Chapter 10.30
FIRE LANES
Sections:
10.30.010 Fire lanes established.
10.30.020 Definition of designated fire lanes.
10.30.030 Marking of fire lanes.
10.30.040 Alternate materials and methods.
10.30.050 Exemption to sign requirements/existing fire lane signs and markings.
10.30.070 Property owner responsibility.
10.30.080 Violation – Infraction – Penalty.
10.30.010 Fire lanes established.
The building official or fire chief shall establish fire lanes in conformance with this chapter or other applicable City regulations. [Ord. 98-0043 § 1.]
10.30.020 Definition of designated fire lanes.
“Designated fire lanes” shall mean areas within any public right-of-way, easement, or private property designated for fire trucks or other emergency equipment, and marked as set forth in this chapter. [Ord. 98-0043 § 2.]
10.30.030 Marking of fire lanes.
All designated fire lanes to be marked from this date forward shall be clearly marked in one or more of the following manners:
A. Vertical curbs six inches in height shall be painted yellow on the top and side, extending the length of the designated fire lane. The pavement adjacent to the painted curbs shall be marked with block lettering a minimum of 18 inches in height and with a three-inch brush stroke reading: “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE.” Lettering shall be yellow and spaced at no more than 50-foot intervals; or
B. Rolled curbs or surfaces without curbs shall have a yellow six-inch wide painted stripe extending the length of the designated fire lane. The surface adjacent to the stripe shall be marked with block lettering a minimum of 18 inches in height and with a minimum three-inch brush stroke reading: “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE.” Lettering shall be in yellow and spaced at no more than 50-foot intervals; or
C. Fire lane signs shall comply with the following requirements:
1. Be reflective in nature;
2. Have red letters on white background;
3. Have three-inch lettering, reading “No Parking – Fire Lane”;
4. Be a minimum of 12 inches wide by 18 inches tall;
5. Spaced no more than 50 feet apart and posted on or immediately next to the curb or side of the road;
6. Top of signs shall not be less than four feet nor more than six feet from the ground;
7. May be placed on a building when approved by the building official in coordination with the fire chief;
8. When posts are required for signs, they shall be a minimum of two-inch galvanized steel or four-inch by four-inch pressure treated wood; and
9. Placed so they face the direction of vehicular travel. [Ord. 98-0043 § 3.]
10.30.040 Alternate materials and methods.
The building official, in coordination with the fire chief, may modify any of the provisions herein where practical difficulties may exist. Any particular modification shall be determined by the building official and shall be entered into the records of the fire department, local police agency and the building department. [Ord. 98-0043 § 4.]
10.30.050 Exemption to sign requirements/existing fire lane signs and markings.
A. Previously existing signs posted prior to this date may remain until there is a need for replacement. When replaced, any new signs shall meet the requirements set forth in this chapter.
B. Previously existing markings may remain until there is a need for repainting. When repainted, any new markings shall meet the requirements set forth in this chapter. [Ord. 98-0043 § 5.]
10.30.060 Maintenance.
Fire lanes shall be maintained at the expense of the property owner(s) as often as is deemed necessary by the building official or fire chief to clearly identify the designated fire lane. [Ord. 98-0043 § 6.]
10.30.070 Property owner responsibility.
The owner, manager, or person in charge of any property upon which designated fire lanes have been established shall be responsible for and not allow vehicles to park in, or other objects to obstruct, such designated fire lanes. [Ord. 98-0043 § 7.]
10.30.080 Violation – Infraction – Penalty.
Any person who fails to mark or maintain the marking of a designated fire lane as prescribed in this chapter, or who parks a vehicle in, allows the parking of a vehicle in, obstructs, or allows the obstruction of a designated fire lane, is guilty of an infraction. The maximum penalty for any violation of this chapter shall be a fine of not more than $350.00. [Ord. 98-0043 § 8.]
10.30.090 Impoundment.
Any vehicle or object obstructing a designated fire lane is hereby declared a traffic and fire hazard and may be immediately impounded pursuant to applicable State law, and the owner may be held responsible for all impound fees. [Ord. 98-0043 § 9.]