Security Gates and Fire Department Access
L.A.M.C. 57.503.4.2

Public Streets, Private Streets,
Access Roads and Fire Lanes

Public Streets
A right-of-way for public street purpose may not be closed by use of a security gate.  State Law prohibits the closure of Public Streets in a way that would allow only a select group the right of passage.

Private Street, Access Roads and Fire Lanes
When required for Fire Department access shall be maintained unobstructed and in good condition for vehicular usage at all times. The Fire Department may allow closure by approved security gates that comply with the following standards:

Minimum Standards for Security Gates
Gates shall not reduce the required roadway width to less than the minimum width required by the Fire Department ( 20 ft. free and clear, see attachment). Adequate stacking lane shall be provided based on the projected volume of traffic for the project.  The stacking lane is for visitor traffic waiting for permission to enter through gate, without blocking the cross street (see attachment).

Manually Operated Gates
When closed and locked, manually operated gates shall be locked with a chain and padlock.  The chain shall be limited to 3/8 inch diameter non-case hardened metal links.  Multiple padlocks may be used as links of the chain.

Power Operated Gates
Power operated gates shall be equipped with a Fire Department approved security gate override device.

Security Gate Override Device Requirements
The override device shall consist of the following:

1. Fire Department Access Box
A weather proof metal box approximately 6 inches wide by 7 inches high. The front of the box shall consist of a hinged metal door with hasp for a padlock.  The box and the door shall be painted red.   FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS shall be painted on the front of the box with 1 inch high by 114 inch wide white letters.  The door shall be locked with a Fire Department padlock or with an expendable padlock which can be cut off with a small bolt cutter.

2. Placement of Fire Department Access Box
The box shall be installed on a gate support pillar or post adjacent to the gate. The box must be visible to anyone approaching the gate at all times.

3. Override Operation
Mounted within the box shall be a high quality two position toggle switch. Position one shall be for normal operation.  Position two shall be the override operation.  When the switch is in the override position, the gate or gates shall open and remain open until the switch is placed back in position for normal operation.

A Knox Company (L.A. City Fire Department approved) key operated two position switch or a spring operated switch inside the box which automatically moves to the override position when the box is opened, are acceptable alternatives.

4. Timing of Override Operation
When the switch is moved to the override position, the gate/gates shall fully open within 1O seconds.

5. Fail Safe Operation Requirements
In the event of a power failure, including battery back-up, the gate/gates shall automatically open, by spring tension or other non-electrical method, or the gate must be capable of being pushed open without additional steps having to be performed.