Los Angeles Municipal Code § 57.316 Hazards to Fire Fighters

Section 316 of the CFC is hereby adopted in its entirety with the following exceptions, modifications, and additions.

Obstructions on building roofs, parapet walls and wall openings, which are determined by the Chief to be a fire/life safety hazard, shall comply with Sections 57.316.4.1 through 57.316.4.4.

EXCEPTION: Fences over 6 feet high, tanks and towers.

No person shall install or maintain any wire, barbed wire, razor ribbon, fence, cable, aerial, antenna, or other obstruction on any building roof, parapet wall, or openings in an exterior wall required for Fire Department access, in such a manner as to obstruct access or egress, or cause a hazardous condition in the event of fire or other emergency.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Guy wires, rods, aerial or antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure having a slope of less than 30 degrees provided there is full clearance of 7 feet or more between the roof and said

obstruction.

2. Guy wires or rods required to support aerial or antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure a lateral distance from the mast not in excess of 1/6 the height of the mast.

3. Metal bars, grills, grates, or similar products manufactured to restrict entry through windows or exterior doors may be installed in accordance with Chapter 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code

(Building Code).

4. Buildings located within 8 feet of utility poles or similar structures which could otherwise be used to gain access to the building’s roof, balcony or similar surfaces. Such obstruction may extend to

where the surfaces are more than 8 feet from the pole or access structure but shall extend no farther.

Violation of Section 57.316.4.2 shall be subject to penalties and minimum fines as prescribed in Section 57.110.4 and Table 57.110.4.

No person shall cause to be placed, stored, or maintained upon any roof or balcony any hazardous materials or any material or object which may interfere with egress or Fire Department operations in case of fire or other emergency.

No person shall obstruct required access passageways on the roof surface. An unobstructed passageway for use by the Fire Department shall be provided through or around any approved structures or equipment installations on the roof surface. One access passageway shall be provided for every 50 feet length, or fraction thereof, of roof surface. Passageways shall be at least 3 feet wide and have at least 7 feet of overhead clearance.