8.07.310 Emergency exits.
A. Every habitable space shall have at least one openable window or exterior door approved for emergency escape or rescue. Emergency exit windows must be openable from the inside without special knowledge, effort or tools. Windows used to meet this requirement shall meet the size and sill height requirements described in BC 8.07.290. All below-grade windows used to meet this requirement shall have a window well the full width of the window constructed of permanent materials with a three-foot clearance measured perpendicular to the outside wall. The bottom of the well may not be more than 44 inches below grade.
B. Required exit doors and windows in a structure shall be free of encumbrances or obstructions that block access to the exit.
C. All doorways, windows and any device used in connection with exits in a structure shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
D. In addition to other exit requirements, all fire escapes and stairways, stair platforms, corridors or passageways that may be used as a means of emergency exit from an apartment, single-room occupancy or social care facilities:
1. Shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
2. Shall be kept free of encumbrances or obstructions of any kind.
3. Shall not be used for storage of flammable or combustible materials.
E. Where doors to stair enclosures in a structure are required by a building code or other applicable law to be self-closing, the self-closing device shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair. No person shall wedge or hold open a self-closing door to stair enclosures except by means of an approved magnetic device connected to a functioning fire alarm system.
F. Windows and doors in a structure leading to fire escapes shall be secured against unwanted entry with approved devices that permit opening from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge, effort or tool.
G. Apartments, single-room occupancies, and social care facilities shall have directional signs visible throughout common passageways to indicate the way to exit doors and fire escapes. Emergency exit doors and windows in apartments, single-room occupancies, and social care facilities shall be clearly labeled for their intended use as emergency exits. [BC 8.07.310, added by Ordinance No. 4448, 8/20/07]