[Adopted 6-20-1977; amended 1-8-1990; 8-4-2003]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
FIRE LANE
Refers to any traffic area or other area adjacent to the front, side or rear of any public building, or providing access from a public highway to said building, which is designated for free passage of heavy fire apparatus and other emergency equipment to all areas of such building in all seasons and in all kinds of weather. No portion of any public highway shall be deemed to be, or shall be designated as, a fire lane.
PUBLIC BUILDING
Refers to any structure owned by any governmental unit and to any privately owned structure which has a capacity of 50 or more persons and is used, or is intended to be used, by members of the general public.
If, in the judgment of the Fire Marshal, the type, magnitude, location or traffic pattern of any existing or proposed public building is such that the reasonable safety of persons who might occupy such building requires the establishment of a fire lane or lanes, he shall establish such fire lane and the area it shall constitute by written order.
A. 
Existing building. The Fire Marshal shall cause a copy of such order to be delivered to the owner or owners, or agent thereof, of such public building and shall file one copy thereof with the Town Clerk, the Fire Chief, and the Traffic Division of the Police Department.
B. 
Proposed building. The owner or owners, or agent thereof, shall file a copy of the site plan for said building, and any subsequent revisions thereto, with the Fire Marshal within 48 hours of the time said plan is filed with the Town Planning and Zoning Commission. Within 10 days of the receipt of said plan, the Fire Marshal shall issue either notice that fire lanes are not required or an order for establishment of fire lanes. Such notice or order shall be delivered to the owner or owners, or agent thereof, of such proposed building, and one copy thereof shall be filed with the Town Clerk, the Fire Chief, the Traffic Division of the Police Department, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Building Official.
A. 
Upon establishment of a fire lane, the owner of such building shall install, or cause to be installed, signs and markings in accordance with the following specifications:
(1) 
Outer limits of fire lane, as designated by the Fire Marshal, shall be lined in yellow traffic paint at least four inches wide.
(2) 
The words "FIRE LANE" shall be painted within the established lane area at intervals to be specified by the Fire Marshal. Said words shall be painted in yellow traffic paint, with strokes of letters to be at least three inches wide and letters to be at least 12 inches high.
(3) 
Metal, reflective, sheeting signs, 12 inches wide by 18 inches high, containing the wording "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE - TOW ZONE" shall be posted at such locations as are specified by the Fire Marshal.
(4) 
All fire lane signs, striping and lettering shall be kept in good repair and clearly legible at all times.
B. 
In lieu thereof, the Traffic Division of the Police Department, at the expense of the owner of said building, shall cause signs and markings to be installed in accordance with the foregoing specifications.
No person shall park any motor vehicle, as defined by the Connecticut General Statutes, or leave any motor vehicle unattended in a fire lane established and identified as set forth above. The registered owner of any motor vehicle shall be presumed to be the operator of such vehicle.
Any motor vehicle found parked or standing unattended in a fire lane established and identified as set forth above may be towed upon the direction of any officer of the Plainville Police Department or of the Plainville Fire Department to any public or private parking facility, and all expenses of such towing and any storage charges shall be borne by the registered owner thereof.
Violation of § 219-4 or 219-5 of this article shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $25. Notwithstanding the above, whenever a police officer shall find a violation of § 219-4, he shall serve upon the owner or operator of such vehicle, or place upon such vehicle, a notice directing the owner or operator thereof to appear at the Police Department prior to a time specified in said notice. If any person receiving said notice shall appear as directed and shall pay a fine of $25, such payment shall bar a prosecution for violation of § 219-4 of this article.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).