(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to assist in providing uniform marking, maintenance, enforcement, width, identification and other related items pertaining to fire lanes, to ensure access to buildings for Fire Division equipment and apparatus.
(b) Criteria.
(1) The Fire Chief may require and designate public or private fire lanes as deemed necessary for efficient and effective use of fire apparatus.
(2) Designated fire lanes shall be maintained free of obstructions and vehicles and shall be marked in a manner prescribed by the Fire Chief.
(3) Marking shall be readily visible.
(4) Signs shall be a minimum size of twelve inches wide and eighteen inches high.
(5) Sign painting shall be of white background with red letters reading "Fire Lane - No Parking."
(6) Signs shall be clearly visible from the path of travel and in the direction of travel of vehicles in designated fire lane areas.
(7) Signs shall be secured to posts, columns or other mounting devices, as close to the curbing as possible, parallel to the roadway.
(8) The Fire Chief may require yellow painting of the curbing and roadway.
(9) Fire lanes shall be at least twenty feet in width, with the road edge closest to the building at least ten feet from the building. Any dead-end road longer than 300 feet shall be provided with a turn-around at the closed end of at least ninety feet in diameter.
(10) The property owner, tenant or building occupant shall maintain designated fire lanes. This includes proper marking, removal of obstructions, snow removal, etc.
(11) The Police Division shall be responsible for the issuance of citations for violations within a designated fire lane.
(c) Application. This section applies to existing buildings as well as to newly developed or constructed facilities.
(d) Site Plans. Owners or occupants of new facilities, as well as existing facilities, may submit site plans for review by the Fire Division to assist in marking placements, proper width, designated fire lanes, etc.
(e) Authority of Fire Chief. The designations, markings, widths, locations and all related items are subject to the approval of the Fire Chief.
(f) Additional Information. Additional information, as well as assistance or approval of proper marking and locations of fire lanes, may be obtained by contacting the Fire Division.
(g) Prohibited Parking. No person shall park a motor vehicle or other vehicle in a fire lane, or otherwise obstruct or cause or permit to be obstructed a fire lane, contrary to the provisions of any sign or marking placed in accordance with this section.
(h) Penalty. 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.