Hello,

In the case of parking in front of a fire hydrant, there is no requirement that the curb be painted per the California Vehicle Code. 22514 CVC reads as follows:

22514.
No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant except as follows:

(a) If the vehicle is attended by a licensed driver who is seated in the front seat and who can immediately move such vehicle in case of necessity.

(b) If the local authority adopts an ordinance or resolution reducing that distance. If the distance is less than 10 feet total length when measured along the curb or edge of the street, the distance shall be indicated by signs or markings.

(c) If the vehicle is owned or operated by a fire department and is clearly marked as a fire department vehicle.

I agree that the red curb would make it more obvious, and be helpful. I'm not sure exactly the location of that hydrant, as the seeclickfix location isn't specific. If it's on a privately owned street, the HOA will have to do the painting. If it's a publicly maintained street, then Public Works will have to review/approve the curb painting. I will refer this to public works and see if they can take a look. From a police dept. standpoint, the ticket was issued correctly based on the vehicle code.

This issue was recategorized from Parking Enforcement to Roadway Markings and Traffic Striping.

Sergeant Brian Foster assigned this issue to Maintenance Management

Thank you for your request to improve the safety and efficiency of Alameda’s transportation system. It has been received as #19-01-0162. Requests for many transportation issues, including stop signs, curb painting, and traffic calming measures, typically require 8-12 weeks to complete before staff can develop a recommendation. These requests involve review of current plans and policies, compilation of accident and/or other history, coordinating with Alameda Police and other stakeholders, outreach to residents or others who may be affected by the proposed change, on-site data collection and analysis, and sometimes consultation with outside experts. We will follow up with you about your request when your request is at the top of the queue. Unfortunately, due to limited funding, there is a backlog of these requests and they are being handled in the order of receipt. Due to that backlog, some requests may take six months to a year to complete the analysis and recommendation. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Per Sgt. Foster, it is illegal to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant when the curb is not painted red.