Los Angeles County Municipal Code § 503.2 Specifications

Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.9.

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except as specified in Sections 503.2.1.1 through 503.2.1.2.2.2, and for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance clear to the sky.

Exception: A minimum vertical clearance of 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm) may be allowed for protected tree species adjacent to access roads. Any applicable tree-trimming permit from the appropriate agency is required.

Private on-site fire apparatus access roads serving one single-lot single-family residence may be reduced to a minimum width of not less than 15 feet (6096 mm), exclusive of shoulders, when approved by the fire code official.

Fire apparatus access roads for commercial, industrial, and multifamily-residential developments shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1.2.1 through 503.2.1.2.2.2. For purposes of this section, the highest roof surface shall be determined by measurement of the vertical distance between the access roadway and the eave of a pitched roof, the intersection of the roof to the exterior wall, or the top of parapet walls, whichever is greatest.

For buildings where the vertical distance between the access roadway and the highest roof surface does not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm), fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 26 feet (7925 mm), exclusive of shoulders, and an unobstructed clearance of clear to the sky.

Exception: The 26-foot (7925 mm) width may be reduced to not less than 20 feet (6,096 mm), when approved by the fire code official. This exception shall not be applied for a distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) on either side of a hydrant.

For buildings where the vertical distance between the access roadway and the highest roof surface exceeds 30 feet (9144 mm), an approved fire apparatus access roadway with a minimum width of 28 feet (8535 mm), exclusive of shoulders, shall be provided in the immediate vicinity of the building or portion thereof. This roadway shall have an unobstructed clearance of clear to the sky.

Exception: The 28-foot (8535 mm) width may be reduced to not less than 20 feet (6,096 mm), when approved by the fire code official. This exception shall not be applied for a distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) on either side of a hydrant.

At least one required access route meeting this condition shall be located such that the edge of the fire apparatus access roadway, not including shoulders, that is closest to the building being served, is between 10 feet (254 mm) and 30 feet (9144 mm) from the building, as determined by the fire code official, and shall be positioned parallel to one entire side of the

building. The side of the building on which the fire apparatus access road is positioned shall be approved by the fire code official.

Exception: When approved by the fire code official, the required setback may be modified for residential and mixed-use residential developments less than five stories in height when additional fire protection measures are provided.

Overhead power lines shall not be located over the fire apparatus access road or between the fire apparatus road and the building. Other obstructions shall be permitted to be placed with the approval of the fire code official.

The dimensions of approved fire apparatus roads shall be maintained as originally approved by the fire code official.

Facilities, buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction shall be accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an approved fire apparatus access road that is designed and maintained with an asphalt, concrete or other approved driving surface capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000 pounds (34 050 kg). The fire apparatus access shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities, as approved by the fire code official.

Exception: Regarding the weight rating, the fire code official shall be authorized to determine that fire apparatus access roads serving one- and two-family residences instead be capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 50,000 pounds (22 700 kg).

The minimum turning radius shall be not less than 32 feet (9754 mm) measured at the centerline of the required access roadway.

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) in length shall be provided with an approved turnaround. See Figures 503.2.5(1) and 503.2.5(2). The turnaround shall be oriented on the access roadway in the proper direction of travel.

Exceptions:

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads serving other than single-family dwellings, that are a minimum of 20 feet (6096 mm) in width and that are straight and flat, may be extended to between 151 feet (46 025 mm) and 300 feet (91 440 mm) in length without requiring a turnaround, when approved by the fire code official.

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads serving single-lot single-family dwellings, that are a minimum of 15 feet (4572 mm) in width and that are straight and flat, may be extended to between 151 feet (46 025 mm) and 300 feet (91 440 mm) in length without requiring a turnaround, when approved by the fire code official.

FIGURE 503.2.5(1) FIRE APPARATUS TURNAROUND STANDARD — PUMPER

FIGURE 503.2.5(2) FIRE APPARATUS TURNAROUND STANDARD — AERIAL APPARATUS

Fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed 15 percent (15%) in grade.

Exception: For a fire apparatus access road serving no more than two single-family dwellings, grades shall not exceed 20 percent (20%) when approved by the fire code official. Grades between 15.1 percent (15.1 %) and 20 percent (20%) shall not

exceed a maximum cumulative total of 500 feet (152.4 m) as measured over the entire length of the access roadway.

The area of firefighting operations, as defined in Chapter 2, shall not be located underneath high-voltage transmission lines.