[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town of Dennis 9-24-2002 Special Town
Meeting, Art. 14. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Consistent with Chapter 95 of the Town of Dennis Code, the Fire Chief or his authorized designee may require and designate the establishment of fire lanes whenever he has determined that public safety and necessity so require and may prescribe the method by which it shall be done. Any person or body that has lawful control of a public or private way or of improved or enclosed property used as off-street parking areas for the general public for shopping malls, theaters, auditoriums, sporting or recreational facilities, cultural centers, multiple-family residential dwelling, nursing homes or any other place where the public has a right of access as invitees or licensees shall, when directed by the Fire Chief or his designee, forthwith establish a fire lane.
Fire lanes shall be marked as prescribed by
the Fire Chief or his designee and, unless otherwise directed by the
Fire Chief or his designee, these shall be marked by yellow lines
at least four inches wide on a diagonal, from the point of origin
to the curb or sidewalk. The legend "FIRE LANE" shall be included
within the painted area. In addition, signs with the legend "NO PARKING
- FIRE LANE" may be required at the Fire Chief's discretion. Said
signs, if required, shall be erected no more than 50 feet nor less
than 25 feet apart along the length of the fire lane. The signs shall
be at least 12 inches wide by 16 inches high and shall be securely
mounted at least five feet but not more than eight feet above grade.
Fire lanes shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition to
insure adequate visibility.
No person shall leave a vehicle or object, or
allow a vehicle or object to remain standing, whether attended or
unattended, or allow a vehicle to remain live parked, within the limits
of a designated fire lane.
A.
The penalty for parking or standing vehicles in designated
fire lanes, in violation of this bylaw shall be enforced by the Police
Department, provided a fire lane is marked "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE,"
in accordance with the provision of M.G.L. c. 90, § 20A
1/2, or by parking control officers appointed by the Select Board
pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 147, § 10F, as adopted
by the Town. The penalty for leaving or allowing a vehicle to remain
standing within the limits of a designated fire lane shall be $100
as provided for by M.G.L. c. 40, § 21, Clause 24.
[Amended 5-3-2005 ATM, Art. 37; 10-3-2020 STM by Art. 12]
B.
The penalty for failure to establish such fire lane
when directed by the Fire Chief, or his designee, failing to maintain
a fire lane in a clean and legible condition or for leaving or allowing
an object to remain standing within the limits of a designated fire
lane so as to obstruct or block said fire lane may be enforced by
the Fire Chief or his designee, or by any Town officers having police
powers. The penalty therefor shall be a fine of $50. Each day that
such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. An enforcing
person designated by this section may enforce the provisions of this
paragraph by use of the noncriminal disposition procedure for bylaw
enforcement pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40, § 210.
C.
A vehicle found in violation of the provisions of
this bylaw, whether or not a fire is in progress, may be towed at
the direction of the Fire Chief or his designee, or the Chief of Police
or other police officer with a rank of sergeant or higher, pursuant
to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 89, § 7A. The owner of such
vehicle shall be liable for the cost of such removal, and for any
storage charges resulting therefrom.
