BUILDING ACCESS + SECURITY
BUILDING ACCESS + SECURITY
BUILDING ACCESS + SECURITY
This PDF was last updated on 4/1/2025. Please redownload if you’re currently working from an older version.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIRED DETAILS
When designing building access and security systems, it is important to first establish the access and security needs of the property. Access systems include controlled and monitored resident, staff, and visitor entry. Necessary considerations will vary between new construction projects and rehabs.
First, the appropriate checklist(s) should be reviewed to determine site needs. Next, consult the Building Access and/or Security sections below to decide on specific systems for your site.
CHECKLISTS (also linked below):
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
ENGAGING POAH Information technology department (it)
REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS/UPGRADES/ADDING NEW CAMERAS:
IT should be contacted when:
A site is considering a new or upgraded building access system
A site is considering adding a new access point(s) to an existing building access system
A site is considering a new or upgraded security camera system
A site is considering adding new cameras to an existing security camera system
NEW CONSTRUCTION & REHAB:
IT should be contacted during the DD phase. A member of the IT staff will then be assigned as the IT Project Lead.
SYSTEMs SPECIFICATIONS
BUILDING ACCESS
WHEN TO USE THIS BASIS OF DESIGN SECTION:
This section and the Building Access Checklist (linked below) should be used when determining the appropriate access system(s) and access point(s) for residents & staff and visitors. Note that the best access system will vary for new construction or rehab projects and when a site is considering a new or upgraded system.
GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIRED DETAILS:
An electronic system is the preference for building access for residents and staff. This provides an extra layer of security when keys or fobs are lost, residents move out, or staff changes.
Access Equipment Types
Key Fobs/Cards provide keyless, electronic access. Since fobs can be electronically programmed, they can be reused with different credentials for new residents or staff.
Keys provide manual access. However, a HandyTrac system should be used for properties that use manual keys. See below for more information on HandyTrac.
Interconnected locks are required because they allow for a single action to open the doors from the interior when the dead bolt is engaged. This adds a layer of safety when residents need to exit their units in an emergency.
If a property has a vestibule, intercoms should be located inside the vestibule.
Hardware & Locking Mechanisms for Key Fob/Card Systems
The exact door hardware & locking mechanisms used will be based on the manufacturer(s) you’re using and budget. However, regardless of manufacturer, all key fob/card systems will contain the components listed below.
Each user will have a key fob, key card, and/or an RFID sticker (used in parking garages).
All doors programmed into the system will have a proximity reader either built into the door hardware or mounted on the wall adjacent to the door. This is the component users tap their key fob or card on to unlock the door. Proximity readers not built into the door hardware should be installed inside the vestibule.
Hardware & Locking Mechanisms for Manual Key Systems
No master key permitted.
Unit entries require hardware with an apartment function. Automatic locking mechanisms are not permitted.
An apartment function allows the latch to be operated by levers both on the unit and corridor sides of the door, except when the corridor-side lever is made inoperative by an element on the unit-side (e.g., deadbolt, bar lock, etc.).
Staff space entry hardware can either match the unit hardware or have an office function.
An office function allows the inside lever to always be operable while simultaneously locking the outside lever with a button or similar element. A manual key or key fob/card is always required to enter from the outside.
Mechanical room entry hardware should be equipped with a storeroom function to ensure they’re always locked.
A storeroom function automatically locks the door each time it’s used.
General requirements for roof hardware and locking mechanisms are listed below. Ensure all roof door hardware and locking mechanisms comply with local life safety requirements.
If the roof is not intended for resident access, the door hardware should be equipped with a storeroom function (see above for description).
If the roof is intended for resident access, match hardware and locking mechanisms used throughout other interior and exterior common spaces.
BUILDING ACCESS CHECKLIST
This checklist should be used to determine the number and locations of controlled access points for residents & staff and visitors throughout the property.
key fob/card ACCESS systems
The following are access systems currently being used at POAH properties; however, they are NOT required to be used. Alternate key fob/card access systems may be more appropriate based on-site conditions and/or budget.
RESIDENT + STAFF ACCESS
YALE LOCK
Yale Lock has both smart locks and keypad locks. Granting access, reprogramming access, and activity access log tracking can be done in the Yale Access App or by linking the Yale Lock system to the building’s security system (note that some security systems may not be compatible, contact IT to confirm).
Click Here for More Information on Yale’s Multi-Family Solutions
ASSA ABLOY
The Accentra multi-family system uses key fobs and smart locks (touchscreen and pushbutton keypads also available). Access activity is stored on a cloud-based software.
Click Here for More Information on the Accentra Multi-Family System
VERKADA
Verkada has proximity readers, manual keypads, and wireless locks. All activity access logs are held in cloud storage. A cloud-based platform, Command, is used to grant and reprogram access.
Click Here for More Information on Verkada’s Multi-Family Solutions
VISITOR ACCESS
BUTTERFLYMX
ButterflyMX has video calling capabilities, elevator access, and the ability to issue visitor passes. Door release logs with time- and date-stamped photos can be viewed in the ButterflyMX app.
Click Here for More Information ButterflyMX’s Multi-Family Solutions
PAXTON
Paxton has a video intercom system that uses an external panel, door control unit, and an internal monitor for units. Visitor calls can also be answered through the Paxton Entry app.
Click Here for More Information on Paxton’s Video Intercom System
manual key access system
HANDYTRAC - REQUIRED WHEN USING KEYS
A HandyTrac system is required when using keys to provide building access to residents and staff. Coded keys are stored in an 18-gauge steel cabinet and randomly rotated + reassigned when returned. The key allocation data is stored on a secure website run on Amazon Cloud.
The system is connected to the internet, and use reports are backed up off site with a preserved audit trail. Long term records are archived.
SECURITY CAMERAS
WHEN TO USE THIS BASIS OF DESIGN SECTION:
This section and the Security Checklist (linked below) should be used when determining security needs for a new construction or rehab project. They can also be used when a site is considering a new or upgraded system. Note that some sites may require more coverage than others.
SECURITY CHECKLIST
CAMERA STANDARDS
The list below offers suggestions for camera locations and style. These are just suggestions, and, because every site is different, locations should be determined based on the needs at the property.
Camera & Location
Common Indoor Areas (e.g., corridors, stairwells, community room, laundry room, elevators):
Cover entrance and exit
Be durable and vandal-resistant
Dome-style cameras are an option given their wide field of view, durability, and versatility in mounting locations
Building Entries/Exits (exterior, interior):
Monitor all main entrance(s), including parking lot entrances. If a site needs/wants parking lot cameras to capture license plates, contact the vender and IT to ensure the correct type of camera is used (the standard camera POAH typically uses won’t capture license plates).
Where cameras are installed in exterior parking lots, be aware that local regulations may have specific lighting requirements
Capture faces and activities clearly at all times of day
Bullet-style cameras are an option given their long-range surveillance capabilities and are typically weatherproof
Exterior Locations (e.g., trash enclosure, parking lot, alleys, etc.):
Have a wide field of view
Be weatherproof
Capture clear images at all times and in varying levels of light
Fisheye-style cameras may be used given their wide-angle options (180 - 360 degrees)
Wiring and Connectivity
Wiring to cameras should be Category 6 (Cat6 - a type of Ethernet cable) cabling to support high speed data transmission.
Cameras are usually powered using the Ethernet cable run to them so standard electrical wiring is not required.
Verify that Cat6 cable runs are less than 300 feet from camera to switch (a device that manages the data flow between all cameras in the system). If cable runs are longer, additional devices will be required to ensure connectivity.
Cost-Effective Installation Practices
Strategic Mounting: Mounting cameras to ensure optimal coverage can reduce the need for multiple cameras and help avoid unnecessary costs.
Network Cabling with Power Over Ethernet Power: Using a single cable for both power and data transmission helps streamline installation and reduce costs.
Elimination of Network Video Recorders: Using a cloud-managed storage solution eliminates the need for traditional Network Video Recorders (on-site video surveillance storage) and could result in cost savings and easier overall security system maintenance.
Maintenance & Compliance
Regular Testing and Updates: Site staff should perform regular functionality tests and system updates to ensure the system is functioning properly and all cameras are capturing clear footage. Note that the frequency of testing and system updates will be determined by system requirements and site needs.
Data Protection Compliance: Vendor and/or IT to confirm that footage storage (storage duration should never be less than 30 days) and system management practices comply with local data protection and surveillance requirements.
SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM
VERKADA
Verkada is POAH’s preferred security camera system. Consult with your IT Project Lead and visit the link below for more information.