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.
See how Palo Alto's door locking hardware rules stack up against other locations.
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