[Ord. No. 2016-9]
The Governing Body of the Township of Union finds that in order
to better protect the property and welfare of certain business, business
patrons, residents, members of the public and fire company members,
a rapid entry box system, "Knox-Box®," or equivalent, for rapid entry into certain buildings and onto
certain properties in the event of a report of a fire emergency is
required.
[Ord. No. 2016-9]
The following words, as used in this section, shall have the
meanings set forth below unless the context in which it is used clearly
required a different meaning.
MASTER KEY SECURITY
Shall mean the instrument used to gain access to the various
rapid entry system boxes to be utilized as a result of the provisions
of this section. The Fire Department shall establish a system of security
and procedure to limit access to any master key(s) to authorized personnel
in times of emergency. The Fire Department shall, to the extent feasible
and practical, use the latest technological advances available to
preserve and enhance the security of the master key(s).
MULTIPLE DWELLINGS
Shall mean a residential building containing three or more
dwelling units.
RAPID ENTRY BOX SYSTEM
Shall mean a locking vault-like container, "Knox-Box®," or equivalent, permanently mounted into the
affected structure or building and accessible from outside of such
structure or building and being capable of being opened by master
key security.
[Ord. No. 2016-9]
The following buildings or structures shall be exempt:
a. Owner-occupied one- and two-family dwellings identified by the Uniform
Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23, et seq.) as R-3 and R-4.
b. Any building or structure staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
c. Any building or structure already constructed or for which a building permit has been issued as of the effective date of this section and which is less than 5,000 square feet in area, except for educational and day-care buildings or structures, those buildings and structures which fall into applicability classification found in subsection
12-1.3a,
1 or
2 of this section, and any houses of worship in the Borough.
[Ord. No. 2016-9]
The rapid entry box for each building or structure shall contain
a separately and clearly labeled key for each locked area within the
building or structure (e.g. boiler rooms, electrical rooms, sprinkler
control rooms, elevator control rooms, etc.), the building plan of
any structure or building in excess of 30,000 square feet, sprinkler
keys, elevator keys and information concerning any hazardous materials
contained within the building or structure and a clear indication
as to the part of the building or structure within which such hazardous
materials are contained or any other information as directed by the
Fire Chief having jurisdiction.
At the discretion of the Fire Chief having jurisdiction, any
supporting documentation may be placed in an alternate, safe location
which is quickly and easily accessible by any first responders after
having gained entry to the building or structure by utilizing the
keys contained in the rapid entry box.
[Ord. No. 2016-9]
All existing buildings other than those exempted in subsection
12-1.4 hereof shall comply with the provisions of this section within 12 months of the date it becomes effective. All newly constructed buildings or properties installing fencing or other barrier-type structures, not yet occupied, or buildings which are under construction at the time this section becomes effective shall comply with these provisions prior to the fire detection or suppression system being accepted and approved for services or prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, as the case may be.
[Ord. No. 2016-9]
Any property owner or building owner who fails to comply with
or who is in violation of the terms of this section shall, upon conviction
thereof, be punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or by imprisonment
up to 90 days and/or by a period of community service not to exceed
90 days, at the discretion of the court. Each and every day that a
violation of this section exists shall constitute a separate offense.