Where access to or within a commercial structure or an area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes, the Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be permitted to require a key lock box to be installed in an accessible location. The key lock box shall be of Underwriter's Laboratories (U.L.) listing, or its equivalent.
(a) When Key Box Is Required.
(1) Key boxes shall be required in all new commercial construction where the occupancy is served by an internal automatic fire detection or fire suppression system(s); and
(2) Key boxes shall be required in existing structures, when there is a change of ownership or occupancy of a building or tenant space, or where the building or tenant space is to have installed an internal automatic fire detection or fire suppression system(s).
(3) Those buildings or facilities where a proprietary-type fire alarm or on- premises human guard system is supplied on a 24-hour, 7 days-a-week basis, or where the building or facility is staffed on a 24-hour, 7 days-a- week work basis, shall not be subject to the requirements of subsections (a) or (b) of this section.
(b) Key Box Location.
(1) The key box or boxes shall be located at or near the recognized public entrance on the exterior of the structure. The location of each key box shall be approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Plans indicating the location of each key box shall be submitted to the Bureau of Fire Prevention prior to installation.
(2) The lock box shall be permanently installed at a height not to exceed seven (7) feet, and no less than three (3) feet above final grade.
(3) No displays, signs, landscaping, steps, structural protrusions, or other hindrances shall obstruct the underside or front of the lock box.
(c) Key Box Contents. Each key in the lock box shall be labeled for easy identification in the field. An updated list of the keys to be maintained in each lock box shall be kept in each box. The lock boxes shall contain the following:
(1) Keys to main entry doors at the lock box location;
(2) Keys to mechanical, sprinkler control, or electrical service rooms.
(3) Elevator keys if required.
(4) Fire alarm panel keys, key to reset manual pull stations, key for sprinkler control valve locks, and key for any other fire protection devices.
(5) Keys for all other rooms as deemed necessary by the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
(d) Key Box Maintenance. It shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner to maintain all key lock boxes in operating condition at all times.
(e) Vacant Buildings. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to leave the keys in all lock boxes if the building becomes vacant for any length of time.
(Ord. 187-2007. Passed 12-17-07.)