When a property is protected by a fire protection system, and
access to or within a structure or an area on that property is impeded
by secured openings, and where immediate access might become necessary
for lifesaving or firefighting purposes, the Fire Official may require
a key box to be installed in an approved location. In addition, unoccupied
or vacant commercial units or structures may be required to install
a key box at the discretion of the Fire Official or Fire Chief. The
key box shall be a type approved by the Fire Official and shall be
installed at the expense of the property owner.
This subsection applies to both existing and future structures,
but shall not apply to any owner-occupied residential units, with
the exception of common areas within multi-dwelling residential units.
Fire Prevention may recoup the fees incurred by it in connection
with the procurement and installation of any necessary key boxes.
Fire Prevention shall be the enforcing agency of this article.
Any person who owns or operates a structure subject to this article
shall be subject to penalties set forth in this Code for any violation
of this article, and the minimum fine for a conviction or a violation
of this article shall be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the
second offense, and $300 for the third or further offense for failure
to comply.