In cases of fire, medical or public safety emergencies, it is vital that police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel be able to gain access to secured areas of buildings. In an emergency response situation there is insufficient time to locate a person serving as a key holder. Use of key boxes will minimize the damage to doors and windows and provide a more efficient means of emergency access to locked buildings by public safety personnel, thereby enhancing the safety and security of the building's occupants and protection of the premises and contents. A key box provides secure storage of key, access codes and other vital information and keeps it readily available to emergency personnel during a situation. To assist emergency personnel in gaining entry into locked/secured facilities, the city hereby requires the installation of a key box security device on all buildings meeting certain criteria constructed after the effective date of this subchapter.
(Ord. 281, passed 6-5-2008)