2023-06-20-AGENDA - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORDINANCE NO. ------ AN ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE KNOX BOXES AT CERTAIN COMMERCIAL AND MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES WHEREAS, the benefits of installing Knox Boxes include providing immediate emergency access to firefighters leading to increasing Fire Department efficiency; preventing costly forced entry damage and allowing undamaged doors to be re-secured after the emergency; and protecting property, inventory, equipment and supplies as well as firefighters against possible injuries; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined it is necessary to require certain commercial and residential buildings to install Knox Boxes for the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of Batesville. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: Title. This ordinance shall be titled as and cited as City of Batesville "Knox Boxes Required" Section 2: Definitions: "Commercial Structure" means any building with more than fifty (50) percent of its floor space used for commercial activities, including the sale of products or services. Commercial Structures for purposes of this article do not include any building owned or occupied by the federal government, the state of Arkansas or any of its political subdivisions "Knox Box" means 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 Batesville Fire Official. "Fire Official" means the Batesville Fire Chief or any Batesville Fire Department employee or volunteer authorized by the Batesville Fire Chief to approve of the type, size, and location of Knox Boxes as described in this ordinance. Section 3: Knox Box Required for New Commercial Buildings. All new commercial buildings and new multi-family residential buildings containing ten (10) or more dwelling units shall have installed a Knox Box, of a type and size approved by the Batesville Fire Official in a location specified by the Fire Offical prior to occupancy based on residential or commercial use. Section 4: Knox Box Required for Existing Commercial Buildings with Improvements. All existing commercial buildings or multi-family residential buildings containing ten (10) or more dwelling units constructing improvements that require a Permit to be issued by Batesville Code Enforcement shall have installed a Knox Box, of a type and size approved by the Batesville Fire Official, in a location specified by the Fire Official prior to the issuance of the construction permit.