[Adopted 6-9-1993, effective 7-10-1993 (Ch. 4, Art. XIII,
of the 1983 Code)]
As used in this article, the followings terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A designated, unobstructed passageway sufficient in size
to permit free passage of fire and other emergency equipment from
a public highway to all necessary areas or portions of any private
or public property as hereinafter set forth.
Whenever the Fire Marshal shall determine that
the reasonable safety of persons occupying or using any premises,
public or private, having a capacity of at least 15 persons, requires
the establishment of a fire zone for orderly access of fire and other
emergency equipment, the fire zone shall be established by written
order of the Fire Marshal. Notice of a newly established fire zone
shall be published in a newspaper having substantial circulation in
the community. Further, a copy of such order shall be delivered, in
person or by registered mail, to the owner of any private land on
which such fire zone is established or to the agent of such owner.
Whenever a fire zone is established, the Fire
Marshal shall file one copy of such order with the Board of Selectmen
and with the Police Department. Any person aggrieved by such order
may file with the Board of Selectmen, within 15 days after the date
of such order, written notice of appeal, setting forth therein reasons
for aggrievement. After hearing, the Board of Selectmen may affirm,
modify or rescind such order.
Upon establishment of a fire zone, the Police
Department shall notify the owner of the signs, markings, and other
devices necessary to delineate said fire zone. In the case of a fire
zone established in connection with an existing building, the Police
Department shall cause such signs, markings, and other devices to
be erected or installed on privately owned premises, at the cost of
the owner. Such cost may be billed for and collected as a municipal
fee in the same manner as municipal taxes.
Fire zones shall be kept free of snow and ice
by the owner, and all signs, markings, and other devices delineating
the fire zone shall be maintained and replaced as necessary by the
owner.
No person shall park, or permit to stand, a
motor vehicle in a fire zone which has been established in accordance
with this article, except when the operator remains in the vehicle
and is in the actual process of picking up or discharging passengers.
Any person violating this section shall be fined not more than $100.
The registered owner of a motor vehicle shall be presumed to be the
operator of such vehicle.
Any motor vehicle found standing in a fire zone
which has been established in accordance with this article may be
towed, upon the direction of a police officer, to any public or private
parking facility, and all expense of such towing, and any subsequent
storage, shall be borne by the registered owner of such vehicle.
Whenever a vehicle is found standing in violation of § 237-6, a police officer or Fire Marshal shall serve upon the owner or operator of such vehicle, or place upon such vehicle, a notice directing the owner or operator thereof to appear at the Police Department prior to a time specified in said notice. If any person receiving said notice shall appear as directed and shall pay an amount, not exceeding $50, such payment shall bar a prosecution for violation of § 237-6.
