Louisburg council adopts ordinance requiring Knox boxes on commercial buildings

The Louisburg Town Council on June 10 approved an amendment to Chapter 20, Article 1, Section 20-14 of the town code requiring installation of Knox-style key boxes on commercial buildings.

Council members heard from town staff that the change was recommended by Fire Chief Russell Fuller as a public-safety measure that would let firefighters gain quick access during emergencies and avoid breaking doors or windows. Staff told the council the steel key boxes would typically cost about $400 and would be opened only with a unique fire-department master key.

Under the ordinance as described at the meeting, new commercial tenants would be required to install a box as a condition of receiving a zoning permit. Existing businesses would be given a compliance period (staff suggested several months, with 3–6 months mentioned during discussion) to install boxes; code enforcement would handle post-deadline compliance. Staff said boxes would be located on the front of buildings.

Council members and members of the public asked about notifying existing businesses, enforcement, and the financial burden on recently opened or small businesses. One councilor recommended allowing a longer compliance period for businesses with tight cash flow. Staff confirmed they had notified new businesses that recently opened but had not yet conducted a full outreach to existing businesses.

After discussion, a motion to adopt the ordinance passed; the meeting record shows all in favor. The ordinance language amends the town code’s fire-protection section to require key boxes for applicable commercial facilities and facilities that store hazardous materials or have off-site-transmitting fire alarm systems.

Council members said staff would finalize a compliance timeframe and outreach plan to notify building owners before penalties would be applied.