Technical Policy

Riverside County Fire Department

Office of the Fire Marshal

2300 Market St., Ste. 150, Riverside, CA 92501 Ph. (951) 955-4777 Fax (951) 955-4886

Technical Policy

Title: Fire Apparatus Access Road Supplement for Commercial, Industrial, Multi-Family

Residential and Residential Subdivision Development

Technical Policy: # TP 22-002

Effective Date: 12/17/22

Revised Date: n/a

Code References: Ordinance 787.9; 2019 California Fire Code, Sections 102.9, 104.1, 503 &

California Code of Regulations Title 14 Fire Safe Regulations

Purpose

The Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD) Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has prepared

this policy to provide guidance to building officials, contractors, architects, business owners,

consultants and the general public on local interpretations and practices in conjunction with the

California Fire Code (CFC). The purpose is to provide fire apparatus access technical guidance

as a supplement to CFC Section 503 where that section is amended by Ordinance 787.9 or

indicates “shall be determined by the Fire Code Official” or “the Fire Code Official is authorized

to” or similar language. The intent is to clarify aspects of the code that are non-specific by

addressing selected code sections utilizing information regarding apparatus and practices

currently used by the RCFD under normal conditions. The requirements of this policy shall not be

construed as altering any existing code, law or regulation which may require fire protection

features not covered or alluded to in these requirements, nor shall they waive any requirements

of any code, law or regulation. The reader is cautioned that the guidance detailed in this policy

may or may not apply to their specific situation, and that the OFM retains final authority to

determine compliance.

Scope

This policy is applicable to new, reconstructed or relocated one- and two-family residential

subdivisions, multi-family residential, commercial and industrial buildings, facilities and/or

additions. These are minimum standards. Within the unincorporated County, additional more

restrictive Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA) requirements may apply. For

partner cities, please check with the local jurisdiction for any requirements above and beyond

what is included in this policy. This technical policy is a supplement to CFC Section 503. Please

refer to CFC Section 503 for additional requirements. Select California Code of Regulations Title

14 Fire Safe Regulations (FSR) access requirements have been incorporated into this policy

where applicable. For development within State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and within Local

Responsibility Area (LRA) Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) see the FSR for

additional requirements. For access and water supply requirements for individual one-and-two

family dwelling parcels, see OFM Technical Policy 16-001.

Requirements

Additional Access (CFC 503.1.2)

Unless otherwise approved by the OFM, dead end fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed:

• For Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and High Fire Hazard Severity Zone areas – 660

feet

• For Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone areas – 800 feet

• For all other areas – 1320 feet

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Secondary egress/access fire apparatus access roads shall provide independent egress/access

from/to the area or as otherwise approved by the OFM. Secondary egress/access fire apparatus

access roads shall be as remote as practical from the primary fire apparatus access road to

reduce the possibility that both routes will be obstructed by a single emergency.

Additional fire apparatus access roads based on the potential for impairment by vehicle

congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions, anticipated magnitude of a potential incident,

or other factors that could limit access may be required by the Fire Marshal.

Dimensions (CFC 503.2.1, Ord. 787.9)

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet, exclusive

of shoulders, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches. If a center

median is present, the required unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet shall be provided on

one or both sides of the median. If provided on one side of the median then the opposite side

shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 14 feet. At development entrances where there

is a Guard Booth separating an entry and an exit access, each access lane may be a minimum

of 14 feet wide for the length of the Guard Booth as approved by the OFM.

Authority (CFC 503.2.2, Ord. 787.9)

The Fire Marshal shall be the only authority authorized to designate fire apparatus access roads

and fire lanes and to modify the minimum fire lane access widths for fire or rescue operations.

Surface (CFC 503.2.3)

Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support 75,000 lbs and shall

be surfaced so as to provide all weather driving capabilities. Certification of compliance may be

required by a Calfornia Registered Engineer.

Turning Radius (CFC 503.2.4)

The minimum required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road is 38 feet outside radius and

14 feet inside radius. For development within the SRA and within the LRA VHFHSZ, the minimum

required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road is 74 feet outside radius and 50 feet inside

radius.

Dead Ends (CFC 503.2.5)

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with a

bulb turnaround at the terminus measuring a minimum of 38 feet outside radius and 14 feet inside

radius. For development within the SRA and within the LRA VHFHSZ, the bulb turnaround at the

terminus shall be 40 feet outside radius and 16 feet inside radius. Parallel parking around the

perimeter of the bulb is acceptable provided the bulb outside turning radius is increased by 8 feet.

In-lieu of a bulb, a hammer-head type turnaround is acceptable where the top of the “T” dimension

is 120 feet with the stem in the center. Additional turnaround designs may be acceptable as

approved by the OFM. For development within the SRA and within the LRA VHFHSZ, turnarounds

shall be provided at a maximum of 1320 feet intervals along the dead end fire apparatus access

road.

Bridges and Elevated Surfaces (CFC 503.2.6)

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 elevated surfaces designed for

emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces that are not designed for such use, barriers, or

signs, or both, as approved by the OFM, shall be installed and maintained.

Grade (CFC 503.2.7)

Unless otherwise approved, the grade of a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed 16 percent

and the cross slope shall not exceed 2.5 percent.

Page 3 of 4 TP# 22-002

Angles of Approach and Departure (CFC 503.2.8)

The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be a maximum of 6

percent grade change for 25 feet of approach/departure.

Marking (CFC 503.3)

Where parking is not permitted along one OR both sides of a fire apparatus access road, the no

parking area shall be identified by painted red curbing or by installation of signs along one or both

sides of the fire apparatus access road as applicable.

Painted Curb

Where approved by OFM, curbing shall be painted red and shall also be provided with “NO

PARKING – FIRE LANE – CVC 22500.1” painted on top of the curb in minimum 3” white lettering

at a spacing of 30 feet on center. Where no curb exists, minimum 8 inch red painted striping at

the edge of the fire apparatus access road with “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE – CVC 22500.1” in

white lettering centered within the stripe at a spacing of 30 feet on center is acceptable.

Signs

Where approved by OFM, signs shall meet the following requirements:

• All signs shall state, “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE – CVC 22500.1” and have a minimum

dimension of 12 inches wide by 18 inches high and have red lettering on a white

retroreflective background. Signs shall be made of durable material, installed on a sturdy

metal pole and have no less than a 7 foot clearance from the bottom of the sign to finish

grade.

• Signs shall be posted at a spacing not to exceed 50 feet when installed on one side of the

fire apparatus access road and at a spacing not to exceed 100 feet when installed on both

sides of the fire apparatus access road. Consideration for curved roads and obstructions

may require reduced spacing intervals. Signs shall be installed to ensure a clear view of

the signs.

Obstruction of Fire Apparatus Access Roads (CFC 503.4)

Parallel parking is permitted on both sides of a required fire apparatus access road when the clear

width (face of curb to face of curb) is a minimum of 36 feet. Parallel parking is permitted on one

side of a required fire apparatus access road when the clear width is a minimum of 30 feet (face

of curb to face of curb).

Security Gates (CFC 503.6)

Security gates obstructing a required fire apparatus access road shall be a minimum of one foot

wider than the fire apparatus access road on each side and a minimum of 14 feet wide. Gates

serving fire apparatus access roads 24 feet or wider are not required to open more than 24 feet

unless required to clear turning apparatus. Manual gates shall not be locked unless a Knox Box

containing the key to the lock is installed in an approved location on the approach side of the gate.

If there is a potential for fire apparatus to approach the locked gate from both sides, the Knox Box

shall be accessible from both sides or a Knox Box shall be installed on both sides of the gate. In

lieu of a Knox Box a Knox Padlock accessible from the approach side and capable of unlocking

the gate may be utilized. If there is potential for fire apparatus to approach the locked gate from

both sides, the Knox Padlock shall be accessible from both sides.

For vehicle access gates located across required fire apparatus access roadways, NO PARKING

– FIRE LANE – CVC 22500.1 signs may be required on both sides of the vehicle access gate(s).

The signs shall have a minimum dimension of 12 inches wide by 18 inches high and have red

lettering on a white retroreflective background. Signs shall be made of durable material.

New motorized gates shall be provided with access to gate equipment or another method to open

the gate if there is a power failure. A pedestrian gate, if used to provide access, shall be a

minimum 3 feet wide and provided with a Knox Box/Padlock if locked.

Page 4 of 4 TP# 22-002

Automatic Opener (CFC 503.6.1, Ord. 787.9)

New motorized gates shall be provided with optical receiver(s) to remotely open the gate when

approached by emergency vehicle and Key Switch (with the ability to be locked open) on the right

side of the gate to permit opening via RCFD Knox key. The optical receiver(s) shall be compatible

with Riverside County emergency vehicle preemption devices from, but not limited to, the

following manufacturers: Federal Signal, Whelen, and Tomar. Automatic openers shall be

installed to be initiated by Riverside County Fire Department apparatus (clear view/adequate

height of receiver) and keep the gate open for at least 30 seconds. A satisfactory function test

witnessed by OFM is required prior to final acceptance.

Loading Areas and Passenger Drop-Off Areas (CFC 503.7, Ord. 787.9)

On private properties, where fire apparatus access roads are utilized for loading or unloading or

utilized for passenger drop-off or pick-up, an additional 8 feet of width shall be added to the

minimum required width for the fire apparatus access road.