The purpose of this article is to allow emergency responders quick and efficient access to structures in an emergency and to allow (when possible) the structure to be secured after said emergency.
[Adopted 5-9-2019 by Ord. No. A-119; amended in its entirety 1-13-2022 by Ord. No. A-139]
[1]
Editor's Note: Ref. WI SPS 314 and NFPA 1 (18.2.2.1).
The following definitions are applicable to this article:
The combined Clyman, Lowell, and Reeseville Fire Departments and first responders.
A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action or any such time that emergency responders are required to act by law.
Fire Department, emergency medical services and law enforcement.
The Chief of the CLR Fire and Rescue.
A business whose primary office or place of employment is in the owner's home (primary residence) and has no employees other than direct family.
The only lockbox permitted by the Village of Reeseville.
A lockbox from the Knox Company which allows emergency responders to gain access to secured buildings and perimeters without forceful entry. A lockbox shall be hereinafter referenced as a "Knox-Box®."
The following structures shall be equipped with a Knox-Box® at or near the main entrance or such other location approved by the Fire Chief or their designee:
A.
Commercial or industrial structures protected by an automatic alarm system or automatic suppression system.
B.
Multifamily residential structures with five or more units that have restricted access through locked doors or have a common corridor for access to the living units.
C.
Governmental structures, nursing care/assisted living centers and day-care facilities.
D.
All public and private educational facilities.
E.
All commercial buildings over 5,000 square feet or with more than two doors to the exterior.
F.
All newly constructed structures subject to this section shall have the Knox-Box® installed and operational prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.
G.
Structures that are secured in a manner that restricts rapid access during an emergency.
A.
The owner or operator of a structure required to have a Knox-Box® shall, at all times, keep keys in the box that will allow for access to the following:
(1)
Keys to locked points of ingress or egress, whether on the interior or exterior of such buildings.
(2)
Keys to locked mechanical rooms.
(3)
Keys to elevator controls.
(4)
Keys to rooms containing fire control systems.
(5)
Keys to other areas deemed limited access or compromising to safety as directed by the Fire Chief.
(6)
Codes and instructions to reset fire alarm systems.
B.
Each key shall be legibly labeled to indicate the lock that it opens in such a manner as is approved by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
C.
A floor plan (layout) of the building/rooms within the building may be required to be provided to the Fire Department at the discretion of the Fire Chief or their designee.
A.
The Fire Chief or their designee shall be authorized to implement rules and regulations for the use of the lockbox system.
B.
The Fire Chief or their chain of command shall have authority over all Knox keys.
C.
Authorized Knox-Box® key users shall include the officers and members of the CLR Fire and Rescue or any other such first responder or law enforcement officer/deputy that the Fire Chief or their designee permits.
D.
Upon written request, the Fire Chief shall furnish the names of all persons with access to the Knox key(s) within 10 business days from receipt of the request.
E.
All authorized users shall be required to have a background check completed.
F.
Inspection of Knox-Boxes® shall be performed during normal business hours.
G.
At the discretion of the Fire Chief or their designee, any business must number or letter their doors (and windows when required by the Fire Chief or his/her designee). Numbering/lettering must be no less than four inches in size, reflective and a contrasting color to the door. Numbers/letters shall be placed on each door starting at the main entrance and progressing around the building clockwise. Numbers/letters must be at least five feet above ground level. Where double doors or a grouping of doors exists close together, they may be numbered as one.
A.
After the effective date of this article, all newly constructed buildings, not yet occupied, or buildings currently under construction and all buildings or businesses applying for an occupancy permit shall comply.
B.
Existing buildings that are not in compliance on the effective date of this article shall comply with the requirements of this article immediately upon its passing and posting.
Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be subject to a forfeiture of $10 per day, for up to 90 days, and then $20 per day thereafter until the violation is corrected. Citations may be issued weekly based on the daily fine at the discretion of the officer, deputy or the official writing the citation.