SECURITY BARS:

General

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Electronic Permit System (e-Permit system) allows for the issuance of a building permit to install security bars, grilles, grates, security roll down shutters or similar devices on a residential building. The e-Permit system does not allow for the issuance of a permit to install these devices on a non-residential building. For a non-residential building, the required permit must be issued at a LADBS Construction Services Center.

Security Devices Place Over Emergency Escape Windows or Doors

Section 91.310.4 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code specifies that every sleeping room below the fourth story shall have at least one operable window or door approved for emergency escape or rescue that shall open directly into a public street, public alley, yard or exit court. The emergency door or window shall be operable from the inside to provide a full, clear opening without the use of separate tools.

Bars, grilles, grates, security roll down shutters or similar devices may be installed on emergency escape or rescue windows or doors, provided:

  1. The devices are equipped with approved release mechanisms that are openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort; and

  2. The building is equipped with hard-wired or battery operated smoke detectors installed in accordance with Section 91.310.9.1.4.
Approved "Quick Release" Mechanism

When security bars, grilles, grates, security roll down shutters or similar devices are installed on emergency escape or rescue windows or doors, they must be equipped with an approved quick release system which complies with LADBS requirements. These requirements apply to any security device, regardless of when it was installed.

  1. The quick release latch shall be actuated by a readily accessible knob, handle or button which may be grasped in the hand and operated by a single twist, turn, push or pull of the hand, or a pedal which may be pushed by the foot. The use of slide bolts, pull chain bolts and releases requiring both hands for actuation is prohibited on security devices installed over emergency escape windows. Security devices installed over emergency escape doors may be provided with a night latch, deadbolt or security chain, provided such devices are openable from the inside without the use of a key or special tool.

  2. The quick release latch shall be mounted at a height not to exceed 48 inches above the finished floor and shall not require more than 10 pounds of force to unlatch the security device to the fully opened position. Any such quick release latch must be readily accessible to the occupants of the room.

  3. All quick release systems shall be properly installed by a licensed contractor or the homeowner occupant.

  4. Each quick release system shall be installed in conjunction with hard-wired or battery operated smoke detectors installed in accordance with section 91.310.9.1.4.

  5. Each quick release system must be field tested for proper operation by the licensed contractor and/or a LADBS Inspector prior to acceptance.
Location of Smoke Detectors

Section 91.310.9.1.4. Location within dwelling units. In dwelling units, a detector shall be installed in each sleeping room at a point centrally located in the corridor or area giving access to each separate sleeping area. When the dwelling unit has more than one story and in dwellings with basements, a detector shall be installed on each story and in the basement. In dwelling units where a story or basement is split into two or more levels, the smoke detector shall be installed on the upper level, except that when the lower level contains a sleeping area, a detector shall be installed on each level. When sleeping rooms are on an upper level, the detector shall be placed at the ceiling of the upper level in close proximity to the stairway. In dwelling units where the ceiling height of a room open to the hallway serving the bedrooms exceeds that of the hallway by 24 inches or more, smoke detectors shall be installed in the hallway and in the adjacent room. Detectors shall sound an alarm audible in all sleeping areas of the dwelling unit in which they are located.

Inspection Requirements

In most cases, only one inspection is required after the security bars, grilles, grates, security roll down shutters or similar devices are installed. For security bar permits issued using the LADBS e-Permit system, the inspector will provide the required inspection signature card at the first (or only) inspection. To reach your inspector to verify inspection requirements for your project, call the LADBS Customer Call Center at 311 for calls originating inside of Los Angeles County. For calls originating outside of Los Angeles County, call (213) 482-0000.

Inspection Requests

You can schedule an inspection by using our Automated Inspection Request System (AIRS) which is available anytime (except between 2am and 3am) or by contacting our Customer Call Center (CCC) during our regular business hours (7am to 5pm). Both are available dial 311 for calls originating inside of Los Angeles County. For calls originating outside of Los Angeles County, call (213) 482-0000. To reach AIRS select option 1, to reach CCC select option 2. When calling for an inspection you will need to know the permit number, the site address, the date and type of inspection needed, and the name and phone number of the person to receive a confirmation call on the morning of the inspection. Inspections are available for the next business day until 3pm on the previous business day using AIRS and until 2pm on the previous business day using CCC. An AIRS Sequence Chart is helpful when scheduling an inspection request using AIRS.

After the security bars, grilles, grates, security roll down shutters or similar devices are installed, use the "335 - Final" AIRS inspection code. When using AIRS to schedule an inspection request, it is recommended that you write down your inspection request confirmation number for future reference. This confirmation number can be obtained by pressing the "1" key in step 10 as shown on the AIRS Sequence Chart.