This chapter shall be known and cited as the “Minimum
Security Standards Ordinance of the city of South San Francisco.”
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, words,
phrases and their derivations shall have the meaning given in this
section:
“Alarm user”
means any person who owns, leases, is the agent of the owner
or lessee of, or otherwise has possession or control of a premises
or vehicle on which an alarm system is installed.
“Approved”
means certified as meeting the requirements of this chapter
by the enforcing authority or its authorized agents, or by other officials
designated by law to give approval on a particular matter dealt with
by the provisions of this chapter with regard to a given material,
mode of constructions, piece of equipment or device.
“Audible alarm system”
means an alarm system which produces a sound capable of being
heard outdoors when it is activated.
“Bolt projection or bolt throw”
means the distance from the edge of the door, at the bolt
centerline, to the farthest point on the bolt in the projected position.
“Burglary-resistant glazing”
means five-sixteenths inch security laminate, one-fourth
inch polycarbonate or security film treatment approved by the police
department.
“Central station alarm”
means an intrusion or robbery alarm in which the operations
of electrical protection, circuits and devices are signaled automatically
to be recorded in, maintained and supervised from a central station
having trained operators or guards in attendance at all times. Unless
otherwise authorized by the police department, the central station
holds all keys necessary to permit immediate entrance and search of
the interior of the mercantile property by personnel responding to
alarms and trouble, and personnel may be dispatched to make immediate
investigation of unauthorized entry and openings of protected properties
from which signals are received.
“City”
means the city of South San Francisco.
“Class TL-15 safe”
means burglary classification TL-15, signifying a combination-locked
steel chest or money safe designed to offer a limited degree of protection
against expert burglary by common hand tools.
(1)
Safes shall weigh at least seven hundred fifty pounds, or shall
be equipped with suitable anchors and instructions for anchoring in
larger safes, in concrete blocks or to the premises in which located.
(2)
All safes of this class shall be equipped with a relocking device.
They shall be constructed of open hearth steel, either cast or welded
plate, combined with special materials to resist carbide drills.
“Component,”
as distinguished from a part, means a subassembly which combines
with other components to make up a total door or window assembly.
For example, the primary components of a door assembly include: door,
lock, hinges, jamb/wall, jamb/strike and wall.
“Deadbolt”
means a lock bolt which does not have a spring action as
opposed to a latch bolt which does. The bolt must be actuated by a
key or a key and a knob or thumbturn and when projected becomes locked
against return by end pressure.
“Deadlatch” or “deadlocking latch bolt”
means a spring-actuated latch bolt having a beveled end and
incorporating a plunger which, when depressed, automatically locks
the projected latch bolt against return by end pressure.
“Dwelling”
means a building or portion thereof designed exclusively
for residential occupancy, including single-family and multiple family
dwellings.
“Enforcing authority”
means the chief building inspector of the city with the assistance
of the authorized representative of the chief of police.
“False alarm”
means an alarm system signal resulting in a response by the
police department when an emergency does not exist. An alarm shall
be presumed to be false if the police officers responding do not locate
any evidence of an intrusion or commission of an unlawful act or emergency
at the premises or vehicle which might have caused the alarm to sound.
“Local alarm system”
means an intrusion alarm system that signals by means of
one or more bells or other loud, audible devices located on the premises
where the system is installed.
“Multiple-family dwelling”
means a building or portion thereof designed for occupancy
by two or more families living independently of each other, including
hotels, motels, apartments, duplexes, condominiums and townhouses.
“Panic hardware”
means a latching device on a door assembly, for use when
emergency egress is required due to fire or other threat to life safety.
Such devices operate when a pressure not to exceed fifteen pounds
is applied to the releasing device in the direction of exit travel.
Such releasing devices are bars or panels ex-tending not less than
two-thirds of the width of the door and placed at heights suitable
for the service required, not less than thirty inches, nor more than
forty-four inches above the floor.
“Person”
means any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind.
“Shall”
is mandatory, and the word “may” is permissive
and the word “should” is suggestive.
“Silent alarm”
means an intrusion or robbery alarm system, or both, that
signals off the premises without giving warning of its actuation at
the location of the protected premises.
“Single cylinder deadbolt”
means a deadbolt lock which is activated from the outside
by a key and from the inside by a knob, thumbturn, lever or similar
mechanism, or has no turnpiece on the inside.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
The purpose of this chapter is to safeguard property and to
promote public welfare and safety by providing minimum security standards
to be used in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings
and vehicles and the quality of materials used therein.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
(a) Exterior doors shall comply with the following:
(1) Exterior doors (excluding individual unit-entry doors) and doors
leading from garage areas into multiple dwelling buildings, and doors
leading into stairwells below the sixth floor level, shall have self-locking
(deadlatch) devices, allowing egress from the building or into the
garage area, or stairwell, but requiring a key to be used to gain
access to the interior of the building from the outside or garage
area or into the hall-ways from the stairwell.
(2) Exterior doors (excluding individual unit-entry doors) and doors
leading from the garage areas into multiple dwelling buildings and
doors leading into stairwells, shall be equipped with self-closing
devices, if not already required by other regulations, ordinances
or codes.
(b) Hinged entrance doors to individual motel, hotel and multiple-family
dwelling units, shall comply with the following:
(1) All wood doors shall be of solid core with a minimum thickness of
one and three-fourths inches.
(2) Hinged entrance doors to individual units shall have deadbolts with one-inch minimum throw and hardened steel inserts in addition to door dead latches with one-half inch minimum throw. Strike plates shall be secured to wooden jambs with at least two and one-half inch wood screws. (Refer to Section
15.48.060(a)(1)(H).)
(3) An interviewer or peephole shall be provided in each individual unit
entrance door and shall allow for one hundred eighty degree vision.
(4) Doors swinging out shall have nonremovable hinge pins or hinge studs
to prevent removal of the door.
(5) Door closers may be provided on each individual unit entrance door,
and are encouraged in hotel and motel projects.
(6) In-swinging exterior doors shall have rabbited jambs.
(7) Jambs for all entry doors shall be constructed or protected to prevent violation of the function of the strike and shall meet the framing requirements of Section
15.48.060(a)(1)(H).
(c) Sliding patio-type doors opening onto patios or balconies which are
accessible from the outside shall comply with the following (this
includes accessibility from adjacent balconies):
(1) The movable section of a single sliding patio door(s) shall be adjusted
in such a manner that the vertical play is taken up to prevent lifting
with a pry tool to defeat the locking mechanism.
(2) Deadlocks shall be provided on all sliding patio doors. Mounting
screws for lock case shall be inaccessible from the outside. Lock
or hook bolts shall be of hardened material or have hardened steel
inserts and shall be capable of withstanding a force of eight hundred
pounds applied in a horizontal direction. The lock or hook bolts shall
engage the strike sufficiently to prevent its being disengaged by
any movement of the door within the space or clearances provided for
installation and operation. The strike area shall be reinforced to
maintain effectiveness of bolt strength.
(3) In addition to the primary locking device, auxiliary or secondary
locking devices shall be provided on all accessible sliding glass
doors.
(4) Double sliding patio doors shall be locked at the meeting rail and
meet the locking requirements of subsection (c)(2) of this section.
(d) Windows.
(1) A window, skylight or other natural light source forming a part of
the enclosure of a dwelling unit shall be constructed, installed and
secured as set forth in subsection (d)(2) of this section, when such
window, skylight or light source is not more than twelve feet above
the ground of a street, roadway, yard, court, passageway, roadway,
corridor, balcony, patio, breezeway, portion of the building which
is available for use by the public or other tenants, or similar area.
A window enclosing a private garage with an interior opening leading
directly to a dwelling unit shall also comply with subsection (d)(2)
of this section.
(2) Window Protection.
(A) Windows shall be so constructed that when a window is locked it cannot
be lifted from the frame and the sliding portion of a window shall
be on the inside track. The vertical play shall be taken up to prevent
lifting of the movable section to defeat the locking mechanism.
(B) Window locking devices shall be capable of withstanding a force of
four hundred pounds applied in any direction.
(C) Louvered windows shall not be used.
(D) Accessible windows that open should be equipped with secondary locking
devices.
(e) Garages. Those multiple-family dwelling complexes providing individual enclosed garage spaces shall meet the same requirements for garages as single-family dwellings as required by Section
15.48.060(c). Floor to ceiling demising walls shall separate individual garage areas having their own entrance.
(f) If community laundry rooms are provided, laundry room doors shall
be equipped with a window to allow visibility into the interior of
the room. The laundry room shall be kept locked and the lock shall
be keyed so that unit keys can open the lock. The light switch shall
be controlled by a switch that is not readily accessible.
(g) Keying Requirements. Upon occupancy by the owner or proprietor, each
single unit in a tract or commercial development, constructed under
the same general plan, shall have locks using combinations which are
interchange free from locks used in all other separate dwellings,
proprietorships or similar distinct occupancies.
(h) Numbering of Buildings. There shall be positioned at each entrance
of a multiple-family dwelling complex an illustrated diagrammatic
representation of the complex which shows the location of the viewer
and the unit designations within the complex. The illuminated diagrammatic
representation shall be protected by the use of vandal-resistant covers.
In addition, each individual unit within the complex shall display
a prominent identification number not less than two inches in height,
which is easily visible to approaching vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The numerals shall be of contrasting color to the background to which
they are attached.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1477 § 1A, 2013)
(a) Doors.
(1) Exterior Doors.
(A) Exterior doors and doors leading from garage areas into single-family
dwellings shall be of solid core with a minimum thickness of one and
three-fourths inches.
(B) Exterior doors for single-family dwellings and garages shall have
deadbolt locks with a one-inch minimum throw in addition to dead latches.
Strike plates shall be secured to wooden jambs with at least two and
one-half inch wood screws. (Refer to subsection (a)(1)(H) of this
section.)
(C) Doors leading from enclosed garage areas into single-family dwellings
shall have deadbolts in addition to dead latches and shall meet the
requirements of subsection (a)(1)(B) of this section.
(D) Vision panels in exterior doors or within reach of the inside activating
device must be of burglary resistant glazing or equivalent as approved
by the police department.
(E) Openings for delivery of mail will be allowed and those openings
shall be no larger than twenty-four square inches. Openings located
within three feet of any locking device shall be constructed to prohibit
access to the interior doorknob.
(F) Exterior doors swinging out shall have nonremovable hinge pins or
hinges with studs.
(G) Exterior doors swinging in shall have rabbited jambs.
(H) Door frames shall be installed or protected to prevent violation
of the function of the strike.
(i)
Door jambs shall be installed with solid backing in such a manner
that no voids exist between the strike side of the jamb and the frame
opening for a vertical distance of six inches each side of the strike.
(ii)
In wood framing, horizontal blocking shall be placed between
studs at door lock height for three stud spaces each side of the door
openings. Trimmers shall be full length from the header to the floor
with solid backing against sole plates.
(iii)
The strike plate for deadbolts on all wood-framed doors shall
be constructed of minimum sixteen U.S. gauge steel, bronze or brass
and secured to the jamb by a minimum of two screws, which must penetrate
at least two and one-half inches into solid backing beyond the surface
to which the strike is attached.
(I) On pairs of doors, the active leaf shall be secured with the type
lock required for single doors in subsection (a)(1)(B) of this section.
The inactive leaf shall be equipped with lever flush extension bolts
or equivalent, protected by hardened material with a throw of three-fourths
inch at head and foot. Multiple point locks, cylinder-activated from
the active leaf and satisfying the requirements above may be used
in lieu of flushbolts.
(J) An interviewer or peephole shall be provided in each main entry door
and shall allow for one hundred eighty degree vision.
(2) Sliding patio type doors opening onto patios or balconies which are
otherwise accessible from the outside (this includes accessibility
from adjacent balconies) shall comply with the following:
(A) Single sliding patio doors shall be adjusted in such a manner that
the vertical play is taken up to prevent lifting with a pry tool to
defeat the locking mechanism.
(B) Deadlocks shall be provided on all single sliding patio doors. Mounting
screws for the lock cases shall be inaccessible from the outside.
Lock or hook bolts shall be hardened steel or have hardened steel
inserts and shall be capable of withstanding a force of eight hundred
pounds applied in any horizontal direction. The lock or hook bolt
shall engage the strike sufficiently to prevent its being disengaged
by any possible movement of the door within the space or clearances
necessary for installation and operation. The strike area shall be
reinforced to maintain effectiveness of bolt strength.
(C) In addition to the primary locking device, auxiliary or secondary
locking devices shall be provided on all accessible sliding-glass
doors.
(D) Double sliding patio doors shall be locked at the meeting rail and
meet the locking requirements of subsection (a)(2)(B) of this section.
(b) Windows.
(1) A window, skylight or other natural light source forming a part of
the enclosure of a dwelling unit shall be constructed, installed,
and secured as set forth in subsection (b)(2) of this section when
such window, skylight or light source is not more than twelve feet
above the ground of a street, roadway, yard, court, passageway, corridor,
balcony, patio, breezeway or any portion of the building which is
available for use by the public or otherwise tenants, or similar area.
A window enclosing a private garage, with an interior opening leading
directly to a dwelling unit, shall also comply with subsection (b)(2)
of this section.
(2) Window Protection.
(A) Windows shall be constructed so that when the window is locked it
cannot be lifted from the frame, and the sliding portion of a window
shall be on the inside track. The vertical play shall be taken up
to prevent lifting of the movable section to defeat the locking mechanism.
(B) Window locking devices shall be capable of withstanding a force of
two hundred pounds applied in any direction.
(C) Louvered glass windows shall not be used.
(D) Accessible windows that open should be equipped with secondary locking
devices.
(c) Garages. Overhead garage doors shall be provided with a locking device
or automatic door opener and shall not have bottom vents except those
doors having double louvered or shielded vents or approved alternate
devices to protect the locking mechanism.
(d) Keying Requirements. Upon occupancy by the owner each single unit
in a tract constructed under the same general plan shall have locks
using combinations which are interchange free from locks used in all
other separate dwellings.
(e) Numbering. All residential dwellings shall display a street number
in a prominent location on the street side of the residence in such
a position that the number is easily visible to approaching emergency
vehicles. The numerals shall be no less than three inches in height
and shall be of a contrasting color to the background to which they
are attached. The numerals shall be lighted at night.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1477 § 1B, 2013)
(a) Doors. All exterior doors shall be secured as follows:
(1) A single-metal frame door shall be secured with either a double-cylinder
deadbolt or a single-cylinder deadbolt without a turnpiece. A lock,
hook, bar or expanding bolt shall have a throw of three-fourths inch
to one inch minimum.
(2) Single-solid core doors or hollow sheet metal doors shall be a minimum of one and three-fourths inches thick and shall be secured with a deadbolt lock with a minimum throw of one inch. When wooden jambs are used, strike plates shall be secured to wooden jambs with at least two and one-half inch wood screws. (Refer to Section
15.48.060(a)(1)(H).) On pairs of doors, the active leaf shall be secured with the type of lock required for single doors in subsection (a)(1) of this section. The inactive leaf shall be equipped with automatic flush extension bolts protected by hardened material with a minimum throw of three-fourths inch at head and foot and shall have no door knob or surface mounted hardware. Multiple point locks, cylinder activated from the active leaf and satisfying the requirements, may be used in lieu of flushbolts.
(3) Any single or pair of doors requiring locking at the bottom or top
rail shall have locks with a minimum of one throw bolt at both the
top and bottom rails.
(4)
(A) Panic hardware shall contain a minimum of two locking points on each
door. Doors will have vertical rod panic hardware with top and bottom
latch bolts; or
(B) On single doors, panic hardware shall have one locking point which
is not to be located at either the top or bottom rails of the door
frame;
(C) Doors shall have an astragal constructed of steel .125 inches thick
which shall be attached with non-removable bolts to the outside of
the door if the inside activating member is the type that can be tripped
by a fish wire or similar device. The astragal shall extend a minimum
of six inches vertically above and below the latch of the panic hardware.
The astragal shall be a minimum of two inches wide and extend a minimum
of one inch beyond the edge of the door to which it is attached. No
surface-mounted exterior hardware need be used;
(D) Double doors containing panic hardware shall have an astragal attached
to the doors at their meeting point which will close the opening between
them, but not interfere with the operation of either door.
(5) Exterior sliding commercial entrances shall be secured as in subsection
(a)(1)(B) and (C) of this section and shall comply with fire and safety
regulations.
(6) Exterior roll-up overhead doors, solid overhead swinging, sliding
or accordion doors shall be secured with a cylinder lock and/or padlock
on the inside, when not otherwise controlled or locked by electric
power operation. Masonite panels in such doors shall not exceed eight
inches by twelve inches and shall be located so that they are no closer
than three feet to any locking device.
(7) Metal accordion grate or grill-type doors shall be equipped with
metal guide tracks at top and bottom, and a cylinder lock and/or padlock.
The bottom track shall be so designed that the door cannot be lifted
from the track when the door is in a locked position.
(8) Outside hinges on all exterior doors shall be provided with nonremovable
pins when using pin-type hinges or shall be provided with hinge studs.
(9) Doors with glass panels and doors that have glass panels adjacent
to the door frame shall be secured as follows:
(A) Rated burglary-resistant glass or glass-like material; or
(B) The glass shall be covered with iron bars of at least one-half inch
round or one by one-fourth inch flat steel material, space not more
than five inches apart, secured on the inside of the glazing; or
(C) Iron or steel grills of at least one-eighth inch material of two-inch
mesh secured on the inside of the glazing.
(10) Wood doors swinging in shall have rabbited jambs.
(11) Jambs for all doors shall be constructed or protected to prevent
violation of the function of the strike.
(12) All exterior doors shall be adequately illuminated at all hours to
make clearly visible the presence of any person on or about the premises
and provide adequate illumination for persons exiting the building.
Lights shall be equipped with vandal-resistant covers/lenses.
(13) A double cylinder deadbolt lock or a single cylinder deadbolt lock
without a turnpiece may be used in Group B occupancies as defined
by the Uniform Building Code. When used, there must be a readily visible
durable sign on or adjacent to the door stating “This door to
remain unlocked during business hours,” employing letters not
less than one-inch high on a contrasting background. The locking device
must be of type that will be readily distinguishable as locked, and
its use may be revoked by the building official for due cause.
(b) Windows.
(1) Accessible rear and side windows not viewable from the street shall
consist of rated burglary-resistant glazing or its equivalent.
(2) All accessible windows, capable of being opened, shall be secured
on the inside with a locking device capable of withstanding a force
of two hundred pounds applied in any direction.
(3) Louvered windows shall not be used.
(4) Outside hinges on all accessible side and rear glass windows shall
be provided with nonremovable pins. If the hinge screws are accessible,
the screws shall be of the nonremovable type.
(5) Accessible windows that open should be equipped with secondary locking
devices.
(c) Transoms and Awning Windows. All exterior transoms and awning windows
exceeding sixty square inches on the front, side or rear of any building
shall be protected by one of the following:
(1) Fully tempered glass or rated burglary-resistant glass or glass-like
material; or
(2) Outside round iron bars of at least one-half inch diameter or one
by one-fourth inch flat steel material, spaced no more than five inches
apart; or
(3) Outside iron or steel grills of at least one-eighth inch thick material
but not more than two-inch mesh;
(4) The window barrier shall be secured with galvanized rounded head
flushbolts of at least seven-eighths inch diameter on the outside.
(d) Roof Openings.
(1) All glass or glass-like skylights on the roof of any building shall
be provided with:
(A) Rated burglary-resistant glass or glass-like acrylic material; or
(B) Iron bars of at least one-half inch round or one by one-fourth inch
flat steel material spaced no more than five inches apart under the
skylight and securely fastened; or
(C) A steel grill of at least one-eighth inch thick material of two-inch
mesh under the skylight and securely fastened.
(2) All hatchway openings on the roof of any building shall be secured
as follows:
(A) If the hatchway is of wooden material, it shall be covered on the
outside with at least sixteen gauge sheet steel or its equivalent
attached with screws.
(B) The hatchway shall be secured from the inside with a slide bar or
slide bolts. The use of a crossbar or padlock must be approved by
the fire marshal.
(C) Outside hinges on all hatchway openings shall be provided with nonremovable
pins when using pin-type hinges.
(3) All air duct or air vent openings exceeding eight inches by twelve
inches on the roof or exterior walls of any building shall be secured
by covering the same with either of the following:
(A) Iron bars of at least one-half inch round or one by one-fourth inch
thick flat steel material, spaced no more than five inches apart and
securely fastened; or
(B) A steel grill of at least one-eighth inch thick material of two-inch
mesh and securely fastened;
(C) If the barrier is on the outside, it shall be secured with galvanized
rounded head flushbolts of at least three-eighths inch diameter on
the outside.
(e) Ladders.
(1) Any ladder excluding fire escapes, located on the exterior of any
building which could provide access to the roof shall be not less
than ten feet from any accessible ground area.
(2) Ladders accessible from ground level shall be fully enclosed with
sheet metal in an approved manner to a height of ten feet. This covering
shall be locked against the ladder with a case hardened hasp, secured
with nonremovable screws or bolts. Hinges on the cover will be provided
with nonremovable pins when using pin-type hinges. If a padlock is
used, it shall have a hardened shrouded steel shackle, locking at
both heel and toe, and a minimum five pin tumbler operation with nonremovable
key when in an unlocked position.
(3) A building located within eight feet of utility poles or similar
structures which can be used to gain access to the building’s
roof, windows or other openings shall have such access area barricaded
or fenced with materials to deter human climbing.
(f) Special Security Measures.
(1) Safes.
(A) Commercial establishments having one hundred dollars or more in cash
on the premises after closing hours or those businesses designated
by the police department as having materials being highly susceptible
to theft shall lock such money and materials in an approved type money
safe with a minimum rating of TL-15.
(B) Those businesses designated by the police department as being subject
to a high risk of robbery shall limit the available cash on hand through
use of a time delay drop type money safe.
(2) All entrance doors to individual office suites, in multiple occupancy
office buildings, shall have a deadbolt lock.
(3) Multiple tenant office and commercial buildings shall have floor
to floor demising walls or security barriers separating individual
tenant areas to prevent entry of adjacent space over the top of the
divider.
(4) The interior of a business premises, while closed after dark, shall
be sufficiently lighted by use of interior night light(s) to make
clearly visible the presence of any person on or about the premises.
(g) Keying Requirements. Upon occupancy by the owner or proprietor, each
single unit in a commercial development constructed under the same
plan, shall have locks using combinations which are interchange free
from locks used in all other separate proprietorships or similar distinct
occupancies. Tenants shall have direct access to any room or enclosure
which is used to contain metering and/or switching devices for the
respective tenant.
(h) Numbering of Buildings. The address number of every commercial building
shall be illuminated during the hours of darkness so that it shall
be easily visible from the street. The numerals in these numbers shall
be no less than four to six inches in height and of a color contrasting
with the background. In addition, any business in a location which
affords vehicular access to the rear through any driveway, alleyway
or parking lot shall also display the same numbers on the rear of
the building. Each different unit within a multiple-tenant building
shall have its address prominently displayed on or adjacent to its
front and rear doors.
(i) Alarm Systems.
(1) Establishments listed in this subdivision and those businesses reasonably
similar in nature shall be protected by a central station silent robbery
alarm, unless otherwise specified by the police department.
(A) Banks, savings and loans, check cashing establishments;
(C) All retail stores and gas stations open after ten p.m.;
(H) Restaurants open after ten p.m.;
(K) Gun and ammunition stores;
(M) Those businesses designated by the chief of police as being subject
to a high risk of robbery.
(2) Establishments listed in this subdivision and those businesses reasonably
similar in nature shall be protected by a central station silent intrusion
alarm, unless otherwise specified by the police department.
(A) Banks, savings and loans, check cashing establishments;
(B) Liquor stores and distributors;
(C) Pharmacies, medical/dental offices, and immediate care facilities;
(D) Jewelry stores and manufacturers;
(J) Gun and ammunition stores;
(K) Food markets and convenience stores;
(L) Electronic and computer equipment stores, warehouses and distributors;
(M) Auto and truck repair shops;
(N) Clothing (new) stores and dry cleaners;
(O) Industrial tool supply houses;
(Q) Industrial, warehouse and office buildings;
(S) Video equipment and tape rental stores;
(T) School facilities (educational and lease uses);
(W) Other similar businesses designated by the chief of police as being
highly susceptible to intrusions and theft.
(3) Establishments listed in this subdivision and those businesses reasonably
similar shall be protected by a local alarm system or one of the systems
listed in subsection (i)(1) or (2) of this section:
(C) Other miscellaneous businesses with special circumstances, as approved
by the police department.
(4) Alarms in multiple occupancy nonresidential buildings meeting the scope of Section
15.48.040.
(A) Each individual business, with its own exterior entrances and exits
within a complex or building shall be required to have a silent intrusion
alarm system prior to occupancy. The specific type of alarm is dependant
upon the nature of the individual business.
(B) Multiple-tenant, commercial, and office buildings using a common
entrance shall be equipped with a silent intrusion alarm system covering
all entrances and exits, or each individual tenant shall be required
to install its own alarm system. Specific tenants inside multiple-tenant
buildings may be required to install their own separate alarm systems,
whether or not the building shell is so equipped, if in the opinion
of the police department the business may be subject to a high risk
of burglary or robbery or the business has an inventory which presents
a potential danger to the public health or safety.
(5) Establishments required to install alarm systems under this chapter
shall utilize acceptable materials and assure that the system is maintained
in proper working order, with attention given to preventing false
alarms through human error or equipment malfunction. Alarm installers
and alarm companies shall possess all required state and city licenses
to operate.
(6) Limitations on Audible Alarm Systems.
(A) It is unlawful to install or sell an audible alarm system which upon
activation emits a sound similar to the sound emitted by sirens in
use on emergency vehicles or for civil defense purposes. This does
not apply to sirens mounted inside a building which cannot be heard
outside the building. For purposes of this section, any variable siren
as opposed to one steady pitch, shall be considered to emit a sound
similar to the sound emitted by an emergency vehicle.
(B) It is unlawful to operate an audible alarm system which does not
shut off within a maximum time of fifteen minutes from the time of
activation. This may be accomplished with either an automatic shutoff
or by manual operation. If the alarm has an automatic shutoff with
a rearming phase, the rearming phase must be able to distinguish between
an open and closed circuit, and if the circuit is broken the system
shall not rearm.
(C) For the purposes of administering this chapter, an alarm which does
not shut off within the prescribed time is deemed to be unnecessary,
excessive, offensive and a nuisance.
(7) Limitations on Automatic Dialing Devices. A device which is interconnected
to a telephone line and programmed to select a predetermined telephone
number, and which transmits by voice message or code signal an emergency
message indicating need for emergency response, may not be programmed
to select any telephone line assigned to the South San Francisco police
department.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1477 § 1C, 2013)
The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the
use of any material or method of construction not specifically prescribed
by this chapter, provided any such alternate has been approved by
the enforcing authority as affording the same measure of protection
as those prescribed by this chapter. Nor is it the intention of this
chapter to exclude any such method of structural design or analysis
not specifically provided for in this chapter.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
Whenever there is evidence of insufficient compliance with the
provisions of this chapter or evidence that any material or any construction
does not conform to the requirements of this chapter or where it is
necessary in order to substantiate claims for alternate materials
or methods of construction, the enforcing authority may require tests
as proof of compliance to be made at the expense of the owner or owner’s
agent by an approved agency or the enforcing authority. All tests
will be made as set forth in the International Conference of Building
Officials Reports and Underwriters Laboratories Publications or in
another mutually agreed upon fashion.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
The enforcement officer shall be the chief building inspector
with the assistance of the authorized representative of the chief
of police and other appropriate departments in accordance with administrative
procedures adopted with the approval of the city manager.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
The person owning the property, any designated agent, tenant
and the general contractor for the project in question shall be jointly
and severally responsible for compliance with this chapter. Security
items that will remain on the premises after a tenant moves out are
typically the responsibility of the property owner; systems that are
removed upon vacation of the premises, such as an alarm system, are
generally the responsibility of the tenant.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
No person shall occupy buildings or portions of buildings covered
by this chapter until occupancy inspection and approval has been provided
by the police department.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
Any person constructing, enlarging or maintaining any building or structure in this city or who causes the same to be done in violation of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Chapter
1.24 of this code.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
Any building or structure set up, erected, constructed, altered,
enlarged, converted, moved or maintained contrary to the provisions
of this chapter is declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance;
and the city attorney shall, upon order of the city council immediately
commence action or proceedings for the abatement and removal and enjoinment
thereof in the manner prescribed by law, and shall take such steps
and shall apply to such courts as may have jurisdiction to grant such
relief as will abate and remove such building or structure, and restrain
and enjoin any person, firm or corporation from setting up, erecting,
building, maintaining or using any such buildings contrary to the
provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
If ambiguity arises concerning the content or application of
the minimum security standards ordinance, it shall be the duty of
the police department planning liaison officer to ascertain all pertinent
facts and to interpret the ordinance. An interpretation by the police
department planning liaison officer may be appealed to the city manager.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)
In the event any section or portion of this chapter shall be
determined invalid or unconstitutional, such section or portion shall
be deemed severable and all other sections or portions hereof shall
remain in full force and effect.
(Ord. 1166 § 1, 1995)