Sections:
11.18.01 Definitions
11.18.02 Definitions
11.18.03 Requirement to Install Knox Box
11.18.04 Installation and Maintenance
11.18.05 Enforcement
11.18.06 Severability
11.18.07 Effective Date
11.18.01 PURPOSE.
This ordinance shall be known as the “Mayflower Knox Box Ordinance.” The purpose of this ordinance is to promote public safety and fire department access during an emergency by requiring the installation of Knox Boxes on certain occupancies in the Mayflower Fire Department response area.
11.18.02 DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:
a) “Commercial” means any building or structure used for commercial, industrial, or institutional purposes, including but not limited to office buildings, schools, medical facilities, shopping centers, and apartment.
b) “Knox Box” means a secure key box system that provides emergency responders with access to a building or structure in the event of an emergency situation.
11.18.03 REQUIREMENT TO INSTALL KNOX BOX
- The Fire Chief has designated that the Knox Box type of key lock box system is to be implemented in the Fire Department response area and shall have the authority to require all structures subject to this ordinance to use the designated system.
- The following structures shall be equipped with a Knox Box key lock box approved by the Fire Department within the City of Mayflower response area at or near the main entrance or such other location approved by the Fire Chief.
- All new commercial construction projects which have been issued a building permit after the effective date of this ordinance shall install a Knox Box at the time of construction or installation of the fire alarm system, whichever is earlier.
- Existing commercial occupancies protected by an automatic fire alarm system or automatic fire suppression system, and that are secured in a manner that restricts access by the Mayflower Fire Department during an emergency shall have one year from the effective date of this ordinance to install a Knox Box.
- Commercial or industrial structures protected by an automatic fire alarm system or automatic fire suppression system, and that are secured in a manner that restricts access by the Mayflower Fire Department during an emergency.
- All institutions, including, but not limited to public and private schools and medical facilities.
- All subdivisions and multi-family units that are secured in such a manner that restricts access by the Mayflower Fire Department during an emergency.
11.18.04 INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
The Knox Box shall be installed in a location approved by the Mayflower Fire Department and shall be maintained in proper working order at all times. Current facility access keys or cards shall be kept in the Knox Box for fire department access in the event of an emergency. The Knox Box shall be registered with the Mayflower Fire Department, and any changes to the registration information shall be reported to the fire department within 30 days of the change.
11.18.05 ENFORCEMENT
Any person, business, or corporation violating any provision of this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine as prescribed by law. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
11.18.06 SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.
11.18.07 EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall become effective 90 days from the date of its adoption by the Mayflower City Council. The provisions of this ordinance shall apply immediately to all new commercial construction projects, and existing commercial occupancies shall have one year from the effective date to comply with the Knox Box installation requirements. (Ord. No. 2024-09).
