This document is intended to provide general information about fire and emergency access requirements that are applied to new construction projects within the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County.  Fire Access Requirements are found in Section 503 and Appendix D of the California Fire Code.  Contact the Office of the Fire Marshal at 552-3700 or your local fire department if you have questions or need additional information.

Access Roadways
All newly constructed buildings are required to have fire access roadways within 150’ of all portions of the building.  However, this distance may be increased if the building is equipped with automatic fire sprinklers, or some other approved means of fire protection or no more than two R-3 or U occupancies are served.  Access roadways must meet the following criteria:

• Must have an unobstructed with of at least 20’.
• Must have an unobstructed height of at least 13’ 6”.
• Must be capable of supporting vehicles weighing at least 75,000 pounds in all weather.
• May not exceed 10% grade unless approved by the Fire Chief.
• Dead end roadways longer that 750’ are not permitted unless approved by the Fire Chief.
• Dead end roadways longer than150’ must have approved turnarounds.  The minimum turning radius for a turnaround is 50’ outside and 30’ inside measured from the center of the roadway.
• Must include KNOX key boxes or other approved means for entering gated areas.  KNOX key box applications must be obtained from your local fire department.

Building Identification
Address and building numbers shall be visible from the street or road fronting the building and be at least 4” high with a stroke of .5 inch.