Borough of Closter, NJ Part 5 Fire Lanes and Fire Zones

[Adopted 7-24-1985 as part of Ord. No. 1985:513 (Part 4 of Ch. 104 of the 1967 Code)]

Article XVI Designation of Fire Lanes and Fire Zones

§ 183-77 Designation by Fire Official.

The Fire Official may require and designate public or private fire zones and/or lanes as deemed necessary for the efficient and effective use of fire apparatus and equipment and to ensure the safe and timely egress of occupants and ingress of fire-suppression forces.

§ 183-78 Obstructions prohibited.

Designated fire zones and lanes shall be maintained free from obstructions and vehicles at all times. Designated fire zones and lanes shall be utilized by the Fire Department only.

§ 183-79 Marking of fire lanes.

Fire lanes shall be marked as ordered by the Fire Official. However, minimum marking shall be as follows:

A. Fire lanes shall be bordered on both sides by a minimum six-inch yellow stripe painted on the ground surface.

B. Signs approved by the Fire Official shall be attached to the structures or buildings bordering the fire lane in locations approved by the Fire Official or on posts located no more than 50 feet apart. Said signs shall be maintained by the owner of the property in good condition.

C. The words "Fire Lane" shall be painted on the ground surface and shall be in yellow letters, minimum height of 18 inches. "Fire Lane" shall be painted every 50 feet and/or at locations approved by the Fire Official.

§ 183-80 Marking of fire zones.

Fire zones shall be marked as ordered by the Fire Official. However, minimum markings shall be as follows:

A. Fire zones shall be marked around their entire perimeter with a yellow line, which shall have minimum width of four inches. Diagonal yellow lines four inches in width shall be marked off every three feet.

B. Signs approved by the Fire Official shall be attached to the structures or buildings in locations approved by the Fire Official or on posts located as required by the Fire Official.

C. The words "Fire Zone" shall be painted on the ground surface and shall be in yellow letters which shall have a minimum height of 18 inches. "Fire Zone" shall be painted at locations approved by the Fire Official.

§ 183-81 Signs.

Fire zone/lane signs shall be weatherproofed with a white reflective background and bright red letters, which shall have a minimum height of two inches. The sign shall read "Fire Zone, No Stopping or Standing" or "Fire Lane, No Stopping or Standing." "No stopping or standing" is hereby defined for the purposes of this Part 5 as follows: no parking, stopping, loading, unloading or otherwise obstructing.

§ 183-82 Enforcement; violations and penalties.

[Amended 4-21-1986 by Ord. No. 1986:525]

A. The Fire Official and inspectors approved by the Fire Official shall have power concurrent with that of the Police Department to issue summonses for offenses or violations of this Part 5.

B. Any person violating the provisions of this Part 5 or failing to comply with any order made thereunder shall, for each violation, be assessed a fine and court costs in accordance with the following schedule:

[Amended 3-25-2002 by Ord. No. 2002:861]

(1) First offense: a minimum fine of $50, plus $25 for court costs.

(2) Second offense: a minimum fine of $75, plus $25 court costs.

(3) Third offense: a minimum fine of $100, plus $25 court costs.

C. Violations of this Part 5 will be heard in the Closter Municipal Court which may permit guilty pleas without requiring court appearances in accordance with procedures of the Court.