For IFC-based jurisdictions, the standard maximum grade for a fire apparatus access road is 10%, with limited, AHJ-approved exceptions.

IFC Appendix D baseline

  • IFC Appendix D103.2: Fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed 10 percent in grade.[1][2][3][4]
  • Exception: Grades steeper than 10% are allowed only if specifically approved by the fire code official/fire chief.[3][4][5][1]
  • The main body of IFC 503 refers more generally to grade “within limits established by the fire code official,” but Appendix D gives the numeric 10% cap commonly enforced.[6][3]

Local variations and refinements

  • Many local guides (e.g., Flagstaff AZ, Loveland CO, various counties) adopt the 10% maximum directly; some also require intersections and turnarounds to be essentially level (often ≤5% cross slope or grade).[7][8]
  • A few jurisdictions allow slightly higher grades (12–15%) on short pitches or existing driveways, again only when approved and often with compensating fire-protection measures.[9]

Practical takeaway

Unless a local amendment clearly states otherwise, you can treat the default maximum longitudinal grade for a fire apparatus access road as 10%, and anything steeper is an exception that requires explicit AHJ approval and often additional conditions.[2][4][1][3]

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  1. https://codes.iccsafe.org/s/IFC2021P1/appendix-d-fire-apparatus-access-roads/IFC2021P1-Pt07-AppxD-SecD103.2
  2. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2015/appendix-d-fire-apparatus-access-roads?site_type=public
  3. http://www.campusfiresafety.org/Portals/0/Documents/Code Corner, International Code Council/Jun10-CodeCorner.pdf
  4. https://www.bismarcknd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/47886/Site-Design-Requirements-for-Fire-Department_201707261643516528-
  5. https://www.arcatafire.org/files/6093c8676/Appendix+D+Fire+Apparatus+Turnarounds.pdf
  6. https://www.firefighternation.com/firefighting/fire-department-access-requirements/
  7. https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/82893
  8. https://lfra.org/DocumentCenter/View/349/Fire-Code-Development-Guide-PDF
  9. https://www.clatskaniefire.org/files/d98eb544e/Fire+Code+Guide.pdf
  10. https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDCI/Codes/SeattleFireCode/2021SFCAppendixD.pdf
  11. https://codes.iccsafe.org/s/IFC2006P4/appendix-d-fire-apparatus-access-roads/IFC2006P4-App-D-SecD103.2
  12. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/nfpa-1-chapter-18-fire-department-access-pptx/273806204
  13. https://parkcity.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=60892
  14. https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/lincolnton/latest/lincolnton_nc/0-0-0-13142
  15. https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2019/07/26/nfpa-1-when-is-fire-department-access-required-firecodefriday