N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 506: Section FC 506: Keys and Key Access

506.1 General.

This section shall govern the use and possession of keys required for firefighter service elevator operation, key boxes, gates and barriers, and other locked areas, boxes or cabinets to which the department requires access for firefighting operations.

506.2 Citywide-standard keys.

Citywide-standard keys shall be used to operate firefighter service elevators, and to provide access to key boxes, gates and barriers, and other locked areas, boxes or cabinets to which the department requires access for firefighting operations, in accordance with this section. All locks required to be operable by the citywide-standard key shall also be operable by the fire department standard key. Access to a fire department standard key shall be in accordance with FC 506.4.

506.2.1 Elevator keys.

Firefighter service elevator key switches shall be operable by a citywide standard key.

506.2.2 Key boxes.

Where access to or within a building, structure or premises is restricted because of locked doors or other building openings, or where immediate access would be needed for lifesaving or firefighting purposes in the event of a fire or other emergency, the department may require that keys be kept in a key box installed in an approved location. The owner shall ensure that the key kept in the lock box is replaced whenever a lock securing the area, box or cabinet is changed or rekeyed.

506.2.3 Gates and barriers.

Wherever a gate or similar barrier obstructs fire department access or fire apparatus access to a premises, and a lock is installed on such gate or barrier, the lock shall be of an approved type and operable by a citywide standard key.

506.2.4 First responder box.

The department may require that a locked box operable by a citywide standard key be provided in a designated area in a building, structure or premises to store plans, building information cards or other materials that will assist firefighting personnel responding to a fire or other emergency at the premises.

506.3 Access to citywide standard keys.

It shall be unlawful to possess a citywide standard key except for persons authorized to possess such key in connection with the following purposes:

1. Owners of buildings equipped with firefighter service elevators, or their authorized representatives, including FLS directors and FEP coordinators.

2. Elevator contractors.

3. Elevator inspectors of the Department of Buildings.

4. Persons authorized to conduct testing and other maintenance or servicing of fire alarm systems.

5. Authorized department personnel.

6. New York City police officers and other approved law enforcement personnel.

7. Building owners required to have key boxes, locked boxes or locked gates or barriers pursuant to this code, or their authorized representatives.

8. Building owners with locked gates and barriers that block required fire department and fire apparatus access.

9. Building owners, impairment coordinators, and persons authorized to install or maintain in-building auxiliary radio communication systems.

10. Locksmiths or other authorized key suppliers when in connection with their lawful business operations.

506.4 Access to fire department standard keys.

It shall be unlawful to possess a fire department standard key, except for authorized department personnel and other approved persons. The right to possess and use a citywide-standard key pursuant to FC 506.2 does not confer the right to possess or use a fire department standard key. Licensed locksmiths are authorized to use the fire department standard key to verify the operability by such key as required by FC 506.2 of locks and devices required to be operable by a citywide-standard key, but are not authorized to provide a fire department standard key to any unauthorized person for the purpose of complying with FC 506.2.