HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-02 ORDINANCE NO.2023-07-02
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.
Section 5: Knox Box Contents. All Knox Boxes shall contain labeled keys, easily identified
in the field to provide access into the property and/or building, and to any locked areas within the
said building as the Batesville Fire Official may direct.
Section 6: The owner or person in control of any building or facility required to have a Knox
Box shall provide keys and updated sets of keys capable of access to the areas described herein,
notify a Fire Official when a key change is made and coordinate replacement of the keys in the
Knox box,and allow reasonable access for inspection.
Section 7: Penalties. Any property or building owner failing to comply with, or in violation
of the terms of this Ordinance after notice from the Towns Fire Official, shall be subject to a fine
of Two-Hundred and Fifty Dollars and Zero Cents ($250.00). Each day a violation shall continue
shall constitute a separate offense at the rate of One Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($100.00) a
day until corrected.
Section 8: Repealer. That all ordinances and parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed to the extent of such conflict.
Section 9: Severability. If any portion or portions of this ordinance are deemed or held to be
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance.
PASSED this 25 h day of July, 2023.
APPROVED:
Mayor Rick aug
ATTEST:
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Denise Johnston, Clerk