Plymouth considers ordinance requiring Emergency Key Boxes for commercial, industrial, & multifamily buildings

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Plymouth City Council took the first step Monday evening toward requiring emergency key boxes on certain structures within the city, as City Attorney Jeff Houin presented the proposed ordinance amendment to the city's building code for first reading.

A straightforward public safety goal drives the ordinance: ensuring that emergency responders can quickly access buildings when every second counts. Under the proposed amendment, all commercial, industrial, and multifamily construction projects under the Building Commissioner's permitting jurisdiction would be required to install an emergency key box, whether the project involves new construction or the renovation of an existing structure.

The key boxes must be placed where they are easily accessible to emergency personnel, with specific placement to be coordinated and approved by the Fire Chief and/or the Building Commissioner.

Houin noted that once adopted, the amended ordinance will take immediate effect.

The Plymouth City Council will consider the ordinance on its second and third readings at the council's next meeting, scheduled for Monday, May 26th.th.