[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Editor's Note: This ordinance repealed former Art.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:
ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS
If the cumulative area of all floors of the addition or alteration is 5% or more.
ALARM SYSTEM
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:
A. 
Alarm installed on a vehicle.
B. 
Alarms designed to alert only the occupants of a premises that does not have a sounding device that is audible on the exterior of the alarm site.
BUILDING AND/OR STRUCTURE
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.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Township of Toms River Fire Departments.
FIRE OFFICIAL
The Chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Township of Toms River or his or her designated representative.
MASTER KEY
The key maintained by the Fire Department that unlocks a key box.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, partnership, association, organization, or similar entity.
PROPRIETOR
Any person who owns or controls the use of property in which an alarm system is installed.
RAPID ENTRY BOXES AND KEY SYSTEMS
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.
TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD
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:
(1) 
Keys to locked points of egress, whether on the interior or exterior of such buildings;
(2) 
Keys to locked mechanical equipment rooms;
(3) 
Keys to locked electrical rooms;
(4) 
Keys to elevator controls;
(5) 
Keys to the other areas as directed by the Township Fire Bureau.
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.