Post Falls police want keyless access to residential buildings

POST FALLS — Officials are considering an ordinance that would allow police keyless access to multifamily, multitenant and gated communities.

The proposed measure, initiated at Police Chief Greg McLean's request, was discussed during Tuesday's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The ordinance would mirror existing fire marshal policies that require keyless access to apartment buildings where entry barriers exist.

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the measure. It must still go to the City Council.

Under the proposal, the police chief could require property owners or developers to install and maintain keyless entry systems.

Police Captain Mark Brantl cited a recent incident highlighting the need for the ordinance. 

"It took valuable time to get ahold of the complex manager to let us into the building," Brantl said, describing an emergency call at a new apartment complex where officers couldn't access common areas. 

"In this case, the developer was very accommodating after the incident and agreed to put in a key box to allow responding officers to get into the common areas of the building."

The measure would apply to common areas, not individual apartments. Legal counsel Field Herrington said via email that in gated communities, the ordinance would require police to have gate codes or similar access to prevent entry delays.

According to Brantl, providing gate access to law enforcement has already been standard practice in Post Falls, with no reported issues. Officials said the city of Nampa has implemented a similar policy.

The ordinance defines emergency situations as those requiring urgent action to prevent imminent harm, protect public safety, prevent evidence destruction or stop fleeing suspects.

Due to its impact on land use, Herrington said a public hearing before the City Council is required before final adoption.