Chapter 9.70
EMERGENCY KEY ACCESS SYSTEM
Sections:
9.70.030 Emergency Key (E-Key) System.
9.70.040 New and Existing Structures and Communities.
9.70.010 Purpose and Intent.
The purposes of this chapter include protection of the public health, safety, and general welfare by ensuring quick public safety access to properties in times of emergency. (Ord. 08-10 § 2, 8/26/08)
9.70.020 Definitions.
“Key access system” means a UL Listed box or key panel, size and style approved by the Fire Chief and Chief of Police, that meets the requirements and uses the same security key code adopted by the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department, respectively.
“Responsible party” means the person(s) charged with the responsibility for occupancy, building, business owner, or homeowners’ association board of directors.
“Security padlock” means a padlock approved by the Fire Chief and Chief of Police that utilizes the approved security key code adopted by the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department, respectively. (Ord. 08-10 § 2, 8/26/08)
9.70.030 Emergency Key (E-Key) System.
The following structures and communities shall be equipped with a key lock box or key access switch at or near the main entrance or such other location required by the Fire Chief or Sheriff’s Unit Commander that permits access to the location by both the fire and law enforcement personnel:
A. Commercial or industrial structures protected by an automatic alarm system or automatic suppression system, or such structures that are secured in a manner that restricts access during an emergency.
B. Multifamily residential structures that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to the living units.
C. Multifamily gated communities that have restricted access through locked gates and have a common corridor or corridors for access to the residences.
D. Gated communities with single-family residential structures, multifamily residential structures, or both single-family and multifamily residential structures, with restricted access through locked gates.
E. Governmental structures and nursing care facilities. (Ord. 08-10 § 2, 8/26/08)
9.70.040 New and Existing Structures and Communities.
A. All newly constructed structures and communities subject to this chapter shall have the emergency key system installed and operational prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. All structures and communities in existence on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter and subject to this section shall have one year from the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter to have an emergency key system installed and operational.
B. The Fire Chief and Chief of Police shall designate the type of key lock system(s) to be implemented within the City and shall have the authority to require all applicable structures and multifamily communities to use the designated system.
C. The emergency key systems are designated as two separate key systems that provide for both fire and law enforcement access and require the installation of two separate lock boxes or keyed access panels at the location to provide emergency access.
D. The responsible party of a structure or community required to have the emergency key system shall, at all times, keep a key in the lock box that will allow for access to the structure or community.
E. Governmental structures and multifamily gated communities that have restricted access through locked gates which use a padlock device for securing any gate or entrance may opt to use the approved security padlock device or install a key access system as listed in Section 9.70.030.
F. All costs for the purchase, installation and maintenance of the emergency key system shall be carried by the responsible party.
G. The Fire Chief and Chief of Police shall be authorized to implement rules and regulations for the use of the emergency key system. (Ord. 08-10 § 2, 8/26/08)
9.70.050 Penalties.
A. Any responsible party who owns, manages or operates a structure or community subject to this section in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, unless a designated public officer or employee issues a citation charging the offense as an infraction.
B. Each day such violation is committed or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 08-10 § 2, 8/26/08)