Aldermen adopt amendment requiring Knox-style lockboxes for commercial fire access

Rutland aldermen unanimously approved Aug. 18 a modification to the city’s fire alarm ordinance to require exterior lockboxes (commonly called Knox boxes) on commercial buildings to provide immediate access for fire personnel.

Committee members and fire officials told the board the change aligns local practice with federal guidance and will speed emergency access where building keys are needed. Committee discussion and testimony cited prior incidents — including the Bardwell House fire — where on-site keys and lockbox access reduced response time.

Implementation will be phased: the city’s fire chief and committee explained Knox boxes will be installed or required at time of replacement or major renovation so the rule does not mandate immediate retrofits of every existing box. The motion to approve the ordinance language as drafted by the city attorney was seconded and carried unanimously.

Discussion: Committee members emphasized the public‑safety rationale and said the boxes reduce the need for repeated calls to obtain keys during overnight emergencies. The board recorded no dissent; the ordinance change will now move toward formal codification per the city’s normal ordinance process.

Next steps: Departments will follow the approved language and coordinate rollout and timelines with affected commercial property owners and building managers.