Township of Lower Merion, PA Article IV Multiple Dwellings

§ 123-32 Conformance with specifications required.

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 substantially alter any existing multiple-dwelling building without incorporating into such building the minimum security devices and designs set forth in the following sections of this article.

§ 123-33 Overhead garage doors.

Overhead garage doors shall 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.

§ 123-34 Single doors leading into and from garage area.

A. All single doors leading from the exterior of the structure into the garage area shall be secured with a self-latching lockset or panic device, with a minimum throw of 1/2 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.

B. All single doors leading from the garage area into the dwelling area shall be secured with a self-latching lockset with a minimum throw of 1/2 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.

§ 123-35 Swinging entry doors to individual dwelling units.

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

§ 123-36 Sliding patio doors.

A. 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 if from being disengaged by any possible movement of the door within the space of clearance provided for installation and operation. The upper track shall be shimmed or arranged to prevent the door from being lifted from its track when in the locked position.

B. All double sliding patio doors shall be glazed with approved glazing material and shall be secured at the meeting rails with a single-cylinder deadlock, 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.

§ 123-37 Illumination of exterior doors.

Exterior doors, other than exterior doors to individual dwelling units, shall be provided with illumination which is maintained to values of not less than 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.

§ 123-38 Windows.

A. Jalousie windows shall not be used within eight feet of ground level, adjacent structures or fire escapes.

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

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

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

§ 123-39 Illumination of parking and walking areas.

A. All multiple dwelling buildings shall be provided with illumination to values of 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.

B. All parking areas under or within multiple-dwelling buildings shall be provided with illumination to values of not less than 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.

§ 123-40 Illumination of vestibule areas.

All buildings with vestibule areas shall have illumination of not less than 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 §§ 123-9 and 123-10 and, in addition, shall be equipped with an electric strike or an electric dead bolt, intercom and push-button release from the tenant space. It will be permissible for the locking device to be unlocked from the outside with a cypher lock or card reader. All electric locking devices shall be fail-safe, and emergency egress shall be provided at all times through these entrances. Buildings not having vestibule areas shall have the exterior main entrance doors secured as described above.

§ 123-41 Obstructions to visibility of exterior doors.

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