Township of Cheltenham, PA Chapter 234 Security of Buildings

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Cheltenham 3-17-1981 as Ord. No. 1511. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Alarms — See Ch. 86.

Building construction — See Ch. 110.

Numbering of buildings — See Ch. 114.

Fire prevention — See Ch. 151.

§ 234-1 Title. [1]

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Cheltenham Township Security Code."

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.

§ 234-2 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the occupants and the property of the occupants of commercial and residential buildings from criminal activity.

§ 234-3 Scope.

As hereinafter set forth, the provisions of this chapter shall apply to all new construction of commercial, multiple-dwelling and residential buildings and to all alteration of existing commercial, multiple-dwelling and residential buildings. The provisions of this chapter shall also apply to existing commercial and multiple-dwelling buildings.

§ 234-4 Life safety factors.

No portion of this chapter shall supersede any local, state or federal laws, regulations or codes dealing with the life safety factors.

§ 234-5 Alternate security materials.

A. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the use of devices or methods of construction other than those provided herein, provided that such other devices or modes of construction provide the same or a greater degree of security than the minimum requirements of this chapter.

B. When a person responsible for compliance desires to use such other device or mode of construction, the burden of proving to the enforcing authority that the requirements of this chapter have been met or surpassed shall be on the person responsible for compliance.

C. Such device or mode of construction may only be used upon the approval of the enforcing authority. The enforcing authority may require the person responsible for compliance to submit the device or mode of construction to such tests as the enforcing authority deems necessary and proper to determine if it meets or surpasses the requirements of this chapter. Such tests shall be performed at the expense of the person responsible for compliance.

D. A person may appeal a decision of the enforcing authority to the Building and Zoning Committee of the Board of Commissioners.

§ 234-6 Responsibility for security.

Responsibility for security shall be as follows:

A. Commercial buildings. The legal owner and/or his designated agent shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

B. Multiple-family dwellings. Responsibility shall be that of the builder for construction and the legal owner and/or designated agent of the building for maintenance.

C. Residences. Responsibility shall be that of the builder for construction of the building.

§ 234-7 Definitions.

A. The present tense includes the future; the singular number includes the plural, and the plural the singular; the word "occupy" includes the words "designed or intended to be occupied"; and the word "shall" is always mandatory.

B. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the words and phrases defined in this section shall be construed throughout this chapter to have the meanings indicated:

ACCESS POINTS

Any opening in the exterior of a building or structure, as well as places of ingress and egress.

APPROVED

As applied to a material, mode of construction, piece of equipment or device, means approved as meeting the requirements of this chapter by the enforcing authority.

APPROVED GLAZING MATERIAL

Glazing material which is transparent or translucent, such as tempered glass, laminated glass or wire glass meeting the specifications of the United States of American Standards Institute 297.1-1966 entitled "USA Standard Performance Specifications and Methods of Test Transparent Safety Glazing Material" used in buildings dated 1966, or Underwriters' Laboratories Burglary Resisting Glazing Material as listed under Underwriters' Laboratories No. UL-972-1972.

ARMORED FRONT

A lock front which consists of two (2) plates. One (1), the underplate, is fastened to the case; two (2), the finish plate, is fastened to the underplate and, when in place and fastened, covers the cylinder set screws, thus protecting them from tampering (used on mortise locks).

ASTRAGAL

Metal strips whose purpose is to cover or close the gap between the edges of a pair of doors.

BACKSET

The horizontal distance from the face of the lock to the center line of the knob, keyhole or cylinder.

BOX STRIKE

A strike which also provides a complete housing to protect the belt opening.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

All buildings and structures or parts thereof shall be classified as "commercial" which are used for the transaction of business, for the rendering of professional services, for display and sales purposes involving stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to such purposes and accessible to the public; including, among others, retail stores, shops, salesrooms and markets.

COORDINATOR

A device used on a pair of doors to ensure that the inactive leaf is permitted to close before the active leaf.

CRIME HAZARD

A building that, in the discretion of the enforcing authority, presents a potential source of criminal activity.

CYLINDER GUARD

A hardened free turning ring encircling the exposed portion of the cylinder to prevent cutting, drilling, prying, pulling or wrenching with common tools.

CYLINDRICAL (BORED) LOCK

A locking device that incorporates the key-in-knob principle. These locks shall be lockable on the inside by a push button or a thumb turn (in the knob) and are able to be unlocked by a key from the outside. Turning the inside knob retracts the latch bolt allowing egress from the building. Latch bolts shall have a minimum of one-half-inch throw and shall be provided with a deadlocking or guarded latch feature. All lock sets shall be provided with a wrought box strike. Knobs shall be able to withstand three hundred (300) pound inches of torque without being twisted off. The deadlocking latch bolt shall be able to withstand four hundred fifty (450) pounds of force without being depressed.

CYPHER LOCKS

An electronic combination push-button device which remotely unlocks the door when the proper combinations of buttons are pressed.

DEAD BOLT (OF A LOCK)

A lock bolt having no spring action or bevel and which is operated by a key or a turn piece.

DEAD LATCH

A spring-loaded latch which is positively held in a locked position by means of an integral slide trigger mechanism when the door is closed. It is operated by a key from the outside and a push or thumb turn from the inside.

DEADLOCK

A lock equipped with a dead bolt only. All "deadlocks" must have a minimum one-inch throw and must be equipped with case hardened steel inserts to prevent cutting. A wrought box strike must be used.

DOOR

A movable structure for opening or closing an entrance to a building or room. It may swing on hinges, slide in a groove or revolve on an axis.

DOOR SCOPE

An optical device consisting of a system of lenses, encased for convenient installation in a solid door, permitting the inside viewer to observe a one-hundred-seventy-five-degree area of the outside with the door closed. It must be nationally listed to resist fire.

DOUBLE CYLINDER DEADLOCK

A locking device with a dead bolt that is positively held fast when in the projected position, minimum throw one (1) inch, operated by a cylinder from both sides, and shall be supplied with a wrought box strike.

ELECTRIC STRIKE

An electrical device that permits the unlocking of a door from a remote location or by remote means such as a card reader or cypher lock.

ENFORCING AUTHORITY

The Building and Zoning Department of the Township of Cheltenham is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

FOOTCANDLE

A term used to describe the electronically measured flux emitted by a light source.

GLAZED DOOR

A door containing approved glazing material, in any quantity which is transparent or translucent.

HATCHWAY

A covering lid or trap door in the roof of a building, designed for the purpose of access to the roof area of the building.

INSERT

A hardened steel roller, laminated or fixed core, running the length of a bolt to prevent cutting with a common tool.

JALOUSIE WINDOW

A window or opening furnished with a series of sloping, slanted or movable slats, arranged so as to admit light or air. These slats may be fixed or movable. Glass louvered is a description of "jalousies."

LATCH BOLT

A beveled spring bolt usually operated by a knob, handle or thumb turn that automatically holds the swinging door closed by engaging a strike.

LEVER HANDLE

A metal handle or lever, turned by hand which operates the mechanism of a locking device.

MORTISE LOCK

A lock designed to be cut into the edge of the door; not applied to the surface, that operates with a cylinder outside and knobs, handles or levers both inside and outside. It can be locked or unlocked by the outside cylinder, push buttons in the edge of the lock face plate or by a thumb turn on the inside of the door. The "mortise lock" shall always be operable by the inside knob, handle or lever and shall have a wrought box strike and cylinder guard.

MULTIPLE DWELLING

All buildings and structures or parts thereof shall be classified as a "multiple dwelling" in which three (3) or more families or households live or in which sleeping accommodations are provided for three (3) or more families or households.

MULTIPLE POINT BLOCKING DEVICE

A system of lever-operated bolts which engages a door opening in at least two (2) points. The bolts may be operated by a turn handle or lever on the inside and by a key on the outside.

OPEN BACK STRIKE

A strike that is open in the back for use with a mortise lock set or a mortise panic device when used in conjunction with a vertical rod panic device on a pair of doors. The "open back strike" allows either door to be opened independent of the other door.

PANIC DEVICE

A door-locking device designed to allow instant exit by pushing on a cross bar [that extends at least two-thirds (2/3) of the way across the door] that releases the locking bolt or the latch.

PIVOTED DEADLOCK

A locking device with a bolt, not spring-loaded, the bolt of which swings on a pivot pin and is of the hooked or straight construction. It is used on narrow stile doors. It is operated by a keyed cylinder on the outside and a cylinder or thumb turn on the inside.

SECURITY BOLTS/SCREWS

Carriage bolts or nonreversible screws designed to prevent removal.

SECURITY HASP

A hinged metal fastening for a door, window or hatchway; a metal piece fitted over a staple and fastened by a padlock constructed with a case hardened staple and locking bar so that the mounting screws or bolts are concealed when the hasp is closed.

SECURITY HINGE

A device on which a door, gate, window hatchway or lid swings and constructed with nonremovable pins. If the mounting screws or bolts are accessible from the exterior of the structure, they shall be attached with security screws or bolts.

SECURITY LATCH SET AND DEADLOCK

A locking device for use as an entrance lock set on a residential or multiple-dwelling unit. It shall be constructed with a minimum of one-half-inch throw on the latch set and a minimum of one-inch throw on the dead bolt. When the inside latch set knob is turned, the dead bolt will retract for immediate egress.

SECURITY PADLOCK

A padlock constructed of a one (1) piece hardened steel, forged brass or laminated case with a hardened steel shackle with heel and toe locking and a cylinder containing five (5) or more paracentric pin tumblers.

SECURITY STRIKE

A heavy gauge strike with at least four (4) off-center screws one and one-half (11/2) inches long, permitting full penetration through the jamb into the rough buck or the reinforcing area of the strike on a metal door.

SELF-CLOSING DEVICE

A device combining both spring and hydraulics to control the closing and latching of a door and is listed by Underwriters' Laboratories.

RESIDENCES

All buildings and structures or parts thereof shall be classified in this group in which not more than two (2) families or households live.

SLIDING DOOR BAR

An aluminum or steel bar, permanently mounted on the inside of an aluminum or steel sliding door, which is designed to swing down into a bracket to prevent opening the door when closed.

SLIDING DOOR (PATIO TYPE)

A door consisting of one (1) or more movable sections sliding on guide tracks in a horizontal direction. If it is of aluminum construction, it must comply with Architectural Aluminum Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 1303.4 - 1973. If it is of wood construction, it must comply with NWMA industry standard I.S. 2-71.

SLIDING WINDOW

A window consisting of one (1) or more movable sections sliding on guide tracks in a horizontal direction. If it is of aluminum construction, it must comply with Architectural Aluminum Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 1302.4 - 1973. If it is of wood construction, it must comply with NWMA industry standard I.S. 2-73.

SOLID DOOR (HOLLOW METAL)

A metal-covered wood door having no glazed panels. It may be steel reinforced core, honeycomb core or composition core with a minimum thickness of one and three-eighths (13/8) inches and an eighteen-gauge minimum steel skin.

SOLID DOOR (KALAMEIN)

A metal-covered wood door having no glazed panels with a minimum thickness of one and three-fourths (13/4) inches.

SOLID DOOR (WOOD CORE)

A flush solid core or paneled wood door containing no glazed panels. It must be a minimum thickness of one and three-fourths (13/4) inches, with panels being a minimum thickness of one-half (1/2) inch.

SUBSTANTIALLY ALTERED

Any substantial alteration in or addition to the supporting or structural members of a building, such as bearing walls, bearing columns, bearing beams or bearing girders; provided that a substantial alteration shall not include, inter alia, repairs to roof, walls or interior; exterior or interior painting or redecoration; heating systems; modernization of kitchens or bathrooms, including moving or replacement of utility lines, gas, water, sewer and electric; and installation or replacement of kitchen or bathroom equipment.

TAMPER GUARD

A steel cover protecting the strike and locking device on doors swinging out to the exterior of the building. The "tamper guard" shall extend at least six (6) inches above and below the center line of the strike or bolt. The "tamper guard" shall be at least one-eighth (1/8) inch thick and shall be fastened from the inside of the door with through bolts or by security bolts.

THROW

The length of travel the portion of a dead bolt or latch is exposed from its recess in the lock case.

THUMB TURN

A metal device used to operate the mechanism of a locking device, normally requiring only the pressure of the thumb and index finger.

UNIT LOCK SET

A lock set that has all the parts assembled as a unit at the factory and, when installed in a rectangular notch cut into the door, requires little or no disassembly. Knobs shall be able to withstand three hundred (300) pound inches of torque without being twisted off. The dead locking latch bolt shall be able to withstand four hundred fifty (450) pounds of force without being depressed. All lock sets shall have wrought box strikes and a deadlocking or guarded latch feature.

§ 234-8 Commercial buildings.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to construct, erect or build any new commercial building or to alter any existing commercial building without incorporating into such building the minimum security devices and designs set forth in the following subsections of this section.

B. Single out-swinging doors of solid construction, when used as main entrance doors, shall be secured by an approved lock set or panic device. These doors shall be equipped with a self-closing device, cylinder guard and a door scope. Occupants must be able to exit through these doors without the use of a key.

C. Single out-swinging doors of glazed construction, when used as main entrance doors, or doors having glazed areas within forty (40) inches of the locking device, shall be secured with a double cylinder deadlock or an approved panic device and cylinder guard.

D. Pairs of out-swinging doors of solid construction, when used as main entrance doors, shall have the active leaf secured at the meeting rails by an approved lock set or mortise panic device, self-closing device, cylinder guard, security hinge and a door scope. The inactive leaf shall be equipped with an approved vertical rod panic device and a self-closing device. Out-swinging pairs shall have an astragal on the active leaf or a fixed or removable mullion. To ensure positive latching, coordinators or open back strikes shall be used when mullions are not used.

E. Pairs of out-swinging doors of glazed construction, when used as main entrance doors, or such doors having glazed areas within forty (40) inches of the locking device shall be glazed with an approved glazing material. The active leaf shall be secured by an approved vertical rod panic device or a double cylinder deadlock and shall be equipped with a self-closing device and cylinder guard. The inactive leaf shall be equipped with flush bolts or an approved vertical rod panic device and a self-closing device. Out-swinging doors with panic devices shall have a fixed or removable mullion.

F. Metal accordion grate or grill-type doors shall be equipped with a metal guide track top and bottom. The bottom track shall be so designed that the door cannot be lifted from the track when the door is in the locked position and shall be secured with a security padlock and a security hasp. However, the use of accordion grate or grill-type doors shall not be permitted to exist on any exit door required by the Cheltenham Township Fire Code,[1] the State Department of Labor and Industry or the Building Code of Cheltenham Township,[2] except for obvious main entrance doors.

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 151, Fire Prevention, Art. III, Fire Prevention Code.

[2] Editor's Note: See Ch. 110, Building Construction.

G. Exterior basement access or delivery doors flush with a walkway, drive or parking area shall be a minimum of one-eighth-inch steel plate with either a key-operated cylinder dead bolt on the inside of the door or an externally mounted security padlock and hasp. Where the manufacturer of the door has made no provisions for a padlock, a security padlock and hasp shall be provided by the owner and shall be through-bolted with security bolts. These requirements shall not apply to any exit door required by the Cheltenham Township Fire Code[3] or the State Department of Labor and Industry; or the Building Code of Cheltenham Township.[4]

[3] Editor's Note: See Ch. 151, Fire Prevention.

[4] Editor's Note: See Ch. 110, Building Construction.

H. All doors from a common hallway or entranceway into commercially used spaces shall be solid wood or metal and shall be required to have a mortise, unit or cylindrical lock set, a self-closing device, a cylinder guard, security hinges (out-swinging doors) and an approved door scope.

I. All exterior in-swinging doors shall be mounted with jambs so constructed to protect and prevent violation of the function of the strike.

J. All single out-swinging exterior doors shall be equipped with a hardened and protective tamper guard protecting the area of the strike and the locking device.

K. All exterior doors with externally exposed hinges shall be equipped with security hinges.

L. Single sliding metal or wood-framed doors of glazed construction, when used as main entrance doors, and such doors having glazed panels within forty (40) inches of the locking device shall be equipped with a double cylinder hooked dead bolt, cylinder guard and reinforced armor strike. The bolt shall engage the strike sufficiently to prevent it from being disengaged by any movement of the door within the space or clearance provided for installation or operation. The upper track shall be shimmed or arranged in such a manner that it will prevent the door from being lifted off its track when in the locked position. The glazed areas in the door, and within forty (40) inches of the locking device, shall be of an approved glazing material. The stile of the doors shall be sufficient to accept a 31/32-inch back set deadlock.

M. Double sliding metal or wood-framed doors of glazed construction, when used as main entrance doors, and such doors having glazed panels within forty (40) inches of the locking device shall be equipped with a double cylinder hooked dead bolt with inserts, cylinder guards and reinforced armor strikes. The bolt shall engage the strike sufficiently to prevent it from being disengaged by any movement of either or both doors in the space or clearance provided for installation or operation. The upper track shall be shimmed or arranged in such a manner that will prevent the doors being lifted from their tracks when in the locked position. The glazed areas in the doors and within forty (40) inches of the locking devices shall be of approved glazing material.

N. Overhead doors.

(1) Metal, wood or fiberglass overhead doors, swinging, sliding or roll-type garage doors, when not otherwise controlled or secured by electric power operation, due to type and operation of the doors and glazing, shall have one (1) of the following types of locking devices:

(a) Manually operated torsion spring-type door throw-bolt-type with pin cylinder lock, mounted on the end stile of the door.

(b) Manually operated extension spring door with heavy sliding lock bars engaging both tracks with pin cylinder and back latch.

(c) Chain hoist operated doors, bracket required for locking in hand chain mounted on track or door jamb, can be locked or opened from the inside only.

(d) Throw-bolt-type mounted on the end stile of the door, engaging the track, can be locked or opened from the inside only.

(e) If secured by a padlock on the interior or exterior, a security padlock and a security hasp are required.

(2) All cylinders are to be equipped with a cylinder guard.

(3) All glazing in the door or in the area of forty (40) inches of any locking device must be of approved glazing material.

O. All exterior doors, excluding ground-mounted basement doors, shall be provided with and maintain illumination to value of not less than two and zero-tenths (2.0) footcandles measured at the walking surface on the outside of the building. The lighting fixture shall be equipped with a vapor cover or a cover of equal break-resistant material.

P. Side and rear windows not viewable from the street and less than ten (10) feet from grade shall be glazed with an approved glazing material and shall be secured from the inside with a forged locking device that is capable of withstanding a substantial force applied in any direction, and, in addition, aiding windows shall be installed and shimmed or arranged so that they cannot be lifted from their track when in the locked position.

Q. Jalousie windows shall not be installed within ten (10) feet of ground level, adjacent structures or fire escapes.

R. All other exterior exit doors must be secured by an approved panic device which may be equipped with a built-in alarm. If these doors are of glazed construction or have glazed areas within forty (40) inches of the locking device, such glazed areas must be of approved glazing material. These doors must be equipped with a tamper guard (mortise panic devices only), a self-closing device, a cylinder guard and security hinges.

S. Outside hinges on all accessible side and rear windows shall have security hinges. If the hinge screws are accessible from the exterior, they shall have security screws.

T. All exterior transoms less than ten (10) feet from grade shall be glazed with an approved glazing material and, if capable of being opened, must be equipped with a forged locking device that is capable of withstanding a substantial force in any direction.

U. Glass skylights.

(1) All glass skylights on the roof of any building used for commercial purposes shall be provided with any of the following:

(a) Approved glazing materials.

(b) Iron bars of at least one-half-inch round or one by one-fourth (1 x 1/4) inch flat steel material spaced six (6) inches apart under the skylight securely fastened so that the entire opening is protected.

(c) A steel grill of at least one-eighth-inch material of two-inch mesh under the skylight securely fastened, installed in such a manner that the entire opening is protected.

(2) In the event that the skylight is used as an automatic smoke or heat vent, there shall be an arrangement incorporated into the grill or bars that will permit servicing of the skylight.

V. All hatchway openings in the roof of any building used for commercial purposes shall be secured as follows:

(1) If the hatchway is of wooden material, it shall be covered with a minimum of sixteen-gauge sheet steel attached with screws at six-inch centers maximum around the perimeter on the inside.

(2) The hatchway shall be secured from the inside with a cross bar and a security padlock.

(3) Outside hinges on all hatchway openings shall be security hinges.

W. Air ducts or air vents.

(1) All air ducts or air vent openings exceeding eight by twelve (8 x 12) inches on the roof or exterior wall of any building used for commercial purposes 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 (1 x 1/4) inch flat steel material spaced no more than six (6) inches apart and securely fastened.

(b) A steel grill of at least one-eighth-inch material of two-inch mesh, securely fastened.

(2) If the barrier is on the outside, it shall be secured with security bolts.

X. Doors leading to rooftop areas shall be of solid construction, equipped with double cylinder dead bolt, security hinges, cylinder guard and a self-closing device.

Y. All buildings having parking lots and access thereto providing more than ten (10) parking spaces shall be provided with illumination to values of not less than two and zero-tenths (2.0) footcandles average with proper uniformity measured at the parking areas and adjacent walking surface. The lighting fixtures shall be provided with a vapor cover or a cover of equal break-resistant material.

Z. All buildings shall be provided with exterior illumination to values of not less than one and zero-tenths (1.0) footcandle average with proper uniformity measured at the walking surface. The lighting fixture shall be provided with a vapor cover or a cover of equal break-resistant material. There shall be a minimum of one and zero-tenths (1.0) footcandle throughout a ten-foot radius of any exterior door.

§ 234-9 Multiple dwellings.

A. All multiple dwellings shall at all times be so secured as to provide the maximum possible security to the permanent and transient occupants, in accordance with the specifications provided.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to construct, erect or build any new multiple-dwelling building or to alter any existing multiple-dwelling building without incorporating into such building the minimum security devices and designs set forth in the following subsections of this section.

C. Overhead garage doors may be operated electrically by a key-operated control on the outside and inside or electronically by use of a push-button remote control activating device from the outside and inside. These doors shall be equipped with a time-delayed, self-closing device, having automatic reverse action, contact activated. However, the door may be arranged in such a manner that it can be left in the raised position if and when a garage attendant is on duty. If manual operation is used, the provisions of § 234-8N shall apply.

D. All single doors leading from the exterior of the structure into the garage area shall be secured with a self-latching lock set or panic device, with a minimum throw of one-half inch operated by a cylinder on the outside and by pressing a panic bar or turning a knob on the inside. These doors shall be equipped with a self-closing device, tamper guard and security hinges.

E. All single doors leading from the garage area into the dwelling area shall be secured with a self-latching lock set with a minimum throw of one-half inch, operated by a cylinder and knob on the garage side of the door and by turning the knob on the dwelling area side of the door. These doors shall be equipped with a self-closing device. Doors shall be labeled one-and-one-half hour hollow metal.

F. All swinging entry doors to individual dwelling units shall be a listed or approved labeled door, secured with an approved lock set. The doors shall be equipped with a self-closing device, cylinder guard, listed door scope, and the jamb shall be so constructed as to present violation of the strike. Out-swinging doors shall have a maximum dimension of three-sixteenths (3/16) inch between door and frame on the latch side.

G. All single sliding patio doors shall have the movable section of the door slide on the inside of the fixed section of the door and shall be glazed with approved glazing material. They shall be secured with a single cylinder, pivoted hooked dead bolt, with insert and shall be operated on the outside by a key in the cylinder and on the inside by a thumb turn or lever handle. These doors shall be equipped with a cylinder guard, sliding door bar and reinforced armor strike to maintain the effectiveness of the bolt strength. The mounting screws for the lock case shall be inaccessible from the outside. The bolt shall engage the strike to prevent it from being disengaged by any possible movement of the door within the space or clearance provided for installation and operation. The upper track shall be shimmed or arranged to prevent the door from being lifted from the track when in the locked position.

H. All double-sliding patio doors shall be glazed with approved glazing material and shall be secured at the meeting rails with a single cylinder dead lock, having a pivot, hooked with insert, and shall be operated on the outside by a key in the cylinder and on the inside by a thumb turn or lever handle. These doors shall be equipped with a cylinder guard and reinforced armor strike to maintain the effectiveness of the bolt strength. Mounting screws for the lock case shall be inaccessible from the outside.

I. Exterior areas, other than exterior door areas to individual dwelling units, shall be provided with illumination to values of not less than two and zero-tenths (2.0) footcandles measured at the walking surface on the outside of the buildings. The lighting fixture shall be equipped with a vapor cover or a cover of equal break-resistant material.

J. Jalousie windows shall not be used within ten (10) feet of ground level, adjacent structures or fire escapes.

K. All windows shall be equipped with a forged locking device that is capable of withstanding a substantial force applied in any direction.

L. Windows shall be so constructed that they cannot be lifted from their track when in a locked position.

M. Sliding windows shall have the movable section of the window slide on the inside of the fixed section.

N. All multiple-dwelling buildings shall be provided with illumination values of one and zero-tenths (1.0) footcandle average with proper uniformity measured on the parking and walking surface surrounding the building. The lighting fixture shall be provided with a vapor cover or a cover of equal break-resistant material.

O. All parking areas under or within multiple-dwelling buildings shall be provided with illumination to values of not less than two and zero-tenths (2.0) footcandles average with proper uniformity measured at the parking or walking surface. The lighting fixture shall be provided with a vapor cover or a cover of equal break-resistant material.

P. All buildings with vestibule areas shall have illumination of not less than two and zero-tenths (2.0) footcandles at any point inside the vestibule and must have sufficient glazed area so that anyone inside the vestibule is clearly visible from the street, sidewalk or parking area. Vestibule doors to a common hallway or lobby shall be secured consistent with the locking requirements specified in § 234-8B, C, D and E and, in addition, shall be equipped with an electric strike or an electric dead bolt, intercom and push-button release from the tenant space. In lieu of an intercom and push-button release system, it shall be acceptable as an alternate to have a doorbell for each apartment on the outside of the main entrance door and for the tenants to manually open the main entrance door.

[Amended 2-19-1985 by Ord. No. 1591]

Q. There shall be no obstruction (bushes, trees, etc.) to block visibility of any exterior doors from the street, sidewalk or parking areas.

§ 234-10 Residences.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to construct, erect or build any new residence or substantially alter any existing residences without incorporation into such new residence or altered area of any existing residence the minimum security requirements and designs set forth in the following subsections of this section.

B. Single swinging exterior doors of solid construction shall be secured by an approved locking device. These doors shall be equipped with a cylinder guard, wrought box strike and door scope.

C. Single swinging exterior doors of glazed construction or doors having glazed panels adjacent to the door, when such glazed areas are within forty (40) inches of the locking device, shall be glazed with an approved glazing material. The door shall be secured with a single cylinder lock set equipped with a cylinder guard and a wrought box strike. However, doors in a storm and/or screen-enclosed enclosure and storm and/or screen doors are excluded from the provisions of this requirement.

D. Pairs of swinging exterior doors of solid construction shall have the active leaf secured at the meeting rails by a combination dead latch and dead bolt locking device and shall be equipped with a cylinder guard and door scope. The inactive leaf shall be equipped with a security strike, surface bolt or flush bolts, protected by hardened material. These bolts shall have a minimum throw of five-eighths (5/8) inch at head and foot.

E. Pairs of swinging doors of glazed construction or doors having glazed panels adjacent to the doors, when such glazed areas are within forty (40) inches of the locking device, shall utilize approved glazing material. The active leaf shall be secured by an approved single cylinder lock set equipped with a cylinder guard. The inactive leaf shall be equipped with a security strike, surface bolts or flush bolts with a minimum throw of five-eighths (5/8) inch at the head and foot of the door.

F. All single doors leading from the garage area into the dwelling shall be of metal or solid wood construction and shall be secured with an approved lock set. These doors shall be equipped with a cylinder guard and a self-closing device.

G. All single in-swinging exterior doors shall be mounted with jambs so constructed as to protect and prevent violation of the function of the strike.

H. All single out-swinging exterior doors shall be equipped with a protective tamper guard protecting the area of the strike and locking device. Maximum dimension between the door and the frame shall be three-sixteenths (3/16) inch on the latch side.

I. All exterior doors with externally exposed hinges shall be equipped with security hinges.

J. Overhead doors.

(1) Metal, wood or fiberglass overhead doors, swinging, sliding or roll-type garage doors, when not otherwise controlled or secured by electric power operation, shall have one (1) of the following types of locking devices:

(a) Manually operated torsion spring door throw-bolt-type with pin cylinder lock, mounted on the end stile of door.

(b) Manually operated extension spring door with heavy sliding lock bars engaging both tracks with pin cylinder lock and back latch.

(c) Chain-hoist operated doors, bracket required for locking in hand chain mounted on track on door jamb, can be locked or opened from inside only.

(d) Throw-bolt-type mounted on end stile of door, engaging track, can be locked or opened from inside only.

(e) If secured by a padlock on the interior or exterior, a security padlock and security hasp are required.

(2) All cylinders shall be equipped with a cylinder guard.

(3) All glazing in the door within forty (40) inches of any locking device must be of an approved glazing material.

K. Single sliding metal or wood-frame doors of glazed construction, and such doors having glazed panels within forty (40) inches of the locking device, shall be equipped with a single cylinder hooked dead bolt with insert, cylinder guard and reinforced armor strike. The bolt shall engage the strike sufficiently to prevent it from being disengaged by any movement of the door within the space or clearance provided for installation or operation. The upper track shall be shimmed or arranged in such a manner that will prevent the door from being lifted from its track when in the locked position. The glazed areas in the door and within forty (40) inches of the door shall be approved glazing material.

L. Double sliding metal or wood-framed doors of glazed construction and such doors having glazed panels within forty (40) inches of the locking device shall be equipped with a single cylinder hooked dead bolt with insert, cylinder guards and reinforced armor strike. The bolt shall engage the strike sufficiently to prevent it from being disengaged by any movement of either or both doors in the space or clearance provided for any installation or operation. The upper track shall be shimmed or arranged in such a manner that will prevent the doors being lifted from their tracks when in the locked position. The glazed areas in the doors and within forty (40) inches of the doors shall be of approved glazing material.

M. Jalousie windows shall not be used within eight (8) feet of ground level, adjacent structures or fire escapes.

N. All windows shall be equipped with window-locking devices capable of withstanding a force of three hundred (300) pounds in any direction.

O. Windows shall be so constructed so that they cannot be lifted from their track when in a locked position.

P. Sliding windows shall have the movable section of the window slide on the inside of the fixed section.

§ 234-11 Enforcement.

A. The Director of Engineering, Zoning and Inspections, or appointed delegates, are hereby authorized and directed to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter relating to physical security requirements.

B. All applicants for building permits shall be required to comply with the provisions of this chapter. Noncompliance with the requirements of this chapter, except for § 234-12, shall be a violation of Chapter 110, Building Construction, and shall be prosecuted under Chapter 110, Building Construction.

C. The enforcing authority may develop regulations consistent with this chapter for the purpose of determining what materials are approved insofar as they meet minimum security requirements.

§ 234-12 Inspections; enforcement.

A. The provisions of this section shall apply to all commercial and multiple-dwelling buildings as previously defined in this chapter.

B. Enforcement. Enforcement shall be the responsibility of the enforcing authority set forth in accordance with § 234-11.

C. Inspection procedures. When an inspection, pursuant to a determination that a commercial building or multiple dwelling is a crime hazard, reveals that the building does not meet the requirements of this chapter, the following procedures shall be instituted:

(1) Written notice of the deficiencies discovered during the inspection shall be given to the legal owner or his designated agent.

(2) Such notice shall set forth the amount of time [up to one (1) year from the effective date of this chapter and, thereafter, sixty (60) days] within which such deficiencies are to be corrected.

(3) The enforcing authority shall require the person responsible to submit a plan for approval prior to correcting the deficiencies and shall inspect subsequent to the correction of all deficiencies to ensure compliance.

§ 234-13 Conflicts with other provisions.

In the event that any provisions of this chapter shall be in conflict with any provisions of the provisions of Chapter 151, Fire Prevention, Article III, Fire Prevention Code, the Pennsylvania State Fire and Panic Act[1] or Chapter 110, Building Construction, the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be subordinate thereto. All other ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

[1] Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 1221 et seq.

§ 234-14 Violations and penalties. [1]

Any person, firm or corporation responsible for compliance, violating § 234-12 of this chapter, shall be subject to a fine or penalty not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.) for each and every offense. For each day a violation continues, it shall be a separate offense punishable by a like fine or penalty. Such fines or penalties shall be collected as like fines or penalties are now by law collected. All other violations of this chapter shall be deemed to be violations of Chapter 110, Building Construction, as set forth in § 234-11 of this chapter.

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.