Santa Clara County Title B and the California Fire Code adopt CFC Section 1010, 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 B of the Santa Clara County Code and the County Fire Code adopt California Building Code and Fire Code Section 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 Section 1010.1.9.13 exception are permitted in K-12 schools. The County Planning and Development Department inspects in unincorporated areas, while County Fire enforces during multi-family and commercial fire-prevention inspections.
Notice to correct issued at inspection, with re-inspection fees. Persistent violations escalate to administrative citations up to $500 per door under Title B. Locked or chained exits during occupied hours can trigger immediate occupancy suspension and misdemeanor charges.
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