Egress doors in St. Louis commercial and multifamily buildings must comply with International Building Code hardware rules requiring single-action release, panic hardware where applicable, and no key-operated locks blocking exit.
Title IX and Title X of the St. Louis Revised Code adopt IBC and IFC egress provisions covering door hardware. Required exits must unlatch with one motion, must not require a key, tool, or special knowledge to operate from the inside, and must be readily openable in the direction of egress travel. Assembly, educational, and high-occupancy spaces require panic or fire-exit hardware. Schools and daycares may use approved classroom-security devices that meet NFPA 80 and 101 single-action release. Slide bolts, deadbolts above latch, and chains on required egress doors are typically prohibited.
Improper hardware on required exits triggers SLFD and Building Division stop-use orders; assembly venues face occupancy revocation; landlords with chained or bolted egress doors can face criminal charges if injuries occur.
See how St. Louis's door locking hardware rules stack up against other locations.
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