[Amended 5-1-2007 by Ord. No. 1397-07]
As used in this article, the following terms
shall the have the meanings indicated:
BUILDING
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 residential dwellings, which are not included.
FALSE ALARM
Any alarm caused by inadvertence, negligence, mechanical
failure, malfunction, improper installation, lack of maintenance,
or any alarm activated by a cause that cannot be determined after
completing a timely investigation of the alarm site.
The owners of all buildings may install a rapid entry box and key system to allow access to the building from the exterior and access within the building to boiler rooms, sprinkler control valves, electrical rooms, elevators, elevator control rooms, and other locked areas of the premises as may be required by the senior personnel. The installation of the rapid entry box and key system shall exempt any owner from incurring fees set forth in §
214-28. In the event of a fire alarm or a fire emergency, the senior personnel shall determine whether access is required.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be responsible
for the enforcement of this article.
[Amended 5-1-2007 by Ord. No. 1397-07]
The rapid entry box and key system and location
thereof must be reviewed and approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention
prior to installation.
This article shall take effect upon its final
passage and publication as required by law. Owners of existing buildings
shall have six months from the effective date to comply with the provisions
of this article.
[Amended 5-1-2007 by Ord. No. 1397-07; 8-22-2023 by Ord. No. 1722-23]
Any owner of a building that declines to install
and/or maintain a rapid entry box and entry system will be subject
to the following fees for false fire alarms:
A. For the first and second alarm in any given calendar
year, a warning shall be issued. An owner, however, shall be assessed
a fee of $40 per hour for fire watch to respond and secure a building
due to the activation of a false alarm.
B. An owner shall be assessed a $300 fee for the third
activation of a false alarm within a calendar year. In addition, an
owner shall be assessed a fee of $40 per hour for fire watch to respond
and secure a building due to the activation of a false alarm.
C. An owner shall be assessed a $500 fee for the fourth
and subsequent activation of a false alarm within a calendar year.
In addition, an owner shall be assessed a fee of $40 per hour for
fire watch to respond and secure a building due to the activation
of a false alarm.