Limited access gates proposed as part of new development, which obstruct fire/police department access to the development shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the following provisions:
A. Two sets of plans drawn to scale for plan review and approval shall be submitted to the Building Official prior to installation.
B. Annual testing and certification is required for limited access gates which obstruct fire apparatus access roads and which open electro-mechanically, using an approved Middletown Fire Department radio receiver and transmitter.
C. Design. Limited access gates that obstruct fire/police department access shall:
1. Be set back a minimum of 20 feet from public access roadways.
2. Provide an opening of 20 feet in width.
3. Open electro-mechanically using an approved Middletown Fire Department radio receiver and transmitter when installed at residential occupancies (to include apartments, hotels/motels, gated residential communities, etc.), institutional occupancies, and other locations when, in the opinion of the fire chief, life safety needs must be addressed. When approved by the Fire Chief, general business occupancies may utilize manual entry equipment, such as a Fire Department approved key access system padlock and chain.
Each radio receiver shall comply with the following design criteria:
a. Consist of a multiple channel modular receiver. Each channel shall be preset to a specified code designated by the Fire Chief
b. Be equipped with one external, weather-tight, antenna assembly;
c. Be equipped with a flasher unit and external lamp assembly with a red globe and guard. This shall be clearly visible from the entry side of the gate;
d. Be located so that it can receive a clear signal from the transmitter when activated from inside responding emergency vehicles from a distance of 100 feet ;
e. Shall override all other opening systems;
f. Be protected from weather and physical damage; and
g. When activated, the gate shall open at a minimum speed of 1 foot per second and remain open until closed by the fire department.
4. A manual back-up system shall be provided for all electro-mechanical gates.
a. A fail-safe manual back-up system shall be installed to allow access through the gate in the event of operational failure.
b. This manual system shall be designed to be clearly visible and easily accessible from the entry side of the gate and to open manually by one person removing the Fire Department approved key access system padlock and/or pin that is secured in the arm.
5. Pedestrian walkway gates. Limited access gates may be installed across pedestrian walkways provided they swing in the direction of egress travel. Gates serving as part of a required means of egress shall also comply with the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code.
D. Maintenance. The gate opening systems shall be serviced on a regular basis and maintained in an approved operating condition.
1. The mechanical and electrical components shall be serviced on a regular basis and maintained in an approved operating condition.
2. A power supply shall be maintained to electronic components at all times.
E. Performance test required.
1. The property owner shall be responsible for scheduling an annual performance test to be conducted by the Fire Department to verify proper operation of equipment.
2. Upon failure of the performance test, the security gate system shall be disabled and maintained in the open position until repaired and approved by the Fire Chief.