[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of West Hartford 1-9-1973. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Alarm systems — See Ch. 44.
Building construction — See Ch. 58.
Security devices — See Ch. 105, § 105-15.
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.
(a) 
Jambs.
[1] 
In-swinging doors shall have rabbeted jambs formed from one piece of metal.
[2] 
All jambs shall be constructed or protected so as to prevent a space of more than 1/8 inch between the door and jamb or door and lock strike.
(b) 
Doors swinging out shall have nonremovable hinge pins.
(c) 
Doors shall consist of solid core wood (with a minimum thickness of 1 3/4 inches) or metal in accordance with the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 58, Building Construction, Art. II, Building Code.
(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.
(a) 
Entrance doors may have one glass opening.
[1] 
No portion shall be within 24 inches of the interior door latch.
[2] 
The glass shall consist of wired reinforced glass.
(b) 
If the entrance door lock can be opened by each individual dwelling unit with a remote control electric latch release, then the arrangement must be used in conjunction with an intercom system between the main entrance of such tenement house and each dwelling unit within such tenement house.
B. 
Interior swinging doors (swinging doors leading to individual units within the multiple-dwelling buildings).
(1) 
Jambs.
(a) 
In-swinging doors shall have rabbeted jambs formed from one piece of metal.
(b) 
All jambs shall be constructed or protected so as to prevent a space of more than 1/8 inch between the door and jamb or door and lock strike.
(2) 
Doors swinging outward shall have nonremovable hinge pins.
(3) 
Doors shall consist of solid core wood (with a minimum thickness of 1 3/4 inches) or metal or shall be a composite-type door and shall comply with the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 58, Building Construction, Art. II, Building Code.
(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.
(b) 
It must include a dead bolt.
[1] 
The dead bolt must have a minimum throw of one inch.
[2] 
The dead bolt must not be beveled.
(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.
(3) 
Double sliding patio doors must be locked at the meeting rail and meet the locking requirements of Subsection C(2) above.
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.