(A) A “knox box” is required at the following types of buildings and enterprises:
(1) All new or renovated commercial buildings equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems and building fire alarm systems or inside standpipes shall provide a “knox box” key entry system. In addition, any existing commercial structure with these fire protection features must provide a “knox box” at the time a new tenant or owner occupies the building.
(2) All commercial enterprises, businesses or industries in the town that use, store or manufacture on-site hazardous materials that must be reported under state right-to-know laws, G.S. §§ 95-173 et seq., or under Title III of the Federal Super Fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, being 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 et seq., and the regulations promulgated thereunder, must have an approved on-site hazardous materials data storage box at each facility where hazardous materials may be found. For the full requirements regarding hazardous material storage boxes, see §§ 100.01 through 100.99.
(B) The “knox box” box shall be ordered through the Town Fire Department, and shall be in place before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Average delivery time is five to six weeks. This box shall be mounted at the location specified by the town Fire Inspections Office. The owner, manager or tenant shall provide keys to access the facility (or to tenant spaces within the facility) to the Town Fire Department.
(C) The following criteria will be considered before requiring the installation of a “knox box” within the scope of the town Fire Inspection Program. Businesses that meet all of the criteria listed below may be exempt from the “knox box” requirement. Buildings or locations that:
(1) Are less than 2,500 square feet in size and only one occupancy. A maximum of two businesses may occupy one building provided that the total square footage of the building does not exceed 2,500 square feet;
(2) Are not required to have a hazardous material data storage box;
(3) Have at least one main entry door and door frame constructed of wood or have at least one window located on the first floor that is at least three feet by four feet in size. Glass for the window cannot be wired reinforced safety glass, nor are any barriers permitted in front of the window; and
(4) Have other unusual or extraordinary situations that may be specific to an individual location.
(1985 Code, § 94.08)