Chapter 5 of the IFC covers the site and building features firefighters depend on. Fire apparatus access roads (503) must reach within a set distance of the building with adequate width, vertical clearance, turning radius, and dead-end limits. Fire protection water supply and hydrants (507) must meet the required fire flow and spacing. Key boxes (Knox boxes, 506), fire department connections, and — for larger buildings — a fire command center (508) round out the list.
A common mistake is a site plan that doesn't demonstrate apparatus access meeting turning and dead-end rules, or hydrants placed beyond the allowed spacing for the building's fire flow.
This is the set the fire marshal usually reviews directly, checking access geometry, hydrant location and flow, and where the FDC lands relative to the building and the fire lane.
This guide describes the model code for general understanding and is not a substitute for the adopted code and amendments enforced by your local authority having jurisdiction. Verify all figures against your jurisdiction's codes of record.