Fire Lane StandardsEDM.docx
FIRE LANE STANDARDS
Updated: May 23, 2011
NOTE:
Detailed plans must be submitted, and approved, prior to painting any new fire lane or
modifying any existing fire lane.
Fire Lanes must:
1) Be a minimum of 20 feet wide.
*When required two-way traffic width of 24’, the lane striping shall be expanded to meet the minimum
engineering requirements.
2) Have a minimum of 13 feet, 6 inches vertical clearance.
3) Provide Fire Department access to within 150 feet of any portion of an unsprinklered building. In buildings
that are completely sprinklered, access may be increased, at the discretion of the Fire Marshal, up to 300
feet of any portion of the building.
4) Provide Fire Department access to all on-site fire hydrants and fire protection connections.
5) Provide Fire Department access to within 50 feet of sprinkler and standpipe connections.
6) Have adequate turning radius to allow maneuvering of fire apparatus: inside radius 25 feet; outside radius
45 feet.
7) Be circulating or have an approved turnaround provision if over 150 feet long.
8) Have grades of no more than 15%.
9) Be paved with asphalt or approved equivalent.
10) Be capable of supporting the imposed loads of fire apparatus.
11) Be marked with words “FIRE LANE – NO PARKING.” Words to be painted on the pavement inside the
lane. Letters to be a minimum of 12” high, 2” stroke, yellow in color, and alternately spaced every 50 feet.
12) Have perimeter striping/curbing to delineate the boundaries of the Fire Lane. Striping to be a minimum of 4
inches wide and striping/curbing to be yellow in color.
Perimeter striping may be forgone where the lane limits are obvious due to physical boundaries such as
exterior walls. Alternating fire lane text words must still remain.
13) When approved by the Fire Marshal, signs may be used in lieu of (or in addition to) painting the pavement.
Signs, when approved, shall meet the following requirements:
a) Size: 18” high x 12” wide (min.)
b) Mounting: Bottom of sign 48” to 60” above grade.
c) Style: Industry standard (Vulcan %7-6-9, Rainbow 01-527, EMED TC 18816 or approved equivalent).
d) Color: Red lettering on white background
e) Spacing: 50’ between signs or as required by Fire Marshal.
14) Fire lanes shall be established by these requirements to provide access to buildings during construction,
alteration or demolition.
a) Exception: When approved temporary access roads of a width, vertical clearance and surface which
provide access for fire department apparatus are allowed to be used until permanent roads are
installed.
Fire Code Supplemental Rules and Regulations are designated interpretations of the adopted International Fire Code, Edmonds Community
Development Code and national standards allowed by IFC 102.7 and ECDC 19.25.045 B which provide specifics and details to aid in conformance with
the intent of the governing laws, statutes, ordinances and fire- and life safety-related requirements.
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