[Ord. No. 1252, 8-16-2021]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this Code is to allow emergency responder's quick and efficient access to structures in an "emergency" and to allow (when possible) the structure to be secured after said emergency.
B. 
Definitions. The following definitions are applicable to this Section:
1. 
The term "Lock Box" shall be defined as a lock box from the Knox Company which allows emergency responders to gain access to secured buildings and perimeters without forceful entry. A lock box shall be herein after referenced as a Knox Box.
2. 
The "Knox" brand will be the only lock box permitted by the City.
3. 
"Emergency" is defined as a serious, unexpected and other dangerous situation requiring immediate action or any such time that emergency responders are required to act by law.
4. 
"Emergency Responders" shall be defined at Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement.
5. 
"Home Based" businesses shall be defined as a business whose primary office or place of employment in the owner's home (primary residence) and has no employees other than direct family.
C. 
Buildings Subject To This Section. The following structures shall be equipped with a Knox Box at or near the main entrance or such other location approved by the Fire Chief or designee:
1. 
All of the following buildings constructed after the passage of this Section:
a. 
Commercial or industrial structures protected by an automatic alarm system or automatic suppression system.
b. 
Nursing care/assisted living centers and daycare facilities.
c. 
All public and private educational facilities.
d. 
All commercial buildings over five thousand (5,000) square feet or with more than two (2) doors to the exterior.
e. 
Any multi-family residential structures with two (2) or more units.
2. 
All existing and future multi-family residential structures with four (4) or more units that have restricted access through locked doors or have a common corridor for access to living quarters.
3. 
All newly constructed structures subject to this Section shall have the Knox Box installed and operational prior to the issuance of the occupancy permit. All existing buildings, which require the installation of a Knox Box, shall be afforded three (3) months to comply unless extended by the Fire Chief.
D. 
Buildings Not Subject To This Section. The following structures shall NOT be required to comply with this Section:
1. 
Residences that are used as a single-family home.
2. 
Home based business (excluding State Licensed daycares.)
3. 
Multi-family residential structures with three (3) or less units, which were constructed prior to the passage of this Section.
E. 
Contents.
1. 
The owner or operator of a structure required to have a Knox Box shall, at all times, keep keys in the box that will allow for access to the following:
a. 
Keys to locked points of ingress or egress, whether on the interior or exterior of such buildings.
b. 
Keys to locked mechanical rooms.
c. 
Keys to elevator controls.
d. 
Keys to rooms containing fire control systems.
e. 
Keys to other areas as directed by the Fire Chief.
2. 
Each key shall be legibly labeled to indicate the lock that it opens in such a manner as is approved by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
3. 
A floor plan (layout) of the building/rooms within the building may be required to be proved to the Fire Department at the discretion of the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
F. 
Rules And Regulations.
1. 
The Fire Chief or his/her designee shall be authorized to implement rules and regulations for the use of the lock box system.
2. 
The Fire Chief or their Chain of Command shall have authority over all Knox keys.
3. 
Authorized Knox box key users shall include the designated officers and members of the Scott City Fire Department.
4. 
Upon written request, the Fire Chief shall furnish the names of all persons with access to the Knox key.
5. 
All authorized users shall be required to have an initial background check.
6. 
Inspection of Knox Boxes shall be performed during normal business hours.
7. 
At the discretion of the Fire Chief or his/her designee, any business must number or letter their doors (and windows when required by the Fire Chief of his/her designee). Numbering/lettering must be no less than four (4) inch in size, reflective and a contrasting color to the door. Numbers/letters shall be placed on each door starting at the main entrance and progressing around the building clockwise. Numbers/letters must be at least five (5) feet above ground level. Where double doors or a grouping of doors exist close together, they may be numbered as one.
G. 
Compliance.
1. 
After the effective date of this Section, all newly constructed buildings, not yet occupied or buildings currently under construction and all buildings or businesses applying for an occupancy permit shall comply.
2. 
Existing buildings that are not in compliance on the effective date of this Section (8-16-2021) shall comply with requirements of the Section within three (3) months of the effective date of this Section.
H. 
Any person violating this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to prosecution in municipal court.