A. Purpose And Policy: The purpose of this section is to provide for effective fire protection by providing a method for rapid response entry into and throughout locked buildings in emergency situations where time may be of the essence.
A voluntary emergency entry lockbox system is currently in use in the city for a number of buildings.
It is now the policy of the city that this system shall be mandatory for specified buildings as of a specific date.
Owners of buildings not covered by this section are encouraged to become a part of the emergency entry lockbox system.
B. Scope: The owner of any building, for which a building permit is issued for: 1) any new construction or 2) any alteration, enlargement or repair to any existing building that exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), shall install and maintain an emergency entry lockbox system meeting the requirements of this section.
C. Exceptions: This section shall not apply to the following:
1. Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and twin homes as these terms are defined in section 10-1-4 of this code.
2. Multiple dwellings, as the term is defined in section 10-1-4 of this code; provided, however, that this exception shall only apply if every entrance into each dwelling unit shall have direct access to the exterior of the building, i.e., no entry or exit into a common corridor or hallway before entering or exiting the building.
3. Buildings owned by the Board Of Regents of the University Of Wisconsin System.
4. Buildings that are staffed twenty four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days per week and three hundred sixty five (365) days per year by a front desk person, caretaker or security person, provided that the fire chief has issued a written variance approval therefor.
D. Selection Of Vendor And System: To facilitate access by the fire department without confusion or delay, the only city approved emergency entry lockbox system permitted to be installed and the only approved vendor(s) therefor shall be the emergency entry lockbox system and vendor(s) approved in writing by the fire department.
E. Location Of Lockbox: The lockbox shall be installed within five feet (5') of the main entry door on the addressed side of the building. The lockbox shall be located no lower than four feet (4') above grade nor higher than six feet (6') above grade. However, alternative locations may be approved in writing by the fire chief or his designee.
F. Contents: The lockbox shall contain the building master keys to:
1. All locked points of ingress and egress, whether located at the exterior or in the interior of the building. This shall include keys for all locked exterior doors and keys for all locked principal ingress and egress doors to individual businesses and offices, but shall not be mandatorily required for any residential dwelling unit located within the building.
2. All locked mechanical equipment rooms.
3. All locked electrical rooms.
4. All locked elevator controls.
5. All locked elevator rooms.
6. All locked fire alarm panels.
7. All locked fire suppression systems.
8. All other areas deemed necessary by the fire chief.
G. Access To Lockbox: Only fire department personnel shall have access to the lockbox or possess the master key to the lockbox.
H. Lockbox Use: Lockboxes shall be utilized only to gain entry into properties in the event of an emergency situation. Lockboxes shall not be utilized in nonemergency situations such as lockouts. Fire department personnel, for the purpose of gaining emergency access during an ongoing police emergency situation, can utilize lockboxes during police incidents. Safety of fire department personnel is of the utmost importance and if the company officer deems the situation unsafe, other means shall be used to gain entry into the building/complex. At no time shall the lockbox master key or building master keys located in the lockbox be turned over to law enforcement personnel. Lockboxes shall not be used for the purpose of gaining entry to gather evidence or process court ordered search warrants.
I. Owner's Responsibilities: Building owners:
1. Shall provide to the fire department, on an annual basis and on a form provided by the fire department, a list of emergency contacts for use in the event of an emergency.
2. Shall purchase the lockbox directly from the vendor referenced in subsection D of this section at owner's expense, with said vendor installing said lockbox at owner's expense.
3. Shall supply the fire department with the building master keys referenced in subsection F of this section, said keys being properly labeled with respect to their identity and function, with the building master keys being placed in the lockbox by fire department personnel.
4. Shall provide to the fire department, when a change of locks occurs, properly labeled replacement keys for installation by the fire department in the lockbox.
5. Shall not have possession of a lockbox master key.
6. Shall keep the immediate area of the lockbox free and clear of any obstructions.
7. Shall not tamper with or remove any lockbox, or direct or permit another person to so do, without permission of the fire department.
J. Certificate Of Occupancy: No certificate of occupancy shall be issued pursuant to section 9-1-12 of this chapter until there is compliance with the requirements of this section.
K. Standard Operating Guideline: The fire department shall adopt a standard operating guideline to implement the requirements of this section. (Ord. 2010-08, 7-6-2010)