[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Theresa 5-15-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-02. Amendments noted where applicable.]
This is a chapter requiring structures to have a key lock box installed on the exterior of the structure for fire, EMS and other safety purposes.
A. 
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 designee:
(1) 
Commercial or industrial structures protected by an automatic alarm system or automatic suppression system, or such structures that are secured in a manner that restricts access during an emergency:
(a) 
Multifamily residential structures that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to the living units.
(b) 
Governmental structures and nursing care facilities.
(c) 
All public and private educational facilities.
(d) 
Owners of nonresidential commercial or industrial structures can "opt out" of the Knox-Box® requirement with a signed Village-supplied waiver and hold harmless agreement.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said waiver and hold harmless agreement is on file in the Village offices.
(e) 
All newly constructed structures subject to this section shall have the Knox-Box® installed and operational prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.
B. 
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 as directed by the Fire Chief.
C. 
Each key shall be legibly labeled to indicate the lock that it opens in such a manner as is approved by the Fire Chief.
D. 
The Fire Chief or his designee shall be authorized to implement rules and regulations for the use of the lock box system.
E. 
Any person who owns or operates a structure subject to this chapter shall be subject to the penalties set forth in § 1-5 of the Code for any violation of this chapter.
F. 
Knox-Box® brand will be the only lock box permitted by the Village of Theresa.