When rapid access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult
because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving
or fire-fighting purposes, the fire chiefs within their respective fire company's
service areas of East Cocalico Township (the "fire chiefs") may require a
key safe or safes to be installed by the structure's owner or occupant at
the owner's or occupant's sole cost and expense in an accessible location
on the structure. The key safe or safes shall be of a type approved by the
fire chiefs and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by
the fire chiefs or their designated representatives. The location of the key
safe system shall be approved by the fire chiefs.
The key safe shall contain, but not be limited to, the following items:
A. Keys to locked points of ingress and egress whether on
the interior or exterior of the structure.
B. Keys to locked mechanical equipment rooms;
C. Keys to locked electrical rooms;
D. Keys to elevator controls;
E. Keys to fire alarm panels, devices and systems;
F. Keys to other areas as so directed by the fire chiefs
or their designated representatives.
This chapter shall apply to all commercial, industrial, and institutional
properties located within East Cocalico Township either having, or required
to have, an automatic fire alarm system or fire sprinkler system.
This chapter shall not apply to residential properties; however, it
does not prohibit installation of a key safe if the owner or occupant so desires
to provide a key safe for the property.
All existing structures covered by this chapter shall comply with the
terms and conditions contained herein within 12 months of the effective date
of this chapter. All newly constructed structures covered by this chapter,
not yet occupied, or structures currently under construction shall comply
immediately.
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this chapter shall,
upon conviction in a summary proceeding brought before a Magisterial District
Judge under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, be guilty of a summary
offense and shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than
$1,000, plus costs of prosecution. In default of payment thereof, the defendant
may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days. Each day
or portion thereof that such violation continues or is permitted to continue
shall constitute a separate offense, and each section of this chapter that
is violated shall also constitute a separate offense.