[Adopted 5-20-2015 by Ord. No. 151]
The purpose of this article is to provide for effective fire
protection by providing a method for rapid response entry into and
throughout locked structures in emergency situations where time may
be of the essence. To assist the Fire Department in gaining entry
into locked and secured structures, the Town of Algoma hereby adopts
the use of an emergency entry lockbox system.
A.
Scope. The owner of any structure, for which a building permit is
issued for any new construction or any alteration, enlargement or
repair to any existing structure, shall install and maintain an emergency
entry lockbox system meeting the requirements of this article. Any
structure that undergoes a change in ownership, use or occupancy shall
be required to purchase, install and maintain an emergency entry lockbox
system meeting the requirement of this article.
B.
Exceptions. This article shall not apply to the following:
(1)
Existing commercial structures are exempt from compliance with this article until the structure meets the parameters listed in § 184-10A.
(2)
Single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings.
(3)
Multiple-family dwellings; provided, however, that this exception
shall only apply if every entrance into each dwelling unit shall have
direct access to the exterior of the structure, i.e., no entry or
exit into a common corridor or hallway before entering or exiting
the structure.
(4)
Structures that are staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week
and 365 days per year by a front desk person, caretaker or security
person, provided that the Fire Chief has issued a written approval
of variance.
C.
Certificate of occupancy. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued
until there is compliance with the requirements of this article.
A.
To facilitate access by the Fire Department without confusion or
delay, only vendor(s) of emergency entry lockbox systems approved
in writing by the Fire Department are permitted for installation.
B.
The lockbox shall be installed within five feet of the main entry
door on the addressed side of the structure. The lockbox shall be
located no lower the four feet above grade nor higher than six feet
above grade. However, alternative locations may be approved by the
Fire Chief or his designee.
C.
The lockbox shall contain the structure master keys to all of the
following:
(1)
All locked points of ingress and egress, whether located at the exterior
or in the interior of the structure. This shall include keys for all
locked exterior doors and keys for all locked principal ingress and
egress doors to individual businesses and offices, but shall not be
mandatorily required for any residential dwelling unit located within
the structure.
(2)
All locked mechanical equipment rooms.
(3)
All locked electrical rooms.
(4)
All locked fire alarm panels.
(5)
All locked elevator rooms.
(6)
All locked fire-suppression systems.
(7)
All other areas deemed necessary by the Fire Chief or designee.
A.
Only Fire Department personnel shall have access to the lockbox or
possess the master key to the lockbox.
B.
Lockboxes shall be utilized only to gain entry into properties in
the event of an emergency situation. Lockboxes shall not be utilized
in nonemergency situations such as lockouts. Fire Department personnel,
for the purpose of gaining emergency access during an ongoing police
emergency situation, can utilize lockboxes during police incidents.
Safety of Fire Department personnel is of the utmost importance, and,
if the company officer deems the situation unsafe, other means shall
be used to gain entry into the structure/complex. At no time shall
the lockbox master key or structure master keys located in the lockbox
be turned over to law enforcement personnel. Lockboxes shall not be
used for the purpose of gaining entry to gather evidence or process
court-ordered search warrants.
Building owners:
A.
Shall provide to the Fire Department, on an annual basis and on a
form provided by the Fire Department, a list of emergency contacts
for use in the event of an emergency.
B.
Shall purchase the lockbox directly from the vendor referenced in § 184-11A at the owner's expense.
C.
Shall supply the Fire Department with the structure master keys referenced in § 184-11C, said keys being properly labeled with respect to their identity and function, with the structure master keys being placed in the lockbox by Fire Department personnel.
D.
Shall provide to the Fire Department, when a change of locks occurs,
properly labeled replacement keys for installation by the Fire Department
in the lockbox.
E.
Shall not have possession of a lockbox master key.
F.
Shall keep the immediate area of the lockbox free and clear of any
obstructions.
G.
Shall not tamper with or remove any lockbox, or direct or permit
another person to do so, without permission of the Fire Department.
The Fire Department shall adopt a standard operating guideline
to implement the requirements of this section.
