[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of
the Town of Portsmouth 5-9-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-05-09C. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
Refers to the building footprint or area of the lot that
the building covers.
A road, path or other passageway developed to allow the passage
of fire apparatus. A fire lane will be a minimum of 20 feet in width,
with the road edge closest to the building at least 10 feet from the
building. Fire lanes shall be constructed of a hard, all-weather surface,
adequately designed to support at least 75,000 pounds and capable
of being maintained in all weather conditions. Grid-type systems and
compacted gravel are not permitted.
Fire lanes shall be designated by the Chief
of the Portsmouth Fire Department or his/her designee. The owner of
any property on which a fire lane has been so designated shall be
required to create the required fire lane within such time as shall
be set in notice to the owner by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
A.
All new and existing commercial buildings greater
than 5,000 square feet in size located within the Town of Portsmouth
shall be accessible on at least two sides by the use of fire lanes.
B.
All new and existing commercial buildings greater
than 10,000 square feet in size located within the Town of Portsmouth
shall be accessible on at least three sides by the use of fire lanes.
C.
All new and existing commercial buildings greater
than 20,000 square feet in size located within the Town of Portsmouth
shall be accessible on all four sides by the use of fire lanes.
D.
At least one required fire lane shall lead directly
to the emergency access point of the building as determined by the
Chief of the Fire Department, and at least one fire lane shall lead
to the sprinkler or standpipe connection if the building is so equipped.
No parking shall be allowed within the boundaries
of any fire lane or within 20 feet of emergency access points to buildings
or sprinkler or standpipe connections. All fire lanes, emergency access
points to buildings, sprinkler connections and standpipe connections
shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
All fire hydrants shall be kept clear and visible
at all times. No parking shall be allowed within 10 feet of any fire
hydrant. No vegetation, fences, or other obstructions shall be planted
or constructed in front of any hydrant, extending 10 feet on either
side of the hydrant, and within three feet, extending vertically,
of the sides and back of any hydrant. The water authority having jurisdiction
of the hydrant and the Town of Portsmouth are authorized to remove
any and all obstructions, at the property owner's expense, that are
in violation of this section.
All fire lanes, emergency access points to buildings,
and access to sprinkler and standpipe connections shall be clearly
marked and posted with the words FIRE LANE — NO PARKING — TOW
AWAY ZONE. These markings will consist of painted lines and wording
directly on the surface of the fire lane and shall be clearly distinguishable
from other markings. Letters are to be at least six inches in height
and uniform in height and width. Signs reading FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION — NO
PARKING — TOW AWAY ZONE shall be posted above all
Fire Department connections. Letters are to be at least three inches
in height and uniform in height and width.
The Chief of the Fire Department may authorize,
upon application, in specific cases of hardship, variances in the
application of the terms of this chapter. In case of such application,
the Chief shall give a written decision to the applicant. The applicant
shall have 10 days from the date of that decision to appeal the Chief's
decision to the Town Council.
A.
The owner of any building who fails or refuses to
comply with the requirements of this chapter shall be punished by
a fine of not more than $100, to be recovered to the use of the Town,
and each day any violation of this chapter continues shall constitute
a separate offense.
B.
Any motor vehicle or other property which obstructs
any fire lane, emergency access to a building, a sprinkler or standpipe
connection, or any fire hydrant shall be immediately moved or towed
away at the expense of the owner of the vehicle or other property
causing the obstruction. Removal may be made by the owner of the building,
the Chief of the Fire Department or the Portsmouth Police Department.
