1.2. Fire apparatus roads cannot be installed because of location on property,

topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided. 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.

(c) Dimensions.

California Fire Code Section 503.2.1 is hereby amended to read:

503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm).

Exceptions: 1. Fire apparatus access widths shall be increased to 24 feet (7315.2 mm) when in the opinion of the fire code official widths are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access. 2. Fire apparatus access roads serving buildings or portions of buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm) in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet (7924.8 mm). 3. Vertical clearances shall be increased when in the opinion of the fire code official vertical clearances are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access.

(d) Authority.

California Fire Code Section 503.2.2 is hereby amended to read:

503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official shall have the authority to require or permit modifications to the required access widths and/or vertical clearance where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety objectives of the jurisdiction.

(e) Surface.

California Fire Code Section 503.2.3 is hereby amended to read:

503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be provided with a surface so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. Calculations for apparatus access road design shall be submitted for review prior to construction. The minimum traffic index for the access road design shall be 5.0 and shall bear the stamp and signature of a State of California engineer licensed for such design work.

(f) Turning radius.

California Fire Code Section 503.2.4 is hereby amended to read:

503.2.4 Turning radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall
be:
1. at least 30 feet inside curb radius where access roads less than 26 feet wide are
provided, and
2. at least 27 feet inside curb radius where access roads 26 feet wide or greater are
provided.

(g) Dead ends.

California Fire Code Section 503.2.5 is hereby amended to read:

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 turnaround in accordance with Appendix D as amended.

(h) Cul-de-sacs.

California Fire Code Section 503.2.5 is hereby amended by adding Section 503.2.5.1 to read:

503.2.5.1 Cul-de-sacs. For the purposes of fire protection and fire apparatus accessibility,
cul-de-sac streets shall not exceed 400 feet (121920 mm) maximum length. If it is
determined that a longer cul-de-sac is essential for the property to be developed, the fire
code official may impose additional requirements to ensure protection of life and property,
including, but not limited to:

1. Additional fire hydrants.

2. Increased turnaround ability.

3. Increased sprinkler density and coverage.

4. Emergency access easements.

(i) Grade.

California Fire Code Section 503.2.7 is hereby amended to read:

503.2.7 Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall be in accordance with Appendix D as amended.

(j) No parking in driveway.

California Fire Code Section 503.3 is hereby amended by adding Section 503.3.1 to read:

503.3.1 No parking in driveway signs. A sign of a size, type and design approved by the fire code official shall be located on the right side of the fire lane within the first 25 feet (7620 mm) of entry into driveways of approved fire apparatus access roads. The sign shall be permanently mounted with the bottom of the sign to be at least 6 feet (1828.8 mm) above grade but not greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) above grade.

(k) No parking—Fire lane identification.

California Fire Code Section 503.3 is hereby amended by adding Section 503.3.2 to read:

503.3.2 No parking—Fire lane identification. When required by the fire code official,
one or more of the following methods shall be used to identify fire apparatus access roads
and prohibit their obstruction:

1. The entire length of the fire apparatus access road shall be marked by approved signs
posted conspicuously at intervals no greater than 50 feet (15240 mm) that identify the
road as a "Fire Lane" and state the prohibition of parking therein, "NO PARKING -
FIRE LANE". Such signs shall be posted in a permanent manner at a height no greater
than 10 feet (3,048 mm) and no less than 6 feet (1,828.8 mm) above grade. Signs shall
be 12″ X 18″ in size with letters not less than one inch in height and meet the State of
California specifications for reflectivity.

2. The entire length of standard curbs bordering fire apparatus access roads shall be
painted traffic red and shall have the words "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE" stenciled
upon their horizontal and vertical surfaces at intervals of not more than 50 feet
(15,240 mm). Letters shall be of block style, minimum five inches in height with a

stroke of not less than ¾ inch, and shall be painted white on a traffic red background.

Violation of posted "FIRE LANES" as described in California Vehicle Code Section 22500.1 may be subject to immediate removal as set forth in California Vehicle Code Section 22651 for any vehicle parked or left standing in an area identified as a fire lane.

(l) Compliance with orders and notices.

California Fire Code Section 503.3 is hereby amended by adding Section 503.3.3 to read:

503.3.3 Compliance with orders and notices. It is unlawful for any owner, lessee, or person in charge of such private property to fail to install and then maintain such access signage and markings after having been given proper notice for such installation. When such areas are marked and signed as provided herein, it is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing a vehicle adjacent to any signed or marked area.

(Ord. 3018-13 § 2; Ord. 3101-16 § 1)