.

   (c)   Fire Lanes on Private Property Devoted to Public Use.

      (1)   The signs used and the marking of established fire lanes on private property devoted to public or private use shall be approved by the Fire Chief and the Chief of Police.

      (2)   The Chief of the Fire Department is authorized to establish fire lanes on any parcel of land in the city upon finding that, from the use of the property, it can reasonably be expected that the public will assemble in sufficient numbers and that if not controlled motor vehicles will interfere with the operation of fire fighting equipment and/or with the ingress into and egress from the building in the event of a fire.

      (3)   The width of fire lanes shall be determined by the Fire Department, according to what is deemed necessary to permit ingress and egress for fire fighting equipment and the operation thereof. Such fire lanes shall be appropriately marked by approved signs.

      (4)   Whenever a fire lane has been so designated, written notice thereof shall be given to the owner, occupant or person in charge of the premises.

      (5)   Parking of unattended motor vehicles or otherwise obstructing fire lanes is prohibited at all times.

      (6)   Any motor vehicle which has not been moved as directed by a member of the Fire Department or the Police Department may be towed and impounded, and the cost of such towing and impoundment shall be paid before the release of such motor vehicle.

      (7)   Attended motor vehicles found standing or parked in fire lanes shall be immediately moved upon the direction of any member of the Fire Department or the Police Department.

         (Ord. 2004-206. Passed 12-21-04.)