(A) The following structures shall be equipped with a key lock emergency access system (key lock box) at or near the main entrance, or such other location required by the Fire Department:
(1) Commercial or industrial structures protected by an automatic alarm system or automatic suppression system, if such structures are secured in a manner that restricts access during an emergency; or
(2) Government structures and nursing care facilities.
(B) The cost of purchasing and installing a key lock box, along with any costs associated with implementation of the program at a specific property, shall be born by the property owner.
(C) This section shall not apply to owner-occupied one or two-family dwellings or businesses that are open and staffed 24 hours a day and seven days a week, 365 days a year. This section shall not apply to structures where an on-site police force is present 24 hours a day and seven days a week, provided that members of that police force respond to all Fire Department responses with the correct means of accessing the effected structures.
(D) All newly constructed structures subject to this section shall have a key lock box installed and operational prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the Code Enforcement Officer. All structures in existence on the effective date of this law and subject to this law shall have six months from the effective date of this section to have a key lock box installed and operational.
(E) The Fire Department shall designate the type of key lock box system to be implemented within the city and shall have the authority to require all structures subject to this section to use the designated system.
(F) (1) The owner or operator of a structure required to have a key lock box shall, at all times, keep the following in the lock box:
(a) Labeled keys to locked access points of egress, whether interior or exterior of such building;
(b) Labeled keys to the locked mechanical rooms;
(c) Labeled keys to the locked elevator rooms and controls; and
(d) Labeled keys to any fenced or secured areas on the property.
(2) Floor plans of the rooms within the building may also be required to be submitted to the Fire Department. An operator of a building shall immediately notify the Fire Department and provide new keys when a lock is changed or rekeyed. The new key shall be secured in the key lock box.
(G) An operator of a building shall keep the immediate area of the key lock box free and clear of any and all obstructions.
(H) The Fire Department shall be authorized to implement rules and regulations for the use of the key lock box system.
(I) The Fire Department shall store all key lock box access keys securely in a Knox Box Key Secure system installed in the fire apparatus.
(J) Non-compliance with this section will subject the responsible party to a citation and mandatory appearance in city court, minimum fine $200.
(Ord. 2018-1778, passed 8-20-2018)