Municipal Code Amendments
-
Additions to
Building Security Code Requirements
Ordinance Introduction
November 6, 2023
Brendan Bartholomew, Sergeant
Matt Lethin, Captain
Police Department
Background
Purpose
Code Language
Public Outreach
Recommendation
2 3
Building Security Code, applicable to new
developments and alterations.
Add new requirements for Emergency Access and
Security Cameras to Municipal Code 23.54.
Codifies existing practice, and increases
transparency and equity of security requirements.
To facilitate rapid responses to emergency calls,
increase security and investigative tools.
Background
Purpose
Code Language
Public Outreach
Recommendation
4 Proposed Code Language
Where access to an area or enclosed
structure is restricted because of secured
openings, the Police Chief or their designee
is authorized to specify and require the
installation and maintenance of an
emergency access system, for when
immediate police access is necessary for
life-saving or emergency purposes. A police
emergency access system installed and
maintained under this section is in addition
to the requirements of other adopted
codes, including the California Fire Code.
Secure Building
Access
Requires
installation of a
system
Provides access
to respond to
emergencies
Equity,
transparency,
flexibility
Background
Purpose
Code Language
Public Outreach
Recommendation
SMMC Section 23.54.025
“Secured Building Access for
Emergency Personnel”
5 Proposed Code Language
Commercial and multi-tenant buildings
shall have installed and maintain a
recording video surveillance system with
cameras placed to view publicly accessible
exterior grounds contiguous to that
property. Additional cameras and camera
technologies may be installed by a
property owner, and additional cameras
and camera technologies may be required
based on project-specific conditions
including, but not limited to, project size,
and location as determined by the Chief of
Police or their designee. A video
surveillance system installed under this
section shall be approved by the Chief of
Police or their designee.
Video Surveillance
System
Requires
installation of
security cameras
Viewing areas
where the public
can access
Equity,
transparency,
flexibility
Background
Purpose
Code Language
Public Outreach
Recommendation
SMMC Section 23.54.035
“Video Surveillance System”
6 Access
System
Requires
installation of a
system
Provides access
to respond to
emergencies
Equity,
transparency,
flexibility
Security
Cameras
Requires
installation of
security cameras
Viewing areas
where the public
can access
Background
Purpose
Code Language
Public Outreach
Recommendation
7 Community Meeting: May 25, 2023
• Provided overview of code amendment
• Discussed general security design requirements
• One concern about cost of installing security cameras and their effectiveness in preventing crime
• One comment supporting increased transparency
Public Comments
• No comments received after agenda announced
Background
Purpose
Code Language
Public Outreach
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION
Introduce an Ordinance to add two new sections to Municipal Code Chapter 23.54, “Building Security Code,” to outline requirements under 23.54.025 for “Secured Building Access for Emergency Personnel” and 23.54.035 for “Video Surveillance Systems.”
Thank You
Brendan Bartholomew, Sergeant
Matt Lethin, Captain
Police Department