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.
You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.
Will storeroom function locks be allowed on classroom doors (those that stay locked on the corridor side)?
Hi Eric –
We talked about that during the code development process. In my opinion – yes – because the act of closing the door would lock the door.
– Lori
Does this only apply to new construction?
Hi Shiloh –
It will apply to new construction once the 2027 edition of the IBC is adopted in a project’s jurisdiction, unless the model code is modified before adoption to change the requirement. We could see states or local school districts require classroom doors that are lockable from the inside before adoption of the 2027 code, for new and/or existing buildings. But the 2027 IBC requirement would apply to new buildings and renovations – any project that has to comply with the 2027 IBC. The bottom line is that it will help to increase school security and could save lives, so the sooner, the better.
– Lori
Morning Lori,
Something I want to verify is the difference between exterior doors and all other spaces included in this update regarding remote locking. Reading into the proposal I think the following is what is being indicated.
Exterior doors – CAN be locked remotely such that they would not need the ability for someone to be able to lock and unlock them at the door.
All other spaces – CANNOT be ONLY locked remotely but will need to have the ability to be locked at the door. So, if a space has an electronic locking solution now that locks/unlocks on schedule it would need to be retrofitted so it can be locked at the door.
Does that sound correct? Thanks for your help!
Hi Josh –
That’s a great question – thanks for asking. The line in the code that allows remote locking/unlocking was moved when the section for exterior doors was added. Since it is a subparagraph of the section called “Locking arrangements in educational occupancies”, it would apply to both exterior doors and interior doors serving classrooms, offices, and other lockable rooms. Here’s what it says: 1010.2.7.3 Remote locking and unlocking. Remote locking and unlocking of doors from an approved location shall be permitted.
So the code would allow remote locking and unlocking, but in my opinion, the intent of the code is for the remote locking/unlocking to be in addition to the other requirements, including the added requirement for the doors to be lockable from the inside.
– Lori
Gotcha, thanks for the clarification!