1501.18 MASTER KEYS; KNOX BOXES.

   (a)   Buildings; General Provisions. All newly constructed buildings regardless of use or occupancy, except for residential dwellings, and all existing constructed commercial and/or manufacturing buildings which undergo a change in ownership after the effective date of this section, shall provide a master key "Knox Box" at a location approved by the Fire Department. Such box shall be provided with master keys necessary for access to all portions of the premises. Such box and keys shall be provided prior to occupancy and/or final inspection. (Ord. 1996-24. Passed 8-13-96.)

   (b)   Buildings with Elevators. All buildings equipped with elevators shall be provided with a master key Knox Box as in subsection (a) hereof.

   (c)   Method of Opening Fire Access Gates.

      (1)   The method of opening manually operated fire access gates shall be one of the following:

         A.   A padlock and chain with chain links no larger than one quarter inch in diameter. In case of emergencies, the Fire Department shall utilize bolt cutters and cut the chain in order to gain access.

         B.   A Knox padlock.

         C.   A Knox lock box.

      (2)   The method of opening electric operated fire access gates: A Knox electric key switch override or a Knox Box with a key or key card installed on a convenient and conspicuous place. If there are two gates at this point, one for access and the other for egress, this switch or key or key car shall open both gates. (Ord. 1996-20. Passed 7-9-96.)