Des Moines requires exit doors in commercial, assembly, and multi-family buildings to comply with International Building Code egress hardware standards under Chapter 8, prohibiting key-operated locks on required egress doors except in narrow approved cases.
Under Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 8 and the adopted International Building and Fire Codes, all exit doors serving required means of egress must be openable from the inside without keys, special knowledge, or effort. Hardware must allow a single, simple operation to release the latch. Limited exceptions exist for some Group A small assembly spaces, residential dwelling units, and approved delayed-egress or controlled-egress arrangements with specific signage, signal initiation, and fire alarm interconnection. Schools, daycares, healthcare facilities, and assisted living have additional rules layered on top. The Des Moines Fire Marshal performs operational inspections and can order non-compliant hardware replaced.
Installing keyed deadbolts, padlocks, slide bolts, or chain locks on required egress doors during occupancy, or chaining exits, can lead to immediate orders to correct and substantial fines.
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