[Amended 7-23-1979; 1-13-1993]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide unobstructed passage for fire and other emergency equipment from a public highway onto and across other public or private property.
B. FIRE ZONE
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Designated, unobstructed passageway sufficient in size to permit free passage of fire and other emergency equipment from a public highway to all necessary areas or portions of any private or public property.
C.
Establishment by Fire Marshal. Whenever the Fire Marshal shall determine that the reasonable safety of persons occupying or using any premises, public or private, having the capacity of at least 25 persons, requires the establishment of a fire zone for orderly access of fire and other emergency equipment, he shall establish such fire zone by written order and cause to be made public announcement of such fire zone by written order in a newspaper having substantial circulation in the Town. Any cost for said announcement shall be the responsibility of the owner or owners of the property on which such fire zone is established. He shall cause a copy of such order to be delivered, in person or by registered mail, to the owner or owners, or agents thereof, of any private land on which such fire zone is established.
D.
Order establishing fire zone; appeal to Town Manager. Whenever the Fire Marshal establishes a fire zone, he shall file one copy with the Town Manager and one copy with the Police Department. Any person aggrieved by such order may file, with the Town Manager within 15 days after the date of such order, written notice of appeal setting forth therein reasons for aggrievement. After hearing, the Town Manager may affirm, modify or rescind such order.
E.
Signs delineating fire zone; cost; lien. Upon establishment of a fire zone, the Police Department shall cause to be erected or installed adequate signs, parkings and other devices erected or installed on privately owned premises, which shall be at the cost of the owner, and may be billed for and collected in the same manner as municipal taxes.
F.
Parking prohibited; fine for violations. No person shall park or permit to stand a motor vehicle in a fire zone which has been established in accordance with this section, except when actually picking up or discharging passengers. Any person violating this section shall be fined. Fines are listed in the Fine Schedule, § 37-2 of this Code, and posted on the Town of Southington website. The registered owner of a motor vehicle shall be presumed to be the operator of such vehicle.
G.
Towing obstructing vehicles authorized. Any motor vehicle found standing in a fire zone which has been established in accordance with this section may be towed, upon the direction of a police officer, to any public or private parking facility, and all expenses of such towing and any subsequent storage shall be paid by the registered owner of such vehicle.
H.
Owner, lessee to maintain zones; signs; penalty for failure to maintain. Upon the establishment of a fire zone and the erection or installation of marking devices as provided in Subsection E, such fire zones shall be maintained by the respective owners or lessees thereof, who shall be responsible for the replacement of missing fire zone parking signs and the remarking of pavement. Any person failing to maintain a fire zone within 30 days of the receipt of written notice from the Fire Marshal shall be fined per day for each violation. Fines are listed in the Fine Schedule, § 37-2 of this Code, and posted on the Town of Southington website.