When a property is protected by a fire protection system, and
access to or within a structure or an area on that property is impeded
by secured openings, and where immediate access might become necessary
for lifesaving or firefighting purposes, the Fire Official may require
a key box to be installed in an approved location. In addition, unoccupied
or vacant commercial units or structures may be required to install
a key box at the discretion of the Fire Official or Fire Chief. The
key box shall be a type approved by the Fire Official and shall be
installed at the expense of the property owner.
A.
The key box shall contain:
(1)
Keys to locked points of ingress, whether on the interior or exterior
of such buildings.
(2)
Keys to locked mechanical equipment rooms.
(3)
Keys to locked electrical rooms.
(4)
Keys to elevator controls.
(5)
Keys to other areas as directed by the Fire Official.
(6)
Other material as directed by the Fire Official.
B.
All keys shall be clearly labeled or marked to identify the doors
they open or the devices they operate.
This subsection applies to both existing and future structures,
but shall not apply to any owner-occupied residential units, with
the exception of common areas within multi-dwelling residential units.
A.
The Fire Official shall, within 90 days of the effective date of
this article, develop and submit to the Washington Fire Chief a list
of specifications for key boxes. Following approval of the specifications
by resolution of the Borough Council, any box complying with those
specifications shall be deemed to be approved. Until such specifications
are developed and at any time thereafter, any property owner may request
the Fire Official to render a determination as to whether a particular
key box which does not comply with the specifications can be approved
for installation.
B.
Prior to installing any key box required by this article, the property
owner shall make written request to the Fire Official to designate
or approve the proposed location.
Fire Prevention may recoup the fees incurred by it in connection
with the procurement and installation of any necessary key boxes.
Fire Prevention shall be the enforcing agency of this article.
Any person who owns or operates a structure subject to this article
shall be subject to penalties set forth in this Code for any violation
of this article, and the minimum fine for a conviction or a violation
of this article shall be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the
second offense, and $300 for the third or further offense for failure
to comply.
