(a) The Fire Chief is hereby authorized to establish fire lanes on either public or private property within the Municipality upon finding that the following conditions exist:
(1) That such fire lane is necessary for safeguarding life and property from the hazards of fire and explosions and for the use and occupancy of buildings and structures and adjacent property.
(2) That the fire lane is incident to a retail, commercial or manufacturing use or other use where it can be reasonably expected that the public will assemble in sufficient number so that the presence of the public and the motor vehicles, if not controlled, will interfere with the operation of fire fighting equipment and personnel and the egress of occupants in the case of fire.
(b) Fire lanes shall be of such width as is reasonably determined by the Chief to be necessary to permit access of occupants. Fire lanes shall be suitably marked by appropriate markings on the ground or by displaying signs or both. The markings shall be placed and maintained by the owner within ten days of written notice or the Municipality shall place and install such sign and charge the cost thereof to the owner.
(c) No person shall obstruct a fire lane by parking or leaving standing a motor vehicle, whether such a vehicle is attended or unattended; by constructing a fence or barricade; or in any manner whatsoever. A barricade or fence which is readily removable or through which access may be gained by fire fighting equipment and personnel without delay shall not be prohibited by the terms of this section. Any such permitted barricade or fence may not be locked in any manner.
(d) Attended motor vehicles found standing or parked in a fire lane shall be immediately moved upon direction of any member of the Department of Public Safety and Service. Any unattended motor vehicles found standing or parked in a fire lane may be impounded in a manner and subject to the penalties and charges set forth in Section 303.08 of the Traffic Code.
(e) Obstructions, other than motor vehicles, found in fire lanes shall be removed by the owner, occupant, or other person in charge of the premises immediately after written notice of removal. Upon failure to comply with such notice the Municipality may cause the obstruction to be removed and the owner, occupant or other person in charge of the premises shall pay the cost of such removal.
(f) Whenever the Fire Chief designates a fire lane, written notice thereof shall be given to the owner, occupant or person in charge of the premises. Such designation may be appealed within ten days by filing a written objection to it with the Fire Chief. The appeal shall be heard by Council, a majority of whom may affirm, disaffirm or modify the designation. Their decision shall be final.
(Ord. 1975-970. Passed 4-15-75.)