The purpose of this chapter is to promote the health, safety
and welfare of the public by establishing performance minimums for
design, construction, alteration, use and occupancy of buildings and
parts thereof within the Town. Standards of the American Insurance
Association or the National Fire Protection Association shall be used
as guidelines in any area not covered in this chapter.
[Added 6-1-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-6]
The intent of this section is to allow fire and emergency medical
service personnel to gain immediate entry to certain properties to
allow the fire and/or emergency medical service personnel to perform
their duties.
A. Required. All new multifamily structures of three or more units and
commercial or manufacturing structures shall provide a public safety
Knox-Box® system for fire department use. The Knox-Box® shall
contain keys for elevator return, door openings, elevator rooms, fire
alarm boxes, fire alarm box room, electric/utility rooms and any other
key necessary for access to the structure for emergency fire and rescue
purposes. This requirement for a Knox-Box® shall apply to all
structures existing on the effective date of this section if there
is change in its alarm or suppression system or if there is a change
of ownership, change of occupancy, or upon structural modification
to the structure sufficient to warrant the addition of a Knox-Box®
system.
B. Installation. Knox-Box® systems may be surface-mounted or flush-mounted
in an easily accessible location determined by the Fire Chiefs of
the fire departments. The Knox-Box® shall be located not less
than four feet nor more than six feet above grade. In the event that
locks are changed in any of the above-mentioned rooms, the fire department
shall be notified immediately. The cost of the Knox-Box® system
and installation is the responsibility of the property owner. The
Knox-Box® and installation location shall be approved by the Fire
Chiefs.
In case of a conflict between the provisions of this chapter
or between this chapter and existing Town ordinances, the strictest
provision shall apply.
Any act required to be performed or prohibited by the State
Fire Prevention Manual, OSHA requirements, the Wisconsin Administrative
Code or regulations of the State Department of Safety and Professional
Services are required or prohibited by this code.
The Fire Inspectors shall enforce the regulations of this chapter
and all other laws, lawful orders and ordinances relating to fire
prevention. Enforcement shall be in cooperation with the Building
Inspector, who may also enforce this chapter of the Code of Ordinances
if in violation of any building code of the Town of Oconomowoc.