Santa Clara County Fire Department

Closure of Private Roadways, Driveways and Fire Apparatus Access Roadways

Scope

The Fire Chief is authorized to require or approve the installation of gates, or other approved barricades across roads, driveways, trails, or other accessways not including public streets, alleys or highways.

Definitions

Driveway:
A vehicular access roadway less than 20 feet in width and serving no more than two single family dwellings.
Roadway:
A vehicular access roadway greater than or equal to 20 feet in width.

Requirements

Fire Department Approval:

Roadways, driveways and accessways shall not be closed without first obtaining approval from the Fire Department. Detailed plans showing the location and method of the closure may be required.

Locks:

Only locks approved and authorized by the fire department may be used to secure road closures, gates or barricades. Authorization forms for ordering approved fire department padlocks and key switches can only be obtained by making a request through the Fire Prevention Secretary.

General Requirements For gates:

  1. When open, gates shall not obstruct any portion of the required access roadway or driveway width.

  2. Gates shall be adequately supported to prevent dragging.

  3. Gates shall be openable by one person.

  4. Gates shall swing in either direction and shall open a full 90 degrees. Sliding gates shall slide parallel to the security fence.

  5. All gates shall remain in the open position when not attended or locked or when electronic fire department key switches are activated.

  6. The vertical clearance shall be in accordance with the Fire Code and shall be 13 feet 6 inches.

  7. A durable sign stating "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE" shall be provided on the gate on both sides.

General Requirements For chains:

  1. Posts for chains shall be of a size and strength to accommodate the weight of the chain and locks.

  2. Posts shall not be located where they will be within the required roadway or driveway width.

  3. Locks for chains shall be approved fire department locks only.

  4. A durable sign stating "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE" shall be provided attached to the chain and facing from both directions.

General Requirements for Raised Islands:

  1. Traffic island should not exceed three (3) inches in height.

  2. Islands shall be painted red and stenciled "No Parking - Fire Lane"

Bollards and Posts:

Use of bollards or removable posts is not an acceptable method for road closure.

SD&SG-6/CV/961216 (web)

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