Code of Ordinances

ARTICLE V. - KEY BOX EMERGENCY ACCESS SYSTEM

Sec. 54-272. - Mandatory keyboxes for fire suppression and standpipe systems.
Each building protected by an automatic fire suppression and/or standpipe system and not manned during a 24 hour, seven-day a week operation, shall be equipped with a keybox. The keybox shall be a Knox box type and size approved by the fire official.
(Ord. No. 4078, 12-1-2009)

Sec. 54-273. - Mandatory keyboxes for fire alarm system.
Each building protected by an automatic fire alarm system (automatic dialer, central station, external audible/visual alarm) and not manned during a 24 hour, seven-day a week operation, shall be equipped with a key lock box. The key lock box shall be a knox box type and size approved by the fire official.
(Ord. No. 4078, 12-1-2009)

Sec. 54-275. - Key lock boxes.
The responsible party is required at all times to keep a key(s) in the lock box that will allow access to the structure. The key box shall contain, but not be limited to, the following items as designated by the fire official:

1. Labeled keys to locked points of egress, whether in interior or exterior of such buildings; 
2. Labeled keys to the locked mechanical rooms;
3. Labeled keys to locked elevator rooms and controls;
4. Labeled keys to any fence or secured areas;
5. Labeled keys to areas of the building where fire alarm panels and fire protection systems are located;
6. Labeled keys to any other areas that may be required by the fire official;
7. A card containing the emergency contact people and phone numbers for such buildings; 
8. Floor plans of the rooms within the building showing locations of shut offs;
9. Hazardous materials information; and
10. An inventory of the keys is to be placed inside all lock boxes.

The responsible party shall notify the Michigan City Fire Department when any or all of the locks or keys have been changed and shall keep the immediate area of the key lock box free and clear of any and all obstructions.
(Ord. No. 4078, 12-1-2009)

Sec. 54-276. - Registration and installation of key lock boxes.
The responsible party shall apply for a registration for a lock box on forms provided by and obtained from the fire official of the Michigan City Fire Department. A registration is required prior to the installation of a key lock box in order to verify the proper mounting location and installation of said key lock box. The key lock box shall be installed on the front exterior of the building near the main entry door at a location approved by the fire official. No key lock box shall be installed, voluntarily or otherwise, without first obtaining the approval of the fire official of the Michigan City Fire Department. The responsible party shall be responsible for the cost to purchase, install, and maintain the key lock box.
(Ord. No. 4078, 12-1-2009)

Sec. 54-277. - Compliance.
All existing buildings shall comply with this article one year from its effective date. All newly constructed buildings not yet occupied or buildings currently under construction and all buildings or businesses applying for a certificate of occupancy shall comply immediately upon passage of this article. The cost of purchasing and installing, along with any cost associated with implementation of the program at a specific property, will be born by the responsible party.
(Ord. No. 4078, 12-1-2009)

Sec. 50-287. - Penalty for failing to comply with article V (KeyBox).
The fine required by section 54-278 shall be $50.00 for each day of noncompliance with article V (KeyBox) and said total fines shall not exceed $2,500.00.

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