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Belgrade staff want 15-foot hydrant clear zones extended to private streets for life-safety
Summary
Police Chief Dustin Lensing proposed adding a provision to the parking ordinance to prohibit parking within 15 feet of fire hydrants even on private streets inside city limits, giving staff authority to remove or relocate vehicles in emergencies.
Police Chief Dustin Lensing told the council the proposed ordinance would "allow us for life safety purposes to prohibit parking within 15 feet of any fire hydrant whether it's on private street or not" and would authorize removal or relocation of vehicles to clear hydrants in emergencies. He noted Montana motor vehicle code can be "a little confusing and a little gray in enforcement on private property," but said the addition is intended to protect life-safety access.
Council members noted the city had removed routine curb-painting requirements several years ago and that paint is not a reliable enforcement method in local weather. Staff emphasized that the 15-foot distance used for enforcement is a measure to enable action and does not require designated signage or paint to be enforceable.
