LA County Building Code Title 26 and Fire Code Title 32 incorporate California Fire Code §1010.1.9, restricting locks and latches on required egress doors. Single-action hardware, no double-cylinder deadbolts on exits, and panic hardware in assembly occupancies are mandatory.
Title 26 (Building Code) and Title 32 (Fire Code) of the LA County Code adopt CBC §1010.1.9 and CFC §1010.1.9 governing door locking on egress paths. Required exits must release with a single motion from inside without keys, special knowledge, or tools — eliminating double-cylinder deadbolts on dwelling-unit front doors and chain locks on apartment exits. Group A assembly occupancies over 50 occupants and educational facilities require panic or fire-exit hardware. Classroom security locks meeting the §1010.1.9.13 exception are allowed in K-12 schools. LACoDPW Building & Safety inspects in unincorporated areas; LACoFD enforces during fire-prevention inspections of multi-family and commercial buildings.
Notice to correct issued at inspection, with re-inspection fees. Persistent violations escalate to administrative citations up to $500 per door under Title 32. Locked or chained exits during occupied hours can trigger immediate occupancy suspension and misdemeanor charges.
See how El Monte's door locking hardware rules stack up against other locations.
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