Fire lanes shall be designated on all plans and specifications
for the construction of any structure where deemed necessary by the
Borough of Somerdale Fire Official. The owner of any property on which
there is presently located a structure which has no fire lanes or
on which the fire lanes presently existing are deemed inadequate by
the Fire Official shall be required, upon reasonable notice, to provide,
locate and designate appropriate fire lanes in accordance with the
provisions of this article.
Each fire lane shall be constructed to a minimum width of 18
feet, which shall be paved, graveled or constructed of an appropriate
stable base. Construction of the fire lane can be combined with a
pedestrian path if appropriately located and constructed. All fire
lanes shall be visually designated with proper signage and markings.
In the event that a stable base with grass or sod topping is used
in order to have the fire lane blend with the landscaping, its location
shall be shown by appropriate shrubbery or other designation with
the approval of the Fire Official. When determining the type of construction
which is appropriate for the fire lane, consideration shall be given
to the aesthetics of the site.
Fire lanes shall be located as to serve the entire building
from the building site; so as to provide the most direct means of
access for all emergency vehicles; and to be sufficiently close to
the building to provide protection for the structure while being far
enough removed so as to provide safety for the emergency vehicles
using the fire lanes in the event of collapse of the building. The
ultimate authority with respect to the determination for the location
of the fire lanes shall be with the Fire Official of the Borough of
Somerdale. The Fire Official shall make the aforementioned determination
after reviewing the recommendations of the Planning Board and the
Borough Engineer.
Fire lanes shall be appropriately posted with signs indicating
the words "No Parking — Fire Zone" or similar wording
if approved by the Fire Official. Signs shall be in red letters on
a white background, with a red line bordering the perimeter of the
sign, said sign to be 12 inches by 18 inches, made of metal and rust-resistant
reflectorized coating, posted at the end of each fire lane, and at
one-hundred-foot intervals therein. Fire areas shall also be designated
by covering the face and top of the curb of the prohibited area with
a solid yellow color of paint. The above criterion for the painting
of fire zone areas is to be considered to be a minimum, and additional
painting may be placed on the site consisting of crosshatches, solid
yellow areas or such other designations, in addition to the curb painting,
as may serve to act as a deterrent to parking in fire zones.
The owner of the site upon which a fire lane is located shall
be responsible for constructing, designating and marking fire lanes
as required by this article. All maintenance and repair of the signs
and pavement markings, if any, shall remain the responsibility of
the owner and any successor. The maintenance and repair shall be a
continuing condition of any approval conferred with respect to the
construction, remodeling or occupancy of the building or structure
on the premises. Any failure to maintain or repair said signs or pavement
markings shall be a basis for voiding the prior approval. Approvals
which shall be conditional under this article shall include, but not
be limited to, final site plan approval and certificates of occupancy.
No such approval shall be held to be void unless a hearing by the
issuing officer or agency has been held on due notice to the owner
of the premises.
A.
Any violation of this article will be deemed to be a clear and evident
notice of violation and shall warrant an immediate penalty and or
fines.
B.
No unauthorized vehicles shall be allowed to park, stand or stop
in any fire lane, nor shall any person in any manner obstruct any
fire lane. A violation of this section shall be subject to a penalty
not to exceed $500 for each separate offense or by imprisonment of
not more than 90 days, or both. "Unauthorized vehicle" shall be interpreted
to mean a vehicle other than an emergency vehicle, as well as such
other vehicles as may be designated by the Fire Official as being
authorized.
C.
Any vehicle parked, stopped, or standing in violation of this section
in any fire lane or zone shall be deemed a nuisance, and the Fire
Official or his designee may provide for its immediate removal. The
cost of its removal and any subsequent storage which may be required
shall be paid by the owner of the vehicle before he may be allowed
to regain possession of same.
D.
The Fire Official or his designee and the Somerdale Police Department
shall have concurrent jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this
section.
E.
Notwithstanding the penalties and/or fines above set forth, the Borough
of Somerdale shall be entitled to pursue any other remedy available
at law or equity to enforce the provisions hereof.
