Specifications for Driveways, Turnarounds and Turn Outs serving up to two (2) Single Family Dwellings

This standard is applicable to driveways serving up to two (2) single family dwellings where any portion of the dwelling(s) is greater than 150 feet from the center line of a public roadway. Note that the specifications contained in this Standard apply only to properties located within the incorporated city/town service areas of the Santa Clara County Fire Department. Fire Department access for dwellings in unincorporated County areas shall conform to County of Santa Clara driveway/roadway Standards.

Roadway: A vehicular access roadway greater than or equal to 20 feet in width.

Driveway: A vehicular access roadway less than 20 feet in width and serving no more than two single-family dwellings.

DRIVEWAY Width:

Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill: 12 feet paved surface

Los Altos and Los Altos Hills: 14 feet paved width

Saratoga: 14 feet paved width with a two foot unpaved shoulder

Vertical Clearance:

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

Grade:

Maximum grade shall not exceed 15% (6.75 degrees).

Exception: Grades up to 20% may be allowed by the Fire Chief provided an approved automatic fire sprinkler system is installed throughout the affected dwelling structure including attached garages. In no case shall the portion of driveway exceeding 15% gradient be longer than 300 feet in length. For longer driveways, there shall be at least 100 feet of driveway at 15% or less gradient between each 300-foot section that exceeds 15%.

Pavement Surface:

Driveways shall be surfaced roads of either asphalt, concrete or another engineered surface acceptable to the Fire Department.

Bridges and Culverts:

All bridges and culverts shall be designed to support 40,000 pounds.

Turning Radius:

The minimum outside turning radius is 36 feet, unless otherwise specified.

Exceptions: Modified turning radius may be allowed by the Fire Department in cases where conditions acceptable under the Fire Code allow for such deviation. Requests for such modifications must be made in writing to the Fire Department for review.

Turnouts:

Turnouts are required every 500 feet for driveways in excess of 500 feet.

Dimensions are in feet.

DIMENSION A

12 FT
CAMPBELL
CUPERTINO
LOS GATOS
MONTE SERENO
MORGAN HILL

14 FT
LOS ALTOS
LOS ALTOS HILLS
SARATOGA

IMAGES NOT TO SCALE
DIMENSIONS ARE IN FEET

Turnarounds:

Turnarounds are required for all driveways with a length in excess of 150 feet.

Dimensions are in feet.

SD & SD-1/DJM/lkc/970123 Revised 07/31/01 (web)