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Indianapolis, IN Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
Class 1 structures, stairway doors
Unlock triggers
Sprinkler, alarm, power loss, or signal
Required signage
54-66 in. high, 1 in. letters
Exempt
Group I occupancies

Summary

Class 1 buildings that lock stairway re-entry doors must wire them to unlock automatically on fire alarm, sprinkler activation, power loss, or a signal from the fire command center.

Whenever an enclosed stairwell in a Class 1 structure can be used as a route of fire exit, the stairway doors shall be equipped so there is unrestricted re-entry from the stair enclosure on all floors... ALL Stairway Access Doors above and below grade other than the exit discharge doors shall be permitted to be locked from the stairway side, ONLY if... capable of being unlocked, without unlatching, simultaneously; Upon activation of the automatic sprinkler system or, Upon activation of the building fire alarm system...

Source: Indiana Department of Homeland SecurityView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Indianapolis-Marion County's fire code lets Class 1 structures lock stairway re-entry doors from the stair side, but Sec. 591-433(b) requires those locks to release automatically without unlatching upon sprinkler activation, fire alarm activation, loss of power to the lock, or a signal from the fire command center. Locked doors must carry a sign, 54 to 66 inches high, reading 'THIS DOOR IS LOCKED FROM THE STAIRWAY SIDE, NO RE ENTRY.' Group I occupancies are exempt.

Violations & Fines

Violations are reported to the fire prevention bureau; the bureau notifies the owner or operator to remove the obstruction and issues an order requiring compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a building lock stairwell re-entry doors in Indianapolis?
Yes, but under Sec. 591-433(b) the locks must release automatically on sprinkler or fire alarm activation, loss of power, or a fire command center signal: except in Group I occupancies.
Do locked stairway doors need a sign?
Yes. Each locked door needs a sign near the closing edge, 54 to 66 inches up, reading 'THIS DOOR IS LOCKED FROM THE STAIRWAY SIDE, NO RE ENTRY.'

Sources & Official References

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All Indianapolis rules

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