Chapter 10.26
FIRE LANES

Sections:

10.26.010    Establishment, marking and maintaining.

10.26.020    Violations and enforcement.

10.26.030    Criminal offense to deface, damage, remove or possess fire lane sign.

10.26.010 Establishment, marking and maintaining.

A. Fire lanes shall be established pursuant to the adopted International Fire Code by the city fire marshal.

B. All designated fire lanes shall be clearly marked by the property owner as prescribed by the city fire marshal.

C. The city fire marshal shall require that owners of properties with designated fire lanes mark the fire lanes with signs as set forth below:

1. Fire lanes shall be:

Sign width: 12''

Sign height: 18''

Letter size – as approved by the city fire marshal

2. Reflective in nature;

3. Red letters on a white background;

4. Signs shall be spaced 75 feet apart as approved by the city fire marshal. The city fire marshal may make exceptions by requiring the signs to be posted less than or more than 75 feet apart when necessary to address unique fire land locations, e.g., curves, corners, blind views, landscaping, etc.;

5. The bottom of the sign should be seven feet from the ground when posted on a post unless otherwise approved by the city fire marshal. Posts shall be a minimum of two-inch galvanized steel or four-inch by four-inch pressure treated wood or any alternative approved by the city fire marshal. Signs shall be placed so they face the direction of the vehicular travel;

6. Signs may be placed on a building when approved by the city fire marshal as an alternative posting. The city fire marshal shall determine the appropriate height of the bottom of the sign taking into account landscaping and visibility.

D. Maintenance of Fire Lane Signs and Markings. The owner of property with a designated fire lane shall maintain any fire lane as required by the city fire marshal for the purpose of keeping the fire lane clearly marked, posted with signs, and free from obstructions. Such marking, posting, and maintenance shall be at the owner’s expense. (Ord. 1777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2012; Ord. 1314 § 2, 1998).

10.26.020 Violations and enforcement.

A. Obstruction of Fire Lanes, Hydrants and Standpipes Prohibited. The obstruction of a designated fire lane, fire hydrant or standpipe by a parked vehicle or any other object is prohibited and shall constitute a traffic obstruction and an immediate hazard to public safety.

B. Property Owner Responsible. The owner of any property upon which designated fire lanes have been established shall prevent the parking of vehicles or placement of other obstructions in such fire lanes.

C. Penalty for Violation. Violation of subsection (A) of this section shall constitute a parking infraction, subject to a monetary penalty of $250.00, not including statutory assessments. Violations of subsection (B) of this section shall constitute a class 1 civil infraction.

D. Enforcement. The Fife police department is authorized to take such lawful action, including the writing and issuance of citations, as may be required to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Fife police department shall have the discretion to have any vehicles obstructing a fire lane towed at the owner’s expense. The registered owner of the vehicle shall be notified by the towing company at the owner’s registered address. (Ord. 1592-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1314 § 2, 1998).

10.26.030 Criminal offense to deface, damage, remove or possess fire lane sign.

It shall be a misdemeanor for any person without lawful authority to intentionally or with reckless disregard deface, damage, remove or possess any fire lane sign or signpost installed pursuant to FMC 10.26.010. (Ord. 1777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2012; Ord. 1314 § 3, 1998).