Discussion and Review of Tiffin Municipal Code Revisions – Preparation for Setting the Public Hearing — Tiffin City Code - DRAFT

CHAPTER 156 HOUSING CODE (4) Where only one exit is required, it shall be a continuous and unobstructed means of egress which discharges directly or via corridors or stairways to a public way. (5) Where at least two exits are required, they shall be independent, unobstructed means of egress remote from each other, and both shall discharge directly or via corridors or stairways or both to a public way or yard. If both means of egress are designated to a common corridor, they shall be in opposite directions immediately upon exiting the dwelling unit or rooming unit, except a common path of travel may be permitted for the first 20 feet. Dead-end corridors shall not exceed 20 feet in length. However, any existing fire escape shall not be deemed a sufficient means of egress unless it is in compliance with the Fire Codes of the State and the City. (6) Basements and floors above the second story shall have not less than two exits, except when such floors or basements are used exclusively for the service of the building. Dwelling units or rooming units in a basement may have access to only one common exit when the occupant load served by that exit does not exceed 10. Escape and rescue windows must be supplied for each sleeping room. Such windows shall comply with the International Building Code specification S2. Existing third floor and attic areas less than 500 square feet may be used as habitable rooms if the following conditions are met: (i) one exit fully meets International Building Code requirements to the outside of the building; (ii) the other exit can be an attic fire escape. If access to the attic fire escape is through a window, such window must meet the International Building Code requirements for escape and rescue windows. (7) Every doorway providing ingress or egress from any dwelling unit, rooming unit, or habitable room shall be at least six feet, four inches high and two feet, four inches wide. B. Every means of egress shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Stairways. All stairways comprised of four or more risers shall be provided with a substantial and safe handrail. New construction or remodeling shall comply with the City Building Code. (2) Guardrails. All unenclosed floor and roof openings, open and glazed sides of landings and ramps, balconies or porches which are more than 30 inches above grade or above the floor below and any roof used for other than service of the building shall be protected by a substantial and safe guardrail. New construction or remodeling shall comply with the City Building Code. (3) Riser and Tread. Every stairway shall have a uniform riser height and uniform tread width which shall be adequate for safe use. (4) Exits. Doors and windows readily accessible from outside the unit shall be lockable from inside the unit. Double cylinder deadbolts may not be used on doors located in habitable areas or on any exit door. Exit doors shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort. CODE OF ORDINANCES, TIFFIN, IOWA - 1335 -