Borough of Dormont, PA Chapter 21 Knox Boxes

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Dormont 12-4-2017 by Ord. No. 1626. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 21-1 Knox Box requirements.

A. A Knox Box is required for:

(1) New commercial buildings. All new commercial buildings shall have installed a Knox Box of an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) type and size, approved by the Borough Fire Marshal, in a location specified by the Borough Code Enforcement Office prior to the issuance of the permit to occupy.

(2) Existing commercial buildings with improvements. All existing commercial buildings constructing improvements that require planning approval shall have installed a Knox Box of an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) type and size, approved by the Borough Fire Marshal, in a location specified by the Borough Code Enforcement Office prior to the issuance of the construction permit.

(3) Existing commercial buildings. All existing commercial buildings equipped with an automatic fire detection and/or suppression system shall have installed a Knox Box of a UL type and size, approved by the Borough Fire Marshal, in a location specified by the Borough Code Enforcement Office within six months of the effective date of this chapter.

(4) All new construction of multifamily residential structures. All new construction of multifamily residential structures that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to the living units shall have installed a Knox Box of a UL type and size, approved by the Borough Fire Marshal, in a location specified by the Borough Code Enforcement Office within six months of the effective date of this chapter.

B. Knox Box control. The Knox Box shall be under the control of the Borough Fire Marshal or his designee.

C. Knox Box contents. All Knox Boxes shall contain labeled keys, easily identified in the field, to provide access into the property and/or building, and to any locked areas within the said building as the Borough Fire Marshal may direct.

D. Locked gates or driveways. Any locked gates or driveways which allow access to a commercial business are required to place a Fire Department access lock on the said access point to allow immediate emergency access to the commercial property. All locks are to be approved by the Borough Fire Marshal.

§ 21-2 Violations and penalties.

Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this chapter, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation of this chapter continues shall constitute a separate offense.