Costa Mesa, CA Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Sec. 13-42 sets minimum construction standards a project must meet before an occupied or previously occupied apartment complex can be converted and sold as a common interest development (condos). Subsection (h) requires the applicant to bring the building up to these standards, unless the building official approves an alternate method of construction, and requires applicable permits to be obtained, improvements inspected, and final city approval issued before the subdivision map records. Subsection (h)(3), 'Security requirements,' provides in accordance with the California Building Code that openings into individual dwelling units must comply with the security provisions of that code, that doors will be equipped with appropriate deadbolt locks, and that required egress windows in sleeping rooms cannot be blocked by a security grille or grate unless it has an approved quick-release device, since a locked grille over an escape window is itself a life-safety hazard.

This sits alongside the life-safety package in subsection (h)(1), which separately requires working smoke detectors, self-closing and latching doors into public corridors and stairwells, illuminated exit signage with emergency backup power, and portable fire extinguishers per the California Fire Code. The planning division reviews the property report the applicant submits documenting compliance, keeps copies as public records for at least five years, and sends copies to the California Real Estate Commissioner as required by law; the building official issues a final inspection report confirming the security and life-safety items were completed before the developer can market the converted units.