The purpose of this chapter is to protect the occupants and the property of the occupants of commercial and residential buildings from criminal activity.
As hereinafter set forth, the provisions of this chapter shall apply to all new construction of commercial and residential buildings and to all substantial alteration of existing commercial and residential buildings. The provisions of this chapter shall also apply to existing commercial and multiple-dwelling buildings.
No portion of this chapter shall supersede any local, state or federal laws, regulations or codes dealing with life safety factors.
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 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 other 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 Committee of the Board of Commissioners.
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 initial construction and of the legal owner of the building for maintenance.
C. 
Residences. Responsibility shall be that of the builder for initial construction of the building. Initial construction shall include additions, deletions, change of occupancy, etc.