I. RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution 3909, establishing distance requirements for painting curbs near fire hydrants.
II. BACKGROUND:
California Vehicle Code Section 22514 states that no person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant except as follows:
(a) If the vehicle is attended by a licensed driver who is seated in the front seat and who can immediately move such vehicle in case of necessity.
(b) If the local authority adopts an ordinance or resolution reducing that distance. If the distance is less than 10 feet total length when measured along the curb or edge of the street, the distance shall be indicated by signs or markings.
(c) If the vehicle is owned or operated by a fire department and is clearly marked as a fire department vehicle.
Currently, the City of Coalinga does not have a resolution or ordinance in effect that reduces the fifteen (15) foot minimum, therefore, the current City standard is 15 feet from the hydrant. Public works crews have began painting curbs based on the City standard and began receiving a few complaints about the length and restriction to on-street parking it caused. Staff reconvened and discussed possible solutions to the distance standards.
III. DISCUSSION:
The Fire Chief and Public Works Staff reviewed the regulations in the CA vehicle code and found that a resolution would need to be approved to reduce the minimum standard for parking near a fire hydrant. The Fire Chief recommended that 7 feet in both directions would be a reasonable distance and reduce the impact on on-street parking, especially in the residential districts. Staff has prepared the attached resolution for Council's consideration.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
The Council may choose an alternative distance and direct staff accordingly.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
Limited cost associated with painting the curbs near the hydrants. |