(A) General. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(B) Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be required for every building hereafter constructed when any portion of an exterior wall of the first story is located more than 150 feet from the Fire Department vehicle access, except:
(1) When conditions prevent the installation of an approved fire apparatus access road, the Chief may permit the installation of a fire protection system or systems in lieu of a road, provided the system or systems are not otherwise required by this or any other code.
(2) The requirements of this section may be modified, provided in the opinion of the Chief, firefighting or rescue operations would not be impaired.
(C) Permissible modifications. Clearances or widths required by this section may be increased when, in the opinion of the Chief, minimum clearances or widths are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access.
(D) Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designated and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be provided with a surface so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.
(E) Width. The minimum unobstructed width of a fire apparatus access road shall not be less than 20 feet.
(F) Vertical clearance. All fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet, six inches, except, upon approval, vertical clearance may be reduced, provided such reduction does not impair access by fire apparatus and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the established vertical clearance.
(G) Turning radius. The turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be as approved by the Chief.
(H) Turnarounds. All dead-end fire apparatus access roads in access of 150 feet in length shall be provided with approved provisions for the turning around of fire apparatus.
(I) Bridges. When a bridge is required to be used as access under this section, it shall be construed and maintained in accordance with the applicable sections of the Building Code and using designed live loading sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus.
(J) Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed the maximum approved by the Chief.
(K) Obstruction. The required width of any fire apparatus access road shall not be obstructed in any manner, including park vehicles. Minimum required widths and clearances established under this section shall be maintained at all times.
(L) Signs. When required, approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided and maintained for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof or both.
(Ord. 89-3, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 89-10, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 93.99