a. Rapid Entry Key Boxes.
1. Buildings requiring rapid entry key boxes:
(a) Where access to or within a structure or area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life saving or firefighting purposes, a Knox rapid entry key box compatible with Fire Department use shall be installed in an accessible location at or near the main entrances or other approved locations.
(b) Any newly constructed building or change in occupancy/use of a building meeting the following criteria shall install a Knox rapid entry key box:
i. Any building that has installed within it an automatic fire suppression system, a remotely monitored fire alarm system, or an elevator.
ii. Any commercial building that has more than two (2) stories.
iii. Any building containing hazardous materials requiring the filing of a Tier II report.
iv. Residential buildings with eight (8) or more rental units.
2. Location.
(a) Knox rapid entry key boxes must be installed within five (5) feet horizontally of the principle entrance door or within five (5) feet horizontally of another entrance to the building which is acceptable to the Fire Department. Knox rapid entry key boxes shall be installed at a height of approximately five and one half (5.5) feet and no more than seven (7) feet vertically from the threshold of the door.
(b) Knox rapid entry key boxes must be installed on the side of the building facing the street unless the Fire Department approves another location.
3. Access Doors and Control Devices.
(a) In buildings requiring rapid entry key boxes, when access points (Main Entry Doors) are secured with magnetic locks or electric strikes, a Knox key switch is required. The key switch is to be located within twelve (12) inches of the security card key reader.
4. Pedestrian Gates.
(a) In buildings requiring rapid entry key boxes, when the primary access point has a pedestrian gate, the gate will be required to have a means for Fire Department emergency access. This access may be provided with a Knox key switch, or Knox rapid entry key box if it is a manual gate.
5. Keys required.
(a) With the exception of residential buildings, all rapid entry key boxes must contain keys for the following:
i. Locked points of access to the structures main entrance;
ii. Locked mechanical and electrical rooms;
iii. Fenced or secured areas;
iv. Access to sprinkler and / or riser room;
v. Access to generators;
vi. Access to roof hatch;
vii. Alarm room / fire alarm control panel; and
viii. Keys to reset pull stations.
(b) Residential buildings shall contain keys to access main entrances of buildings, life safety systems, and portions of the building not leased to residents.
(c) All keys in the key box must be clearly labeled with regard to their function.
6. Access Maintenance.
(a) Any time the locks on the doors for which keys are stored in the key box are changed, the owner of the building shall notify the Fire Department Prevention Division. The Fire Department Prevention Division will provide access for the owner or occupant to replace keys in the key box.
(b) The owner or occupant of a structure or area, with required Fire Department access as specified herein, shall notify the Fire Department when the access is modified in a manner that could prevent Fire Department access.
(Ord. BG2021-15, 5/4/2021)