AGENDA DATE: 3/1/2017
TITLE:
Title
Emergency Response Apparatus, Access and Road Widths
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Discussion/Presentation regarding Emergency Apparatus Size, Access and Impact on Road Widths in the County
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Walker, Kamptner, Eggleston, Oprandy, Benish, Lagomarsino, Gilmer
PRESENTER (S): Lagomarsino, Benish
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Douglas C. Walker
BACKGROUND: Albemarle County embraces the Neighborhood Model form of development within the County. The Neighborhood Model calls for designs that are more human, pedestrian, bicycle and public transportation friendly while promoting economic prosperity at the grass roots level, within the neighborhood. One aspect in achieving these goals requires streets that are more "human centric" rather than vehicle focused. Smaller streets and traffic calming engineering are two processes that achieve the human focus. While it may appear that the design of emergency apparatus, emergency response efforts and the fire code are in opposition to the Neighborhood Model, early involvement in the plans review process along with open communications provides for flexibility where possible and ensures that conflicts are resolved in a mutually beneficial manner.
The purpose of this discussion is to explore the effect of road widths for emergency apparatus access provisions in the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) on the development goals of Albemarle County.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Thriving Development Areas: Attract quality employment, commercial and high density residential uses into development areas by providing services and infrastructure that encourage redevelopment and private investment while protecting the quality of neighborhoods.
Quality Government Operations: Ensure County government's capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: ...
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