Chapter 14.84
FIRE CODE
Sections:
14.84.020 Washington State Fire Code 2021 Edition Adopted
14.84.040 Office of the Fire Marshal
14.84.050 Hydrants to Be Served by Recognized Water Purveyor
14.84.070 Piping and Flow Standards
14.84.080 Plan Approval Required
14.84.090 Plan Submittal Review
14.84.110 Obstruction Prohibited - Declared Nuisance - Abatement
14.84.120 Authority of Water Purveyor
14.84.150 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
14.84.170 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
14.84.180 Fire Apparatus Access Roads
14.84.190 Address Identification
14.84.010 Definitions.
Chapter 14.08 contains definitions of terms and abbreviations used in this chapter if more specific than those in the Washington State Fire Code. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.020 Washington State Fire Code 2021 Edition Adopted.
(a) Except for those portions specified in this chapter, the Washington State Fire Code 2021 Edition is hereby adopted in its entirety as adopted by the State of Washington in accordance with Chapter 51-54A WAC for the purpose of providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. Henceforth, the Washington State Fire Code 2021 Edition shall be referred to as the WSFC and shall be the Fire Code of the City of Lake Stevens.
(1) All adoptable appendices to the WSFC, except Appendices A, J, and M are hereby adopted, incorporated by reference, and made a part hereof as if fully set forth in the WSFC. Where conflicts occur between the adopted appendices and the Lake Stevens Municipal Code, the provisions of the Lake Stevens Municipal Code shall apply. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.030 Applicability.
The provisions of this chapter shall be in addition to the WSFC 2021 Edition or current edition as adopted by the City of Lake Stevens pursuant to Section 14.84.020, and shall apply to all buildings, structures, conditions and operations in accordance with Section 102 of the WSFC constructed or developed within the City limits, wherein the same shall be served by water mains and fire hydrants capable of delivering the required fire flow and installed as required by this chapter unless specifically exempted thereby, or unless waived or modified by the Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 14.84.100 (Modification). Decisions of the Fire Marshal are deemed to be made in the best interest, and with the concurrence, of the affected Fire District in the absence of any credible evidence to the contrary. All appeals of orders, decisions, interpretations or determinations made by the Fire Marshal relative to the application and interpretation of the WSFC shall be to the City of Lake Stevens Hearing Examiner in accordance with Section 14.16A.265. The Hearing Examiner shall have no authority to waive requirements of this code. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.040 Office of the Fire Marshal.
The Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue Office of the Fire Marshal is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Fire Marshal. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
No matters subject to this chapter or the WSFC shall have final approval until the Fire Marshal has verified that the provisions of this chapter and the WSFC are satisfied. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.050 Hydrants to Be Served by Recognized Water Purveyor.
All water mains and fire hydrants required hereunder shall be served by a recognized water purveyor or, in the absence of such, by alternate method(s) as approved by the Fire Marshal, except residential accessory buildings classified under the Washington State Building Code as U with a lot size of 20,000 square feet or greater, whether platted or unplatted, provided there is no conflict with the requirements of the recognized water purveyor serving the building site. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.060 Hydrant Standards.
(a) Every development (subdivided or unsubdivided) that is served by a public water system shall include a system of fire hydrants sufficient to provide adequate fire protection for the buildings located or intended to be located within such development.
(b) The presumption established by this chapter is that to satisfy the standards set forth in subsection (c) of this section.
(c) The following hydrant standards shall apply as set forth herein unless waived or modified pursuant to Section 14.84.100 (Modification).
(1) Type. Any new hydrant installations under this chapter shall have not less than a five-inch main valve opening, two hose outlets having nominal diameters of two and one-half inches National Standard Thread (NST), and one engine port outlet having a nominal diameter of four and one-half inches NST fitted with a four-inch Storz coupling. All hydrant threads shall be National Standard Threads with seven and one-half threads per inch for two-and-one-half-inch hose outlets and four threads per inch for four-and-one-half-inch engine port outlets. Water lines that serve hydrants shall be at least six-inch lines, and, unless no other practicable alternative is available, no such lines shall be dead-end lines. If the hydrant is connected to a dead-end main line, the dead-end lines shall be a minimum of eight inches to the hydrant tee, or larger if necessary to provide required fire flows and be approved by the local water purveyor and the Fire Marshal.
(2) Spacing.
(i) Within areas exclusively developed or being developed for one-and two-family dwellings, the maximum distance from a fire hydrant to a dwelling unit shall be 300 feet as measured from the hydrant to the nearest point of construction along a roadway accessible by fire apparatus. The maximum distance between hydrants in these areas shall be no greater than 600 feet.
(ii) For all other occupancy types, the maximum distance from a fire hydrant to a structure shall be 150 feet as measured from the hydrant to the nearest point of construction along a roadway accessible by fire apparatus. The maximum distance between hydrants in these areas shall be no greater than 300 feet.
(iii) Where a measurement to a hydrant from a structure bifurcates a roadway where any of the following are present, the hydrant shall be deemed inaccessible for use:
a. Where roads are provided with center medians, dividers, and/or turn lanes.
b. Where traffic counts average greater than 5,000 trips per day.
c. When the roadway is identified as any type of collector or greater.
d. When the roadway is greater than 28 feet in width.
(iv) When any portion of a commercial structure to be protected is in excess of 150 feet from a hydrant on a public street and when required by the Fire Marshal, there shall be provided on-site fire hydrants and mains capable of supplying the required fire flow. Water supply may consist of reservoirs, pressure tanks, elevator tanks, water mains or other fixed systems capable of supplying the required fire flow as approved by the Fire Marshal and the recognized water purveyor having jurisdiction over said project.
(3) Location.
(i) Hydrants shall be located at street intersections; provided, that when such location results in spacing distances greater than allowed by this section, additional hydrants may be required between intersections; provided further, that when the required fire flow is greater than 2,000 gallons per minute (GPM), the number and location of hydrants shall be approved by the Fire Marshal.
(ii) For commercial buildings:
a. The minimum number of public and private hydrants required shall be determined by Table C102.1 of the WSFC.
b. Hydrants shall be located no less than 40 feet from the building to be protected. Where hydrants cannot be located in accordance with this section, hydrant placement to include the use of wall hydrants shall be coordinated with the Fire Marshal.
c. A hydrant shall be located not more than 25 feet from a fire department connection (FDC).
(iii) All hydrants shall be accessible to Fire District apparatus by roadways meeting the requirements of Appendix D of the WSFC and Section 14.84.180.
(iv) When fire protection facilities are to be installed by the developer or permittee, such facilities shall be installed prior to any combustible construction being installed on site. Water mains and fire hydrants shall be capable of delivering the required fire flow to the site and shall remain the responsibility of the developer until accepted by the recognized water purveyors. When alternate provisions for protection are provided pursuant to Section 14.84.100 (Modification) the above requirements may be modified.
(v) When locating hydrants, consideration shall be given to:
a. Hazardous operations and the practicality of sound fire service practices (fences, roadways, barriers to operation, etc.);
b. The recommended location preferred by the water purveyor;
c. The required 15-foot vehicle clear zone on each side of each hydrant per RCW 46.61.570.
(4) Installation. Hydrants shall stand plumb and be set to the finished grade. The bottom of the lowest outlet of the hydrant shall be no less than 18 inches or more than 36 inches above the grade. There shall be a 36-inch radius of clear area about the hydrant for the operation of hydrant wrench on the outlets and the control valve. The engine port shall face the street or, where the street cannot be clearly identified, shall face the most likely location of a fire truck while pumping, as determined by the Fire Marshal.
(d) Fire hydrants shall be protected from damage. Internal maintenance of public fire hydrants shall be the responsibility of the recognized water purveyor. Private hydrants shall be protected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.070 Piping and Flow Standards.
The following standards relating to water mains, hydrant branches, and fire flow shall apply, unless modified pursuant to Section 14.84.100 and approved by the Fire Marshal:
(a) Hydrant Branches. Hydrant branches shall not have a domestic supply outlet and shall meet the design standards of the Snohomish County Public Utilities District No. 1.
(b) Service Main. New or replaced water mains serving fire hydrants shall meet the design standards of the Snohomish County Public Utilities District No. 1.
(c) Flow Requirements. Service mains supplying hydrants shall be designed to provide not less than 500 GPM at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure over and above the computed maximum daily domestic consumption for the period of time specified in the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau’s Grading Schedule, Table 4. In addition, service mains supplying hydrants shall provide the fire flow required to each building covered thereby at the number of GPM specified in WSFC, Appendix B. The Fire Marshal may require data or design standards from a registered professional engineer, and construction in accordance therewith, in order to assure that the fire flow required will be achieved. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.080 Plan Approval Required.
(a) Prior to the installation of any new hydrants or mains serving hydrants, the developer shall provide plans for review to the recognized water purveyor and Fire Marshal.
(b) No work shall commence until plans are approved by the water purveyor and Fire Marshal, and such permits are issued. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.090 Plan Submittal Review.
The Fire Marshal, prior to the issuance of a construction permit for any new or improved land use, building, or fire protection system, shall certify that the plans have been reviewed for fire code compliance. If the plans are found to be in compliance with this chapter, WSFC and applicable standards, a notice of approval for issuance of a building and/or construction permit shall be forwarded to the Planning and Community Development Department. Such approval shall be based on the provisions of this chapter being satisfied both:
(a) Prior to start of any construction; and
(b) Prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for the building.
(c) All applications for construction permits referenced in WSFC Section 105.7 shall include the following:
(1) Completed City of Lake Stevens and/or Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue Permit application.
(2) Cut sheets for all devices to be altered or installed.
(3) Shop drawings, floor plans and working plans with all notes, legends and calculations per applicable NFPA standard as referenced in Chapter 9 of the WSFC.
(4) Evidence of contractor/system designer qualification.
(i) Sprinkler system: System designer, installer, and ITM personnel qualifications shall be in compliance with Chapter 12-80 WAC and Chapter 18.160 RCW.
(ii) Fire alarm system: System designer, installer and ITM personnel qualifications shall be in compliance with Section 907.11 of the WSFC.
(iii) Hood suppression system: System designer, installer and ITM personnel shall be trained and certified by the manufacturer of the system for which design, installation, or maintenance work is to be performed, and in compliance with WSFC 904.1.1. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.100 Modification.
(a) Where there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code or provisions of the WSFC, the Fire Marshal shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the Fire Marshal shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code or provisions of the WSFC impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the office of the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal does not have the authority to grant waivers to or variances of this chapter or the WSFC.
(b) Modification requests shall be in writing, state the reasons therefor, and be provided to the Fire Marshal for review. A completed fire code modification application is required to be submitted as notice of written request. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.110 Obstruction Prohibited - Declared Nuisance - Abatement.
Obstructing the view, by any means, of a fire hydrant for a distance of 75 feet from any direction of vehicular approach is prohibited. Any violation of this section is declared a public nuisance, subject to immediate abatement and application of the civil penalty provided for herein. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.120 Authority of Water Purveyor.
Nothing in this chapter, nor any rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Fire Marshal pursuant to this chapter, shall be construed to prohibit water purveyors from imposing more stringent requirements for the construction of water mains and fire hydrants. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.130 Section 903 of the IFC Superseded.
Repealed by Ord. 1109. (Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.140 Key Box System.
(a) An approved key box system shall be required on all new and existing commercial buildings and shall meet the following requirements in addition to Section 506 of the WSFC.
(1) The type and model key box system required shall be The Knox Company and based on the criteria listed below:
(i) Buildings with less than five stories: Model 3200 series with side hinge.
(ii) Hazardous materials facilities with site specific plans per Snohomish County LEPC: Data storage cabinet.
(iii) Buildings of five or more stories: Data storage cabinet.
The Fire Marshal may approve other data storage boxes and hazardous material data cabinets which are equivalent to those listed herein.
(iv) Keys to the riser room, main entrance, fire alarm control panel, pull stations, elevator and other building electrical, mechanical, and equipment rooms are to be locked inside the key box.
(v) Whenever the main entrance is located more than 100 feet away from the riser room key box, a second key box shall be installed at the main entrance.
(vi) Key boxes shall be mounted within five feet of the door to be served and at a height no more than five feet off of the finished floor or as approved by the Fire Marshal. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.150 Automatic Sprinkler Systems.
(a) In addition to the requirements of Section 903 of the WSFC, approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided when any of the following conditions are met:
(1) All new commercial buildings greater than 10,000 square feet.
(2) Any existing building that is modified to increase the square footage of the building shall be provided with an approved sprinkler system if the total square footage of the new and existing areas exceeds 10,000 square feet for commercial buildings.
(b) Fire Department connections and fire sprinkler riser rooms shall comply with the following:
(1) The Fire Department connections shall not be attached to an exterior wall of the protected structure. The location of the Fire Department connections shall be approved by the Fire Marshal.
(2) Rooms housing the control valves and sprinkler riser(s) shall be located in such a manner as to allow the door to exit directly to the outside of the structure and be a separate and distinct room. The room shall not be used for the storage of any material. This standard is not required in R-3, R-4 or one- and two-family dwelling occupancies. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.160 Installation Requirements.
Repealed by Ord. 1109. (Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008)
14.84.170 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems.
(a) Systems. All new fire alarm systems shall be addressable systems. When an existing fire alarm control panel is replaced, it shall be replaced with an addressable fire alarm system. Only one fire alarm control panel per building, a fire wall or other means of separation for this purpose does not constitute two separate spaces requiring individual panels, unless approved by the Fire Marshal. Combination alarms shall not be allowed within the City limits. For purpose of this section, combination alarms shall include devices combining burglary and fire alarms, devices combining burglary and hold-up alarms, and devices combining burglary and trouble alarms. There must be a distinct separation in the transmittal of any specific alarm activation. Fire alarm control panels shall be installed in the sprinkler riser room and an annunciator panel shall be installed at the main entrance. For nonsprinklered buildings, the FACP location shall be in the electrical room or approved by the Fire Marshal.
(b) Repealed by Ord. 1109.
(c) Signals. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to a UL listed central station, or proprietary supervising station as defined in NFPA 72.
Exceptions:
(1) Underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes provided by the City of Lake Stevens or public utility are not required to be monitored.
(2) Backflow prevention device test valves, located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping, shall be locked in the open position. In occupancies required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
(d) Occupant Notification. Where a fire alarm control panel is installed for the purpose of sprinkler water flow or alternative automatic fire-extinguishing system monitoring, the protected premises shall be provided with occupant notification in accordance with NFPA 72. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 897, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 833, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 775, Sec. 16, 2008; Ord. 694, Sec. 2, 2004; Ord. 657, Sec. 4, 2001; Ord. 468, Sec. 3, 1995)
14.84.180 Fire Apparatus Access Roads.
(a) Where Required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with subsections (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section.
(1) Buildings and Facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45,720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility. For the purpose of this section, residential private drives and residential shared access drives shall not constitute as an approved fire apparatus access road.
Exceptions:
(i) The Fire Marshal is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45,720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur:
a. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with LSMC 14.84.150.
b. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.
(ii) Where approved by the Fire Marshal, fire apparatus access roads shall be permitted to be exempted or modified for solar photovoltaic power generation facilities.
(2) Additional Access. The Fire Marshal is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.
(3) High-Piled Storage. Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32 of the WSFC.
(b) Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with subsections (b)(1) through (b)(8) of this section.
(1) Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6,096mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6 of the WAFC 2021 Edition, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4,115 mm).
(2) Authority. The Fire Marshal shall have the authority to require or permit modifications to the required access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety objectives of the jurisdiction.
(3) Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.
(4) Turning Radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be determined by the Fire Marshal.
(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 area for turning around fire apparatus.
(6) Bridges and Elevated Surfaces. Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges where required by the Fire Marshal. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces that are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall be installed and maintained where required by the Fire Marshal.
(7) Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall be within the limits established by the Fire Marshal based on the Fire Department’s apparatus.
(8) Angles of Approach and Departure. The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the Fire Marshal based on the Fire Department’s apparatus.
(c) Marking. Fire lanes shall be marked with painting/outlining or signage or a combination thereof as outlined below. Requirements for fire lanes to be marked using both paint and signs in conjunction shall be determined by the Fire Marshal. Said specifications shall include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) Signs shall measure 12 inches by 18 inches and have red letters on a white reflective background.
(2) Signs shall be metal construction only. Plastic or wooden signs are not acceptable.
(3) Signs shall be mounted at a minimum height of four feet to the maximum of seven feet.
(4) Signs shall be placed along the fire lane at intervals not to exceed 100 feet and as designated by the Fire Marshal.
(5) Signs and striping shall be required on both sides of a fire lane when the fire lane is less than 26 feet in width.
(6) Outlining or painting the fire lane and hydrant zone on the roadway surfaces shall be done as follows:
(i) Curb top or side shall be painted red and the words, “NO PARKING-FIRE LANE” shall be stenciled in reflective white on the top and side of all red curbs at a maximum interval of 50 feet. Letters shall be a minimum of three inches in height with a minimum three-quarter-inch stroke.
(ii) Alternatively, if the roadway has no curbing, a six-inch-wide red stripe with the words “NO PARKING-FIRE LANE” in reflective white may be painted along the curb and parallel with the roadway. The lettering shall be a minimum three inches high with a three-quarter-inch stroke.
(7) Existing fire lanes shall continue in effect as installed until such time as they need restriping due to wear or repaving. Responsibility for properly maintaining the fire lanes and signs shall be that of the owner of the property or owner’s designee.
(d) Obstruction of Fire Apparatus Access Roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in subsections (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section shall be maintained at all times.
(1) Traffic Calming Devices. Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the Fire Marshal.
(e) Required Gates or Barricades. The Fire Marshal is authorized to require the installation and maintenance of gates or other approved barricades across fire apparatus access roads, trails or other accessways, not including public streets, alleys or highways. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed, and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.
(1) Secured Gates and Barricades. Where required, gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved manner. Roads, trails and other accessways that have been closed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section 503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorized by the owner and the Fire Marshal.
Exception: The restriction on use shall not apply to public officers acting within the scope of duty.
(f) Security Gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the Fire Marshal. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.
(g) All new and, when modified or replaced, existing electric gates that cross a fire apparatus access road shall be provided with an Opticom (or compatible) receiver and a Knox model 3502 gate and key switch override for emergency operation. (Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021; Ord. 972, Sec. 3 (Exh. B), 2017)
14.84.190 Address Identification.
(a) In addition to the requirements of Section 505 of the WSFC, new and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address numbers or letters. The size of each character shall be as specified in Table 14.84.190.1. They shall be installed on a contrasting background and be plainly visible from the street or road fronting the property. When required by the code official, address numbers shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building address cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address numbers shall be maintained.
|
Distance from Street or Road |
Minimum Size |
|---|---|
|
0 – 50 feet |
6" H x 3/4" Stroke Width |
|
51 – 150 feet |
8" H x 1" Stroke Width |
|
151 – 200 feet |
10" H x 1 1/4" Stroke Width |
|
201 feet and farther |
12" H x 1 1/2" Stroke Width |
(Ord. 1160, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2024; Ord. 1109, Sec. 3 (Exh. 2), 2021)