5.09 Lockbox Program – Guideline for New Exterior and Replacement Lockboxes

Reference: 2022 San Francisco Fire Code, Section 506.2.1

Purpose: This administrative bulletin describes the San Francisco Fire Department’s Lock Box program. Lock boxes are hardened steel vaults mounted on the exterior of buildings to store access keys for exclusive use by authorized fire department personnel to gain afterhours access quickly and efficiently at unattended buildings. Use of lock boxes reduces the necessity to damage buildings through the use of forcible entry.

Scope: The San Francisco Fire Code authorizes the Fire Department to require the installation of lock boxes at the following occupancy types, unless a written exemption from the Fire Marshal has been provided.

"H" - Hazardous:  New and Existing

"L" - Laboratory: New and Existing

"B" - Business Laboratories:  testing and research.

In all other occupancy types (A, B, I, S, F, M, U, High-rise) installation is recommended, but not required.

I. Approved Product: Effective September 6, 2024, the approved lock box includes the eKey versions of the KnoxBox 3200 and KnoxVault 4400, manufactured by the Knox Company.  Both recessed and surface mount models are approved for installation.  Knox Tamper Alert is optional.

II. How Does It Work? The building representative (owner, facility manager, etc.) installs, or contracts for installation, the lock box on the exterior of the designated building, locating it in close proximity to the main entrance.  Access into the KnoxBox and the KnoxVault requires the insertion of an electronic key that requires a PIN code to be entered before it can be opened.  NOTE:  Boxes/Vaults can ONLY be unlocked and locked by authorized San Francisco Fire Department personnel with a KNOX eKey.

III. Obtaining a Lockbox: Lock boxes can be purchased online at https://www.knoxbox.com/46324 or by calling Knox directly at 1-800-566-9269.

IV. How to Install a Lockbox: All lock boxes and vaults MUST be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions near the main entrance of the building (within 10 ft. on either side of the door). The process is different for each mounting option.  The suggested minimum and maximum mounting height is not less than four (4) feet and not more than six (6) feet above jacent ground.

  • White SFFD Reflective Sticker - Place on the lock box door/cover such that it does not obscure the serial number.
  • Red KNOX Sticker - Place on the upper right or left side of the main entrance door, signifying which side of the entrance the lock box is installed.

V. Keys and Key Marking: It is the responsibility of the building owner or their designated representative to purchase and label the keys to be placed in the KnoxBox or KnoxVault in according to the list below:

  • Main Entrancy Key:  GREEN (Note -  For security purposes, this key should NOT be the master key to all doors in the building.)
  • Fire Alarm Cabinet, Fire Control Room, or Building Control Station Key:  RED (These keys are required when a fire alarm system is installed or for the Fire Control Room in high-rise buildings.)
  • Sprinkler Shutoff Room:  BLUE (When a sprinkler system exists in the building.)
  • Elevator Recall Keys: YELLOW (When the building has an elevator with elevator recall function.)
  • Firefighter Air System Cabinets or Rooms: ORANGE (If the building has a firefighter air system.)

VI. Placing Keys in Lockbox: Once the lock box or vault has been installed, and the keys have been properly labeled, contact the fire department to complete the installation process

The building representative should do the following:

  • Download and complete a Request to Activate Knox Product form at https://sf-fire.org/services/sffd-lockbox-program, or visit the San Francisco Fire Department in person at 698 Second St., Room 109, to obtain and complete the form.  All request must include payment of two hours of inspection (see form for correct amount).

Payments shall be mailed or made in person at:

Lock Box Program
Bureau of Fire Prevention
San Francisco Fire Department
698 Second St., Rm. 109
San Francisco, CA 94107
 

  • B. Call (415) 558-3276 and request to schedule an inspection of the lock box installation.

VII. Notification Requirements: When doors or cabinets are rekeyed, it is the responsibility of the building's designated representative to contact their district's fire inspector to have the new keys added to the designated lock box or vault.  There are no fees for this service.

Contact the Fire Department at  (415) 558-3300 to obtain the information needed to contact the appropriate district fire inspector.

Questions: Questions about the KNOX LockBox Program should be directed to the Lockbox Support Office at (415) 558-3276.

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