The intent of this article is to allow fire and emergency medical service personnel to gain immediate entry to certain properties to allow the fire and/or emergency medical service personnel to perform their duties.
[Adopted at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III)]
All new commercial structures shall provide a Fire Department approved public safety Knox-Box® system for Fire Department use. The Knox-Box® shall contain keys for elevator return, door openings, elevator rooms, fire alarm boxes, fire alarm box room, electric/utility rooms and any other key necessary for access to the structure for emergency fire and rescue purposes. This requirement for a Knox-Box® shall apply to all commercial structures existing on the effective date of this article if there is a change in its alarm or suppression system or if there is a change of ownership, change of occupancy, or upon structural modification to the structure sufficient to warrant the addition of a Knox-Box® system.
Knox-Box® systems may be surface-mounted or flush-mounted in an easily accessible location determined by the Fire Chief of the Fire Department. The Knox-Box® shall be located not less than four feet nor more than six feet above grade. In the event that locks are changed in any of the above-mentioned rooms, the Fire Department shall be notified immediately. The cost of the Knox-Box® system and installation is the responsibility of the property owner. The Knox-Box® location shall be approved by the Fire Chief and a key for the Knox-Box® provided to the Fire Chief.