[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Pocono 11-18-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-05. Amendments noted where applicable.]
All new buildings utilizing a commercial use and/or industrial use shall have installed a Knox Box®, of a type and size approved by the Fire Chief of the Pocono Township Volunteer Fire Company (the "Fire Chief") in a location specified by the Fire Chief prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.
All existing buildings utilizing a commercial use and/or industrial use constructing improvements that require Township approval shall have installed a Knox Box®, of a type and size approved by the Fire Chief, in a location specified by the Fire Chief prior to the issuance of a building permit.
All existing buildings utilizing a commercial use and/or industrial use, equipped with automatic fire detection and/or suppression systems shall have installed a Knox Box® as defined herein and, of a type and size approved by the Fire Chief, in a location specified by the Fire Chief within six months of the effective date of this chapter and after written notice from the Township to install such Knox Box® and place the appropriate keys.
All dwellings, multifamily, either existing or new construction, that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to the dwelling units shall have installed a Knox Box® as defined herein and, of a type and size approved by the Fire Chief, in a location specified by the Fire Chief within six months of the effective date of this chapter, or for existing building upon written notice from the Township to install such Knox Box® and place the appropriate keys. Newly constructed buildings under this section shall not be granted an occupancy permit without compliance with this section.
All Knox Boxes® shall contain three sets of labeled keys, easily identified in the field to provide access into the building, and to any locked areas within the building as the Fire Chief may direct. Sets of keys, in addition to access keys, shall include keys for alarm panels, pull stations, and elevators.
Any locked gates or driveways which allow access to a building utilizing a commercial and/or industrial use are required to place a perimeter access lock as produced by Knox on the said access points to allow immediate emergency access to the property. All locks are to be approved by the Fire Chief.
Any person in violation of this Chapter 170, upon conviction thereof in an action bought before a magisterial district judge in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs, and in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Chapter 170 continues, or each section of this Chapter 170 continues shall constitute a separate offense.