(a) As used in this section, the following definition shall apply.
(1) "Stopping by a vehicle" means the stopping, obstructing, parking, standing, or any arrest of motion of a vehicle, irrespective of whether such vehicle is occupied or not, and irrespective of the duration of time.
(b) The stopping by a vehicle in a fire lane is prohibited at all times except for vehicles actively engaged in loading and unloading merchandise or people, or for public safety vehicles. Any vehicle stopping in a fire lane as provided in this section may be impounded by a police officer or the Chief of the Fire Department with cost of towing and storage charged to the violator.
(c) The marking of fire lanes on private property devoted to public use shall be approved by the Chief of the Fire Department or is designee.
(d) Traffic signs prohibiting parking in fire lanes shall consist of such wording as established by the Chief of the Fire Department. Such signs shall be spaced not less than fifty feet nor more than seventy feet apart in the area designated as a fire lane by the Fire Chief. The signs shall be mounted so as to be visible from both directions of travel, and shall be installed by the property owner or his designee not less than two weeks after the date of the receipt of the signs from the Fire Department. If the signs are not posted within the time provided, the Municipality may at its option install the signs itself and assess the cost of installation against the property owner. Such assessment shall be made by giving notice requesting payment within thirty days from the receipt of the bill for installation by the Municipality; if payment is not received within that time, then the amount uncollected may be certified to the County Auditor as an assessment against the property. Any signs prohibiting parking within fire lanes which do not conform to the standard design and legend as established by the Chief of the Fire Department shall be removed upon posting of the signs heretofore designated. (Ord. 419. Passed 5-4-76.)
(e) Whoever violates any provision of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.