(1) Section 503 of the 2015 International Fire Code is hereby adopted except as hereinafter amended.

(2) Section 503 of the 2015 International Fire Code as adopted by this chapter is amended to read as follows:

503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3 and/or local street, road and access standards as determined by the fire marshal.

503.1.1 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 720mm) 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.

Exception: The fire marshal is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where any of the following occur:

1.1 The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 of the International Fire Code.

1.2 Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location of property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.

1.3 There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies.

503.1.2 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.

503.1.3 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 International Fire Code.

503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with the following:

503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Appendix D Section d103.5, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm).

503.2.2 Authority. The fire marshal shall have the authority to require an increase in the minimum access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet public safety objectives.

503.2.3 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.

503.2.4 Turning radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be determined by the fire marshal.

503.2.5 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.

503.2.6 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.

503.2.7 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.

503.2.8 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.

503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire marshal, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words NO PARKING—FIRE LANE shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.

503.4 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 503.2.1 and 503.2.2 shall be maintained at all times.

503.4.1 Traffic calming devices. Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire marshal.

503.5 Required gates or barricades. The fire marshal is authorized to require 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 designated, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F 2200.

503.5.1 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.

503.5.2 Exception: The restriction on use shall not apply to public officers acting within the scope of duty.

503.6 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 F 2200.