(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 176381 and 180330, effective August 18, 2006.)
A. Every sleeping room shall have at least one operable window or exterior door approved for emergency escape or rescue that is openable from the inside to a full clear opening without the use of special knowledge, effort, or separate tools. Windows used to meet this requirement shall meet the size and sill height requirements described in 29.30.090 D. and E. 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 minimum 3 foot by 3-foot clearance in front of the window measured perpendicular to the outside wall. If the bottom of the window well is more than 44” below the ground level, approved steps or an approved permanently attached ladder shall be used.
B. Required exit doors and other exits shall be free of encumbrances or obstructions that block access to the exit.
C. All doorways, windows and any device used in connection with the means of escape shall be maintained in good working order and repair.
D. In addition to other exit requirements, in hotels and apartment houses:
1. All fire escapes shall be kept in good order and repair and painted so as to prevent corrosion of metal, in a manner approved by the Fire Marshal.
2. Every fire escape or stairway, stair platform, corridor or passageway which may be one of the regular means of emergency exit from the building shall be kept free of encumbrances or obstructions of any kind.
3. Where doors to stair enclosures are required by City code to be self-closing, the self-closing device shall be maintained in good working order and it shall be unlawful to wedge or prop the doors open.
4. Windows leading to fire escapes shall be secured against unwanted entry with approved devices.
5. Every apartment house and hotel shall have directional signs in place, visible throughout common passageways, that indicate the way to exit doors and fire escapes. Emergency exit doors and windows shall be clearly labeled for their intended use.