[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of West Hartford 1-9-1973.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
There is hereby created a Burglary Security Code.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard
property and public welfare by regulation as to newly constructed multiple
dwellings within West Hartford and certain equipment specifically regulated
herein.
The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the use of
any material or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this
chapter, provided that any such alternate has been approved by the enforcing
authority, nor is it the intention of this chapter to exclude any sound method
of structural design or analysis not specifically provided for in this chapter.
Structural design limitations given in this chapter are to be used as a guide
only, and exceptions thereto may be made if substantiated by calculations
or other suitable evidence prepared by a qualified person. The enforcing authority
may approve any such alternate, provided that he or she finds the proposed
design is satisfactory and the material method of work offered is, for the
purpose intended, at least equivalent of that prescribed in this chapter in
quality, strength, effectiveness, burglary resistance, durability and safety.
The building officials shall be charged with the enforcement of the
provisions of this chapter.
Responsibility for compliance with the specifications set forth in this
chapter rests upon the owner of the multiple dwelling or the owner's designated
agent.
Any person who shall violate any provisions of this chapter shall, upon
conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $50 or by imprisonment
for not more than one day. Each days' failure of compliance with such provision
shall constitute a separate violation.
Any person aggrieved by an order of the building officials with regard
to any of the provisions of this chapter may appeal to the Court of Common
Pleas for the County of Hartford.
A.
Exterior doors (doors leading into multiple-dwelling
buildings).
(1)
All exterior doors.
(b)
Doors swinging out shall have nonremovable hinge pins.
(d)
Exterior corridor doors shall have approved self-locking
(dead latch) mechanisms.
[1]
The dead latches shall allow egress to the exterior of
the building or into the garage area or stairwell but require a key if entrance
is sought to the interior of the building from the outside or garage area.
A key is required for alternate floor doors if entrance is sought. Doors to
enclosure of interior stair exits should be arranged to open from the stair
side on alternate floors so that it will be possible to leave such floor should
the fire render the lower part of the stair unusable during egress.
[2]
The dead latches shall have a minimum throw of 1/2 inch.
(e)
Lock protection for exterior doors.
[1]
Locks shall be set in a permanent affixed position.
[2]
Locks shall be protected on the exterior by a metal astragal
which shall cover the bolt and strike plate laterally and which shall extend
not less than five inches above and below the center line of said bolt and
shall be 1/16 of an inch minimum thickness.
(f)
Exterior doors shall have approved self-closing mechanisms.
(2)
Entrance doors.
B.
Interior swinging doors (swinging doors leading to individual
units within the multiple-dwelling buildings).
(2)
Doors swinging outward shall have nonremovable hinge
pins.
(4)
Interior doors shall have Underwriters' Laboratories,
Inc., approved self-closing mechanisms.
(5)
Interior doors shall have one lock unit.
(a)
It must include a latch with a minimum throw of 1/2 inch.
(c)
Both the dead bolt and latch of the unit must have the
ability to be retracted by a single action of the inside door knob.
(d)
The owner of the tenement house must change the unit's
lock cylinder combination to be recessed within a security collar whenever
there is a change in tenancy.
C.
Sliding patio-type doors.
(1)
All single sliding patio doors shall have the movable
section of the door slide on the inside of the fixed portion of the door.
(2)
Dead locks shall be provided on all single sliding patio
doors. The lock shall be operable from the outside by a key utilizing a mortised
lock cylinder of pin-tumbler construction. Mounting screws for the lock case
shall be inaccessible from the outside. Lock bolts shall be of hardened material
or have hardened-steel inserts. The lock bolt shall engage the strike sufficiently
to prevent its being disengaged by any possible movement of the door with
the space or clearances provided for installation and operation. The strike
area shall be reinforced to maintain effectiveness of bolt strength.
D.
Window protection.
(1)
Windows shall be so constructed that, when the window
is locked, it cannot be lifted from the outside of the frame.
(2)
Window-locking devices shall be of approved design as
required by the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code.
(3)
Louvered windows shall not be used within eight feet
of ground level, adjacent structures or fire escapes.
