Bellingham, WA Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- 2021 IFC Ch. 36, adopted BMC 17.20.060
- Bolt lock exception
- Single-cylinder keyed deadbolts allowed
- Hardware height
- 34-48 inches above finished floor
- Key safe
- Required on all multi-party boathouses
- Exit spacing
- 1 exit door per 50 lineal feet
- Civil penalty
- $100-$1,000 per violation
- Permit required
- Operational permit, Section 105.6.51
Summary
Bellingham's Fire Code amendments for marinas, adopted at BMC 17.20.060, require boathouse and covered-moorage egress doors to open without a key, but IFC Section 3603.10.3.7.3 carves out one exception: single-cylinder keyed deadbolts are allowed on those doors, alongside set hardware-height and key-safe requirements.
3603.10.3.7 Door operations. Except as specifically permitted by this section egress doors shall be readily operable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. 3603.10.3.7.1 Hardware. Door handles shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. 3603.10.3.7.2 Hardware height. Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices shall be installed 34 inches minimum and 48 inches maximum above the finished floor. Locks used only for security purposes and not used for normal operation are permitted at any height. 3603.10.3.7.3 Bolt locks. Single-cylinder keyed deadbolts are allowed.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
060. 51. 7. 7 states the baseline rule that, except as specifically permitted, egress doors must be readily operable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. 2 sets door handles, pulls, latches and locks between 34 and 48 inches above the finished floor, except that security-only locks not used for normal operation may sit at any height. 3 then departs from the no-key baseline for this occupancy type, allowing single-cylinder keyed deadbolts. 8. 6, so responders can get past a keyed deadbolt in an emergency.
Violations & Fines
Violating the marina fire code door and hardware rules is a civil infraction of $100 to $1,000 per violation under Fire Code Section 110.4, processed under RCW Chapter 7.80 and heard in Bellingham Municipal Court, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. Intentional, knowing or reckless violations are a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 in fines (minimum $250) and up to 364 days in jail, and appeals of fire code official decisions go to the Hearing Examiner within 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Bellingham boathouse egress door have a keyed deadbolt?
What are the general hardware rules for Bellingham marina egress doors?
Do Bellingham multi-party boathouses need a key safe?
What's the penalty for violating Bellingham's marina door and egress rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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