Fire Code

Sec. 602.6.1 Every building hereafter constructed shall be accessible to Fire Department Apparatus by way of access roadways with all-weather driving surfaces of not less than twenty (20) feet of unobstructed width, with adequate roadway turning radius capable of supporting the imposed loads of Fire Apparatus and having a minimum vertical clearance of thirteen (13) feet six (6) inches. During construction, when combustibles are brought on to the site in such quantities as deemed hazardous by the Fire Official, access roads and a suitable temporary supply of water acceptable to the Fire Department shall be maintained.

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Note: * The Georgetown Fire Department requires asphalt or concrete paving prior to construction as an "all-weather driving surface" Where turns are involved, the Georgetown Fire Department requires a minimum of a fifty (50) foot outside, and a twenty-five (25) foot inside unobstructed turning radius on all turns. The two types of turn-around accepted by the Georgetown Fire Department are:

1.  A thirty (30) foot by eighty (80) foot "T-Section" or "Hammerhead" with an additional ten (10) feet of right-of-way around the thirty (30) foot by eight (80) foot dimension
2. A minimum fifty (50) foot radius, unobstructed, cul-de-sac typed turnaround. Incline on any access roadway must not exceed 12% for asphalt roads or 15% for concrete roads.

Sec. 602.6.2 The required width of access roadways shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. Installation of No Parking signs or other appropriate notice approved obstructions inhibiting parking, may be required and if installed shall be maintained. The owner or his representative of a building, which is adjacent to the fire lane, shall be responsible for keeping the fire lane free of obstruction.

Note: The City of Georgetown has designated automatic or manual gates as an "obstruction" to emergency vehicle response, therefore, the policy of the City of Georgetown is that no gates shall be permitted in any area that produces a multiple life threat.

Sec. 602.6.3 Where fire protection systems approved by the fire official are provided, the above required clearances may be modified. Sec. 602.6.4 The Fire Official shall have the authority to require an increase in the maximum access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations.

Sec. 602.6.5 Designated fire lanes or roads deemed necessary for fire department access by the fire official shall maintained in an operable condition.

Note: * All- weather driving surfaces must be provided as access for emergency vehicles to all construction sites prior to any construction other than dirt and foundation work. This all-weather surface, if temporary, must be a minimum of two inches of asphalt over a compacted crushed base.

Sec.603.1.1 The fire official shall designate the type and number of fire appliances to be installed and maintained in and upon all buildings and premises other than one and two family dwellings. Such appliances shall be of type suitable for the probable class of fire associated with such premises. The designation of appliances shall be based on the requirements of this code (the Standard Fire Code), the building code, *[NFPA 101 Life Safety Code], or state regulations, whichever is most restrictive. Such appliances shall be installed in accordance with the applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association as referenced herein and in Chapter 3.

Note: * NFPA Standard 101, " The Life Safety Code", has been adopted by the City of Georgetown by ordinance

Sec.603.1.2 In occupancies of a hazardous nature in the judgement of the fire official, or where special hazards exist in addition to the normal hazard of the occupancy, or where access for fire apparatus is unduly difficult in the judgement of the fire official, additional safeguards may be required by the fire official and such safeguards may consist of one or more of the following: automatic fire detection system, fire protective signaling systems, automatic fire extinguishing system, standpipe systems, portable or fixed fire extinguishers, fire blankets, breathing apparatus, or manual or automatic covers. Fire protection extinguishing apparatus required under this section shall be installed in accordance with the applicable National Fire Protection Standards referenced in Chapter 3.

Sec. 603.1.3.1 Approved fire hydrants shall be provided for buildings to meet the necessary fire flow requirements as determined by the fire official. Where public water supply is inadequate or unavailable, an approved alternative water source meeting the fire flow requirements shall be provided. Fire flow performance tests shall be witnessed by the fire official, or representative, prior to final approval.

NOTE:* The Georgetown Fire Department requires a minimum of one hydrant within 300 feet of all portions of exterior walls (first floor), and a second hydrant within 500 feet of all exterior walls (first floor). This measurement is taken around the perimeter of the building and down the access road to the hydrant. Not as a radius!

NOTE:* Hydrants must be installed with the center of the 4 1/2-inch opening facing the driveway or street with a 3 to 6 foot setback from the curbline(s). No obstruction is allowed within 3 feet of any hydrant and the 4 1/2-inch opening must be totally unobstructed from the street.

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