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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-29 OPH Ltr to Mgr Re Locked Exit Doors CITY 0, � . OAK PARK HEIGHTS 14168 Oak Park Boulevard No. • P.O.Box 2007 • Oak Park Heights,MN 55082-2007 • Phone:651/439-4439 • Fax:651/439-0574 August 29,2008 Mr.Ben Garvin Manager of Discount Tire 13341 60th Street N. Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 Re: Locked Exit Doors Dear Mr.Garvin, I spoke with you regarding a complaint that I received as to you locking the exit doors at nine p.m.when your store closes,even though employees are still installing tires and clients are still in the show room. The Minnesota State Building Code requires that during the hours of operation when a building is occupied that there be a minimum of one exit door. Specific code references to this situation are as follows:, Section 1008.1.8 Door operations states that this exit door shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. Section 1008.1.8.3 Locks and latches states that lock and latches shall be permitted to prevent the operation of doors where any of the following exists: Section 1008.1.8.3 Part 2.2 When a readily visible durable sign is posted on the egress side on or adjacent to the door stating:THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN BUILDING IS OCCUPIED. The sign shall be in letters 1 inch(25mm)highona contrasting background. With the Certificate of Occupancy issued for the store, I permitted the keyed locks with the condition that they are always to be open during working hours when the building is occupied. During our conversation,you stated that it is a common practice to lock the exit doors at closing time,while the , building may still be occupied. With this letter you are directed to cease this practice immediately. Should you desire to resume this practice, please be advised that you shall be required to make application for a building permit for the replacement of all locks on the exit doors. Should you have any questions as to the hardware of your choice complying with,the Building Code,please contact me to confirm compliance. I am enclosing a copy of the Code sections for your review. Thank you for your anticipated prompt attention to this matter. //r •L Butler Building 0 icial CC: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Mark Vierling,City Attorney Julie Hultman, Planning and Code Enforcement Officer Tree City U.S.A.