Kansas City Code Chapter 18 adopts the International Building Code, requiring egress doors to unlock from inside without keys or special knowledge, with stricter panic hardware rules for assembly, school, and high-occupancy uses.
Through Chapter 18, Kansas City applies International Building Code Section 1010 to egress door hardware. Single-action operable hardware is required: occupants must be able to open exit doors with one motion, no keys, tools, or special knowledge. Assembly and educational occupancies above 50 occupants need panic or fire-exit hardware. Classroom security devices (barricades) are restricted unless they meet specific code-compliance pathways adopted by KCFD and Building Inspections. Apartment unit doors may have deadbolts but only if openable with one motion. Retrofits triggered when buildings change use or undergo major renovation.
Locking exit doors during occupancy or installing non-compliant barricade devices is a Chapter 18 violation, drawing stop-use orders and possible misdemeanor charges if injuries result.
See how Kansas City's door locking hardware rules stack up against other locations.
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