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Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS

Section 1010

California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

DOORS, GATES AND TURNSTILES

[DSA-AC] In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.5 and 11B-404, as applicable.

1010.1 General.

Doors in the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1010.1.1 through 1010.3.4. Exterior exit doors shall also comply with the requirements of Section 1022.2. Gates in the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1010.4 and 1010.4.1. Turnstiles in the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1010.5 through 1010.5.4.

Doors, gates and turnstiles provided for egress purposes in numbers greater than required by this code shall comply with the requirements of this section.

Doors in the means of egress shall be readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the doors are easily recognizable as doors. Mirrors or similar reflecting materials shall not be used on means of egress doors. Means of egress doors shall not be concealed by curtains, drapes, decorations or similar materials.

1010.1.1 Size of doors. The required capacity of each door opening shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof and shall provide a minimum clear opening width

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MEANS OF EGRESS

area containing an occupant load of 50 or more persons or a Group H occupancy. For Group L occupancies, see Section 453.6.2.

In a Group I-2 occupancy, all required exterior egress doors shall open in the direction of egress regardless of the occupant load served.

1010.1.3 Forces to unlatch and open doors. The forces to unlatch doors shall comply with the following:

  1. Where door hardware operates by push or pull, the operational force to unlatch the door shall not exceed 15 pounds (67 N).

  2. Where door hardware operates by rotation, the operational force to unlatch the door shall not exceed 28 inch-pounds (315 N-cm).

The force to open doors shall comply with the following:

  1. For interior swinging egress doors that are manually operated, other than doors required to be fire rated, the force for pushing or pulling open the door shall not exceed 5 pounds (22 N).

  2. For other swinging doors, sliding doors or folding doors, and doors required to be fire rated, the door shall require not more than a 30-pound (133 N) force to be set in motion and shall move to a fullopen position when subjected to not more than a 15pound (67 N) force.

1010.1.3.1 Location of applied forces. Forces shall be applied to the latch side of the door.

1010.1.3.2 Manual horizontal sliding doors. Where a manual horizontal sliding door is required to latch, the latch or other mechanism shall prevent the door from rebounding into a partially open position when the door is closed.

1010.1.4 Floor elevation. There shall be a floor or landing on each side of a door. Such floor or landing shall be at the same elevation on each side of the door. Landings shall be level except for exterior landings, which are permitted to have a slope not to exceed 0.25 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent slope).

Exceptions:

  1. At doors serving individual dwelling units or sleeping units in Groups R-2 and R-3 : a door is permitted to open at the top step of an interior flight of stairs, provided that the door does not swing over the top step.

  2. At exterior doors serving Groups F, H, R-2 and S and where such doors are not part of an adaptable or accessible route or, not required to be accessi- ble by Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code, the landing at an exterior door shall not be more than 7 inches (178 mm) below the landing on the egress side of the door, provided that the door, other than an exterior storm or screen door, does not swing over the landing.

shower or sauna compartments, as specified in Chapter 11A.

10 . Doors serving nonadaptable or nonaccessible single-user shower or sauna compartments, toilet stalls or dressing, fitting or changing rooms shall have a minimum clear opening width of 20 inches (508 mm).

1010.1.1.1 Projections into clear opening. There shall not be projections into the required clear opening width lower than 34 inches (864 mm) above the floor or ground. Projections into the clear opening width between 34 inches (864 mm) and 80 inches (2032 mm) above the floor or ground shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm).

Exception s :

1 . Door closers, overhead door stops, power door operators, and electromagnetic door locks shall be permitted to be 78 inches (1980 mm) minimum above the floor.

2. In a Group I-2 or I-2.1 occupancy, there shall be no projections into the clear width of doors used for the movement of beds and stretcher patients in the means of egress.

1010.1.2 Egress door types. Egress doors shall be of the side-hinged swinging door, pivoted door, or balanced door types.

Exceptions:

  1. Private garages, office areas, factory and storage areas with an occupant load of 10 or less.

  2. Group I-3 occupancies used as a place of detention.

  3. Critical or intensive care patient rooms within suites of health care facilities.

  4. Doors within or serving a single dwelling unit in Groups R-2 and R-3.

  5. In other than Group H occupancies, revolving doors complying with Section 1010.3.1.

  6. In other than Group H occupancies, special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding door assemblies complying with Section 1010.3.3.

  7. Power-operated doors in accordance with Section 1010.3.2.

  8. Doors serving a bathroom within an individual sleeping unit in Group R-1.

  9. In other than Group H occupancies, manually operated horizontal sliding doors are permitted in a means of egress from spaces with an occupant load of 10 or less.

10. In I-2 and I-2.1 occupancies, exit doors serving an occupant load of 50 or more, shall not be of the pivoted or balanced type.

1010.1.2.1 Direction of swing. Side-hinged swinging doors, pivoted doors and balanced doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel where serving a room or

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MEANS OF EGRESS

  1. At exterior doors serving Group U and individual dwelling units and sleeping units in Groups R-2 and R-3, and where such units are not required to be adaptable or accessible, the landing at an exterior doorway shall be not more than 7 3 /4 inches (197 mm) below the landing on the egress side of the door. Such doors, including storm or screen doors, shall be permitted to swing over either landing.

  2. Variations in elevation due to differences in finish materials, but not more than 1 /2 inch (12.7 mm).

  3. Exterior decks, patios or balconies that are part of adaptable or accessible dwelling units, have impervious surfaces and that are not more than 4 inches (102 mm) below the finished floor level of the adjacent interior space of the dwelling unit. See also Chapter 11A, Section 1132A.4.

  4. Doors serving equipment spaces not required to be adaptable or accessible and serving an occupant load of five or less shall be permitted to have a landing on one side to be not more than 7 inches (178 mm) above or below the landing on the egress side of the door.

1010.1.5 Landings at doors. Landings shall have a width not less than the width of the stairway or the door, whichever is greater. Doors in the fully open position shall not reduce a required dimension by more than 7 inches (178 mm). Where a landing serves an occupant load of 50 or more, doors in any position shall not reduce the landing to less than one-half its required width. Landings shall have a length measured in the direction of travel of not less than 44 inches (1118 mm).

Exception: Landing length in the direction of travel in Groups R-3 and U and within individual units of Group R-2 need not exceed 36 inches (914 mm).

1010.1.6 Thresholds. Thresholds at doorways shall not exceed 3 /4 inch (19.1 mm) in height above the finished floor or landing for sliding doors serving dwelling units or 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) above the finished floor or landing for other doors. Raised thresholds and floor level changes greater than 1 /4 inch (6.4 mm) at doorways shall be beveled with a slope not greater than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope).

Exceptions:

  1. In occupancy Group R-2 or R-3, threshold heights for sliding and side-hinged exterior doors shall be permitted to be up to 7 3 /4 inches (197 mm) in height if all of the following apply:

1.1. The door is not part of the required means of egress.

1.2. The door is not part of an accessible route as required by Chapter 11A or 11B .

1.3. The door is not part of an adaptable or accessible dwelling unit.

  1. In adaptable or accessible dwelling units, where Exception 5 to Section 1010.1.4 permits a 4-inch (102 mm) elevation change at the door, the threshold height on the exterior side of the door shall not exceed 4 3 /4 inches (120 mm) in height above the exterior deck, patio or balcony for sliding doors or 4 1 /2 inches (114 mm) above the exterior deck, patio or balcony for other doors.

1010.1.7 Door arrangement. Space between two doors in a series shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum plus the width of a door swinging into the space. Doors in a series shall swing either in the same direction or away from the space between the doors.

Exceptions:

  1. The minimum distance between horizontal sliding power-operated doors in a series shall be 48 inches (1219 mm).

  2. Storm and screen doors serving individual dwelling units in Groups R-2 and R-3 need not be spaced 48 inches (1219 mm) from the other door.

  3. Doors within individual dwelling units in Groups R-2 and R-3 other than adaptable or accessible dwelling units.

1010.2 Door operations.

Except as specifically permitted by this section, egress doors shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

1010.2.1 Unlatching. The unlatching of any door or leaf for egress shall require not more than one motion in a single linear or rotational direction to release all latching and all locking devices.

Exceptions:

  1. Places of detention or restraint.

  2. Where manually operated bolt locks are permitted by Section 1010.2.5.

  3. Doors with automatic flush bolts as permitted by Section 1010.2.4, Item 4.

  4. Doors from individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R occupancies as permitted by Section 1010.2.4, Item 5.

1010.2.2 Hardware. Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices on doors required to be accessible by Chapter 11A or 11B shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate.

These design requirements for door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices, intended for use on required means of egress doors in other than Group R and M occupancies with an occupant load of 10 or less, shall comply with SFM Standard 12-10-2, Section 12-10-202 contained in the CCR, Title 24, Part 12, Cali- fornia Referenced Standards Code.

1010.2.3 Hardware height. Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices shall be installed 34 inches (864 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum above the finished floor. Locks used only for

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security purposes and not used for normal operation are permitted at any height.

Exception: Access doors or gates in barrier walls and fences protecting pools, spas and hot tubs shall be permitted to have operable parts of the latch release on self-latching devices at 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum above the finished floor or ground, provided that the self-latching devices are not also self-locking devices operated by means of a key, electronic opener or integral combination lock.

1010.2.4 Locks and latches. Locks and latches shall be permitted to prevent operation of doors where any of the following exist:

  1. Places of detention or restraint.

  2. In Group I-1, Condition 2 and Group I-2 occupancies where the clinical needs of persons receiving care require containment or where persons receiving care pose a security threat, provided that all clinical staff can readily unlock doors at all times, and all such locks are keyed to keys carried by all clinical staff at all times or all clinical staff have the codes or other means necessary to operate the locks at all times.

nd Group I-2 occupancies where the clinical needs of persons receiving care require containment or where persons receiving care pose a security threat, provided that all clinical staff can readily unlock doors at all times, and all such locks are keyed to keys carried by all clinical staff at all times or all clinical staff have the codes or other means necessary to operate the locks at all times.

  1. In buildings in occupancy Group A having an occupant load of 300 or less, Groups B, F, M and S, and in places of religious worship, the main door or doors are permitted to be equipped with key-operated locking devices from the egress side provided:

3.1. The locking device is readily distinguishable as locked.

3.2. A readily visible durable sign is posted on the egress side on or adjacent to the door stating: THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THIS SPACE IS OCCUPIED. The sign shall be in letters 1 inch (25 mm) high on a contrasting background.

3.3. The use of the key-operated locking device is revocable by the building official for due cause.

  1. Where egress doors are used in pairs, approved automatic flush bolts shall be permitted to be used, provided that the door leaf having the automatic flush bolts does not have a doorknob or surface-mounted hardware.

  2. Doors from individual dwelling or sleeping units of Group R occupancies having an occupant load of 10 or less are permitted to be equipped with a night latch, dead bolt or security chain, provided such devices are openable from the inside without the use of a key or tool.

  3. Fire doors after the minimum elevated temperature has disabled the unlatching mechanism in accordance with listed fire door test procedures.

MEANS OF EGRESS

  1. Doors serving roofs not intended to be occupied shall be permitted to be locked preventing entry to the building from the roof.

  2. Other than egress courts, where occupants must egress from an exterior space through the building for means of egress, exit access doors shall be permitted to be equipped with an approved locking device where installed and operated in accordance with all of the following:

8.1. The maximum occupant load shall be posted where required by Section 1004.9. Such signage shall be permanently affixed inside the building and shall be posted in a conspicuous space near all the exit access doorways.

8.2. A weatherproof telephone or two-way communication system installed in accordance with Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2 shall be located adjacent to not less than one required exit access door on the exterior side.

8.3. The egress door locking device is readily distinguishable as locked and shall be a keyoperated locking device.

8.4. A clear window or glazed door opening, not less than 5 square feet (0.46 m 2 ) in area, shall be provided at each exit access door to determine if there are occupants using the outdoor area.

8.5. A readily visible, durable sign shall be posted on the interior side on or adjacent to each locked required exit access door serving the exterior area stating, “THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THE OUTDOOR AREA IS OCCUPIED.” The letters on the sign shall be not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) high on a contrasting background.

8.6. The occupant load of the occupied exterior area shall not exceed 300 occupants in accordance with Section 1004.

  1. Locking devices are permitted on doors to balconies, decks or other exterior spaces serving individual dwelling or sleeping units.

  2. Locking devices are permitted on doors to balconies, decks or other exterior spaces of 250 square feet (23.23 m 2 ) or less serving a private office space.

1010.2.5 Bolt locks. Manually operated flush bolts or surface bolts are not permitted.

Exceptions:

  1. On doors not required for egress in individual dwelling units or sleeping units.

  2. Where a pair of doors serves a storage or equipment room, manually operated edge- or surfacemounted bolts are permitted on the inactive leaf.

  3. Where a pair of doors serves an occupant load of less than 50 persons in a Group B, F or S occupancy, manually operated edge- or surface

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

MEANS OF EGRESS

mounted bolts are permitted on the inactive leaf. The inactive leaf shall not contain doorknobs, panic bars or similar operating hardware.

  1. Where a pair of doors serves a Group B, F or S occupancy, manually operated edge- or surfacemounted bolts are permitted on the inactive leaf provided that such inactive leaf is not needed to meet egress capacity requirements and the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. The inactive leaf shall not contain doorknobs, panic bars or similar operating hardware.

  2. Manually operated edge- and surface-mounted bolts shall be permitted on the inactive leaf of pair s of doors that serve patient care rooms in Group I-2 occupancies, provided that the bolts are self-latching and the inactive leaf is not needed to meet the minimum clear opening width required by Section 1010.1.1 of the California Building Code. T he inactive leaf shall not contain doorknobs, panic bars or similar operating hardware.

1010.2.6 Closet doors. Closet doors that latch in the closed position shall be openable from inside the closet.

1010.2.7 Stairway doors. Interior stairway means of egress doors shall be openable from both sides without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

Exceptions:

  1. Stairway discharge doors shall be openable from the egress side and shall only be locked from the opposite side.

  2. This section shall not apply to doors arranged in accordance with Section 403.5.3.

  3. Stairway exit doors are permitted to be locked from the side opposite the egress side, provided that they are openable from the egress side and capable of being unlocked simultaneously without unlatching upon a signal from the fire command center, if present, or a signal by emergency personnel from a single location inside the main entrance to the building.

  4. Stairway exit doors shall be openable from the egress side and shall only be locked from the opposite side in Group B, F, M and S occupancies where the only interior access to the tenant space is from a single exit stairway where permitted in Section 1006.3.4.

  5. Stairway exit doors shall be openable from the egress side and shall only be locked from the opposite side in Group R-2 occupancies where the only interior access to the dwelling unit is from a single exit stairway where permitted in Section 1006.3.4.

1010.2.8 Locking arrangements in educational occu- pancies. In Group E occupancies, Group B educational occupancies and Group I-4 occupancies, egress doors from classrooms, offices and other occupied rooms with locking arrangements designed to keep intruders from entering the room shall comply with all of the following conditions:

  1. The door shall be capable of being unlocked from outside the room with a key or other approved means.

  2. The door shall be openable from within the room in accordance with Section 1010.2.

  3. Modifications shall not be made to listed panic hardware, fire door hardware or door closers.

  4. Modifications to fire door assemblies shall be in accordance with NFPA 80.

Remote locking or unlocking of doors from an approved location shall be permitted in addition to the unlocking operation in Item 1.

1010.2.8.1 Special provisions school classrooms. School classrooms constructed after January 1, 1990, not equipped with automatic sprinkler systems, which have metal grilles or bars on all their windows and do not have at least two exit doors within 3 feet (914 mm) of each end of the classroom opening to the exterior of the building or to a common hallway used for evacuation purposes, shall have an inside release for the grilles or bars on at least one window farthest from the exit doors. The window or windows with the inside release shall be clearly marked as emergency exits.

1010.2.8.2 Group E lockable doors from the inside. New buildings that are included in public schools (kindergarten through 12th grade) state funded proj- ects and receiving state funding pursuant to Leroy F. Green, School Facilities Act of 1998, California Education Code Sections 17070.10 through 17079, and that are submitted to the Division of the State Architect for plan review after July 1, 2011 in accordance with Education Code 17075.50, shall include locks that allow doors to classrooms and any room with an occu- pancy of five or more persons to be locked from the inside. The locks shall conform to the specification and requirements found in Section 1010.2.

Exceptions:

1. Doors that are locked from the outside at all times such as, but not limited to, janitor’s closet, electrical room, storage room, boiler room, elevator equipment room and pupil restroom.

2. Reconstruction projects that utilize original plans in accordance with California Adminis- trative Code, Section 4-314.

3. Existing relocatable buildings that are relo- cated within same site in accordance with California Administrative Code, Section 4- 314.

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MEANS OF EGRESS

more than one-half the width of the door measured from the latch side.

1010.2.10 Monitored or recorded egress. Where electrical systems that monitor or record egress activity are incorporated, the locking system shall comply with Section 1010.2.11, 1010.2.12, 1010.2.13, 1010.2.14 or 1010.2.15 or shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

1010.2.11 Door hardware release of electrically locked egress doors. Door hardware release of electric locking systems shall be permitted on doors in the means of egress in any occupancy except Group H where installed and operated in accordance with all of the following:

  1. The door hardware that is affixed to the door leaf has an obvious method of operation that is readily operated under all lighting conditions.

  2. The door hardware is capable of being operated with one hand and shall comply with Section 1010.2.1.

  3. Operation of the door hardware directly interrupts the power to the electric lock and unlocks the door immediately.

  4. Loss of power to the electric locking system automatically unlocks the door.

  5. Where panic or fire exit hardware is required by Section 1010.2.9, operation of the panic or fire exit hardware also releases the electric lock.

  6. The locking system units shall be listed in accordance with UL 294.

1010.2.12 Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors. Sensor release of electric locking systems shall be permitted on doors located in the means of egress in any occupancy except Group H where installed and operated in accordance with all of the following criteria:

  1. The sensor shall be installed on the egress side, arranged to detect an occupant approaching the doors, and shall cause the electric locking system to unlock.

  2. The electric locks shall be arranged to unlock by a signal from or loss of power to the sensor.

  3. Loss of power to the lock or locking system shall automatically unlock the electric locks.

  4. The doors shall be arranged to unlock from a manual unlocking device located 40 inches to 48 inches (1016 mm to 1219 mm) vertically above the floor and within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the secured doors. Ready access shall be provided to the manual unlocking device and the device shall be clearly identified by a sign that reads “PUSH TO EXIT.” When operated, the manual unlocking device shall result in direct interruption of power to the electric lock—independent of other electronics—and the electric lock shall remain unlocked for not less than 30 seconds.

1010.2.9 Panic and fire exit hardware. Swinging doors serving a Group H occupancy and swinging doors serving rooms or spaces with an occupant load of 50 or more in a Group A or E occupancy assembly area not classified as an assembly occupancy E, I-2 or I-2.1 occupancies shall not be provided with a latch or lock other than panic hardware or fire exit hardware. For Group L occupancies see Section 453.6.3.

Exceptions:

  1. A main exit of a Group A occupancy shall be permitted to have locking devices in accordance with Section 1010.2.4, Item 3.

  2. Doors provided with panic hardware or fire exit hardware and serving a Group A or E occupancy shall be permitted to be electrically locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.11 or 1010.2.12.

  3. Exit access doors serving occupied exterior areas shall be permitted to be locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.4, Item 8.

  4. Courtrooms shall be permitted to be locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.13, Item 3.

1010.2.9.1 Refrigeration machinery room. Refrigeration machinery rooms larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m 2 ) shall have not less than two exit or exit access doorways that swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware.

1010.2.9.2 Rooms with electrical equipment. Exit or exit access doors serving transformer vaults, rooms designated for batteries or energy storage systems, or modular data centers shall be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware. Rooms containing electrical equipment rated 800 amperes or more that contain overcurrent devices, switching devices or control devices and where the exit or exit access door is less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from the equipment working space as required by NFPA 70, such doors shall not be provided with a latch or lock other than panic hardware or fire exit hardware. The doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel.

1010.2.9.3 Installation. Where panic or fire exit hardware is installed, it shall comply with the following:

  1. Panic hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 305.

  2. Fire exit hardware shall be listed in accordance with UL 10C and UL 305.

  3. The actuating portion of the releasing device shall extend not less than one-half of the door leaf width.

  4. The maximum unlatching force shall not exceed 15 pounds (67 N).

1010.2.9.4 Balanced doors. If balanced doors are used and panic hardware is required, the panic hardware shall be the push-pad type and the pad shall not extend

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MEANS OF EGRESS

  1. Activation of the building fire alarm system, where provided, shall automatically unlock the electric lock, and the electric lock shall remain unlocked until the fire alarm system has been reset.

  2. Activation of the building automatic sprinkler system or fire detection system, where provided, shall automatically unlock the electric lock. The electric lock shall remain unlocked until the fire alarm system has been reset.

  3. Emergency lighting shall be provided on the egress side of the door.

  4. The door locking system units shall be listed in accordance with UL 294.

1010.2.12.1 Access-controlled elevator lobby doors in high-rise office buildings. For elevator lobbies in high-rise office buildings where the occupants of the floor are not required to travel through the elevator lobby to reach an exit, when approved by the fire chief, the doors separating the elevator lobby from the adja- cent occupied tenant space that also serve as the entrance doors to the tenant space shall be permitted to be equipped with an approved entrance and egress access control system provided all of the following requirements are met:

1. The building is provided throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

2. A smoke detector is installed on the ceiling on the tenant side of the elevator lobby doors along the center line of the door opening, not less than 1 foot and not more than 5 feet from the door open- ing, and is connected to the fire alarm system.

3. A remote master switch capable of unlocking the elevator lobby doors shall be provided in the fire command center for use by the fire depart- ment.

4. Locks for the elevator lobby shall be U.L. and California State Fire Marshal listed fail-safe type locking mechanisms. The locking device shall automatically release on activation of any fire alarm device on the floor of alarm (waterflow, smoke detector, manual pull stations, etc.). All locking devices shall unlock, but not unlatch, upon activation.

5. A two-way voice communication system, utilizing dedicated lines, shall be provided from each locked elevator lobby to the 24-hour staffed loca- tion on site, annunciated as to location. Operat- ing instructions shall be posted above each two- way communication device.

Exception: When approved by the fire chief, two-way voice communication system to an off-site facility may be permitted where means to remotely unlock the access controlled doors from the off-site facility are provided.

The sign lettering shall be 3 /4-inch high letters by 1/8-inch width stroke on a contrasting back- ground. 7. Loss of power to that part of the access control system which locks the doors shall automatically unlock the doors.

1010.2.13 Delayed egress. Delayed egress locking systems shall be permitted to be installed on doors serving the following occupancies in buildings that are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and an approved automatic smoke or heat detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.

  1. Group B, F, I, M, R, S and U occupancies.

  2. Group E classrooms with an occupant load of less than 50.

  3. In courtrooms in Group A-3 and B occupancies, delayed egress locking systems shall be permitted to be installed on exit or exit access doors, other than the main exit or exit access door, in buildings that are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and an approved automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.

1010.2.13.1 Delayed egress locking system. The delayed egress locking system shall be installed and operated in accordance with all of the following:

  1. The delay electronics of the delayed egress locking system shall deactivate upon actuation of the automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system, allowing immediate free egress.

  2. The delay electronics of the delayed egress locking system shall deactivate upon loss of electrical power controlling the lock or lock mechanism, allowing immediate free egress, to any one of the following:

2.1. The egress-control device itself.

2.2. The smoke detection system.

2.3. Means of egress illumination as required by Section 1008.

6. An approved momentary mushroom-shaped palm button connected to the doors and installed adja- cent to each locked elevator lobby door shall be provided to release the door locks when operated by an individual in the elevator lobby. The locks shall be reset manually at the door. Mount palm button so that the center line is 48 inches above the finished floor.

Provide a sign stating:

“IN CASE OF EMERGENCY,

PUSH PALM BUTTON,

DOOR WILL UNLOCK AND SECURITY ALARM

WILL SOUND.”

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  1. The delayed egress locking system shall have the capability of being deactivated at the fire command center and other approved locations.

  2. An attempt to egress shall initiate an irreversible process that shall allow such egress in not more than 15 seconds when a physical effort to exit is applied to the egress side door hardware for not more than 3 seconds. Initiation of the irreversible process shall activate an audible signal in the vicinity of the door. Once the delay electronics have been deactivated, rearming the delay electronics shall be by manual means only. The time delay established for each egress-control device shall not be field adjustable. For applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, see Chapter 11B, 11B-404.2.9.

Exception: In facilities housing Alzheimer’s or dementia clients, a delay of not more than 30 seconds is permitted on a delayed egress door.

  1. The egress path from any point shall not pass through more than one delayed egress locking system.

Exceptions:

  1. In Group R-2.1, Group I-2 or I-3 occupancies, the egress path from any point in the building shall pass through not more than two delayed egress locking systems provided that the combined delay does not exceed 30 seconds. 5.1. A tactile sign shall also be provided in Braille and raised characters, which complies with Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5.

  2. In Group R-2.1 or Group I-4 occupancies, the egress path from any point in the building shall pass through not more than two delayed egress locking systems provided the combined delay does not exceed 30 seconds and the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

  3. A sign shall be provided on the door and shall be located above and within 12 inches (305 mm) of the door exit hardware:

Exception: Where approved, in Group I occupancies, the installation of a sign is not required where care recipients who because of clinical needs require restraint or containment as part of the function of the treatment area.

6.1. For doors that swing in the direction of egress, the sign shall read, “PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 [30] SECONDS.”

MEANS OF EGRESS

6.2. For doors that swing in the opposite direction of egress, the sign shall read, “PULL UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 [30] SECONDS.”

6.3. The sign shall comply with the visual character requirements in Section 11B- 703.5. Sign lettering shall be at least 1 inch (25 mm) in height and shall have a stroke of not less than 1 /8 inch (3.2 mm).

6.4. A tactile sign shall also be provided in Braille and raised characters, which complies with Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5.

  1. Emergency lighting shall be provided on the egress side of the door.

  2. The delayed egress locking system units shall be listed in accordance with UL 294.

9. Actuation of the panic bar or other door-latching hardware shall activate an audible signal at the door.

10. The unlatching shall not require more than one operation.

11. Regardless of the means of deactivation, relock- ing of the egress-control device shall be by man- ual means only at the door.

1010.2.14 Controlled egress doors in Group I-2. Electric locking systems, including electro-mechanical locking systems and electromagnetic locking systems, shall be permitted to be locked in the means of egress in Group I-2 occupancies where the clinical needs of persons receiving psychiatric or mental health treatment require their restraint or containment. Controlled egress doors shall be permitted in such occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and an approved automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, provided that the doors are installed and operate in accordance with all of the following:

  1. The door locks shall unlock on actuation of the automatic sprinkler system or automatic smoke detection system.

  2. The door locks shall unlock on loss of power controlling the lock or lock mechanism.

  3. The door locking system shall be installed to have the capability of being unlocked by a switch located at the fire command center, a nursing station or other approved location. The switch shall directly break power to the lock.

  4. A building occupant shall not be required to pass through more than one door equipped with a controlled egress locking system before entering an exit.

5 . All staff shall have the keys, codes or other means necessary to operate the locking systems.

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

REVOLVING DOOR MAXIMUM
NOMINAL DIAMETER
(FT-IN)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE
REVOLVING DOOR SPEED
(RPM)
8-0 7.2
9-0 6.4
10-0 5.7
11-0 5.2
12-0 4.8
12-6 4.6
14-0 4.1
16-0 3.6
17-0 3.4
18-0 3.2
20-0 2.9
24-0 2.4

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

1010.3.1.1 Egress component. A revolving door used as a component of a means of egress shall comply with Section 1010.3.1 and the following three conditions:

  1. Revolving doors shall not be given credit for more than 50 percent of the minimum width or required capacity.

  2. Each revolving door shall be credited with a capacity based on not more than a 50-person occupant load.

  3. Each revolving door shall provide for egress in accordance with BHMA A156.27 with a breakout force of not more than 130 pounds (578 N).

1010.3.1.2 Other than egress component. A revolving door used as other than a component of a means of egress shall comply with Section 1010.3.1. The breakout force of a revolving door not used as a component of a means of egress shall not be more than 180 pounds (801 N).

Exception: A breakout force in excess of 180 pounds (801 N) is permitted if the breakout force is reduced to not more than 130 pounds (578 N) when not less than one of the following conditions is satisfied:

  1. There is a power failure or power is removed to the device holding the door wings in position.

  2. There is an actuation of the automatic sprinkler system where such system is provided.

  3. There is an actuation of a smoke detection system that is installed in accordance with Section 907 to provide coverage in areas within the building that are within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of the revolving doors.

TABLE 1010.3.1(2) MAXIMUM DOOR SPEED AUTOMATIC OR POWER-OPERATED REVOLVING DOORS

MEANS OF EGRESS

6 . Emergency lighting shall be provided at the door.

7 . The door locking system units shall be listed in accordance with UL 294.

Exception: Items 1 through 4 shall not apply to doors to areas occupied by persons who, because of clinical needs, require restraint or containment as part of the function of a psychiatric or mental health treatment area.

1010.2.15 Reserved .

1010.3 Special doors.

Special doors and security grilles shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1010.3.1 through 1010.3.4.

1010.3.1 Revolving doors. Revolving doors shall comply with the following:

  1. Revolving doors shall comply with BHMA A156.27 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

  2. Each revolving door shall be capable of breakout in accordance with BHMA A156.27 and shall provide an aggregate width of not less than 36 inches (914 mm).

  3. A revolving door shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the foot or top of stairways or escalators. A dispersal area shall be provided between the stairways or escalators and the revolving doors.

  4. The revolutions per minute (rpm) for a revolving door shall not exceed the maximum rpm as specified in BHMA A156.27. Manual revolving doors shall comply with Table 1010.3.1(1). Automatic or power-operated revolving doors shall comply with Table 1010.3.1(2).

  5. An emergency stop switch shall be provided near each entry point of power or automatic operated revolving doors within 48 inches (1219 mm) of the door and between 34 inches (864 mm) and 48 inches (1219 mm) above the floor. The activation area of the emergency stop switch button shall be not less than 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter and shall be red.

  6. Each revolving door shall have a side-hinged swinging door that complies with Section 1010.1 in the same wall and within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the revolving door.

  7. Revolving doors shall not be part of an accessible route required by Section 1009 and Chapter 11A or 11B .

TABLE 1010.3.1(1) MAXIMUM DOOR SPEED MANUAL REVOLVING DOORS

REVOLVING DOOR MAXIMUM
NOMINAL DIAMETER
(FT-IN)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE
REVOLVING DOOR SPEED
(RPM)
6-0 12
7-0 11
8-0 10
9-0 9
10-0 8

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

10-26 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

  1. There is an actuation of a manual control switch, in an approved location and clearly identified, that reduces the breakout force to not more than 130 pounds (578 N).

1010.3.2 Power-operated doors. Where means of egress doors are operated or assisted by power, the design shall be such that in the event of power failure, the door is capable of being opened manually to permit means of egress travel or closed where necessary to safeguard means of egress. The forces required to open these doors manually shall not exceed those specified in Section 1010.1.3, except that the force to set the door in motion shall not exceed 50 pounds (220 N). The door shall be capable of opening from any position to the full width of the opening in which such door is installed when a force is applied to the door on the side from which egress is made. Power-operated swinging doors, power-operated sliding doors and power-operated folding doors shall comply with BHMA A156.10. Power-assisted swinging doors and low-energy power-operated swinging doors shall comply with BHMA A156.19. Low-energy poweroperated sliding doors and low-energy power-operated folding doors shall comply with BHMA A156.38.

Exceptions:

  1. Occupancies in Group I-3.

  2. Special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors complying with Section 1010.3.3.

  3. For a biparting door in the emergency breakout mode, a door leaf located within a multiple-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32inch (813 mm) single-leaf requirement of Section 1010.1.1, provided that a minimum 32-inch (813 mm) clear opening is provided when the two biparting leaves meeting in the center are broken out.

1010.3.3 Special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors. In other than Group H occupancies, special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding door assemblies permitted to be a component of a means of egress in accordance with Exception 6 to Section 1010.1.2 shall comply with all of the following criteria:

  1. The doors shall be power operated and shall be capable of being operated manually in the event of power failure.

  2. The doors shall be openable by a simple method without special knowledge or effort from the egress side or sides.

  3. The force required to operate the door shall not exceed 30 pounds (133 N) to set the door in motion and 15 pounds (67 N) to close the door or open it to the minimum required width.

  4. The door shall be openable with a force not to exceed 15 pounds (67 N) when a force of 250 pounds (1100 N) is applied perpendicular to the door adjacent to the operating device.

MEANS OF EGRESS

  1. The door assembly shall comply with the applicable fire protection rating and, where rated, shall be selfclosing or automatic closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6, shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80 and shall comply with Section 716.

  2. The door assembly shall have an integrated standby power supply.

  3. The door assembly power supply shall be electrically supervised.

  4. The door shall open to the minimum required width within 10 seconds after activation of the operating device.

1010.3.4 Security grilles. In Groups B, F, M and S, horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles are permitted at the main exit and shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort during periods that the space is occupied. The grilles shall remain secured in the full-open position during the period of occupancy by the general public. Where two or more exits or access to exits are required, not more than one-half of the exits or exit access doorways shall be equipped with horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles.

1010.4 Gates.

Gates serving the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. Gates used as a component in a means of egress shall conform to the applicable requirements for doors.

Exception: Horizontal sliding or swinging gates exceeding the 4-foot (1219 mm) maximum leaf width limitation are permitted in fences and walls surrounding a stadium.

1010.4.1 Stadiums. Panic hardware is not required on gates surrounding stadiums where such gates are under constant immediate supervision while the public is present, and where safe dispersal areas based on 3 square feet (0.28 m2) per occupant are located between the fence and enclosed space. Such required safe dispersal areas shall not be located less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the enclosed space. See Section 1028.5 for means of egress from safe dispersal areas.

1010.5 Turnstiles and similar devices.

Turnstiles or similar devices that restrict travel to one direction shall not be placed so as to obstruct any required means of egress, except where permitted in accordance with Sections 1010.5.1, 1010.5.2 and 1010.5.3.

1010.5.1 Capacity. Each turnstile or similar device shall be credited with a capacity based on not more than a 50person occupant load where all of the following provisions are met:

  1. Each device shall turn free in the direction of egress travel when primary power is lost and on the manual release by an employee in the area.

  2. Such devices are not given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity or width.

  3. Each device is not more than 39 inches (991 mm) high.

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

MEANS OF EGRESS

  1. Each device has not less than 16 1 /2 inches (419 mm) clear width at and below a height of 39 inches (991 mm) and not less than 22 inches (559 mm) clear width at heights above 39 inches (991 mm).

1010.5.1.1 Clear width. Where located as part of an accessible route, turnstiles shall have not less than 36 inches (914 mm) clear width at and below a height of 34 inches (864 mm), not less than 32 inches (813 mm) clear width between 34 inches (864 mm) and 80 inches (2032 mm) and shall consist of a mechanism other than a revolving device.

1010.5.2 Security access turnstiles. Security access turnstiles that inhibit travel in the direction of egress utilizing a physical barrier shall be permitted to be considered as a component of the means of egress, provided that all of the following criteria are met:

  1. The building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

  2. Each security access turnstile lane configuration has a minimum clear passage width of 22 inches (559 mm).

  3. Any security access turnstile lane configuration providing a clear passage width of less than 32 inches (810 mm) shall be credited with a maximum egress capacity of 50 persons.

  4. Any security access turnstile lane configuration providing a clear passage width of 32 inches (810 mm) or more shall be credited with a maximum egress capacity as calculated in accordance with Section

  5. Each secured physical barrier shall automatically retract or swing to an unobstructed open position in the direction of egress, under each of the following conditions:

5.1. Upon loss of power to the turnstile or any part of the access control system that secures the physical barrier.

5.2. Upon actuation of a clearly identified manual release device with ready access that results in direct interruption of power to each secured physical barrier, after which such barriers remain in the open position for not less than 30 seconds. The manual release device shall be positioned at one of the following locations:

5.2.1. On the egress side of each security access turnstile lane. 5.2.2. At an approved location where it can be actuated by an employee assigned to the area at all times that the building is occupied.

5.3. Upon actuation of the building fire alarm system, if provided, after which the physical

barrier remains in the open position until the fire alarm system is manually reset.

Exception: Actuation of a manual fire alarm box.

5.4. Upon actuation of the building automatic sprinkler system or fire detection system, after which the physical barrier remains in the open position until the fire alarm system is manually reset.

1010.5.3 High turnstile. Turnstiles more than 39 inches (991 mm) high shall meet the requirements for revolving doors or the requirements of Section 1010.5.2 for security access turnstiles.

1010.5.4 Additional door. Where serving an occupant load greater than 300, each turnstile that is not portable shall have a side-hinged swinging door that conforms to Section 1010.1 within 50 feet (15 240 mm).

Exception: A side-hinged swinging door is not required at security access turnstiles that comply with Section 1010.5.2.

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Contents — California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
  1. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
  2. Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT
  3. Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING
  4. Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED
  5. Appendix N — REPLICABLE
  6. Appendix O — PERFORMANCE-BASED
  7. Chapter 1 — SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
  8. Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
  9. Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY A…
  10. Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
  11. Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
  12. Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
  13. Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
  14. Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
  15. Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
  16. Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
  17. Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
  18. Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
  19. Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
  20. Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
  21. Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
  22. Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  23. Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
  24. Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
  25. Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
  26. Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
  27. Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
  28. Chapter 21 — MASONRY
  29. Chapter 22 — STEEL
  30. Chapter 23 — WOOD
  31. Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
  32. Chapter 25 — GYPSUM BOARD, GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
  33. Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
  34. Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
  35. Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
  36. Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
  37. Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
  38. Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
  39. Chapter 31C — RADIATION
  40. Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
  41. Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
  42. Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
  43. Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
  44. Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  45. Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
  46. Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
  47. Appendix C — GROUP U – AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
  48. Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
  49. Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
  50. Appendix H — SIGNS
  51. Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
  52. Appendix J — GRADING
  53. Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES
  54. Appendix P — EMERGENCY HOUSING

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