It is the intent, purpose and scope of this chapter to provide
for the designation of fire lanes, fire equipment access pads, or
fire access cartways wherever it appears that parking or vehicle traffic
congestion may create a hazard by impeding the free movement of firefighting
equipment, ambulances or public emergency response vehicles, anywhere
within the Municipality of Monroeville, on public or private property.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms are defined
as indicated:
FIRE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
All vehicles designated as being operated by the Municipality
of Monroeville Fire Departments or Police Department.
FIRE LANE
A driving lane, cartway, accessway or paved pad having a
minimum width of 20 feet and minimum inside turning radius of 15 feet
for the use of emergency fire vehicles in order to locate within a
minimum of 10 feet to structure.
FIRE OFFICIAL
The appointed individual responsible for enforcement of the
International Fire Code adopted by the Municipality of Monroeville.
FIRE-PROTECTION DEVICES
All permanently installed fire-protection devices, equipment
or apertures shall mean items such a fire hydrants, Fire Department
siamese connections, fire pump wall headers, pressurization ventilation
intakes, post indicator valves, back flow prevention valves, etc.
PARKING
"No Parking" shall mean all vehicles standing for a time
within a fire lane.
POLICE CHIEF
Chief of Police for the Municipality of Monroeville.
STANDING
"No Standing" shall mean all vehicles remaining stationary
or unchanged in position, with or without an operator or occupant,
within the fire lane.
STOPPING
"No Stopping" shall mean all vehicles that cease to go on
or cease moving, except momentarily stopped for the purpose of, and
while actually engaged in, loading or unloading property or passengers
or merchandise, within a fire lane.
Fire lanes shall be clearly marked and identified as follows:
A. Signage: a metal sign stating "No Stopping, Standing or Parking —
Fire Lane," located at each end of the designated fire lane and at
reasonable intervals between such signs as approved by the Fire Official.
The Fire Official shall have the power to designate fire lanes
anywhere within the Municipality of Monroeville, on public or private
property where it is deemed that stopping, standing or parking or
potential parking may create a hazard by impeding the free movement
of firefighting equipment. The Fire Official may consult the Fire
Safety Advisory Committee or any other Municipal agency or consultant
in making such designation.
All permanently installed firefighting equipment, devices or
apertures shall be designated as fire lanes with or without fire lane
signage:
A. All fire hydrants and 15 feet on either side of the hydrant on public
or private property, paralleling the street or cartway or paved vehicular
surface, is hereby deemed as fire lanes.
B. Vehicle parking near or on private commercial sidewalks adjacent
to marked designated fire lanes are hereby deemed as fire lanes.
C. All commercial entrance driveways or accessways blocking the free
movement of emergency vehicles and firefighting apparatus shall be
deemed as fire lanes, whether marked or unmarked.
The dimensions of a designated fire lane shall be as follows:
A. Minimum width of 20 clear feet.
B. Maximum grade of two-percent inclination curb to curb.
C. Paving should be approved by the Municipal Engineer and curb radius
shall be a minimum of 15 feet for each ninety-degree angle to permit
firefighting apparatus to safely turn into the designated fire lane.
D. Curb radius shall be a minimum inside radius of 15 feet for each
ninety-degree angle to permit firefighting apparatus to safely turn
into the designated fire lane.
The Police Chief shall prescribe and issue all forms necessary
for the administration of this chapter and may adopt and enforce regulations
relating to any matter pertaining to the administration of this chapter
including but not limited to the inspection and collection of fines
for violations. The Police Chief, with approval of the Municipal Manager,
may designate the Fire Enforcement Office, Municipal Police, Municipal
Fire Departments, or other persons to enforce this chapter, either
singly or in conjunction with each other.
Any car owner who parks or permits a car to be parked within
a designated fire zone shall be prosecuted by the Police Chief. A
fine of $35 shall be imposed for each violation and shall be collected
by the Police Chief by a ticketing procedure whereby the fine may
be paid at the Municipal Building. If payment is made at the Municipal
Building within 48 hours of the issuance of a ticket, the fine shall
be $20. If the fine is not paid within 10 days of the date of the
issuance of the ticket, the Police Chief shall further prosecute the
violator before a District Justice. If such further prosecution is
necessary, the violator, if found guilty, shall pay a fine of $35
plus costs imposed by the District Justice. In default of payment,
the violator may be sentenced to imprisonment in the Allegheny County
Jail for not more than 30 days.