The purpose of this chapter is to require structures that have sprinkler
systems and/or automatic fire/emergency alarm systems to have a rapid access
key lock box installed at the entrance of the structure to enable members
of the local fire and EMS departments to gain access without forced entry
to the structure when responding to an emergency.
When mandated by any fire department or other emergency service responder
having the duty to be the "first due" responder in an area of the Township,
all new and existing buildings within the Township, with the exception of
one- and two-family dwellings, having automatic fire detection and reporting
systems and/or automatic fire-suppression systems (such as sprinkler systems)
shall be outfitted with a rapid entry key box approved by the chief of the
department which is the "first due" responder. All such buildings that have
accessways protected by fences, gates or other barriers secured by a padlock,
by electronically operated gates or automatic gates, or by other controlled
circuits, shall be equipped with a padlock or switch that is approved by the
chief of such responder and which will allow access by the "first due" responder
without forcible entry.
All rapid entry key boxes shall be installed in accordance with the
following standards:
A. The key box shall be installed in a workmanlike manner.
B. The key box shall be installed adjacent to the main entrance
of the building. It shall be clearly visible and mounted as designated by
the chief of the "first due" responder, not more than five feet above final
grade. The key box may have a tamper switch connected to the alarm system.
C. Where other factors suggest that an alternate location
is appropriate, the chief of the "first due" responder may approve that location.
D. The key box shall contain keys or other such devices
to open doors at the following locations:
(2) Individual tenant spaces.
(3) Rooms containing control valves for automatic sprinkler
systems.
(4) Rooms containing fire alarm control panels.
(5) Rooms containing elevator-operating equipment.
(6) Rooms or areas containing hazardous materials.
(7) Rooms containing main electrical panels.
(8) Other rooms or areas that the chief of the "first due"
responder designates for immediate access.
E. When electronic door locks are employed, the key box shall contain a copy of the appropriate digital code to provide access to the building or the rooms specified in Subsection
D of this section.
F. All keys shall be clearly marked as to what door, room,
area or lock they serve.
In order to develop a rapid entry system that will be compatible with
all fire and emergency responders serving the Township, the proprietary system
manufactured and distributed by the following company is hereby approved as
the exclusive rapid entry key box system to be used in the Township:
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Knox Company
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1601 West Deer Valley Road
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Phoenix, AZ 85027
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The owner, manager, and/or occupant of a building required to have a
rapid entry key box shall also provide, maintain, and update information about
an emergency contact person or persons, including name, home address, and
telephone number. This information shall be kept in the key box, shall be
provided to the chief of the "first due" responder, and shall be provided
to the Adams County 911 emergency communications system.
All new construction occurring after the effective date of this chapter,
and covered by this chapter, shall comply with its provisions. All existing
buildings to which this chapter applies shall comply with the provisions of
this ordinance within one year after its effective date.
The owner of any building subject to this chapter who shall violate
any provisions hereof, upon conviction by a magisterial district judge, shall
be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default
of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed
90 days. Each day that a violation of this chapter continues constitutes a
separate offense.