503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3. |
503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every building, facility or portion of building or facility hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45,720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the buildings as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility. |
Exceptions: |
1. The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45,720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur: |
1.1 The building is equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3. |
1.2 Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, critical areas, waterways, non-negotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided. |
1.3 There are not more than two (2) Group R-3 (single-family dwellings) or Group U occupancies. |
1.4 Where the fire apparatus access road serves only residential accessory building/occupancies (private garages, carports, sheds, agricultural buildings), as defined by the International Building Code. |
2. Where approved by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be permitted to be exempted or modified for solar photovoltaic power generation facilities. |
503.1.2 Additional access. The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access. |
503.1.3 High-piled storage. Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32. |
503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8. |
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6,096 mm), inclusive of bike lanes, shoulders, flat and mountable curbs exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4,115 mm). |
503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official shall have the authority to require or permit modifications to the required access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety objectives of the jurisdiction. |
503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained with an asphalt, concrete or other approved driving surface capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing up to 75,000 pounds (34,050 kg). |
503.2.4 Turning Radius: The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be consistent with the city's public works standards and where no standard is specified in the public works standards, shall be determined by the fire code official. |
503.2.5 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45,720 mm) in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus. |
503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges where required by the fire code official. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces that are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall be installed and maintained where required by the fire code official. |
503.2.7. Grade. The grade (slope) of fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed 12% as measured from the roadway centerline. At no point along the centerline shall the road grade exceed 12%. |
Exception: The grade of the fire apparatus access road may be increased if buildings or facilities are equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system when approved by the fire district chief and Fire Code Official. |
503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure. The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department's apparatus. |
503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words NO PARKING—FIRE LANE shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility. |
503.4 Obstructions of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Section 503.2.1 shall be maintained at all times. When posted in accordance with section 503.3, owners or operators of vehicles shall be liable for a fine in accordance with Chapter 10.12 POMC. The Police Department may assist the Fire Code Officials with enforcement of this section. |
503.4.1 Traffic calming devices. Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the Public Works Director after soliciting input on the proposed device from the Fire Chief and Fire Code Authority. |
503.5 Required gates or barricades. The fire code official is authorized to require the installation and maintenance of gates or other approved barricades across fire apparatus access roads, trails or other accessways, not including public streets, alleys or highways. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200. |
503.5.1 Secured gates and barricades. Where required, gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved manner. Roads, trails and other accessways that have been closed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section 503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorized by the owner and the fire code official. |
Exception: The restriction on use shall not apply to public officers acting within the scope of duty. |
503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire code official. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200. |
503.7 Residential Non-Conforming Existing Private Access. Group R-3, R-4, or Group U occupancies allowed on an existing, non-conforming private access if a residential sprinkler system is installed in each new structure. |
Exception: There are not more than two Group R-3, R-4, or Group U occupancies. |