1501.11 KNOX BOX PROVISIONS.

   (a)   Definition. The Knox Box Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for the property owners and fire departments. When a fire breaks out, or there is any emergency, the Knox Box System allows firefighters immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. Property owners store keys, access cards, gate keys, etc. in high security Knox Boxes mounted near building entrances. Each Knox Box purchased by a property owner is keyed to a master key controlled by the Fire Department.

   (b)   Subject to rules and regulations which may be prescribed by the Youngstown Fire Chief, the following described buildings or structures shall be equipped with a Knox Box System in a location approved by the Fire Chief or his designee.

      (1)   Commercial or industrial building or structures protected by an automatic suppression system and/or automatic fire alarm system, when such buildings or structures are secured in a manner that restricts access during an emergency.

      (2)   Municipal and governmental buildings or structures equipped with an automatic suppression system and/or automatic fire alarm system.

      (3)   Multifamily residential buildings or structures having four or more units that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to the living units.

      (4)   A building that has displayed a pattern of frequent alarms* with no key-holder readily available.

      (5)   Any other building or structure deemed appropriate as determined by the Fire Chief.

   (*A pattern is defined as two (2) or more alarms per month for three (3) months in a 6-month period and/or twelve (12) or more alarms in a calendar year.)

   (c)   Existing Buildings and Structures.

      (1)   All existing municipal and governmental buildings or structures, or commercial or industrial buildings or structures (as defined in subsection (b)(1) and (b)(2)) shall install and make operational a Knox Box System no later than July 1, 2014.

      (2)   All multifamily residential buildings or structures (as defined in (B)(3)) shall install and make operational a Knox Box System on a schedule to be prescribed by the Fire Chief.

      (3)   Upon the change in occupancy classification of any building or structure as determined by the Fire Chief, or his designee, and as classified by the 2011 Edition of the Ohio Fire Code in effect at the time of said change, said building or structure shall install and make operational a Knox Box System.

   (d)   New Construction and Renovation of Existing Buildings and Structures.

      (1)   All buildings and structures (as defined in subsections (b)(1) and (b)(2)) which are being newly constructed or that are being renovated shall install and make operational a Knox Box System. No newly constructed buildings or structures shall be issued a certificate of occupancy unless it shall have a Knox Box System installed and operational.

      (2)   Multifamily residential buildings or structures (as defined in subsection (b)(3)) which are being newly constructed or which are being renovated shall install and make operational a Knox Box System. A certificate of occupancy will not be issued for such a building or structure unless a Knox Box System has been installed and operational.

   (e)   Owner Requirement.

      (1)   The owner of any building or structure shall be responsible for the installation, labeling and maintenance of a Knox Box System and shall, at all times, keep keys in the Knox Box System that will allow access to no less than the following:

         A.   The building or structure.

         B.   Mechanical equipment room(s).

         C.   Electrical room(s).

         D.   Elevator controls.

         E.   Fire sprinkler control room(s) and fire alarm control panel rooms.

         F.   Any other area deemed appropriate as determined by the Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Bureau Chief or their designees.

      (2)   In addition, the owner of any building or structure subject to the requirements of this article shall keep in the Knox Box System special keys to reset pull stations or other fire protection devices.

      (3)   Maintenance:   The operator of the building shall immediately notify the Fire Code Official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or re-keyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the Knox Box System.

   (f)   Use and Type of the Knox Box System. The Fire Chief may promulgate from time to time rules and regulations which are reasonably required for the installation and operation of the Knox Box System. The Fire Chief may promulgate rules and regulations to designate the type of Knox Box System.

   (g)   Exceptions. Any building or structure that has on the premises a twenty-four-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week security service or personnel who have on their person access keys shall be exempt from the requirements of this article.

   (h)   Penalties. A violation of the provisions of this section shall be a minor misdemeanor. Each day a violation exists shall be considered a separate offense.

(Ord. 12-326. Passed 10-3-12.)