(A) Purpose. As a means of fire protection, the City of Medford requires the use of a key lock box device, referred to as a "lock box", on certain commercial, industrial or multi-family buildings located within the City.
(B) Where required. Lock boxes shall be installed on all buildings within the City as follows:
(1) All new commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings constructed after June 1, 2009 that have at least one (1) of the following:
(a) A fire suppression or fire alarm system.
(b) Three or more living units that have a common corridor for access to the living units or mechanical rooms.
(c) Lack of access that may result in loss of life, or substantial property or environmental damage as determined by the City.
(2) Any commercial, industrial or multi-family building existing prior to June 1, 2009 with one (1) or more characteristics set forth in division (B)(1) that undergoes additions and/or alterations to at least 25% or more of the ground floor square footage of such building.
(3) Any existing commercial, industrial or multi-family building with one (1) or more characteristics set forth in division (B)(1) purchased after June 1, 2009 that does not currently have a lock box.
(4) Existing commercial, industrial or multi-family buildings with one (1) or more characteristics set forth in division (B)(1) that currently provide law enforcement with either a key or security pass code shall have until June 30, 2012 to comply with this section.
(C) Location. The lock box shall be installed at an accessible location that is mutually agreed upon by the building owner and the City.
(D) Owner responsibility. The building owner shall be responsible to:
(1) Install an approved lock box by contacting the City of Medford Building Inspector for the necessary forms.
(2) Provide the proper keys for the lock box that the owner and the City mutually agree are necessary.
(3) Notify the City of Medford Police Department when the building locks have been changed or additional keys for the lock are necessary.
(4) Keep the immediate area of the lock box free and clear of any obstructions.
(E) Non-required key lock box systems. In the event the owner of any building not otherwise applicable under this section decides to install a lock box, the lock box nevertheless shall conform to all requirements set forth above and shall also be approved by the City.
(F) New construction. All newly constructed structures subject to this section shall have the lock box installed and operational prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.
(G) Existing buildings. Existing buildings with lock boxes currently installed shall conform to this section. Existing buildings undergoing additions and/or alterations subject to this section shall have the lock box installed and operational at the time of final inspection. Existing buildings that undergo a change in ownership subject to this section shall have the lock box installed and operational within 6 months of said change.
(H) It shall be unlawful to tamper with or remove any required lock box without the written permission of the City.
(I) Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provisions of this section, shall, upon conviction thereof, forfeit up to $2,500, and the costs of prosecution for each violation, and the costs to replace and/or repair any damages that compromises the integrity of the key lock box system. A separate offense occurs on each day a violation exists or continues to exist.
(Ord. 946, passed 5-18-09)