Milpitas, CA Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Chapter 304 of the Milpitas Municipal Code, adopted after the City Council found that fixed security bars can trap occupants and delay rescue, declares it unlawful under Section V-304-3.00 to maintain security bars on emergency escape windows, exit doors, or window wells unless the devices have approved release mechanisms operable from inside without a key, special knowledge, or effort, and the building has code-compliant smoke detectors. Section V-304-4.00 sets the technical standard for that quick-release mechanism: the latch must be actuated by a readily accessible knob, handle, button operated with a single twist, turn, or pull of one hand, or a foot pedal, and slide bolts, pull chains, and devices requiring both hands are prohibited (security devices over emergency escape doors may instead use a night-latch, deadbolt, or security chain if openable from inside without a key or special tool).

The release mechanism must be unobstructed and visible, mounted no more than 36 inches from the window's edge and no higher than 48 inches above the finished floor measured from the device's center, and must not require more than 10 pounds of force to unlatch to the fully open position. Every quick-release system must be installed by a licensed contractor, the homeowner, or another party approved by the Fire Department, must be installed together with smoke detectors, and must be field tested by the Building Department before acceptance.

Underwriters' Laboratories or another approved listing organization's performance standards may substitute for these specifications if acceptable to both the Fire Department and Building Department. City officials may enter a property during daylight hours, on presentation of credentials and proper notice, to inspect or remove noncompliant bars once a notice to abate has been given.