§ 32-08. Required access for fire apparatus.

(a)

All premises, including existing premises, that any member of the city's fire rescue department or emergency services may be called upon to protect in case of fire and that are not readily accessible from public roads shall be provided with suitable gates, access roads, and fire lanes so that all buildings on the premises are accessible to fire apparatus.

(1)

Fire and emergency access shall be provided to at least two sides of all assembly, educational, health care, detention and correctional, residential, mercantile, business, industrial, storage, or day care occupancy buildings. This access shall comply with NFPA 1, section 3-5, unless otherwise approved by the fire marshal.

(2)

Where the installation of speed humps or other traffic control devices is determined by the fire marshal to impede or inhibit the response of emergency vehicles or the safety of emergency personnel or patients, such traffic control devices may be modified to meet safety requirements, as approved by the city manager.

(b)

New speed humps, when installed, must comply with the following criteria:

(1)

Approved speed humps shall have minimum 24-inch-long base with sloping falls, cresting at a four-inch maximum height.

(2)

The location of such speed humps shall be approved by the city manager.

(c)

The designation, use, and maintenance of fire lanes shall be accomplished as specified by the fire marshal in accordance with city laws and regulations, as amended.

(d)

Automatic vehicle access control gates.

(1)

Where automatic vehicle assess control gates are used, the following criteria shall apply:

a.

Gate installation criteria, including battery backup, siren operated sensors, key switches, opener devices and gate markings, shall be reviewed and approved in writing by the fire marshal prior to installation.

b.

In the event the gates become nonoperational, they shall remain in the open position until such time as all minimum requirements have been returned to a fully operational status. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner/property management to ensure gates are properly maintained and repaired as necessary.

(Ord. No. 2005-03, § 7, 2-8-2005)