Chapter 5 - Fire Service Features

CHAPTER 5

FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

SECTION 501GENERAL

501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures andpremises shall comply with this chapter.

501.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set forth in Sec-tions 105.6 and 105.7.

501.3 Construction documents. Construction documents forproposed fire apparatus access, location of fire lanes and con-struction documents and hydraulic calculations for fire hydrantsystems shall be submitted to the fire department for reviewand approval prior to construction.

501.4 Timing of installation. When fire apparatus accessroads or a water supply for fire protection is required to beinstalled, such protection shall be installed and made service-able prior to and during the time of construction except whenapproved alternative methods of protection are provided. Tem-porary street signs shall be installed at each street intersectionwhen construction of new roadways allows passage by vehi-cles in accordance with Section 505.2.

501.5 Inspections.

501.5.1 Inspections for private water supply system. Pri-vate water supply system installations and modificationsshall be subject to field inspection and tests by the firedepartment.

501.5.2 Inspection of fire apparatus access roads. Roadsused for apparatus access shall be subject to field inspectionand may be subject to testing using fire apparatus. Theowner is responsible for any repairs necessary due to theinadequate design of the access road.

501.5.3 Inspection of controlled access gates. Controlledaccess gates shall be subject to field inspection and may betested using fire apparatus.

SECTION 502DEFINITIONS

502.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for thepurposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code,have the meanings shown herein.

ADDRESS DIRECTIONS. Graphic displays of dwelling unitor business suite locations that are weather resistant, internallyilluminated and permanently mounted adjacent to the fireapparatus access road.

ALTERNATIVE SURFACE ACCESS ROADS. Roads forfire department use, that are required for fire departmentaccess, and that are constructed with approved materials, otherthan pavement.

CONTROLLED ACCESS GATES. Automatic or manuallyoperated gates or devices that are placed across a fire apparatusaccess road.

FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD. A road that providesfire apparatus access from a fire station to a facility, building orportion thereof. This is a general term inclusive of all otherterms such as fire lane, public street, private street, parking lotlane and access roadway.

FIRE COMMAND CENTER. The principal attended orunattended location where the status of the detection, alarmcommunications and control systems is displayed, and fromwhich the system(s) can be manually controlled.

FIRE DEPARTMENT MASTER KEY. A limited issue keyof special or controlled design to be carried by fire departmentofficials in command which will open key boxes on specifiedproperties.

FIRE FLOW. The flow rate of a water supply, measured at 20psi residual pressure that is available for firefighting.

FIRE LANE. A road or other passageway developed to allowthe passage of fire apparatus. A fire lane is not necessarilyintended for vehicular traffic other than fire apparatus.

HYDRAULICALLY MOST DEMANDING HYDRANT.The hydrant that results in the greatest flow and pressurerequirement needed to supply the private fire distributionmain(s).

KEY BOX. A secure device with a lock operable only by a firedepartment master key, and containing building entry keys andother keys that may be required for access in an emergency.

PEDESTRIAN GATES. Pedestrian gates are gates used bypedestrians to provide access to or egress from buildings,yards, patios, courts, swimming pools and similar areas.

PREEMPTION DEVICE. An approved electronic deviceattached to a controlled access gate that is used to open the gatewhen an electronic signal is received from an emergency vehi-cle.

SPREAD NUMBERS. Numbers attached to a building thatshow the unit number of each dwelling unit on each floor ofthat residential building in a multi building residential com-plex.

SECTION 503FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall beprovided and maintained in accordance with this section. ThePhoenix Fire Department is the only authority authorized todesignate fire lanes.

503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatusaccess roads shall be provided for every facility, building orportion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into orwithin the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shallcomply with the requirements of this section and shallextend to within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the

2006 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE WITH PHOENIX AMENDMENTS 55

facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first storyof the building as measured by an approved route around theexterior of the building or facility.

Exception: The Fire Code Official is authorized toincrease the dimension of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where:

The building is required to be equipped throughoutwith an approved automatic sprinkler system installedin accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or903.3.1.3.

503.1.1.1 Special site considerations. When fire appa-ratus access roads cannot be installed due to location onproperty, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable gradesor other similar conditions, the Fire Code Official isauthorized to require additional fire protection as speci-fied in Section 1001.9.

503.1.1.2 Fences. When fences are installed that causethe distances from an approved fire department accessroad to exceed the maximum distance allowed in Section503, a pedestrian gate shall be provided in the fence tomaintain the required fire department access. The gateshall be a minimum 4 feet (1219 mm) in width and beequipped with a key box in accordance with Section 506.

503.1.1.3 Other obstructions to access. When otherobstructions are installed that cause the distances froman approved fire department access road to exceed themaximum distance allowed in Section 503, the Fire CodeOfficial is authorized to require additional fire protectionas specified in Section 901.4.3.

503.1.2 Additional access. The fire code official is autho-rized to require more than one fire apparatus access roadbased on the potential for impairment of a single road byvehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditionsor other factors that could limit access.

503.1.3 High-piled storage. Fire department vehicle accessto buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shallcomply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 23.

503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall beinstalled and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1through 503.2.7.

503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall havean unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm),except for approved security gates in accordance with Sec-tion 511, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not lessthan 14 feet (4267 mm).

503.2.1.1 Loading areas and passenger drop-offareas. On private property, where fire apparatus accessroads are utilized for loading or unloading or are utilizedfor passenger drop off or pickup, an additional 8 feet ofwidth shall be added to the fire apparatus access road.This width is in addition to the minimum 20-foot (6096mm) access road width.

Fire apparatus access roads established and approvedper Phoenix Fire Department or Development ServiceDepartment site plan prior to the effective date of thiscode, are not required to be widened if maintained andmarked in accordance with this chapter.

503.2.2 Authority. The Fire Marshal shall have the author-ity to require an increase in the minimum access widthswhere they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations.

503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall bedesigned and maintained to support the imposed live load of66,000 pounds (29 964 mm) with a maximum axle load of28,000 pounds (12 715 kg). Fire apparatus access roadsshall be provided and maintained with all-weather drivingcapabilities surface. When a surface other than paving isused for a fire apparatus access road, it shall comply withSection 503.7.

503.2.4 Turning radius. Fire apparatus access roads shallhave a minimum 45-foot (13 716 mm) centerline radius[35-foot (10 668 mm) inside radius, 55-foot (16 764 mm)outside radius] on curves (see Figure 5-2).

503.2.5 Vehicle passing points. When fire departmentaccess roads exceed 300 feet (91 440 mm) in length, vehiclepassing points shall be installed at intervals not to exceed300 feet (91 440 mm). Vehicle passing points shall be a min-imum of 30 feet (9144 mm) in width and 50 feet (15 240mm) in length.

Exception: When code compliant fire lanes are continu-ous through a property leading to an approved exit point,no passing points are required.

503.2.6 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads inexcess of 200 feet (60 960 mm) in length shall terminate inan approved turnaround at the end of the fire apparatus road(see Figure 5-3).

503.2.7 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Where a bridge oran elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, thebridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordancewith AASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shallbe designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposedloads of fire apparatus 66,000 pounds (29 964 kg) with amaximum axle load of 28,000 pounds (12 712 kg). Vehicleload limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges whenrequired by the Fire Marshal. Where elevated surfacesdesigned for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaceswhich are not designed for such use, approved barriers,approved signs or both shall be installed and maintainedwhen required by the Fire Marshal.

503.2.8 Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access roadshall not exceed 15 percent [15 feet (4572 mm in 30 480mm) in 100 feet]. Cross-slope of an access road shall notexceed a depth of 6 inches (152 mm).

503.2.9 Drainage. Water drainage shall be directed awayfrom or piped under the fire apparatus access roads.Ponding of water on an access road shall not exceed a depthof 6 inches (152 mm).

503.2.10 Stabilization. A stabilized edge meetingMaricopa Association of Governments standards or equiva-lent is required on fire apparatus access roads to provide sta-bilization.

503.3 Marking. Where required by the Fire Code Official,approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided forfire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the

56 2006 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE WITH PHOENIX AMENDMENTS


obstruction thereof. The marking of fire lanes shall be in accor-dance with Section 503.3. Signs or notices shall be maintainedin a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced orrepaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.

503.3.1 Curbs. Fire apparatus access roads shall be identi-fied by curbs painted red on both the top and face along theentire length of the fire apparatus access road. Where nocurb exists or a rolled curb is installed, a 6-inch (152 mm)wide red stripe applied the full length of the fire apparatusaccess road shall be installed.

503.3.2 Fire lane signs. Approved fire lane signs shall be inaccordance with Figures 5-4 and 5-5. The signs shall beinstalled as follows:

1. Signs shall be attached to an approved stationary poleset in concrete a minimum of depth of 18 inches (457mm) (see Figure 5-5).

2. The bottom of each sign shall be 7 feet (2137 mm)above grade (see Figure 5-5).

3. The signs shall face oncoming traffic.

4. The signs shall be set back from the curb line or side-walk a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) to a maxi-mum of 18 inches (457 mm).

5. Signs shall be plainly visible at all times. Vegetationor other obstructions shall be located such that a mini-mum 3-foot (914 mm) clearance is maintained alongthe line of sight.

6. Spacing of signs and marking of curbs shall be as fol-lows:

a. A sign shall be installed a maximum of 15 feet(4572 mm) from the beginning and end of thefire lane.

b. When spacing between signs does not exceed75 feet (22 860 mm), the curb on the sign side ofthe fire lane shall be painted red (see Figure 5-6,Detail 1).

c. When spacing between signs does not exceed100 feet (30 480 mm), curb on the sign side ofthe fire lane shall be painted red and stenciled“FIRE LANE NO PARKING” midwaybetween signs (see Figure 5-6, Detail 2).

d. Spacing between signs shall not exceed 100feet (30 480 mm).

e. Fire lanes up to 65 feet (19 812 mm) in lengthshall be identified with one double faced signand the curb painted red and stenciled “FIRELANE NO PARKING” 15 feet (4572 mm) fromeach end of the road (see Figure 5-6, Detail 3).

f. Fire lane marking on bull-nose or islands shallhave one double faced sign located in the cen-ter and the curb painted red (see Figure 5-6,Detail 4).

503.3.3 Marking not required. Signs and red paintedcurbs are not required on either side of the fire apparatusaccess road when a fire apparatus access road is greater than36 feet (10 973 mm) in width.

503.3.4 Signs required on both sides of a road. When afire apparatus access road is less than 28 feet (8534 mm) inwidth fire lane signs and red painted curbs are required onboth sides of the access road.

Fire apparatus access roads serving only Group R-3occupancies are required to have signs and red painted curbsinstalled on both sides of the road when 20 feet (6096 mm)or less in width.

503.3.5 Signs required on one side of road. When a fireapparatus access road is 28 feet (8534 mm) or greater andless than or equal to 36 feet (10 973 mm) in width, fire lanesigns and red painted curbs are required to be installed on aminimum of one side of the access road.

Fire apparatus access roads serving only Group R-3occupancies require signs and red painted curbs on a mini-mum of one side of the fire apparatus access road when it isgreater than 20 feet (6096 mm) and less than or equal to 28feet (8534 mm) in width.

503.3.6 Stenciling. The fire department is authorized torequire stenciling or other permanent markings to improvethe identification of fire apparatus access roads. Whenrequired, the stenciling shall state “FIRE LANE NO PARK-ING.” Lettering in Figure 5-6 shall be white on a red paintedcurb and shall be a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) high with1/2 inch (13 mm) brush stroke.

503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire appa-ratus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner,including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths andclearances established in Section 503.2.1 shall be maintainedat all times.

503.5 Required gates or barricades. The Fire Code Official isauthorized to require the installation and maintenance of gatesor other approved barricades across fire apparatus accessroads, trails or other accessways, not including public streets,alleys or highways.

503.5.1 Secured gates and barricades. When required,gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved man-ner. Roads, trails and other accessways that have beenclosed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorizedby the owner and the fire code official.

Exception: The restriction on use shall not apply to pub-lic officers acting within the scope of duty.

Locks, gates, doors, barricades, chains, enclosures, signs,tags or seals which have been installed by the fire depart-ment or by its order or under its control shall not beremoved, unlocked, destroyed or tampered with in any man-ner.

Exception: When authorized by the fire code official orperformed by public officers acting within their scope ofduty.

503.6 Security gates. See Section 511.

503.6.1 Stopping or parking in fire apparatus accessroads. Motor vehicles, with or without power, including



trailers, shall not be stopped or parked in any fire apparatusaccess road.

Any vehicle stopped or parked within an approved fireapparatus access road may be issued a “Notice of ParkingViolation” by any member of the Phoenix Fire Departmentor Phoenix Police Department, or any representative the firechief or police chief designates.

Any vehicle stopped or parked within the fire apparatusaccess road may be removed at the expense of the vehicleowner. Removal of a vehicle under such circumstances maybe authorized by the person in lawful possession of theproperty or by the Chief. The person in lawful possession ofthe property shall keep designated fire apparatus accessroads free of vehicles and other obstructions.

See also Sections 36-133 and 36-134 (4) of the PhoenixCity Code.

503.6.2 Maintenance of fire apparatus access roads. Fireapparatus access roads shall be maintained by the owner atall times. Faded, damaged or vandalized signs shall bereplaced with approved signs and posts.

503.7 Alternative surface fire apparatus access roads. Thissection applies when the alternative surface fire apparatusaccess road is not surfaced with traditional road building mate-rials. Alternative surface fire apparatus access roads shall be inaccordance with this section and Sections 503.7 through503.7.7.

503.7.1 Report. Alternative surface fire apparatus accessroads shall be designed by an engineer registered by theState of Arizona. The engineer shall prepare a sealed designreport for submittal to and approval by the fire department.Plans shall be sealed and submitted with the report (see Sec-tion 501.3).

503.7.2 Stabilization. Stabilization of the fire apparatusaccess road surface shall be addressed in the alternative sur-face fire apparatus access road report and may be accom-plished by curbing.

503.7.3 Compaction. Minimum 95 percent compaction ofsubgrade soil is required.

503.7.4 Curbs. A rolled curb shall be installed at theentrances to fire apparatus access roads. See Chapter 45 forMaricopa Association of Government Standards with Cityof Phoenix supplements.

503.7.5 Marking. The curb shall be painted red or redreflectors shall be installed to define the width of alternativesurface fire apparatus access roads. The reflectors shall beimbedded into bordering curbing at intervals not exceeding15 feet (4572 mm) (see Figure 5-8 for marking require-ments).

503.7.6 Special inspections. An Arizona registered Profes-sional Engineer shall conduct a special inspection prior tofinal approvals being issued for the alternative surface fireapparatus access road (see Chapter 1).

503.7.7 Special inspection documentation. The specialinspection documentation shall include, but not be limitedto the following:

1. Subgrade soil compaction report.

2. Base material quality, thickness and compaction.

3. Concrete depth and compressive strength, when ap-plicable.

4. An evaluation of the installation in accordance withdesign drawings and manufacturer specifications.

5. Crown and drainage requirements.

6. Stabilization (if curbing is not used).

503.8 Fire apparatus access roads during construction. Firedepartment access during construction, shall comply with thissection.

503.8.1 Required access. Fire apparatus access is requiredwithin 200 feet of all points on the exterior of the building.Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided prior to intro-ducing combustible materials on the construction site.

503.8.2 Width. Fire apparatus access roads shall be a mini-mum of 20 feet (60 960 mm) in width. Fire apparatus roadson construction sites shall not be obstructed.

503.8.3 Surface. At a minimum, the surface of fire appara-tus roads shall be as follows:

1. Minimum 6 inches (152 mm) of native soil com-pacted to 95 percent of standard proctor density(ASTM D 698), and

2. Minimum 4 inches (102 mm) of aggregate base com-pacted to 100 percent of standard proctor density(ASTM D 698).

The surface of fire apparatus access roads may differfrom the above requirements if it is shown that the surfaceprovided is sufficient to support an imposed live load of66,000 pounds (29 964 kg) with a maximum axle load of28,000 pounds (12 712 kg).

An engineer registered by the State of Arizona shall pre-pare and seal the soil compaction report. The report shall beavailable for review by the Fire Code Official.

503.8.4 Stabilization. Curbs are not required for fire appa-ratus access roads for sites under construction.

503.8.5 Turning radius. Fire apparatus access roads shallhave a minimum 45-foot (13 716 mm) center line radius[35-foot (10 668mm) inside radius, 55-foot (16 764 mm)outside radius] on curves (see Figure 5-2).

503.8.6 Dead-ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roadsin excess of 200 feet (60 960 mm) in length shall terminatein an approved turnaround as shown in Figure 5-3.

503.8.7 Drainage. Water drainage shall be directed awayfrom the fire apparatus access road.

SECTION 504ACCESS TO BUILDING OPENINGS AND ROOFS

504.1 Required access. Exterior doors and openings requiredby this code or the International Building Code shall be main-tained readily accessible for emergency access by the firedepartment. An approved access walkway leading from fire



apparatus access roads to exterior openings shall be providedwhen required by the fire code official.

Key boxes, keys and padlocks required for fire departmentaccess shall be in accordance with Section 506.

504.2 Maintenance of exterior doors and openings. Exteriordoors and their function shall not be eliminated without priorapproval. Exterior doors that have been rendered nonfunc-tional and that retain a functional door exterior appearanceshall have a sign affixed to the exterior side of the door with thewords THIS DOOR BLOCKED. The sign shall consist of let-ters having a principal stroke of not less than 0.75 inch (19.1mm) wide and at least 6 inches (152 mm) high on a contrastingbackground. Required fire department access doors shall notbe obstructed or eliminated. Exit and exit access doors shallcomply with Chapter 10. Access doors for high-piled combus-tible storage shall comply with Section 2306.6.1.

504.3 Stairway access to roof. New buildings four or morestories in height, except those with a roof slope greater thanfour units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope),shall be provided with a stairway to the roof. Stairway access tothe roof shall be in accordance with Section 1009.12. Suchstairway shall be marked at street and floor levels with a signindicating that the stairway continues to the roof. Where roofsare used for roof gardens or for other purposes, stairways shallbe provided as required for such occupancy classification.

SECTION 505PREMISES IDENTIFICATION

505.1 Address numbers. New and existing buildings shallhave approved address numbers, building numbers orapproved building identification placed in a position that isplainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting theproperty. These numbers shall contrast with their background.Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters.Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with aminimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) on a contrastingbackground.

505.2 Premises identification for residential occupancies.Shall be in accordance with Section 505.

505.2.1 Single-family homes. The address numbers forsingle-family homes shall be a minimum of 3 inches (74mm) high, with a minimum 3/8-inch (9.53 mm) brush strokeon a contrasting background.

505.2.2 Address marking of multifamily residentialoccupancies. The address, individual building, spread, anddwelling numbers at Group R occupancies shall be in accor-dance with this section.

505.2.2.1 Building or site address. The street addressnumbers for Group R occupancies shall be a minimum of12 inches (305 mm) high with a minimum of 2-inch (51mm) wide brush stroke on contrasting color. For build-ings less than 100 feet (30 480 mm) long, a minimum ofone address shall be provided. For buildings over 100feet (30 480 mm) in length, the address is required in aminimum of two places. Each building in a complex shalldisplay its own identification.

505.2.2.2 Building identification numbers. Eachbuilding shall display its specific alphabetical or numeri-cal designation which must be clearly visible from thefire apparatus access road. The building identificationnumbers shall be a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) highwith a minimum 3-inch (76 mm) brush stroke on con-trasting color. For buildings less than 100 feet (30 480mm) long, a minimum of one building identificationnumber per building shall be provided. The buildingidentification number is required to be internally orexternally illuminated.

505.2.2.3 Spread numbers. Spread numbers shall beprovided adjacent to the building identification numbersto indicate the apartment or unit numbers by floors in thebuilding. Spread numbers shall be a minimum of 7inches (178 mm) high with a 1-inch (25 mm) brushstroke on a contrasting background. The spread numbersare required to be internally or externally illuminated.

505.2.2.4 Unit identification at entrances. When morethan one dwelling or unit is accessed from an entrance, aspread plate is required (see Figure 5-14 for spread platesign specifications).

505.2.2.5 Apartment or unit numbers. Individualapartment or unit numbers shall be a minimum 4-inchhigh with a minimum 3/8 inch (9.52 mm) brush stroke ona contrasting background.

505.2.2.6 Additional unit identification signs. Where abuilding is not visible from the fire apparatus accessroad, a directional sign indicating the location of the unitis required (see Figure 5-15 for sign specifications).

505.3 Premises identification for commercial buildings.Commercial building address numbers shall be a minimum of12 inches (305 mm) high with a minimum 2-inch (51 mm)brush stroke on contrasting background. The address shall bevisible from all access directions. When buildings are morethan 200 feet (60 960 mm) long or set back from the road morethan 100 feet (30 480 mm) they shall be identified with buildingaddress numbers that are a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm)high with a 4-inch (102 mm) brush stroke of a contrastingcolor.

When buildings are greater than 500 feet (152 400 mm) inlength, the number and address shall be provided in a minimumof two locations. When buildings have multiple access points,numbers and addresses shall be provided at each access point.

505.3.1 Multifamily unit identification. Numbers shall bea minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimumstroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) on a contrasting back-ground.

505.3.2 Multitenant commercial buildings. Individualtenant spaces in multitenant commercial buildings shallhave their address or suite number posted at the frontentrance and rear access doors. This number shall be a mini-mum of 6 inches (152 mm) high with a 1-inch (25 mm)brush stroke on a contrasting background.

505.3.3 Multiple buildings at a single address. Eachbuilding shall display its specific alphabetical or numericaldesignation that shall be clearly distinguishable from the



fire apparatus access road (see Section 505.2.1 for mini-mum letter height and brush stroke requirements).

505.4 Address directories.

505.4.1 When required. An approved address directoryshall be provided at properties containing one of the follow-ing:

1. More than one principal building.

2. Buildings with unit identification numbers that arerandomly numbered or sequenced.

3. When, in the opinion of the Fire Code Official, emer-gency response may be delayed due to the physicallayout of the complex.

505.4.2 Specifications. Address directories shall be con-structed and installed in accordance with this section.

505.4.3 Dimensions. The number of buildings in the com-plex shall determine the minimum dimensions of the direc-tory. Minimum directory dimensions shall be as follows:

1. Complexes containing 12 or fewer buildings require aminimum 3 feet by 3 feet (914 mm by 914 mm) [9square feet (0.836 m2)] site directory.

2. Complexes containing 13 to 30 buildings require aminimum 4 feet by 4 feet (1219 mm by 1219 mm) [16square feet (1.486 m2) ] site directory.

3. Complexes containing 31 or more buildings require aminimum 5 feet by 5 feet (1524 mm by 1524 mm) (25square feet (2.323 m2) ] site directory. Stanchions orsupports shall not be included in the required size ofthe directory.

505.4.4 Framing. Framing materials shall not encroachupon the directory face by more than 11/2 inches (39 mm).

505.4.5 Protection. The directory shall be protected againstvandalism and disfigurement by a clear polycarbonatecover, having a minimum thickness of 1/8 inch (3.17 mm),sealed to protect the directory from weather.

505.4.6 Illumination. Address directories shall be inter-nally illuminated utilizing white light.

505.4.7 Installation requirements. Support posts or stan-chions shall be set in concrete. Directories with dimensionsof 3 feet by 3 feet (914 mm by 914 mm) [9 square feet (0.836m2)] shall be mounted with the bottom of the directory notless than 36 inches (914 mm) above grade. Directories withdimensions of 4 feet by 4 feet (1219 mm by 1219 mm ) [16square feet (1.486 m2)] and 5 feet by 5 feet (1524 mm by1524 mm) [25 square feet (2.32 m2)] shall be mounted withthe bottom of the directory not less than 24 inches (610 mm)above grade.

505.4.8 Depictions. All depictions must be clear, easilyunderstood, and legible at a distance of 8 feet (2438 mm).The directory shall depict structures, building numbers,units, apartment or space numbers, tennis courts, swimmingpools, elevators, driveways, streets, laundry rooms, firehydrants, fire apparatus access roads and other features asdetermined by the fire department. The depictions shallcomply with the following:

1. Directories shall be a dark print on a contrasting lightbackground. Buildings shown on the directory shallnot be the same color as other features indicated onthe directory.

2. The name and address of the complex are requiredand shall not exceed 10 percent of the total size of thesite directory.

3. Swimming pools, canals, and waterway areas shall betranslucent.

4. Tennis courts shall be translucent green.

5. Fire hydrants shall be a 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) diameterblack circle filled in with a translucent yellow center.The abbreviation “HYD” must be affixed by the loca-tion of the hydrant on the directory.

6. The directory shall be properly oriented to the viewerwith a red dot, 1-inch (25 mm) in diameter, with thewords “YOU ARE HERE” affixed at the appropriatelocation on the directory.

7. A north arrow shall be included in the upper rightquadrant of the directory. The arrow shall be a mini-mum of 3 inches (76 mm) in length and a minimum of1-inch (25 mm) brush stroke.

8. Interior fire apparatus access roads, where provided,shall be marked on the directory with red crosshatch-ing.

505.4.9 Setbacks. The directory shall be installed on theoccupancy’s property, at locations approved by the firedepartment. Placement of the address directory shall be asfollows:

1. The directory shall be set back from the street or curb-ing at least 25 feet (7620 mm) to allow emergency ve-hicles to clear the public right-of-way.

2. Shall not exceed a distance of 4 feet (1219 mm) fromthe edge of the fire apparatus access road facing thedirection of oncoming traffic.

3. Shall not conflict with traffic visibility zones as pro-vided for by other ordinances.

4. Shall be immediately visible and free from obstruc-tions including architectural design and landscaping.

505.4.10 Prohibitions. Information such as advertising oradditional art work shall not be allowed on the addressdirectory.

505.4.11 Maintenance. All premises identification shall bemaintained clearly visible and free from obstructions,including landscaping.

505.5 Private street or road signs. Private streets and roadsshall be identified with approved signs. Signs shall be of anapproved size, weather resistant and be maintained untilreplaced by permanent signs.

SECTION 506KEY BOXES

506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structureor an area is restricted because of secured openings or where



immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fightingpurposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a keybox to be installed in an approved location. The key box shallbe of an approved type and shall contain keys to gain necessaryaccess as required by the fire code official.

When a building, other than a Group R-3 occupancy is moni-tored off-site for security, fire, or other service that notifies thefire department, a key box shall be installed in an accessiblelocation.

506.1.1 Height. The key box shall be mounted between 5 1/2

and 6 feet (1676 mm and 1829 mm) above grade.

506.1.2 Visibility. The key box shall be illuminated so as tobe immediately visible to fire personnel from the emergencyapparatus. Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage,and other materials shall not be placed or kept near keyboxes in a manner that would prevent the key boxes frombeing immediately discernible.

506.1.3 Marking of keys for fire department access. Eachkey shall be color-coded to identify its function as follows:

1. Green for access gates.

2. Yellow for elevators.

3. Red for the Fire Command Center.

4. Blue for keys related to water access (e.g., gates toswimming pools).

5. White for master keys.

Keys that are required to access secured areas for a func-tion not listed above, shall be provided with water-resistanttags. The tags shall be marked in a contrasting color with thekey’s function and room number. The terminology used tomark the tags shall provide immediate understanding as tothe key function.

506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the buildingshall immediately notify the fire code official and provide thenew key when a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to suchlock shall be secured in the key box.

SECTION 507HAZARDS TO FIRE FIGHTERS

507.1 Trapdoors to be closed. Trapdoors and scuttle covers,other than those that are within a dwelling unit or automaticallyoperated, shall be kept closed at all times except when in use.

507.2 Shaftway markings. Vertical shafts shall be identifiedas required by this section.

507.2.1 Exterior access to shaftways. Outside openingsaccessible to the fire department and which open directly ona hoistway or shaftway communicating between two ormore floors in a building shall be plainly marked with theword SHAFTWAY in red letters at least 6 inches (152 mm)high on a white background. Such warning signs shall beplaced so as to be readily discernible from the outside of thebuilding.

507.2.2 Interior access to shaftways. Door or windowopenings to a hoistway or shaftway from the interior of thebuilding shall be plainly marked with the word

SHAFTWAY in red letters at least 6 inches (152 mm) highon a white background. Such warning signs shall be placedso as to be readily discernible.

Exception: Marking shall not be required on shaftwayopenings which are readily discernible as openings ontoa shaftway by the construction or arrangement.

507.3 Pitfalls. The intentional design or alteration of buildingsto disable, injure, maim or kill intruders is prohibited. No per-son shall install and use firearms, sharp or pointed objects,razor wire, explosives, flammable or combustible liquid con-tainers, or dispensers containing highly toxic, toxic, irritant orother hazardous materials in a manner which may passively oractively disable, injure, maim or kill a fire fighter who forciblyenters a building for the purpose of controlling or extinguishinga fire, rescuing trapped occupants or rendering otheremergency assistance.

SECTION 508FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLIES

508.1 General. Water supplies for manual fire suppression andfire hydrants shall be in accordance with Appendix B.

508.1.1 Required water supply. An approved water supplycapable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protec-tion shall be provided to premises upon which facilities,buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructedor moved into or within the jurisdiction.

508.1.1.1 When a water supply for fire protection is notavailable from the City of Phoenix, or if the flow rate,pressure, or duration of the water supply available fromthe City does not meet the minimum requirements of thiscode, the owner shall be responsible for installing all ofthe infrastructure required to meet the fire flow, pressure,and duration requirements of this code.

508.1.2 Failure to provide water supply. Failure to pro-vide the required water supply necessary for fire protectionshall be considered a hazard to life or property and is subjectto enforcement under Section 104 of this code.

508.1.3 Design information required. Plans, hydrauliccalculations, and specifications shall be submitted to theFire Code Official for review and approval prior to installa-tion of the on-site water supply system. Underground firemain systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA24, Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances.Water tank installations shall be in accordance with NFPA22, Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection. Fire Pumpsshall be installed in accordance with NFPA 20, Standard forWater Tanks for Private Fire Protection.

Exception: Public water distribution mains approved bythe City of Phoenix Water Services Department.

508.1.4 Hydraulic calculations. Calculations shall be sub-mitted to verify the private fire service main(s) will providethe minimum required fire flow, as determined by Section508.2, to the hydraulically most demanding on-sitehydrants with the water supply that is available to the sys-tem.



508.1.4.1 System flow requirement. The minimumrequired fire flow rate shall be calculated using 1000gpm increments starting at the hydraulically mostdemanding hydrant. An additional 1000 gpm, or remain-der of the required fire flow, as determined by Section508.2 shall be added at each successive hydrant until theminimum required fire flow has been accounted for.

508.1.4.2 System pressure requirement. A minimum20 psi (138 kPa) residual pressure shall be maintained inthe system.

All pressure losses in the system including frictionloss through pipe and fittings and changes in elevationshall be accounted for from the hydraulically mostdemanding hydrant(s) back to the location of the waterflow test that was used to determine the water supplyavailable to supply the new private hydrants and mains.

508.1.4.3 Method for determining friction loss. Fric-tion loss through pipe and fittings shall be determinedusing the Hazen-Williams formula or other approvedhydraulic formula. The Hazen-Williams formula is asfollows:

P = ××

⎛⎝⎜

⎞⎠⎟

4.52 Q

C D

1.85

1.85 4.87

where:

P = friction loss in psig per foot of pipe.

Q = flow in gpm.

C = Hazen-Williams co-efficient of roughness, fric-tion loss coefficient, pipe roughness coefficient.

D = actual internal diameter of the pipe in inches.

508.1.4.4 Backflow prevention assembly. The pressureloss through any backflow prevention assembly installedon the system shall be included in the hydraulic calcula-tions. The model and size of the backflow preventionassembly shall be noted on the plans.

508.1.4.5 Water supply data. Water supply test infor-mation for public mains shall be obtained from the Cityof Phoenix Water Services Department within 180 daysof plan submittal. The water services department hydrantflow test report form shall be submitted with the plans.

Water supply tests conducted on private fire servicemains shall be witnessed by the Fire Code Official.

508.1.4.5.1 Water flow test location. The location ofhydrants used to determine the available water supplyshall be shown on the plans. The plans shall providedetail on how the private fire service main is con-nected to the city main. The size and location of thecity main in the street and whether the main isdead-end or circulating shall be shown on the plans. Ifthe main is a dead-end, the direction and distance tothe nearest circulating main shall be noted on theplans.

The elevation of the static and residual pressure testgauge with relation to the on-site hydrants shall benoted on the plans.

508.1.4.5.2 Design safety factor. The water flow testresults shall be adjusted as noted in Sections508.1.4.5.3 and 508.1.4.5.4 to account for seasonaland daily fluctuations in the water supply system.

508.1.4.5.3 Static pressure equal to or more than90 psi. When the static pressure is over 90 pounds(621 kPa) per square inch (psi) the maximum designstatic pressure will be 80 psi (552 kPa) regardless ofthe actual test pressure. The slope of the originaldesign curve shall be used even though the designpressure is reduced to 80 psi (552 kPa).

508.1.4.5.4 Static pressure less than or equal to 90psi. When the recorded static pressure is less than orequal to 90 psi (621 kPa), the system design shallinclude a minimum 10 psi (69 kPa) safety factorbetween the system flow and pressure demand and theavailable water supply.

508.2 Required water supply for fire protection. The mini-mum required fire flow for private fire service mains shall bedetermined as required in Appendix B.

508.2.1 Reduction in the required fire flow. A 50 percentreduction of the minimum required fire flow amount deter-mined by using Appendix B is allowed when the building isprotected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler systemdesigned for the hazard and installed in accordance withNFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems(see B105.1).

The flow required to supply the sprinkler system is notrequired to be added to the fire flow. No other reductionsshall be allowed without an approved Appeal to the FireMarshal.

508.2.2 Fire flow in public mains. The fire flow in publicwater mains shall be in accordance with the design stan-dards found in the City of Phoenix Water Services Depart-ment Design Standards Manual for Water Systems.

508.2.3 Storage of combustible or hazardous materials.When there is exterior storage of combustible or hazardousmaterials the required fire flow to protect exterior storageshall be determined by an engineering analysis. If the fireflow required to protect the exterior storage exceeds the fireflow required to protect the building, the higher flow shallbe provided.

508.2.4 Temporary water supply. When constructing one-and two-family houses a temporary water supply for useduring construction is allowed only by appeal to the FireMarshal. The installation of a temporary water supply shallonly be allowed for construction of the model homes. Con-struction shall occur only on every other lot, or with a mini-mum of 30-foot (9144 mm) spacing between structures. Thefollowing documentation is required to be submitted withthe appeal:

1. A report, stamped by a professional engineer, shall beprovided. This report shall include plans of the systemand hydraulic calculations. A minimum 1,500 gpm at25 psi (172 kPa) for a minimum of 2 hours durationshall be required for systems. Spacing of hydrantsshall be in accordance with Section 508.4.4.



2. A permit shall be obtained from the Phoenix Fire De-partment before installation of the temporary watersupply is commenced.

3. An inspection and test of the system shall be requiredprior to combustibles being brought on site.

508.3 Type of water supply. A water supply shall consist ofreservoirs, pressure tanks, elevated tanks, water mains or otherfixed systems capable of providing the required fire flow. Com-ponents of such installations are required to be listed orapproved for the intended use and installed in accordance withthe appropriate nationally recognized standard.

508.3.1 Fire mains. Fire mains and appurtenances shall besized to accommodate the calculated fire flow but shall notbe less than 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. Dead-end firemains shall not be less than 8 inches (203 mm) in diameterunless calculations determine otherwise.

508.3.2 Water tanks. Water tanks for private fire protectionshall be installed in accordance with NFPA 22.

508.4 Fire hydrant systems. Fire hydrant systems shall com-ply with Sections 508.4 and 508.5.

508.4.1 General. Fire hydrant systems and fire hydrantsshall be in accordance with Section 508.4. The installationof fire mains and fire hydrants in the public right-of-wayshall also meet the Phoenix Water and Wastewater Depart-ment specifications. Fire Hydrants shall be located not lessthan 1 foot (305 mm) and not more than 6 feet (1829 mm)from the back of the curb of the access road or other vehicleaccess point. The largest outlet on the hydrant shall face theaccess road.

508.4.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Firehydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as requiredby NFPA 25. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in anoperative condition at all times and shall be repaired wheredefective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shallcomply with approved standards (see Section 901.6.)

508.4.3 Private fire service mains, fire pumps and watertanks. Private fire service mains, fire pumps and watertanks shall be installed, periodically inspected, tested andmaintained in accordance with NFPA 20 Standard for WaterTanks for Private Fire Protection; NFPA 22 Water Tanks forPrivate Fire Protection; NFPA 24 Standard for the Installa-tion of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenance;and NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, andMaintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems at thefollowing intervals:

1. Private fire hydrants (all types): Inspection annuallyand after each operation; flow test and maintenanceannually.

2. Fire service main piping: Inspection of exposedmains and tanks, annually; flow test every 5 years.

3. Fire service main piping strainers: Inspection andmaintenance after each use.

508.4.4 Hydrant locations. Fire hydrants shall be placed inlocations approved by the Phoenix Fire Department and asdescribed in Section 508.4.

508.4.4.1 Distance to building or facility. The distancefrom a hydrant to the most remote exterior point of thebuilding or facility shall not exceed that specified in thissection. The required distance shall first be measuredalong the path of the fire apparatus access road and thenalong the path that fire fighters would manually lay hose.

508.4.4.2 Location at all buildings or facilities. At leastone fire hydrant shall be located within 350 feet (106 680mm) of the most remote exterior point of the building orfacility. In all occupancies, except sprinklered GroupR-3’s, a second fire hydrant shall be located within 650feet (198 120 mm) of the most remote exterior point ofthe building.

508.4.4.3 Group R-3 occupancies. For Group R-3buildings protected by a sprinkler system installed inaccordance with NFPA 13D, at least one fire hydrantshall be located within 500 feet (152 400 mm) of the mostremote exterior point of the building.

508.4.4.4 Fire hydrant side of street. Fire hydrantsshall be located on the right hand (passenger) side of thestreet.

508.4.4.5 Hydrants on major streets. Fire hydrants onmajor streets, collector streets, or any other streets thatare not divided by raised median islands or light-railtracks can be included in the coverage analysis. If thosestreets classes are divided by raised median islands orlight-rail tracks, then the existing hydrant can only beincluded in the coverage analysis if its location is on thesame side of the median as the new development.

508.4.4.6 First hydrant location. The first new firehydrant shall be located at the street intersection or at themain entrance(s) into a subdivision, apartment complex,or commercial development. Additional hydrants shallbe spaces per Section 508.4.4.9.

508.4.4.7 Parking areas. In open-air, on-grade parkingareas, at least one fire hydrant shall be located within 600feet (182 880 mm) of all areas.

508.4.4.8 Distance to fire department connection(FDC). At least one fire hydrant shall be located within200 feet (60 960 mm) of a fire department connectionsupplying building fire protection systems. The distancebetween the hydrant and FDC shall be measured alongthe path of the fire apparatus access road and as fire fight-ers would lay hose (see also Section 912).

508.4.4.9 Hydrant spacing. Fire hydrants shall bespaced approximately 500 feet (152 400 mm) apart insingle-family residential developments and shall beapproximately 300 feet (91 440 mm) apart in all otherdevelopment types. The distance between hydrants shallbe measured along the path of the fire apparatus accessroad.



508.5 Hydrant specifications.

508.5.1 City of Phoenix threads. Fire hydrants shall com-ply with City of Phoenix specifications and be providedwith Phoenix threads.

508.5.2 Height. Fire hydrants shall be installed so that thecenterline of the lowest outlet is not less than 18 inches (457mm) above grade and the highest outlet does not exceed 30inches (762 mm) above grade.

508.5.3 Color of hydrants. The color of hydrants shall befire hydrant yellow. Private fire hydrants shall have the bon-net painted reflective white. Hydrants not intended for firedepartment use shall have the bonnet painted black.

508.5.4 Tampering and obstructions. Vehicle parkingshall be prohibited within 15 feet (381 mm) in front of and inboth directions parallel to the curb line in front of the firehydrant. For hydrants that are set back from the curb, the15-foot (381 mm) clearance shall be measured from thecurb line. Vehicles parked in violation shall be issued a“Notice of Parking Violation.”

Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage and othermaterials or objects shall not be placed or kept near firehydrants, fire department inlet connections or fire protec-tion system control valves in a manner that would preventsuch equipment or fire hydrants from being immediatelydiscernible. The fire department shall not be deterred or hin-dered from gaining immediate access to fire protectionequipment or fire hydrants.

508.5.5 Accessibility. Fire hydrants shall be accessible tothe fire department apparatus by roads meeting the require-ments of Section 902. Fire hydrants shall be located not lessthan 1 foot and not more than 6 feet (828 mm) from the backof the curb of the access road or other vehicle access point.The largest outlet on the hydrant shall face the fire apparatusaccess road.

508.5.6 Fire hydrant connection direction. The 4-inch(102 mm) fire department connection shall be perpendicu-lar to the fire apparatus access road or fire lane.

508.5.7 Clear space around hydrants. A 3-foot (914 mm)clear space, measured from the center stem, shall be main-tained around the circumference of fire hydrants.

508.5.8 Physical protection. Where fire hydrants are sub-ject to impact by a motor vehicle, physical protection,including, but not limited to, guard posts or other approvedmeans shall comply with Section 312.

508.5.9 Sectional valves. Sectional valves shall be pro-vided to ensure minimal impairments to fire protectionshould any mains require repair or alteration. Backflowvalves protect the integrity of the City of Phoenix water sup-ply from possible contamination from backpressure or

back-siphonage of water from nonpotable pipe or othercross contamination.

1. Every looped private main shall have backflow pre-vention serving as a minimum two sectional valves atthe point of connection on each leg of the loop and aminimum of one sectional valve separating the supplyline in two approximately equal sections. (Figures508.5.9a.1 and P508.5.9a.2) When any connection ismade to the City of Phoenix water serving automaticsprinkler systems backflow protection is required onthe connections to private looped fire mains by City ofPhoenix Water Department Policy State PlumbingCode and the Uniform Plumbing Code. The backflowvalve assembly can serve as a sectional valve, if ar-ranged as in Figure P508.5.9a .1.

2. One sectional valve shall be placed on the privatemain supply to isolate every 4 to 6 connections to ei-ther sprinkler systems or hydrants, which each sprin-kler lead in and hydrant feed require their own controlvalves by NFPA 13.8.15.1.1 and 24.6.3.1 and24.7.1.1. When a large private fire main has six ormore connections to the main then multiple sectionalvalves are required to minimize impairments. In nocase shall more than six connections from supplymain to sprinkler systems or hydrants be installedwithout providing sectional valves (Figures P508.5.9b and c).

3. The backflow supply valve installed on connectionfrom City of Phoenix public water mains is requiredoutside the City of Phoenix right-of-way. Thebackflow valve assembly may serve as the fire sprin-kler connection valve for a dedicated sprinkler systemsupply (Figure 508.5.9d). A backflow device listedfor fire vertical installation may be installed on theriser.

4. Private hydrant connections that are not looped andhave no fire sprinkler connections do not needbackflow protection.

5. Section 603.4.16 of the Uniform Plumbing Code dic-tates which backflow assemblies are acceptable oncommercial sprinkler and on one- or two family resi-dential sprinkler systems.

a. Double check valve assembly.

b. Double check detector assembly.

c. Reduced pressure backflow preventer.

d. Reduced pressure detector assembly.

6. If the sprinkler riser supply piping is run more than 5feet (1524 mm) under the building, a Post IndicatorValve (PIV) shall be provided adjacent to the founda-tion to isolate the pipe running under the foundation.





FIGURE 508.5.9b

FIGURE 508.5.9a



FIGURE 508.5.9c

FIGURE 508.5.9d

SECTION 509FIRE COMMAND CENTER

509.1 Features. Where required by other sections of this codeand in all buildings classified as high-rise buildings by theInternational Building Code, a fire command center for firedepartment operations shall be provided. The fire commandcenter shall be in a location that is easily identifiable and acces-sible from the main entrance lobby of the building and providequick access to the building tower stairways. The location andaccessibility of the fire command center shall be approved bythe fire department. The fire command center shall be sepa-rated from the remainder of the building by not less than a1-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 706of the International Building Code or horizontal assembly con-structed in accordance with Section 711 of the InternationalBuilding Code, or both. The room shall be a minimum of 96square feet (9 m2) with a minimum dimension of 8 feet (2438mm). A layout of the fire command center and all featuresrequired by this section to be contained therein shall be submit-ted for approval prior to installation. The fire command centershall comply with NFPA 72 and shall contain the following fea-tures:

1. The emergency voice/alarm communication systemunit.

2. The fire department communications system.

3. Fire-detection and alarm system annunciator system.

4. Annunciator visually indicating the location of the ele-vators and whether they are operational.

5. Status indicators and controls for air-handling systems.

6. The fire-fighter’s control panel required by Section909.16 for smoke control systems installed in the build-ing.

7. Controls for unlocking stairway doors simultaneously.

8. Sprinkler valve and water-flow detector display panels.

9. Emergency and standby power status indicators.

10. A telephone for fire department use with controlled ac-cess to the public telephone system.

11. Fire pump status indicators.

12. Schematic building plans indicating the typical floorplan and detailing the building core, means of egress,fire protection systems, fire-fighting equipment andfire department access.

13. Work table.

14. Generator supervision devices, manual start and trans-fer features.

15. Public address system, where specifically required byother sections of this code.

509.2 Identification. The fire command center shall be identi-fied by permanent easily visible sign noting “Fire Department



FIGURE 508.5.9e

Command Center” located on the door to the fire commandcenter (see Figure 509.2 for guidance).

509.3 Key box. A key box shall be permanently installed nearthe door to the fire command center. The key box shall belocated 51/2 feet to 6 feet (1676 mm to 1829 mm) above thefloor level in a clearly visible location.

SECTION 510FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT

510.1 Identification. Fire protection equipment shall be iden-tified in an approved manner. Rooms containing controls forair-conditioning systems, sprinkler risers and valves, or otherfire detection, suppression or control elements shall be identi-fied for the use of the fire department. Approved signs requiredto identify fire protection equipment and equipment location,shall be constructed of durable materials, permanentlyinstalled and readily visible.

510.2 Exterior stairwells. When determined by the Fire CodeOfficial where access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fight-ing purposes exterior stairwells providing access to fire protec-tion equipment shall be marked in accordance with thischapter.

SECTION 511CONTROLLED ACCESS GATES

511.1 General. The installation of controlled access gatesacross a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the FireCode Official and meet the requirements of Section 511.

511.1.1 Permits. Permits shall be required to install or mod-ify controlled access gates.

511.1.2 Gate installation companies. When gates areinstalled at any location that obstructs a fire apparatusaccess road, the installing company shall be licensed by theArizona Registrar of Contractors as L-5 or C-5.

511.1.3 Egress. Fire apparatus access gates shall bedesigned and installed such that they do not obstruct theegress or departure of emergency vehicles.

511.1.4 Maintenance. All fire apparatus access gates shallbe maintained operable at all times and shall be inspected atleast annually. Copies of the annual inspection report shallbe maintained and be accessible for fire department review.

511.1.5 Inoperable gates. Controlled access gates that areinoperable and impede the entrance of fire apparatus’ shallbe chained open or removed at the owner’s expense.

511.1.6 Illegal gates. Controlled access gates that cross fireapparatus access roads that have been installed without apermit shall be chained open or removed at the owner’s orinstalling contractor’s expense until a permit and finalapproval has been obtained from the fire department.

511.2 Fire apparatus access gates.

511.2.1 General. Access openings are required to be auto-matic where no turnaround is provided for fire apparatus(see Figure 5-3 for approved turnarounds).

511.2.2 Main entrance identification. Access openingsshall have signs that identify the location of the property’sprimary entrance, and signs shall be bolted on the street sideof the fire apparatus access gate (see Figure 5-6).

511.2.3 Marking and signage. Manual and automaticaccess openings are required to be marked in accordancewith Section 511.3.5. Signage shall be provided in accor-dance with Section 511.5.2.

511.3 Controlled access gate specifications. When controlledaccess gates are installed across a fire apparatus access road thespecifications in Section 511.2 shall apply.

511.3.1 Opening width. When the gate is fully opened, aminimum 20-foot (6096 mm) clear width shall be providedfor both the entrance and exit gates. Gates installed andapproved prior to November 8, 2003, shall be maintained inaccordance with the original approval.

The Fire Code Official shall require additional widthopening when a 45-foot (13 716 mm) fire apparatus turningradius cannot be met.

511.3.2 Electrically operated gates. Electrically operatedgates shall be installed in accordance with this section.

511.3.2.1 Standby power systems. Electrically oper-ated gates shall be provided with a standby power sys-tem. Standby power is permitted to be, but not limited to,battery back-up or connection to an emergency genera-tor. The activation of the system shall open gates andmaintain them in the open position until primary power isrestored to the system. Standby power systems arerequired to comply with the National Electrical CodeArticle 701.

Exception: Controlled access gates installed at occu-pancies other than multifamily residential propertiesmay remain closed until the emergency gate switch isactivated, and shall then remain open while thestandby power system is operating the gate.

511.3.3 Opening time. Electrically operated controlledaccess gates shall open at a minimum rate of 1 foot per sec-ond (0.305 m/s).

511.3.4 Key switch. Each electrically operated controlledaccess gate shall be equipped with an approved key switchon both sides of the gate. When separate entry and exit gatesare provided, the emergency key switch shall open theentrance and exit gates.

511.3.5 Key switch identification. An approved sign read-ing “F.D. ACCESS” shall be installed within 12 inches (305mm) of the emergency key switch. The key switch shall beilluminated so as to be visible from fire apparatus (see Fig-ure 5-17 for required sign plate specifications).

511.3.6 Height. The key switch shall be mounted between51/2 feet and 6 feet (1676 mm to 1829 mm) above grade.

511.3.7 Obstruction and impairment. Posts, fences, vehi-cles, growth, trash, storage and other materials shall not bekept near key switches in a manner that would prevent thekey switches from being visible.



511.3.8 Bypass of systems. When activated, the emergencykey switch shall bypass all occupant and loop switch sys-tems.

511.4 Preemption devices. Preemption devices are requiredon all new automatic fire access gates installed after January 1,2001, at residential properties. Gates installed without permitsor proof of installation date, require preemption devices. Vol-untary installations of preemption devices shall comply withthe requirements of Section 511.4.2.

511.4.1 Locations. The devices shall be installed such thatthe gate will open for both ingress and egress of emergencyvehicles.

511.4.2 Minimum installation standards. The installationof preemption devices shall comply with the following:

1. Detectors shall be mounted 8 feet to 10 feet (2439 mmto 3048 mm) above grade.

2. Detectors shall be located a minimum of 18 inches(457 mm) behind the gate on the property side.

3. Detectors shall be mounted on a separate 4 inch by 4inch (102 mm to 102 mm) metal post and not on theguidepost. The metal post shall be cemented a mini-mum of 18 inches (457 mm) below grade.

4. Detectors shall activate at a minimum of 150 feet (45720 mm) from the gate.

5. Detectors shall point toward both the approach andthe exit path of the emergency vehicle.

6. The sight path of the detector shall be free of visualobstructions such as signs, covered parking, canopiesand vegetation.

7. Individual detectors shall be mounted together withthe power module in the dual detector-mounting box.Detectors shall be approved by the fire department. Alist of approved devices will be maintained by the firedepartment and available to the public.

511.5 Manual controlled access gates. Manual controlledaccess gates that cross fire apparatus access roads or otherroads that, when determined by the Fire Code Official, provideaccess to areas where immediate access is necessary forlife-saving or fire-fighting purposes shall comply with Section511.3

511.5.1 Locking mechanism. All manual controlled accessgates that cross a fire apparatus access road shall use anapproved dual padlock mechanism (see Figures 5-18.1 and5-18.2 for required locking mechanism specifications).

Gates installed and approved prior to November 8, 2003,shall be maintained in accordance with the originalapproval.

511.5.2 Signs. Approved signs shall be provided on themanual gates. The signs shall have a reflective backgroundand shall be bolted back-to-back onto each side of the gate(see Figures 5-4, 5-16, 5-17, 5-18.1 and 5-18.2).

511.5.3 Marking. Minimum 6-inch wide red, crosshatchedstriping shall be painted on the ground surface on both sidesof the manual access gate, including recessed areas as deter-

mined by the fire department. A minimum of twoapplications of paint is required (see Figure 5-18.1).

SECTION 512PEDESTRIAN GATES

512.1 General. Pedestrian gates installed as part of the meansof egress shall comply with the Phoenix Building Code andChapter 10 of this code.

512.2 Fire department access. Pedestrian gates installed aspart of the required fire department access shall comply withSection 511.

512.3 Swimming pools. All pedestrian gates in multi-familyand commercial occupancies that provide access to swimmingpools and are locked shall be provided with an approved keybox in accordance with Section 506. If a card reader system isinstalled a Phoenix Fire Department knox key switch must beinstalled.

SECTION 513EMERGENCY MEDICAL ACCESS

513.1 Required access. The distance from an emergency med-ical access road to the front entrance of all buildings or facilitiesshall not exceed 150 feet (45 720 mm). The emergency medicalaccess road shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 16feet (4871 mm) and a vertical clearance of not less than 14 feet(4267 mm).

513.1.1 Loading areas and passenger drop-off areas. Onprivate property, where fire apparatus access roads are uti-lized for loading or unloading or are utilized for passengerdrop off or pickup, an additional 8 feet of width shall beadded to the fire apparatus access road. This width is inaddition to the minimum 16 foot access road width.

513.2 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designedand maintained to support the imposed live load of 66,000pounds (29 964 kg) with a maximum axle load of 28,000pounds (12 712 kg). Fire apparatus access roads shall be pro-vided and maintained with all-weather driving capabilities sur-face. When a surface other than paving is used for a fireapparatus access road, it shall comply with Section 503.

513.3 Turning radius. Fire apparatus access roads shall have aminimum 45-foot centerline radius [37-foot (11 298 mm)inside radius, 53-foot (16 154 mm) outside radius] on curves(see Figure 5-2).

513.4 Vehicle passing points. When emergency medicalaccess roads exceed 300 feet (91 440 mm) in length, vehiclepassing points shall be installed at intervals not to exceed 300(91 440 mm) feet. Vehicle passing points shall be a minimumof 30 feet (9140 mm) in width and 50 feet (15 240 mm) inlength (see Figure 5-1).

513.5 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads inexcess of 200 feet (60 960 mm) in length shall terminate in anapproved turnaround at the end of the fire apparatus road (seeFigure 5-3).

513.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Where a bridge or anelevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the



bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance withAASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall bedesigned for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads offire apparatus 66,000 pounds (29 964 kg) with a maximum axleload of 28,000 pounds (12 712 kg). Vehicle load limits shall beposted at both entrances to bridges when required by the FireMarshal. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergencyvehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed forsuch use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall beinstalled and maintained when required by the Fire Marshal.

513.7 Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access road shallnot exceed 15 percent [15 feet in 100 feet (4572 mm in 30 480mm)]. Cross-slope of an access road shall not exceed a depth of6 inches (152 mm).

513.8 Drainage. Water drainage shall be directed away from orpiped under the fire apparatus access roads. Ponding of wateron an access road shall not exceed a depth of 6 inches (152mm).

513.9 Stabilization. A stabilized edge meeting MaricopaAssociation of Governments standards or equivalent isrequired on fire apparatus access roads to provide stabilization.

SECTION 514HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT

514.1 Sprinkler requirement. An automatic sprinkler systemshall be installed in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies on hillsideareas where the gradient for a fire apparatus access road exceed15 percent, or hydrant spacing does not comply with this Sec-tion 508.4, or a reliable water supply is not available.

Group R-4 occupancies up to four stories in height shallrequire a minimum NFPA 13R automatic sprinkler system tobe installed.

Group R-3 occupancies, one- and two-family dwellings andmanufactured homes, shall require a minimum NFPA 13Dautomatic sprinkler system to be installed.



FIGURE 5-2FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS ROAD TURNING RADIUS



FIGURE 5-2AEMERGENCY MEDICAL ACCESS ROAD TURNING RADIUS

FIGURE 5-3TURNAROUND AND HAMMERHEADS



¾�

¾�

1½�

2�

1. THE SIGN PLATE SHALL BE A MINIMUM OF 12 X 18 WITH

A THICKNESS OF .080 ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION.

� �

2. THE SIGN FACE SHALL HAVE A WHITE REFLECTIVE

BACKGROUND WITH A RED LEGEND. USE THE STANDARD

3M SCOTCHLITE SIGN FACE NUMBER R7-32 OR EQUIVALENT,

WITH RED SCREEN PRINTED LETTERING AS SHOWN ABOVE.

RED

BLACK

WHITE

8½ DIA.�

2�

¾�

12� 12�

18�

FIGURE 5-4APPROVED PHOENIX FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE ACCESS ROAD SIGNS

(FIRE LANE SIGNS)



FIGURE 5-5APPROVED FIRE LANE POSTS



FIGURE 5-6FIRE LANE STRIPING, STENCILING AND SIGN INSTALLATION



FIGURE 5-8INTERIOR FIRE LANE DETAIL



FIGURE 509.2COMMAND CENTER DETAIL









Documents

Chapter 5 - Fire Service Features