Experts urge code flexibility and a customer-advocacy approach to convert Florence's empty storefronts

Kimber told Florence officials that rigid building-code interpretations can make small-suite adaptive reuse infeasible and recommended the International Existing Building Code to add flexibility for older storefronts. She gave a concrete example: instead of forcing each tiny suite to build separate ADA restrooms, towns can consider a district-bathroom model anchored by a compliant tenant.