§ 13-13. Required access for fire apparatus.
(a)
All premises, including existing premises, which the emergency services may be called upon to protect in case of fire and that are not readily accessible from public roads shall be provided with suitable gates, access roads and fire lanes so that all buildings on the premises are accessible to fire and emergency equipment. Fire apparatus must have access to at least two sides of all commercial, professional, industrial and multifamily occupancy buildings. The access shall comply with the following, unless otherwise approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ):
(1)
Unobstructed width of at least 20 feet for Fire Department access roads. Two-way traffic patterns in parking areas alongside buildings may require an increase in width dimension per other County regulations.
(2)
If stabilized ground is used, it shall be designed to support the weight of the County Fire Rescue's heaviest vehicle.
(3)
Paved, stabilized ground or turf block used for emergency access shall be identified as to location with approved vegetation or markers as required by the AHJ.
(4)
Paved, stabilized ground or turf block used for emergency access where allowed shall:
a.
Be kept unobstructed at all times and from any future growth, and shall be dedicated on the approved final site plan for the life of the building.
b.
Support the County Fire Rescue's heaviest vehicle.
(5)
Horizontal separation of structures shall be in accordance with all Florida State Fire Codes, the County land use regulations set forth in Chapter 20, Florida Building Codes and shall maintain an unobstructed clear space between structures as may be required.
(6)
Dead-end roads shall have a cul-de-sac turnaround with a radius of 50 feet as measured from the centerline. All culs-de-sac in commercial applications shall meet the current edition of the DeSoto County Engineering Standard Details in effect at the time of submittal or as required by the AHJ.
(7)
All fire and emergency access shall be identified as to location with signage stating "Emergency Vehicle Access" or as required by the AHJ. Such access shall be kept unobstructed at all times from any future growth and shall be dedicated on the approved final site plan for the life of the building or complex, or until another site plan is approved by the AHJ.
(b)
Where the installation of speed bumps is determined by the AHJ to impede or inhibit the response of emergency vehicles or the safety of emergency vehicles or patients, such speed bumps shall be removed by the owner. Existing speed bumps may be modified to meet safety requirements as approved by the AHJ.
(c)
New speed bumps, when installed, must comply with the following criteria:
(1)
Approved speed bumps shall have minimum 24-inch-long base with sloping falls, cresting at four-inch maximum height.
(2)
The location of such speed bumps shall be approved by the County Engineer or his designee.
(d)
The designation, use and maintenance of fire lanes shall be accomplished as specified by the Fire Official in accordance with the County land development code, which is set forth in Chapter 20.
(1)
Fire lanes, where required by the AHJ, shall meet the requirements of NFPA 1. Where the County Code and NFPA 1 address identical issues, the more stringent fire protection feature shall apply.
(2)
It shall be a violation of the Florida Fire Prevention Code to park an unattended vehicle in the designated fire lanes on any private or government property.
(e)
Automatic vehicle access control gates.
(1)
Where automatic vehicle access control gates are used, the County shall be provided with one dual key "Knox" keyed manual operated switch per gate with separate keys for emergency services and law enforcement.
(2)
Gate installation criteria, including battery backup, siren-operated sensors, key switches, opener devices and gate markings shall be reviewed and approved in writing by the AHJ prior to installation. Such shall be shown on construction plans of the development.
(3)
In the event the gates become non-operational, they shall remain in the open position until such time as all minimum requirements have been returned to a fully operational status. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner/property management to ensure gates are properly maintained, and repaired as necessary. The Fire Department shall be notified when corrections have been made.
(4)
If the gate is to be used for emergency access only, signage shall be installed on both the interior and exterior of the gate indicating that the gate is to be used for emergency access only and prohibiting parking.
(5)
Where any vehicle access gate is installed which is used expressly for emergency access, the gate shall be set back from the roadway a distance sufficient to allow emergency vehicles using the gate to be fully off the roadway while opening a manual gate or allowing an automatic gate to open.
(6)
Cross arm bars used for entry control gates shall not be installed until such time as the operating features have been inspected, tested and approved.
(Ord. No. 2012-03, § 13, 6-29-2012)