Cook County Building Code Chapter 32 incorporates International Fire Code Section 1010 governing means-of-egress door hardware: panic bars in assembly and high-occupancy uses, single-action unlatching, and limits on deadbolts, chains, and electromagnetic locks.
IFC 1010, adopted via Cook County Code Chapter 32, requires every required egress door to open from the interior with a single motion, without keys, special knowledge, or tools. Panic and fire-exit hardware is mandatory in Group A, E, H, and I occupancies serving more than 50 occupants and high-hazard rooms. Electromagnetic and delayed-egress locks are allowed only with fire-alarm release, manual release, and posted signage. Schools and daycares face heightened classroom-barricade rules following Illinois state guidance. Existing locks installed before adoption may be grandfathered until renovation, change of occupancy, or fire marshal-ordered correction.
Installing unauthorized deadbolts, chains, or barricade devices on required exit doors triggers fire-marshal correction notices, building-code citations, and stop-use orders for assembly spaces until hardware is replaced.
See how Evanston's door locking hardware rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.