[Adopted 12-9-2008 by Ord. No. 4168-08[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance repealed former Art. IX,
Rapid Entry Systems, adopted 8-8-2000 by Ord. No. 3544-00.
A.
The Township of Toms River recognizes the importance and need of
providing the Fire Department rapid entry into locked buildings. Delays
in the Fire Department gaining rapid entry reduces the occupants chance
of survival in a fire, the chances for substantial property damage
increases because of delays in gaining entry to the structure and
firefighter safety and survival may be compromised because of said
delays. Additionally, delays in providing prompt prehospital care
to the sick and injured as a result of locked/secured structure may/will
have a negative outcome on patient recovery.
B.
To assist the Fire Department in gaining entry into locked/secured
facilities/structures, the Township of Toms River hereby adopts a
rapid entry system ordinance utilizing the Knox-Box® rapid entry
key box system.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
If the cumulative area of all floors of the addition or alteration
is 5% or more.
Any assembly of equipment, mechanical or electrical, device,
or series of devices, including, but not limited to, systems interconnected
via radio frequency signals, arranged or designed to signal an alarm
indicating fire, smoke, excessive heat, or sprinkler water flow in
the occupancy, by emitting or transmitting a remote or local audible,
visual, or electronic signal indicating an alarm condition and that
requires immediate attention and to which the Fire Department is expected
to respond. Alarm systems include devices activated automatically
such as fire, heat, or smoke detectors, water flow alarms and individual
emergency pull stations. "Alarm system" does not include:
Any building and/or structure which has an automatic fire-suppression
system or fire alarm system transmitting to a central or remote station
with the exception of one- and two-family residential dwellings, which
are not included.
The Township of Toms River Fire Departments.
The Chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Township of
Toms River or his or her designated representative.
The key maintained by the Fire Department that unlocks a
key box.
Any individual, corporation, partnership, association, organization,
or similar entity.
Any person who owns or controls the use of property in which
an alarm system is installed.
A device designed to safely secure keys, or other pertinent
facility access devices or information, for the use of emergency services
personnel to quickly gain access and entry into occupancy.
A consecutive twelve-month period within a calendar year.
A.
The following structures shall be equipped with a key lock box within
10 feet of the main entrance and no higher than six feet nor lower
than five feet from the ground level immediately to the installation
of the box, or such other location required by the Fire Prevention
Bureau:
(1)
All new commercial and industrial buildings. “Commercial and
industrial building” shall mean buildings where any industry,
trade or business is carried on or where any process or operation,
directly or indirectly related to any industry, trade or business,
is carried on and where any person is employed by another for direct
or indirect gain or profit.
(2)
All new multifamily residential structures comprised of four or more
units in which access to the building or common areas or mechanical
or electrical rooms within the building are denied through locked
doors.
(3)
Any new or existing building or facility containing a quantity of
hazardous materials, which would require compliance with Title III
of SARA (Superfund Amendment Reauthorization Act)
(4)
Any new governmental structures.
(5)
Any new nursing care facilities.
(6)
Any new educational facilities.
(7)
Any new places of assembly.
B.
All newly constructed structures, including additions or alterations
subject to this article, shall have the key lock box installed and
operational prior to final inspection and occupancy.
C.
The owner or operator of a structure required to have a key lock
box shall at all times keep keys in the lock box that will allow for
access to the following:
D.
The Fire Official shall be authorized to implement rules and regulations
for the use of the lock box system.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall prescribe specifications
as to the recommended rapid entry box and key system and location
and shall be responsible for the enforcement of the terms and conditions
of this article.
A.
Any person, persons, corporation or partnership which violates any
provisions of this article shall be subject to a fine of not less
than $500 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a term of 90 days,
or both, for each violation.
B.
All penalties as indicated in the New Jersey Administrative Code,
Title 5, Chapters 70 and 70B (Uniform Fire Code), shall be adopted
for the purpose of enforcing this article.
