(A) Commercial and multifamily residential structures. Any new or planned commercial or multifamily residential structure which does not have a certificate of occupancy prior to the effective date of this section shall be equipped with an approved key box, installed at a location approved by the Fire Official. The Building Inspector or Fire Official or his designee shall provide notice of the requirements of this subchapter to the responsible party of all new or planned commercial or multifamily residential structure at the time a building permit is issued. The cost of purchasing and installing, along with any cost associated with implementation shall be borne solely and exclusively by the responsible party.
(B) Automatic gates. All newly constructed commercial, multifamily residential, or residential structures, which can only be accessed through a gate or cross arm or other like device that impedes ingress through required fire lanes by means of a key, swipe card, or manual activation by a stationed guard, shall be equipped with two systems designed to allow for emergency access. The system shall have a key switch to be installed as a backup to the public entry system. Both of these systems shall be installed at a location approved by the Fire Official.
(C) Security padlock. Any newly constructed commercial or multifamily residential structure that is located on a property protected by a locked fence or gate shall be equipped with an approved security padlock to be installed at a location approved by the Fire Official. It shall be the responsibility of the responsible party to ensure that the fence or gate is secured properly so that the security padlock is accessible.
(D) Construction sites. Any newly constructed commercial or multifamily residential structure under construction which is secured by a locked fence or gate shall, until the locked fence or gate is removed, be secured by a security padlock, which shall be obtained by the responsible party at his or her expense. It shall be the responsibility of the construction company to insure that the fence or gate is secured properly so that the security padlock is accessible.
(E) Registration required. To obtain a key box for a location as required by this subchapter, the responsible party or his or her designee shall request, in person, from the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, a form available at the office of the City Clerk. Fees for such application shall be established by resolution of the City Council from time to time.
(F) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to mandate compliance of any commercial or multifamily residential structure which has previously been granted a certificate of occupancy from the city; however, all owners and operators of any such building may, and are encouraged to, voluntarily comply with the requirements of this subchapter.
(Ord. 888, passed 5-6-2014)