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What is all-weather access?

For purposes of clarification Section 902.2.2.2, the term all-weather driving capabilities shall mean a surface that will support the imposed loads of a fire apparatus during inclement weather, including normal rainfall. All weather access roads shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction. Permissible access road construction may include, but not be limited to the following:

• Three inch (3”) Type II A.C. pavement on four inch (4”) crushed aggregate base.
• Six inch (6”) Type II A.C. pavement on native soil.
• Six inch (6”) Portland cement concrete pavement on native soil.
• Four inch (4”) crushed aggregate base (sand, gravel mix compacted to 95% or greater) with the first layer of asphalt.

What is fuel modification

A fuel modification plan identifies specific zones within a property which are subject to fuel modification. A fuel modification zone is a strip of land where combustible native or ornamental vegetation has been modified and/or partially or totally replaced with drought tolerant, fire resistant plants.

For additional information contact the Forestry Division, Fuel Modification Unit.

What does Fire Department Planning section review?

Planning reviews for adequacy of Fire Department services within the given area of proposed development.

Will Fire accept an Arizona crossing?

Current Fire Department policy prohibits the installation of Arizona crossings for primary access.

When is a fire department turnaround required? (Allowable maximum gradient)

Dead-in fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with approved provisions for the turning around of fire apparatus. Per Fire Code section 902.2.2.4

What are the requirements for gated entrance designs?

• Single gate designs shall provide a minimum clear open width of 26 feet.The keypad shall be set back to a minimum of 50 feet from the back of right of way.
• Provide a minimum turning radius of 32 feet prior to the gate, with a minimum width of 20 feet clear to be maintained through the radius.
• Double gate design shall provide for a minimum clear opening width of 20 feet for both ingress and egress.The keypad shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the back of right of way.
• Provide a minimum turning radius of 32 feet prior to the gate, with a minimum width of 20 feet clear to be maintained through the radius.
• A gate detail shall be submitted for review and approval along with any Land-Development application.

When is ladder truck access required? What is the criterion of the design?

For structures with an eve height or top of parapet, 28 feet or more in height.

• 28 feet of access shall be provided parallel and adjacent to the longest side of the structure.
• Required ladder truck access shall be provided from the public street to the structure and return back to the public street. All turns associated with ladder truck access shall provide for minimum turning radii of 32 feet on the centerline.
• The required ladder truck access shall be placed a minimum distance of 5 feet from the exterior wall, including projections. Additional distance may be required due to ladder climbing angle and the hazard of falling debris from upper stories.

When is public water required for subdivision?

For lots with less than 5 acres.

What is the standard for rural determination of commercial water supply and how is it calculated?

• Per NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Section 1245
• The code bases the tank size on the use, construction type and volume of the structure.

What is the vertical clearance under protected species of trees?

13 feet 6 inches.

What are the requirements for a helipad?

• The graded flat helipad shall be a minimum dimension of 200’ by 200’.
• Construct a 35’ by 35’ reinforced concrete pad.
• Locate a fire hydrant at the helipad.
• Construct a sump pit with a locking water supply with valve, and a locking drain valve to assure that the sump does not fill with water from rain or other run-off. The sump shall be 3 ½’ deep, 12’ wide, by 12’ long. The sump shall be made of steel-reinforced concrete. Its sides shall be sloped at such an angle as to prevent a fall from the edge into the sump, and the sump sides shall also be rough-stamped in such a manner to discourage activities such as skating, skateboarding, bicycling, etc., and coarse enough to provide easy egress should someone accidentally fall into the sump when full of water.
• Cover remaining graded area with #2 rock, 5” deep.
• The precise location, specifications, and details of these improvements shall be determined by the air operations section after the site has been graded.

What are the plan check fees?

PENDING

What are the width requirements for streets within rural areas?

PENDING

What construction design is an all weather surface?

UNDER REVISION

How far can my building be from an access road?

Normally all portions of the exterior walls of a building must be accessible within 150' of the access road when measured by an unobstructed route around the exterior of the building.

What type of speed or traffic control devices are acceptable to the Fire Department?

(under revision for private access, contact Public Works, Traffic and Lighting Division for public street questions)

When does a subdivision require a secondary access?

Normally this is required when the unit count exceeds 75 and the single access route traverses a very high fire hazard fire severity zone - VHFHSZ)

What type of road is acceptable as secondary access and how must it be constructed?

UNDER REVISION

Where are the very high hazard severity zones located and what special development requirements do they have?

(See: Building Requirements for the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, Form 186 and Appendix 8 of the 2002 LA County Fire Code for locations)

Are there any building code violations on a property?

Disaster Service Planning- Codes and Ordinances Unit (323) 890-4236

What time is your office open?

7:30am to 5:00pm

Where is your office located?

5823 Rickenbacker Rd. Commerce, Ca 90040-3027

Who do I contact to get a Fire Inspection for my building?

Regional Fire Prevention Office

Where can I get a copy of a Fire Report?

Public Records Unit - IMD
(323) 890-4238

Can I submit my plans directly to your office?

NO. Plans must be submitted to Regional Planning or City Planning Departments for their distribution to the Fire Department. A preliminary review may be arranged only by appointment. Land Development Unit (323) 890-4243.

Where is my project? Land Development? Engineering? Area Office?

Regional Fire Prevention Office