N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 503: Section FC 503: Fire Apparatus Access

503.1 General.

Buildings shall be accessible to department fire apparatus by way of a public street or approved fire apparatus access road. The public street or fire apparatus access road shall provide access to the frontage space of the building.

503.2 Fire apparatus access roads.

Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided, designed, installed and maintained in accordance with this section.

503.2.1 Where required.

Where the frontage space to a building does not directly front on a public street, a fire apparatus access road shall be provided from the public street to the frontage space of such building.

503.2.2 Design and construction.

Except as otherwise provided in FC 503.2.4, a fire apparatus access road shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the standards of the New York City Department of Transportation and in compliance with the following requirements:

503.2.2.1 Surface.

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an all-weather driving surface constructed of asphalt, concrete or other approved permeable or impermeable material.

503.2.2.2 Load-bearing capacity.

Fire apparatus access roads shall be capable of supporting the imposed load of department apparatus weighing at least 80,000 pounds (36 320 kg) and the operational load of department apparatus outrigger of 52,000 pounds (23 608 kg) over a 2 foot (610 mm) by 2 foot (610 mm) area.

503.2.2.3 Grade.

The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall not exceed 10 percent unless approved by the commissioner.

503.2.2.4 Turning radius.

The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be determined by the commissioner.

503.2.2.5 Bridges and elevated surfaces.

Any bridge or elevated surface on a fire apparatus access road shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Signs shall be posted at both entrances to any bridge or elevated surfaces not capable of carrying such a load. Roadways or surfaces not capable of carrying such load that adjoin fire apparatus roads shall be separated by approved barriers and/or marked by approved signs.

503.2.2.6 Angles of approach.

The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the department based on the department's fire apparatus.

503.2.3 Roadway width and vertical clearance.

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 34 feet (10 363 mm) excluding shoulders, except as provided in FC 503.2.3.1 through 503.2.3.4, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 14 feet (4267 mm).

503.2.3.1 Special zoning districts.

In Special Hillside Preservation Districts complying with the requirements of Section 119-214 of the Zoning Resolution, or other special zoning district regulation restricting the width of streets or private roads to less than 34 feet (10 363 mm), a fire apparatus access road shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm), excluding shoulders.

503.2.3.2 Small residential developments.

Where access is being provided to residential developments of not more than five dwelling units, and all buildings to which the road provides access are protected throughout by a sprinkler system, a fire apparatus access road shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm), excluding shoulders.

503.2.3.3 Buildings set back from street.

Where the main front entrance to a building is set back more than 40 feet (12 192 mm) from the curb line, a fire apparatus access road shall have the unobstructed width and comply with the other requirements set forth in FC 503.2.4.

503.2.3.4 Special conditions.

Where the commissioner determines that the nature and location of the building served by the fire apparatus road or other site conditions render such roadway width or vertical clearance inadequate for firefighting or other emergency response operations, the commissioner may require that the roadway width or vertical clearance be increased.

503.2.4 Buildings set back from street.

Where the main front entrance to a building is set back more than 40 feet (12 192 mm) from the curb line, a fire apparatus access road with the unobstructed roadway width required by FC 503.2.3 shall be provided to the frontage space of the building, except as otherwise provided in FC 503.2.4.1 through 503.2.4.3.

503.2.4.1 Group R-3 occupancies set back 100 feet or less.

The fire apparatus access road to a Group R-3 building with any main front entrance located more than 40 feet (12192 mm) but not more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) from the street line (as measured along the route of the fire apparatus access road) may be designed and constructed in compliance with the requirements of the Building Code for driveways where:

1. The driveway is designed and is used exclusively to provide access only to a single Group R-3 building and no more than 1 ancillary dwelling unit, as defined in Section U102 of the Building Code, and to no other buildings; and

2. The height of the Group R-3 building or an ancillary dwelling unit does not exceed 35 feet (10 668 mm) above the grade plane (with the terms "building height" and "grade plane" having the meanings set forth in Section BC 502.1 of the Building Code); and

3. The driveway provides access to the frontage space of each occupancy, except as otherwise provided in FC 504.1.2; and

4. The dwelling units are equipped with interconnected smoke alarms, in accordance with Section 907.2.11 of the Building Code.

503.2.4.2 Group R-3 occupancies set back more than 100-150 feet.

The fire apparatus access road to a Group R-3 building with any main front entrance located more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) but not more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) from the street line (as measured along the route of the fire apparatus access road) shall be designed and constructed with an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in accordance with FC 503.2.2 where:

1. The fire apparatus access road is designed and is used exclusively to provide access only to a single Group R-3 building, and to no other buildings; and

2. The height of the Group R-3 building does not exceed 35 feet (10 668 mm) above the grade plane (with the terms "building height" and "grade plane" having the meanings set forth in Section 502.1 of the Building Code); and

3. The fire apparatus access road provides access to the frontage space of each occupancy, except as otherwise provided in FC 504.1.2; and

4. The dwelling units are equipped with interconnected smoke alarms, in accordance with Section 907.2.10* of the Building Code; and

5. The dwelling units are protected throughout by a sprinkler system; and

6. At least two off-street parking spaces for a one-family dwelling, and at least three such spaces for a two-family dwelling are provided on the premises separate from the fire apparatus access road; and

7. Parking is prohibited on the fire apparatus access road, and a "No Parking" sign conforming to the requirements of FC 503.2.7.2 is conspicuously posted at the entrance to the access road.

503.2.4.3 Group R-3 occupancies set back more than 150 feet.

The fire apparatus access road to a Group R-3 building with any main front entrance located more than 150 feet (45720 mm) from the street line (as measured along the route of the fire apparatus access road) shall be designed and constructed in compliance with FC 503.2.2, except as approved by the commissioner and subject to such conditions as the commissioner may require.

503.2.5 Obstruction.

Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner that impedes vehicular access, except for lawful parking and approved traffic calming devices. The minimum widths and clearances required by FC 503.2.3 shall be maintained at all times, except with prior department approval.

503.2.5.1. Traffic calming device signage.

Traffic calming devices shall be identified by approved signage or roadway markings.

503.2.6 Secondary fire apparatus access.

The commissioner may require more than one fire apparatus access road to one or more buildings where fire apparatus access is impeded to or on the primary access road as a result of substandard width public streets, substandard width fire apparatus access roads, traffic patterns, traffic calming devices, railroad crossings, and other conditions that would significantly delay an emergency response.

503.2.7 Parking.

Motor vehicles shall not be parked on fire apparatus access roads except in lawful parking spaces that do not obstruct fire apparatus access. Curbside street parking that is lawfully established in accordance with the Zoning Resolution, Building Code and/or other applicable laws, rules and regulations is allowed on any fire apparatus access road if such curbside street parking does not reduce the usable roadway width to less than 18 feet (5486 mm). This requirement shall not be applicable to fire apparatus access roads whose design and use for parking was lawfully existing prior to the effective date of this section. For purposes of this usable roadway width determination, the dimensions of each parking space shall not be less than established by the department, consistent with the regulations of the New York City Department of Transportation for vehicles intended to be parked in such spaces, or, in the absence of such standard, as approved by the department.

503.2.7.1 Parking regulations necessitated by roadway configuration.

The commissioner may restrict parking on fire apparatus roads where the angle of approach, curvature of the road, or other roadway configuration or site conditions impede the ability of fire apparatus to make turns or otherwise navigate the fire apparatus access road. Such restrictions shall constitute an operational requirement of this code.

503.2.7.2 Signage and roadway markings.

On any fire apparatus access road upon which parking is prohibited, or upon which there are both lawful curbside street parking and parking restrictions, appropriate signage and/or roadway markings shall be provided in accordance with this section.

503.2.7.2.1 Signage.

Fire apparatus access roads subject to parking restrictions shall be marked with permanent NO PARKING – FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD signs complying with FC Figure 503.2.7.2.1. Signs shall have a minimum dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) wide by 18 inches (457 mm) high and have red letters on a white reflective background. Signs shall be posted on the sides of the fire apparatus access road upon which parking is prohibited.

NO PARKING

FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD

BY ORDER OF THE FIRE COMMISSIONER

FC Figure 503.2.7.2.1 No Parking Sign Fire Apparatus Access Road

503.2.7.2.2 Roadway markings.

Where required by the commissioner, approved roadway markings that include the words NO PARKING – FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify them as fire apparatus access roads.

503.2.8 Gates.

The design of gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be in accordance with this section.

503.2.8.1 Design requirements.

Gates across a fire apparatus access road shall comply with the following requirements:

1. The gates shall not encroach upon or otherwise reduce the required or approved width of a fire apparatus access road.

2. Gates shall be of the swinging or sliding type.

3. Manually-operated gates shall be designed to allow for operation by one person.

4. Only approved locking devices shall be used.

5. Manually-operated gates shall not be locked with a padlock or chain and padlock unless the padlock and chain are capable of being cut with standard bolt cutters.

6. Automatically-operated gates shall be designed and installed in accordance with ASTM F 2200 and UL 325, as applicable, and shall have an approved means of manual operation for emergency access by firefighters and other emergency response personnel.

503.2.8.2 Use to restrict access.

The commissioner may require the installation of locked gates where access to a road is to be restricted for fire apparatus use. It shall be unlawful to operate or park a motor vehicle on a fire apparatus access road restricted in this manner unless authorized by the commissioner.

503.2.9 Dead-end roads.

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) in length, as measured from the curb line of the nearest public street which is not itself a dead-end, shall be provided with an approved means by which fire apparatus can turn around or otherwise exit the area in accordance with FC 503.2.9.1 or 503.2.9.2. Dead-end fire apparatus roads shall not exceed 400 feet (121 920 mm) in length unless approved by the commissioner.

503.2.9.1 Dead-end turnarounds.

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads shall be provided with a turnaround, as set forth in FC Table 503.2.9.1, unless the department accepts an alternative means for fire apparatus egress, as set forth in FC 503.2.9.2.

FC Table 503.2.9.1 Requirements for Dead-end Fire Apparatus Access Roads

Length (feet)

Width (feet)

a

Turnaround Required

0 – 150

34

None required,

> 150 and £ 400

34

90-foot hammerhead, or 76-foot-diameter unobstructed turnaround, 90-foot-diameter turnaround with a 15-foot-diameter island, or other approved means.

b

> 400

As approved

As approved by the department.

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a. Except as otherwise provided in FC 503.2.3.

b. See FC Figure 503.2.9.

503.2.9.2 Alternative dead-end solutions.

Where the configuration of the site makes provision of a turnaround complying with FC 503.2.9.1 impracticable, the department may allow alternative means of fire apparatus egress, including use of a building entrance driveway; garage or loading dock entrance driveway; open plaza; planted open space utilizing vehicle load-bearing permeable paving materials; parking lot lane; or other driveway or lane leading to a separate through road. Any such alternative means of fire apparatus egress shall be capable of accommodating fire apparatus operation, including load-bearing construction, grades, clearances, and, if required, provision of mountable curbs.

1. 76-Foot-Diameter Turnaround

2. 90-Foot-Diameter Turnaround with up to 15-Foot-Diameter Island

3. 90-Foot Hammerhead

a. 34 feet (10 363 mm) except as otherwise provided in FC 503.2.3.

FC Figure 503.2.9 Dead-end Fire Apparatus Access Road Turnaround

503.2.10 Substandard width roads.

Buildings on fire apparatus access roads that have an unobstructed roadway width of less than 34 feet (10 363 mm) shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system. Buildings served by a substandard width fire apparatus access road that is a lawfully existing condition pursuant to FC 102.3, 102.4 and 102.5 shall comply with this requirement when undergoing alteration or a change of occupancy in accordance with FC 501.4.3. This requirement shall not apply to any detached, unheated carport, garden shed, greenhouse, private parking garage for not more than three motor vehicles, tower or other accessory building, that is:

1. Classified by the Building Code as a Group U occupancy;

2. Not occupied or designed to be occupied for residential, commercial or office purposes; and

3. Accessory to a Group R-2 or Group R-3 occupancy.

503.3 Public streets.

Buildings fronting on public streets shall comply with the requirements of FC 503.3.1 and 503.3.2.

503.3.1 Dead-end turnarounds.

Dead-end public streets in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) in length, as measured from the curb line of the nearest public street that is not a dead-end, shall be provided with an approved means by which fire apparatus can turn around or otherwise exit the street, in accordance with FC 503.2.9.

503.3.2 Substandard width.

Buildings on public streets that have an unobstructed width of less than 34 feet (10 363 mm) shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system. Buildings on substandard width public streets that were not required prior to the effective date of this section to be protected throughout by a sprinkler system shall comply with this requirement when undergoing alteration or a change of occupancy subject to FC 501.4.3. This requirement shall not apply to any Group U occupancy complying with the requirements of FC 503.2.10.

503.4 Fire lanes.

It shall be unlawful to park on a fire lane. Where other vehicular traffic is allowed on a fire lane, such traffic shall yield to fire apparatus or other department emergency response vehicles.

503.4.1 Signage.

Fire lanes subject to parking restriction shall be marked with permanent NO PARKING-FIRE LANE signs complying with FC Figure 503.4.1, and/or approved roadway markings. Signs shall have a minimum dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) wide by 18 inches (457 mm) high and have red letters on a white reflective background. Signs shall be posted on the sides of the fire lane upon which parking is prohibited.

NO PARKING

FIRE LANE

BY ORDER OF THE FIRE COMMISSIONER

FC Figure 503.4.1 Fire Lane Sign

503.5 Outdoor parking lots.

Outdoor parking lot lanes between rows of parking spaces and aisle space between motor vehicles shall comply with the requirements of the Building Code and Zoning Resolution, except that parking lot lanes that serve as the fire apparatus access road to the main front entrances of buildings situated in parking lots shall comply with the fire apparatus access requirements set forth in this code or such other roadway width requirements established by the Fire Department by rule.