I’ve heard that thumb-turn style door locks are illegal. Is this true? If so, what kinds of locks can I have in order to be in compliance with the code but also provide protection from theft?
Thumb-turn style locks are only allowed on exit doors if thumb-turn lever is large enough to allow operation without using fingers (which is to say that pinching or grasping is not required to operate the mechanism) and the thumb-turn lever rotates no more than approximately 90 degrees.

There are several types of door-locking hardware that can be installed on exit doors that will provide an increased level of security while at the same time meeting the exiting requirements of the building and fire code. It is recommended that you contact the Fire Prevention Division before changing any existing approved hardware or before installing additional locking hardware to any exit doors. The Fire Prevention Division will be happy to assist you in determining an appropriate configuration for your specific situation.

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1. What codes and standards does my project have to be in compliance with?
2. I’ve heard that thumb-turn style door locks are illegal. Is this true? If so, what kinds of locks can I have in order to be in compliance with the code but also provide protection from theft?
3. How far from the road and from existing buildings can my building be?
4. Are duct smoke detectors required for my building? If so, do they need to be connected to the building’s alarm system?
5. I’m constructing a new building. Does my building need to be equipped with sprinklers?
6. I’m moving my offices into a currently empty tenant space within a two-story office building? Does my space need a fire alarm system?
7. What can really happen to me if I refuse to comply with the fire code?
8. Why does the fire district require that the exterior horn/strobe on my sprinklered building sound on all alarms as opposed to just water flow?
9. My project is unique and cannot be effectively built using the prescriptive requirements set forth within the code. What can I do?
10. I have been a fire protection contractor for over 20 years. Why do I have to change the way I’ve been doing things just for your jurisdiction?
11. What are impact fees and will they apply to my project?