(a) Council, upon recommendation by the Chief of the Fire Department, may establish fire lanes on either public or private property within the City upon finding that the following conditions exist:
(1) That a fire lane is necessary for safeguarding life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion and for the use and occupancy of buildings and structures and adjacent property; and
(2) That the fire lane is incident to a retail, commercial or manufacturing use or other use where it can reasonably be expected that the public will assemble in sufficient numbers so that the presence of the public and their motor vehicles, if not controlled, will interfere with the operation of the 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 reasonable, determined by the Chief of the Fire Department with approval of Council as necessary to permit access and operation of fire- fighting equipment and personnel and the egress of occupants. Fire lanes shall be suitably marked by appropriate markings on the ground or by displaying adequate signs, or both. The markings shall be placed and maintained by the City in accordance with color and design as prescribed by the Director of Public Service.
(c) No person shall obstruct a fire lane by parking, stopping or standing a motor vehicle whether such vehicle is attended or unattended, or by constructing a fence or other 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.
(Ord. 68-44. Passed 7-15-68.)
(d) 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.