In Part 1 of our code update webinar series for DHI, Mark Kuhn and I talked about a change that has been approved for the 2027 I-Codes, related to school security (register for Part 2 of our update here).  I had not written about this change because I was waiting to get to the point-of-no-return in the code development process.  This change has been officially approved for the 2027 edition of the International Building Code (IBC), so I can now share this important update.

When we were working on the proposals for the 2018 model codes back in 2014/2015, retrofit security devices for classroom doors were hitting the market; many of these classroom barricade devices did not comply with the model codes.  The focus of the BHMA CGIA was to ensure that when classroom doors were secured, requirements for egress, fire protection, and accessibility were met.  In addition, an important code change was made, stating that the doors must be “capable of being unlocked from outside the room with a key or other approved means.”  This requirement helps to ensure that school staff or emergency responders are able to enter a locked classroom quickly to render aid.

This section of the I-Codes did not change much from the 2018 to the 2021 and 2024 editions.  Doors in schools and other educational facilities were permitted to be locked, as long as they allowed authorized access, free egress, and complied with the accessibility standards.  Unfortunately, several school shootings occurred that demonstrated the need for additional code changes.

Beginning with the 2027 edition of the IBC, doors in schools, day care centers, and colleges and universities will be REQUIRED to be lockable.  The requirements apply to classrooms, offices, and other occupied rooms in the applicable use groups.  In addition to the mandates of this section that were included in the previous editions, the 2027 IBC will state:  “The doors shall be capable of being locked from inside the room.”

The new code will also include locking requirements for exterior entry doors in these facilities.  The doors must be lockable from the egress side of the door – opening the door to lock or unlock the outside lever will not comply.  This section will also require at least one door on each building face to be able to be unlocked from the outside with a key or other approved means.

These modifications to the 2027 IBC will help to ensure that doors serving schools will be lockable without opening the door, and will allow emergency responders to enter.  This will enhance security and safety protocols for students and staff, facilitating lockdown and reducing emergency response time.

For detailed information, you can download proposal E57 and the reason statement here.

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