Key Boxes

Columbus City Codes § 2505.06

in effect

2505.06 - Key Boxes 2505.06.1 Key box emergency access system. Unless otherwise provided, where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or access points, the installation of a key box to provide emergency access is required. 2505.06.1.1 Where required. Key box emergency access system. The following property types, property descriptions, or areas within a structure or other building must have a key box system to enable rapid access to areas restricted in the event of a fire, rescue, or medical emergency. 2505.06.1.2 Use groups. Use and occupancy groups A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R1, R2, S, and U when protected by an automatic alarm system or automatic fire suppression system. 2505.06.1.3 Shared entrance. Multi-tenant structures and multi-residential structures that have restricted access through locked doors to a common corridor with access to individual office space or living units, including office buildings, live-work units, senior citizen apartment or condominium complexes. 2505.06.1.4 Gated property. Properties or areas protected by a locked gate or security fence and where the locked gate or security fence restricts access to the area. 2505.06.1.5 Construction sites. Construction sites, which are secured by a locked gate or security fence, for the duration of construction or until the locked gate or security fence is removed. 2505.06.1.6 On-site security. Any premises that has twenty-four-hour on-site security personnel with access to restricted areas may be exempt from the requirement to install and maintain a key box emergency access system if the fire code official determines that on-site security is able to provide emergency access to restricted areas on the premises. 2505.06.1.7 Location. A key box emergency access system must be placed near the primary access point to a restricted area or at another appropriate location determined by the fire code official. 2505.06.1.8 Guidelines. In order to uniformly facilitate rapid access in emergency circumstances, the fire code official will designate by rule and regulation the key box emergency access system that shall be installed and the specific parameters of installation. This rule and regulation shall be reviewed every three years. 2505.06.1.9 New occupancies. All new occupancies, which are subject to the requirements of this section, must be compliant with this section before occupancy takes place. 2505.06.1.10 Existing occupancies. All existing occupancies, which are subject to the requirements of this section, shall comply no later than January 1, 2022. 2505.06.2 Elevator Lobby Key Box. When a building contains an elevator, the keys for the elevator doors and fire fighter service key shall be maintained in an elevator lobby key box approved by the fire code official. 2505.06.2.1 On-site security. Any premises that has twenty-four-hour on-site security personnel with access to elevator keys may be exempt from the requirement to install and maintain Elevator Lobby Key Box if the fire code official determines that on-site security is able to provide hazardous material information. 2505.06.2.2 Location. An Elevator Lobby Key Box must be placed in each elevator lobby or at another safe and appropriate location determined by the fire code official. 2505.06.2.3 Guidelines. In order to uniformly facilitate rapid access in emergency circumstances, the fire code official will designate by rule and regulation the Elevator Lobby Key Box that shall be installed and the specific parameters of installation. This rule and regulation shall be reviewed every three years. 2505.06.2.4 New occupancies. All new occupancies, which are subject to the requirements of this section, must be compliant with this section before occupancy takes place. 2505.06.2.5 Existing occupancies. All existing occupancies, which are subject to the requirements of this section, shall comply no later than January 1, 2022. 2505.06.3 FDC security plugs. When a building is protected by a sprinkler or standpipe system with an exterior fire department connection, security plugs, approved by the fire code official, shall be installed. 2505.06.3.1 New occupancies. All new occupancies, which are subject to the requirements of this section, must be compliant with this section before occupancy takes place. 2505.06.3.2 Existing occupancies. All existing occupancies, which are subject to the requirements of this section, shall comply no later than January 1, 2022 (Ord. No. 1652-2022, § 1, 10-17-2022)

Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT25FIPRCO_CH2505FISEFE_2505.06KEBOFetched: 10/27/2026