[Adopted 9-20-2023 by Ord. No. 23-2023]
For the purpose of this article, the following definitions apply:
KNOX-BOX
A secure rapid entry system that is designed to be used by
Fire Department personnel in the event of an emergency to gain entry
into a structure by using the enclosed owner-provided key(s). This
box is usually mounted on the exterior of the building in a location
that is specified by the Borough Fire Official, Fire Chief, or Building
Official. All boxes shall be UL (Underwriters' Laboratories)
certified and approved by the Borough Fire Official or Fire Chief.
SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
The Borough Fire Marshal or a member of the Fire Department
who is recommended by the Chief of the Fire Department with confirmation
by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hopatcong who is in charge
of the Knox-Box® program.
The operator of the building shall immediately notify the Borough
Fire Official or Fire Chief when any locks are added, changed or rekeyed
which cannot currently be opened by the current key set in the Knox-Box®. Additional keys shall be added to the Knox-Box® immediately.
Any property or building owner failing to comply with or in
violation of the terms of this article after notice from the Borough
Fire Marshal shall be subject to an initial fine of $100. Failure
to comply after seven days will result in an additional fine of $300.
Each day thereafter that the building owner fails to comply will result
in a fine of $100 per day.
Any business, school or complex which employs full-time security
personnel (24/7) equipped with mobile transportation, radio communications
and keys to all buildings and spaces on the business, school or complex
shall be exempt from this article.
In the event that an emergency contact person for the building
owner is requested to respond to the building due to damage, hazardous
materials or security reasons by an authorized Borough Official (Fire
Marshal, Fire Chief or Designee, Police Officer) and this person refuses
to respond in a timely manner, a $300 penalty will be issued to the
building owner by the requesting agency.