New Britain, CT Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)

New Britain's fire zone rules in Sec. 8-80 through 8-84 let the fire marshal designate a 'fire zone,' defined as the unobstructed passageway needed for fire apparatus to reach a building, and notify the property owner or agent in writing, either hand-delivered or by certified mail. Once a zone is designated, Sec. 8-82 puts the cost of compliance on the owner: permanent signage reading the fire lane warning must be erected and maintained at the owner's own expense, and the fire marshal can separately require painted yellow markings on the curb and roadway to mark the boundaries of the zone.

The fire marshal can also order 'such other and further designations as are reasonably required' to keep drivers out of the zone, which can include additional striping or signage beyond the standard sign and paint. Sec. 8-81(b) requires fire zones be kept clear of ice, snow, rubbish containers and other obstructions at all times, not just clear of parked cars. If the fire marshal notifies an owner in writing of specific compliance requirements, whether that is repainting faded curb markings, replacing a damaged sign, or clearing an obstruction, Sec.

8-83 gives a reasonable amount of time to comply, and Sec. 8-84 makes parking within a designated fire lane itself a separate, ongoing violation once the zone is established.