This chapter is intended to provide the Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services with access to commercial, business, and multi-family buildings to facilitate rapid response in emergency situations.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Dickinson 6-9-2025 by L.L. No. 1-2025. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Unless otherwise indicated by context, the following terms and phrases shall have the following meanings:
A device designed to hold entry devices, including keys, access cards, plans, lists, etc., which allow access to a business or building and all parts thereof, which is mounted in an approved position on the premises.
A.
The owner or operator of a building subject to this article is required at all times to keep all key(s) or other access devices in the lock box that will allow access to the entire building. The key box(es) shall contain the following:
(1)
Keys to locked points, whether interior or exterior of such buildings;
(2)
Keys to locked mechanical rooms;
(3)
Keys to locked elevator rooms and controls;
(4)
Keys to any fenced in or secured areas;
(5)
Keys to any other area that may be required by the Codes official. A written notice will be supplied for these other areas;
(6)
A weather resistant card containing the emergency contact people and phone numbers for such building;
(7)
Keys to areas of the building where fire alarm systems and automatic fire suppression systems are located.
(8)
An inventory of the keys is to be posted inside all lock boxes, as per approval of the Codes official.
B.
If approved by the Codes official, the interior keys to buildings may be secured in a second lock box located within the main lobby of the building.
Lock box(es) shall be installed in locations as approved by the Codes official. At least one per building or complex shall be installed on the front of the building (side 1) near the main entry door, between six and eight feet above ground unless approved at a higher or lower level by the codes official and/or first due fire company. The Town must provide written notice and provide owner 30 days to install the lock box. A permit/registration with the Town is required prior to the installation of a key lock box in order to verify the proper mounting location and installation of said key lock box. If a permit/registration fee is required, the fee will be set by the Town Board by resolution and may be changed or eliminated by such.
It shall be the responsibility of the building or premises owner:
A.
To assume all costs involved in the purchase and installation of the key lock box and supplying the required contents for it.
B.
To keep said key lock box in good repair and visible to fire and Code officials.
C.
To ensure that all keys and information required to be contained in the key lock box shall be provided and kept current.
The Town Codes Department, upon consultation with the fire advisory board, shall be authorized to implement rules and regulations for the use of the lock box system, shall designate the type of key lock box system to be implemented within the Town, and shall have the authority to require all structures to use the designated system.
Failure of any building owner or agent of the owner to install the box after 30 days as directed by the Codes official constitutes a violation of this section and in addition to fines and penalties the town may install said box at the owner's expense. The owner or agent so directed to install a box may appeal that determination within 30 days after notification of required installation.
Owners or occupants of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouse units may utilize the key lock box system upon consultation with and issuance of proper permits/registration by the Town Codes official. The key lock box shall be a type, brand and size approved by the Codes official.
No stairs or steps, displays, sign or other fixtures or structure protrusions shall be located near the key lock box, which would allow unauthorized users to access the key lock box, or would obstruct the visibility of the key lock box or limit fire department access to the key lock box.
All existing buildings shall comply with this article within 12 months from the effective date. All newly constructed buildings not yet occupied or buildings currently under construction and all buildings or businesses applying for certificate of compliance, shall comply immediately upon approval of this chapter.