[Adopted 6-20-1977; amended 1-8-1990; 8-4-2003]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Refers to any traffic area or other area adjacent to the
front, side or rear of any public building, or providing access from
a public highway to said building, which is designated for free passage
of heavy fire apparatus and other emergency equipment to all areas
of such building in all seasons and in all kinds of weather. No portion
of any public highway shall be deemed to be, or shall be designated
as, a fire lane.
Refers to any structure owned by any governmental unit and
to any privately owned structure which has a capacity of 50 or more
persons and is used, or is intended to be used, by members of the
general public.
If, in the judgment of the Fire Marshal, the type, magnitude,
location or traffic pattern of any existing or proposed public building
is such that the reasonable safety of persons who might occupy such
building requires the establishment of a fire lane or lanes, he shall
establish such fire lane and the area it shall constitute by written
order.
A.
Existing building. The Fire Marshal shall cause a copy of such order
to be delivered to the owner or owners, or agent thereof, of such
public building and shall file one copy thereof with the Town Clerk,
the Fire Chief, and the Traffic Division of the Police Department.
B.
Proposed building. The owner or owners, or agent thereof, shall file
a copy of the site plan for said building, and any subsequent revisions
thereto, with the Fire Marshal within 48 hours of the time said plan
is filed with the Town Planning and Zoning Commission. Within 10 days
of the receipt of said plan, the Fire Marshal shall issue either notice
that fire lanes are not required or an order for establishment of
fire lanes. Such notice or order shall be delivered to the owner or
owners, or agent thereof, of such proposed building, and one copy
thereof shall be filed with the Town Clerk, the Fire Chief, the Traffic
Division of the Police Department, the Planning and Zoning Commission,
and the Building Official.
A.
Upon establishment of a fire lane, the owner of such building shall
install, or cause to be installed, signs and markings in accordance
with the following specifications:
(1)
Outer limits of fire lane, as designated by the Fire Marshal, shall
be lined in yellow traffic paint at least four inches wide.
(2)
The words "FIRE LANE" shall be painted within the established lane
area at intervals to be specified by the Fire Marshal. Said words
shall be painted in yellow traffic paint, with strokes of letters
to be at least three inches wide and letters to be at least 12 inches
high.
(3)
Metal, reflective, sheeting signs, 12 inches wide by 18 inches high,
containing the wording "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE - TOW ZONE" shall be
posted at such locations as are specified by the Fire Marshal.
(4)
All fire lane signs, striping and lettering shall be kept in good
repair and clearly legible at all times.
B.
In lieu thereof, the Traffic Division of the Police Department, at
the expense of the owner of said building, shall cause signs and markings
to be installed in accordance with the foregoing specifications.
No person shall park any motor vehicle, as defined by the Connecticut
General Statutes, or leave any motor vehicle unattended in a fire
lane established and identified as set forth above. The registered
owner of any motor vehicle shall be presumed to be the operator of
such vehicle.
Fire lanes established and identified in the manner set forth
above and all fire hydrants situated on private property within the
Town of Plainville shall be kept free of ice and snow by the owner
of the premises.
Any motor vehicle found parked or standing unattended in a fire
lane established and identified as set forth above may be towed upon
the direction of any officer of the Plainville Police Department or
of the Plainville Fire Department to any public or private parking
facility, and all expenses of such towing and any storage charges
shall be borne by the registered owner thereof.
Violation of § 219-4 or 219-5 of this article shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $25. Notwithstanding the above, whenever a police officer shall find a violation of § 219-4, he shall serve upon the owner or operator of such vehicle, or place upon such vehicle, a notice directing the owner or operator thereof to appear at the Police Department prior to a time specified in said notice. If any person receiving said notice shall appear as directed and shall pay a fine of $25, such payment shall bar a prosecution for violation of § 219-4 of this article.
