Building Requirements
The Title 7, Chapter 6 of the
Springfield Municipal Code (PDF) requires that the following structures or properties must be equipped with a rapid entry key lock box system at an accessible location near the main entrance of the structure or property or at such other location approved by the Springfield Fire Department:
- All new commercial and industrial buildings.
- All new commercial and industrial buildings protected by an automatic alarm system or automatic suppression system, or such buildings that are secured in a manner that restricts access during an emergency.
- New multi-family residential dwellings that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to the living units or mechanical rooms.
- Any new building that the Springfield Fire Department determines lack of access may result in loss of life or extensive property or environmental damage, based on factors including, but not limited to, fire load, occupant load, exposures, building construction, or storage or handling of hazardous materials.
- New residential complexes where it is determined that lack of access may result in the loss of life or extensive property damage based on factors including, but not limited to, occupant load and building construction.
- All new properties having security gates or devices which limit access to the building or property.
The provisions of this chapter do not apply to those new structures where a 24 hours, 7 days a week on site security force is present, provided members of the security force respond to all fire department responses with the correct means of accessing the affected buildings or areas. This chapter also does not apply to new owner occupied 1 and 2 family dwellings.
Necessary Elements
All rapid entry key lock boxes shall contain the following:
- Labeled keys for locked points of ingress or egress, whether on the interior or exterior of such building or property.
- Labeled keys to all fire alarm panels.
- Labeled keys to elevator rooms and controls.
- Labeled keys to all locked electrical or mechanical equipment rooms.
- Other labeled keys as may be required by the Springfield Fire Department.
- Emergency contact information for the building in the event of an emergency.
All key lock boxes shall be installed on the front of the building near the main entrance door or between 4 and 6 feet above the ground, unless otherwise approved. All building and property owners are required to do the following:
- Install a rapid entry key lock box system;\.
- Provide the proper keys to the Springfield Fire Department for the required access.
- Notify the Springfield Fire Department when the locks or keys have been changed.
- Keep the immediate area of the rapid entry key lock box free and clear of any and all obstructions.
The Springfield Fire Department shall designate the type of key lock box system to be implemented within the city limits of Springfield. The cost of purchase or installation, along with any cost associated with the implementation of this program at a specific property, shall be borne by the business owner or the person(s) charged with the responsibility for the building or the occupancy of the building.