Chapter 10.02
FIRE LANES
Sections:
10.02.030 Penalty for violations.
10.02.060 Obstruction prohibited.
10.02.070 Alternate materials and methods.
10.02.080 Exemption to sign, marking requirements.
10.02.100 Towing notification.
10.02.110 Property owner responsibility.
10.02.010 Definition.
For the purposes of this chapter, the words “fire lane” shall mean the area within any public right-of-way, easement or private property designated for fire trucks and other firefighting or emergency equipment to use, travel upon and/or park. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.020 Establishment.
Fire lanes in conformance with this chapter shall be established by the fire chief for the city, or designee, and in conjunction with the building official. These lanes shall be referred to as “designated fire lanes” in this chapter. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.030 Penalty for violations.
Any person who fails to mark or maintain the marking of a designated fire lane as prescribed in this chapter, or who parks a vehicle in, allows the parking of a vehicle in, obstructs or allows the obstruction of a designated fire lane, is guilty of an infraction, enforceable by the police or fire department. The maximum penalty for failing to mark or maintain the marking of a designated fire lane shall be not more than a fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). The maximum penalty for parking a vehicle in, allowing the parking of a vehicle in, obstructing, or allowing the obstruction of a designated fire lane shall be not more than a fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). Each day or part of a day during which the unlawful act or violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense. There shall be a penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for failure to respond to the notice of this infraction. The local court shall impose this monetary penalty for failure to respond, pursuant to RCW 46.63.110(3). (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.040 Impoundment.
Any vehicle or object obstructing a designated fire lane is hereby declared a traffic and fire hazard and may be immediately impounded pursuant to the applicable state law, and Uniform Fire Code, without prior notification to its owner. Pursuant to state law, the owner may be held responsible for all impound fees. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.050 Marking.
All designated fire lanes shall be clearly marked in one (1) of the following manners:
A. Vertical curbs six (6) inches in height shall be painted yellow on the top and side, extending the length of the designated fire lane. The pavement adjacent to the painted curbs shall be marked with block lettering a minimum of eighteen (18) inches in height and with a three (3) inch brush stroke reading: “No Parking – Fire Lane.” Lettering shall be yellow and spaced at no more than fifty (50) foot intervals.
B. Rolled curbs or surface without curbs shall have a yellow six (6) inch-wide stripe painted extending the length of the designated fire lane. The surface adjacent to the strip shall be marked with block lettering a minimum of eighteen (18) inches in height and with a minimum three (3) inch brush stroke reading: “No Parking – Fire Lane.” Lettering shall be in yellow and spaced at no more than fifty (50) foot intervals.
C. Fire lane signs which shall be as follows:
1. Reflective in nature.
2. Use red letters on white background.
3. Use three (3) inch lettering, to read “No Parking – Fire Lane.”
4. A minimum of twelve (12) inches wide by eighteen (18) inches tall.
5. Spaced no more than fifty (50) feet apart and posted on or immediately next to the curb or side of the road.
6. Top of the sign to be not less than four (4) feet nor more than six (6) feet from the ground.
7. Signs may be placed on a building when approved by the fire chief in coordination with the building official.
8. When posts are required for signs, they shall be a minimum of two (2) inch galvanized steel or four (4) by four (4) inch pressure-treated wood.
9. Signs are to be placed so they face the direction of vehicular travel. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.060 Obstruction prohibited.
The obstruction of a designated fire lane by a parked vehicle or any other object is prohibited and shall constitute a traffic and fire hazard as defined in state law and the Uniform Fire Code and be an immediate hazard to life and property. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.070 Alternate materials and methods.
As a designee of the building official, the fire chief may modify any of the provisions in this chapter where practical difficulties may exist. The particulars of a modification shall be decided by the fire chief and shall be entered into the records of the fire department, local police agency and the building department. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.080 Exemption to sign, marking requirements.
A. Signs posted prior to January 1, 2019, will be allowed to remain until there is a need for replacement. When replaced, the new sign must then meet the requirements set forth in this chapter.
B. Markings will be allowed to remain until there is a need for repainting. When repainted, the new markings must then meet the requirements as set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.090 Maintenance.
Fire lane markings shall be maintained at the expense of the property owner as often as is deemed necessary to clearly identify the designated area as a fire lane. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.100 Towing notification.
At each entrance to property where fire lanes have been designated, signs shall be posted, as set forth in this chapter, in a clear, conspicuous location and shall clearly state “Vehicles parked in Fire Lanes may be impounded.” They shall also state the name, telephone number and address of the towing company where the vehicle may be redeemed. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)
10.02.110 Property owner responsibility.
The owner, manager or person in charge of any property upon which designated fire lanes have been established shall be responsible for, and not allow, vehicles or other objects to park in such fire lanes. (Ord. 893 § 1 (part), 2019)