Township of Muhlenberg, PA Article III Key Lock Box

[Adopted 9-17-2001 by Ord. No. 361 (Ch. 69, Art. II, of the 1982 Code)]

§ 175-13 Key safe required.

When rapid access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or firefighting purposes, the Fire Marshal or a designate of the Township of Muhlenberg may require a key safe or safes to be installed by the structure's owner or occupant at the owner's or occupant's sole cost and expense in an accessible location on the structure. The key safe or safes shall be of a type approved by the Township of Muhlenberg and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the Fire Departments. Location of the key safe shall be approved by the Fire Marshal.

§ 175-14 Key safe contents.

The key safe shall contain, but not be limited to, the following items:

A. Keys to locked points of ingress or egress, whether on the interior or exterior of the structure;

B. Keys to locked mechanical equipment rooms;

C. Keys to locked electrical rooms;

D. Keys to elevator controls;

E. Keys to fire alarm panels, devices and systems; and

F. Keys to other areas as so directed by the Fire Marshal or a designated alternate.

§ 175-15 Application.

This article shall apply to:

A. A structure, regardless of use or occupancy, containing six or more occupancies within the same structure which use a common external exit access; and

B. All occupancies having or required to have a fire alarm or fire sprinkler fire-suppression system.

§ 175-16 Exclusions.

This article shall not apply to any single or duplex residential units; however, it does not prohibit installation of a key safe, if the owner or occupant so desires to provide a key safe for the respective residence.

§ 175-17 Time for compliance.

All existing structures covered by this article shall comply within 12 months of this article's effective date. All newly constructed structures covered by this article and not yet occupied or structures currently under construction shall comply immediately.

§ 175-18 Violations and penalties.

Any person or firm violating any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 and costs of prosecution and, in default of payment of such fine and costs, to imprisonment for not more than 30 days. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.