§ 10-10. Rapid entry key lock box system.

(a)

The city strongly encourages that all buildings and properties located in the city, regardless of use or occupancy, be equipped with a rapid entry key lock box at such location as designated by the fire chief of the city. This provision is not mandatory.

(b)

If an owner or lessee of a building or property chooses to install a rapid entry key lock box, such rapid entry key lock box shall be of such type and shall have those specifications as directed by the fire chief of the city.

(c)

Any owner, lessee or operator of a structure equipped with a rapid entry key lock box system shall, at all times, keep keys in the rapid entry key lock box system that will allow access to the following:

(1)

Keys to all locked points of ingress or egress in the building or structure, whether on the interior or exterior of such buildings or structures;

(2)

Keys to locked mechanical equipment rooms;

(3)

Keys to locked electric rooms;

(4)

Keys to elevator controls; and,

(5)

Keys to other areas as directed by the fire chief of the city fire department.

(d)

Individual keys not for use with a rapid entry key lock box system approved by the fire chief of the city shall not be accepted and any such keys in the possession of the city fire department shall be returned to the owner thereof, or destroyed by the city fire department.

In the event that the city fire department responds to a call or report of any type of emergency or fire, and a property owner, lessee or operator of a structure has failed to equip their building or property with a rapid entry key lock box, the city shall not be responsible for any claim, demand, liability on account of any and all injuries, losses and damages arising wholly or partially from any actions by the City of Effingham, Illinois.

Installation and location. The installation and location of all rapid entry key lock box systems shall be approved by the fire chief of the city.

(Ord. No. 24-2006, §§ 2—4, 5-17-2006)