[Adopted 4-12-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-04]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A device that automatically dials and relays a prerecorded
message to a central station or the Fire Department.
A system or assembly of piping, valves, controls, and sprinklers,
which are designed and installed to comply with the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) standards, which utilize water, foam,
carbon dioxide, or other gas to automatically react to suppress fire.
An office of a private company to which remote alarm and
supervisory signaling devices are transmitted and where personnel
are in attendance at all times to supervise the circuits and investigate
signals.
The Fire Chief or his/her designee.
A secure rapid-entry system that is designed to be used by
Fire Department personnel in the event of an emergency to gain entry
into a structure by using the enclosed owner-provided key(s). This
box is usually mounted on the exterior of the building in a location
that is specified by the Fire Official and Construction Official.
All boxes shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified, Knox-Box® brand, and approved by the Fire Official and
Construction Official.
A wet or dry system of piping, valves, outlets and related
equipment designed to provide water at specified pressures and installed
exclusively for the fighting of fires.
The Township Fire Official may require a property owner or operator
to install a key box where the property is protected by a fire protection
system with secured openings that may impede access to or within a
structure or an area on that property if immediate access is necessary
for lifesaving or firefighting purposes. This requirement applies
to all existing buildings, structures, and property, except for owner-occupied
one- or two-family residences. The Fire Official may require the installation
of a key box for an unoccupied or vacant building, structure or property.
A.
The property owner is required at all times to keep a key(s) in the
key lock box that will allow access to the structure.
B.
The key lock box shall contain, but not be limited to, the following
items as designated by the Fire Official: buildings;
(1)
The Township Fire Official shall approve, in writing, the type, location,
and installation of the key box.
(2)
The key box shall be installed as per manufacturer specifications.
(3)
The property owner or operator of each property required to have
a key box shall, at all times, keep the following in the key box as
required by the Township Fire Official. Keys shall be clearly labeled
or marked to identify the doors they open or devices they operate.
(a)
Keys to locked points of ingress, whether on the interior or
exterior of such property and/or buildings.
(b)
Keys to locked mechanical rooms.
(c)
Keys to locked elevator rooms.
(d)
Keys to elevator controls.
(e)
Keys to any fence or secured areas.
(f)
All access or combination codes to locked points of egress or
ingress, whether on the interior or exterior of such property and/or
buildings.
(g)
A business-size card containing the emergency contact person
and phone numbers for such property or building.
(h)
Keys to other areas as directed by the Fire Official.
(i)
Other material as directed by the Fire Official.
In the event the key to the structure is changed or rekeyed,
the owner or operator shall immediately notify the Township Fire Official
and provide the updated access key. The key to the lock shall be secured
in the key box. The property owner shall be responsible for all costs
associated with the installation and maintenance of the key box. The
Township may recoup from the owner or operator all costs incurred
in connection with the procurement, installation and maintenance of
a key box.
The property owner shall apply for a registration for a key
lock box on forms provided by and obtained from the Fire Official.
A registration is required prior to the installation of a key lock
box in order to verify the proper size, mounting location and installation
of said key lock box. The key lock box shall be installed at a location
approved by the Fire Official and the Construction Official. No key
lock box shall be installed, voluntarily or otherwise, without first
obtaining the approval of the Fire Official and the Construction Official.
The property owner shall be responsible for the cost to purchase,
install, and maintain the key lock box.
A.
Fire prevention shall be the enforcing agency of this article.
B.
Any owner or operator violating any provision of this article shall
be subject to a fine of $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second
offense, and $750 for the third and future offenses for failure to
comply. The existence of a violation for a period of up to 30 continuous
days shall constitute a single violation.
C.
The Township Fire Official shall notify the responsible party of
any violation in writing. Within 30 days of the service of such notice,
the owner/operator shall correct the violation or show why the structure
was not subject to this section. The Township Fire Official shall
consider such information, reaffirm or rescind the key box fine and
notify owner of his/her decision by mail. The owner/operator may appeal
the decision by submitting an appeal in 20 days after service of the
notice of decision by submitting an appeal, in writing, to the Township
Committee, which shall hold a hearing thereon and shall affirm, reverse
or modify the decision of the Township Fire Official.
