[Ord. 2009-8, 7/2/2009]
The purpose and intent of this Part is to ensure that when fire breaks out within a structure, firefighters are not blocked or delayed from combating the fire by locked doors or gates. To help reduce these types of delays, the Township has adopted this Part establishing a key lock box system for the Township that provides firefighters access to these structures while still ensuring the privacy and security of the owners and occupants of such a structure. The Township shall adopt the specific system by separate Resolution which may be amended from time to time by the Township pursuant to this Part.
[Ord. 2009-8, 7/2/2009]
The following words shall, for the purposes of this Part, have the following meanings:
FIRE CODE OFFICIAL
A duly authorized Township representative, Code Enforcement Officer, Building Code Official, or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this Code.
[Added by Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
OWNER
Any person or entity which owns, leases, manages, and/or is in control of a structure, building, facility, or property.
STRUCTURE
Any building, facility, or man-made object.
[Ord. 2009-8, 7/2/2009]
1. 
The owner of the following types of structures or properties shall install and maintain a fire department rapid entry key lock box of a type specified by the Township:
A. 
A structure and/or property which contains a fire alarm that uses an automatic dialer or contains an automatic fire suppression system.
B. 
Multi-family residential structures, with four or more units, including senior apartment/condo complexes that have restricted access to the living units.
C. 
Commercial and industrial structures and/or properties identified by the Township Fire Code Official as difficult to access during emergencies.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
2. 
Owners of existing structures or properties which are subject to the requirements of this Part shall have two years from the effective date hereof to comply with the requirements. Persons or entities who construct structures and/or develop properties which would be subject to the requirements of this Part shall comply with the requirements at the time of construction and/or development.
3. 
Any structure or property having twenty-four-hour on-site security personnel who have full access to the entire structure or property may be exempt from the requirement of this Part at the discretion of the Township Fire Code Official.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
[Ord. 2009-8, 7/2/2009]
1. 
Owners of structures or properties required to install a fire department rapid entry key lock box under this Part shall install such a lock box in accordance with the following:
A. 
The owner is responsible for ordering and installing the lock box.
B. 
Unless otherwise determined by the Township Fire Code Official, the lock box shall be installed on the front of the structure near the main entry door, on the right-hand side, between four and six feet above the ground, unless approved at a higher or lower level, by the Township Fire Code Official. The Fire Code Official may require the lock box be installed in a different location in some cases. The owner shall contact the Township Fire Code Official prior to mounting the lock box for approval of the proposed location of the lock box and shall allow the Township Fire Code Official to observe the installation of the lock box to ensure proper location and installation. The approved location for the installation of the lock box shall be at the complete discretion of the Township Fire Code Official.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
2. 
The lock box shall contain the key(s) for all exterior doors and gates, the keys for all interior doors and gates within the building, and the keys to all doors or panels which control access to shared systems (i.e., HVAC, alarm panels, sprinkler controls and electrical panels). Each key shall be clearly labeled and easily identifiable. The lock box shall also contain the contact information of the property owner and responsible part in charge of the building and premises.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
[Ord. 2009-8, 7/2/2009]
1. 
The owner of any structure or property required to have a fire department rapid entry key lock box shall ensure that the Fire Department has completely unobstructed access to the lock box at all times.
2. 
The owner of any structure or property required to have a fire department rapid entry key lock box, or his/her/its agent, shall be present whenever the Fire Department or Fire Code Official accesses the lock box for the owner's structure or property except when the Fire Department has responded to an emergency at the structure or property.
[Amended Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
[Ord. 2009-8, 7/2/2009; as amended by Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
The Township may establish specific rules and regulations concerning the type, location, installation, use, maintenance, and replacement of fire department rapid entry key lock boxes within the Township, including, but not limited to, the specification of approved types of fire department rapid entry key lock boxes. These rules and regulations are subject to change from time to time per adopted policy.
[Ord. 2009-8, 7/2/2009]
1. 
The owner of any structure or property required to have a fire department rapid entry key lock box shall ensure that the keys contained within the lock box are up-to-date and provide access to all required areas within the structure or property. Whenever a lock is changed or new doors, gates, or panels installed within a structure or property, the owner shall immediately place the keys for these new locks, doors, gates, or panels within the lock box.
2. 
The owner of any structure or property required to have a fire department rapid entry key lock box shall provide the Township Fire Code Official with up-to-date contact information that includes the owner's name; addresses; and facsimile, telephone, mobile phone, and pager numbers. Any change in this information must be provided in writing to the Township Fire Code Official at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the change occurring, along with the date such change will take place.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
[Ord. 2009-8, 7/2/2009]
1. 
The Township assumes no liability for any of the following:
A. 
Any defects in the operation of the fire department rapid entry key lock box; any problems with any of the keys contained within such lock box; and/or any deficiency or flaw with the information stored within the lock box or otherwise provided to the Township or the Township Fire Code Official.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
B. 
The failure or neglect of any owner of a structure or property required to have a fire department rapid entry key lock box to provide such a lock box or to provide access to the lock box.
C. 
Any breach in security of any structure or property required to have a fire department rapid entry key lock box due to access to the lock box by any person.
D. 
Any harm, damage, or injury to any person or property arising out of or due to the installation or use of a fire department rapid entry key lock box or the failure to install and/or use such a lock box.
[Ord. 2009-8, 7/2/2009; as amended by Ord. 2011-12, 10/6/2011; and by Ord. No. 2021-06, 10/21/2021]
Each violation of a section or subsection of this Part shall constitute a separate violation. Each day the violation persists shall then constitute a separate summary offense for which the maximum criminal fine of $1,000 and/or a maximum term of imprisonment of 90 days may be imposed upon conviction. The Township may also or in the alternative institute appropriate action or proceeding at law or equity for the enforcement of this Part or to correct any violation thereof. The offender shall also be assessed all court costs and be required to reimburse all attorneys' fees reasonably incurred by the Township in association with securing a conviction and/or related to any other proceedings instituted pursuant hereto.