A. Unobstructed access. A safe, continuous and unobstructed path of travel shall be provided from any point in a building or structure to the public way.

B. Aisles. The required width of aisles according to the building code shall be unobstructed.

C. Locked doors. Means of egress doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort, except where the door hardware conforms to that permitted by the building code.

D. Emergency escape openings. Required emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates, or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the building code and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening. Where such bars, grilles, grates, or similar devices are installed in existing buildings, smoke detectors shall be installed according to VMC Section 17.14.260, as that section currently exists or as it may be subsequently amended.

E. Fire-resistance-rated assemblies. The required fire-resistance rated assemblies including, but not limited to, walls, fire stops, shaft enclosures, partitions and floors shall be maintained.

F. Opening protectives. Required opening protectives shall be maintained in an operative condition. Fire and smoke stop doors shall be maintained in operable condition. Fire doors and smoke barrier doors shall not be blocked or obstructed or otherwise made inoperable. (Ord. M-4079 §40, 2014; Ord. M-3637 §1, 2003)