This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Salisbury Commissioners Approve Key Lockbox System Requirement

Multi-family homes, commercial properties will be required to install key lockbox systems

The Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners unanimously voted July 28 to approve an amendment to the Uniform Construction Code (building code) ordinance that will require all multi-family homes with four or more units, commercial and industrial properties to install a key lockbox system.

Properties, such as hospitals, that have 24-hour on-site security personnel will be exempt from the ordinance.

Salisbury Township Manager Randy Soriano explained that the township’s fire companies and other emergency personnel have occasionally had difficulty gaining access to commercial and industrial buildings.

Find out what's happening in Salisburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

spoke in support of the ordinance, telling the commissioners that it is very difficult when the fire department is dispatched to a fire at a business and there is no key to gain entry to the building.

He said the key lockbox system would make firefighters’ jobs easier.

Find out what's happening in Salisburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition, Schneider told commissioners the system is very secure because only specific emergency personnel would have access to the lockbox codes.

He said the system records who opens the box, what time it was opened and how long it was opened.

The commissioners said other municipalities have enacted a similar ordinance.

“I don’t think we are asking for a whole lot by doing this,” Commissioner Robert Martucci Jr. said. “We’re just following suit.”

Property owners will be notified by letter and will have two years to install the lockbox.

Soriano said the property owners are responsible for installing and paying for the lockboxes, which he said will cost about $200 to $300 each. They will also be responsible for keeping keys up-to-date and must notify the township when locks are changed.

If  a property owner fails to comply with the ordinance, a fine of $300 up to $1,000 (including any court costs by the township) could be imposed.

A public hearing was held before the ordinance was approved for the purpose of public comment, but no residents attended to speak about the matter.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Salisbury