El Dorado County Fire Chiefs’ Association Driveway Policy
Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Articles 1-51273.03 Roadway Grades. The grade for all roads shall not exceed 16 percent.
Exceptions:
- At elevations below 3,000 feet, the gradient may be up to 20% if areas of the driveway greater than 16% are paved with an all-weather surface which will support a 40,000 lb. Load (pavement or asphalt). Where the 20% gradient is exceeded, the 2001 California Fire Code, Article 9, 902.2.1 exception #2 shall apply: “When access roads cannot be installed due to location on property, topography, waterways, non-negotiable grades or other similar conditions, the chief is authorized to require additional fire protection as specified in Section 1001.9.” Section 1001.9 states “Where access for fire apparatus is unduly difficult, the chief is authorized to require additional safeguards.” Additional safeguards are listed in Section 1001.9 and shall be determined by the Local Chief/Fire Marshal in the Fire District in which the driveway is located.
- At elevations of 3,000 and above where the gradient exceeds 16%. The 2001 California Fire Code, Article 9, 902.2.1 exception #2 shall apply: “When access roads cannot be installed due to location on property, topography, waterways, non-negotiable grades or other similar conditions, the chief is authorized to require additional fire protection as specified in Section 1001.9.” Section 1001.9 states “Where access for fire apparatus is unduly difficult, the chief is authorized to require additional safeguards.” Additional safeguards are listed in Section 1001.9 and shall be determined by the Local Chief/Fire Marshal in the Fire District in which the driveway is located.
Adopted November 15, 2005