§ 15.24.1180. Means of egress.

A safe, continuous and unobstructed means of egress shall be provided from the interior of a structure to a public way.

A.

Exit Capacity. Every dwelling unit and/or rooming unit shall have one or more means of egress, with minimum head room of six feet, eight inches leading to a safe and open space at ground level. It shall be maintained as a safe, continuous and unobstructed passageway to the open area at grade. The capacity of the exits serving a floor shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof as determined by the International Building Code.

B.

Number of Exits. In residential buildings, every story or rooming unit/s exceeding two stories above grade shall be provided with not less than two independent exits. In stories of rooming unit/s where more than one exit is required, all occupants shall have access to at least two exits.

Exception: A single exit is acceptable under any one of the following conditions:

1.

Where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and an automatic fire detection system with smoke detectors located in all corridors, lobbies and commons areas;

2.

Where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire detection system and the exit is an approved smoke proof enclosure or pressurized stairway;

3.

Where an existing fire escape conforming to the International Building Code.

C.

Arrangement. Exits from dwelling units shall not lead through other such units, or through toilet rooms or bathrooms. Exiting through kitchens shall not be the only means of egress.

D.

Exit Signs. All means of egress shall be indicated with approved "Exit" signs, where required by the NFPA Life Safety Code. All "Exit" signs shall be maintained visible and all illuminated "Exit" signs shall be illuminated at all times that the building is occupied.

E.

Emergency Lighting. Means of egress shall be equipped with artificial lighting facilities to provide the intensity of illumination as prescribed in the NFPA Life Safety Code.

F.

Locked Doors. Except in one- and two-family dwellings, means of egress doors shall be readily operable from the inside from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort. Exception: glass doors on first floor or ground level subject to burglary.

(Ord. 1974 (part), 2005; Ord. 1665 Exh. A (part), 1997)