Last week I shared some photos of an occupied rooftop area that I could see from my hotel room, and I asked for ideas on how it could be secured to prevent access to the building from the exterior.  The answer is based on requirements that were added to the 2021 edition of the International Building Code, and carried forward into the 2024 edition.

The criteria for locking a space like this are found in the code section called “Locks and Latches”, which details locations where locks and latches are permitted to prevent operation of doors.

Item 8 in this section would allow egress doors that enter the building from an enclosed exterior space (except egress courts) to be equipped with an approved locking device, in accordance with the following:

  • The maximum calculated occupant load of the exterior area must be less than 300 occupants, and the maximum occupant load must be posted if required by the code.
  • A weatherproof telephone or two-way communication system is required adjacent to at least one of the required exit access doors, on the exterior side.  The code includes additional requirements for this communication system, including required instructional signage.
  • The lock must be key-operated and readily distinguishable as locked – a double-cylinder deadbolt with an indicator is commonly used.
  • Each exit access door must have a clear window of at least 5 square feet in area, to determine whether there are occupants in the outside area.
  • Signage must be posted on or adjacent to each required exit access door stating, “THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THE OUTDOOR AREA IS OCCUPIED.”  The letters on the sign must be at least 1 inch high on a contrasting background.

If these requirements are followed, the exterior space can be safely locked to maintain the security of the building.  Note that NFPA 101, Life Safety Code does not currently include a similar set of requirements.

For more information about this application, refer to this Decoded article.

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