As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
BUILDING SIZE
Refers to the building footprint or area of the lot that
the building covers.
FIRE LANE
A road, path or other passageway developed to allow the passage
of fire apparatus. A fire lane will be a minimum of 20 feet in width,
with the road edge closest to the building at least 10 feet from the
building. Fire lanes shall be constructed of a hard, all-weather surface,
adequately designed to support at least 75,000 pounds and capable
of being maintained in all weather conditions. Grid-type systems and
compacted gravel are not permitted.
Fire lanes shall be designated by the Chief
of the Portsmouth Fire Department or his/her designee. The owner of
any property on which a fire lane has been so designated shall be
required to create the required fire lane within such time as shall
be set in notice to the owner by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
No parking shall be allowed within the boundaries
of any fire lane or within 20 feet of emergency access points to buildings
or sprinkler or standpipe connections. All fire lanes, emergency access
points to buildings, sprinkler connections and standpipe connections
shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
All fire hydrants shall be kept clear and visible
at all times. No parking shall be allowed within 10 feet of any fire
hydrant. No vegetation, fences, or other obstructions shall be planted
or constructed in front of any hydrant, extending 10 feet on either
side of the hydrant, and within three feet, extending vertically,
of the sides and back of any hydrant. The water authority having jurisdiction
of the hydrant and the Town of Portsmouth are authorized to remove
any and all obstructions, at the property owner's expense, that are
in violation of this section.
All fire lanes, emergency access points to buildings,
and access to sprinkler and standpipe connections shall be clearly
marked and posted with the words FIRE LANE — NO PARKING — TOW
AWAY ZONE. These markings will consist of painted lines and wording
directly on the surface of the fire lane and shall be clearly distinguishable
from other markings. Letters are to be at least six inches in height
and uniform in height and width. Signs reading FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION — NO
PARKING — TOW AWAY ZONE shall be posted above all
Fire Department connections. Letters are to be at least three inches
in height and uniform in height and width.
The Chief of the Fire Department may authorize,
upon application, in specific cases of hardship, variances in the
application of the terms of this chapter. In case of such application,
the Chief shall give a written decision to the applicant. The applicant
shall have 10 days from the date of that decision to appeal the Chief's
decision to the Town Council.