Lock Box Requirements

Lock Box Requirements

Minnesota State Fire Code requires a lock box where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secure openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes.

Universal Lock Box Requirements:

The Knox key box is the approved lock box for the City of Barnesville. The Fire Department will be the only agency with key access to the key box.

  • Installed on all new buildings with the exception of single and two-family dwellings. Large buildings may require additional key boxes.
  • Installed where an addition, renovation, or remodeling of an existing commercial building has taken place and is required by fire officials.
  • The Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until the lock box is installed and contains access keys.

How to Purchase from Knoxbox.com:

Property owners can order lockboxes at https://www.knoxbox.com

  1. Click on the red ‘BUY’ button, or Select ‘Begin Order’ and choose order direct.
  2. Select Minnesota for the state and enter Barnesville for Barnesville Fire Dept. to populate the window. There will be two choices: Barnesville Fire Dept. and Barnesville Fire Dept. (Residential Use ONLY-Homeboxes).
  3. Select product(s), enter installation address, acknowledge alerts, and add item(s) to cart.
  4. Complete the checkout process.

Each purchase request will be sent to the Barnesville Fire Chief for e-approval. Once approved, the transaction will be processed and the product will be shipped.

Installation and Location Requirements:

  • Lock boxes are to be installed as per manufacturer’s instructions. It is recommended that boxes be installed with the through-wall mounting kit, if possible.
  • The lock box shall be mounted immediately adjacent to the front door or in the vestibule, at five feet above grade unless otherwise specified.
  • For buildings with a “sprinkler room” with direct outside door access, the lock box may be installed on the exterior of the outside door of this room.
  • Additional lock boxes may be required due to the size of the building, number of access keys, or special hazards.

Required Keys:

Each key shall be placed on a separate key ring with a tag indicating its intended use and include the following keys if applicable to the structure:

  • A master exterior entrance or grand master key. The grand master key shall not allow entrance into individual apartments.
  • A master interior key with access to the mechanical room, boiler room, and electrical room.
  • A key to the fire alarm/annunciator panels and manual pull stations.
  • A key to the sprinkler riser room.
  • A key for elevator access and control, including the elevator equipment room and firefighter elevator control key.

For questions, contact the Fire Department at 218.770.0085. or  bvillefirechief@icloud.com.