Egress doors in Spokane buildings must comply with International Building Code and IFC hardware rules adopted under RCW 19.27, requiring single-action unlatching, panic hardware in assembly and educational uses, and Spokane Fire Department approval for special locking arrangements.
Under SMC Chapter 17F, Spokane enforces IBC Chapter 10 and IFC Chapter 10 egress hardware rules. Most commercial doors must unlatch with a single operation, without keys or special knowledge, from the egress side. Assembly, educational, and high-occupant-load spaces require panic or fire-exit hardware. Schools and certain healthcare uses may install delayed-egress, controlled-egress, or classroom barricade locks only when they meet specific code subsections and obtain Spokane Fire Department approval. Multifamily corridor doors must allow single-motion exit. Retrofits in older buildings often require hardware upgrades when permits trigger broader compliance.
Improper deadbolts, chains, or aftermarket barricade devices can lead to SFD correction notices, civil penalties under SMC Chapter 17F, and certificate of occupancy holds.
Spokane, WA
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Spokane, WA
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See how Spokane's door locking hardware rules stack up against other locations.
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