Carolyn Bilson

The applicant sought to install electromagnetic locks on two sets of exterior exit doors at a mixed-use building.

The Chief Building Official refused, arguing that the doors were part of an exit system and could not have electromagnetic locks under the Building Code.

The Building Code Commission found that the single door without a latching mechanism was permitted to have an electromagnetic lock.

The double doors with a latching mechanism were not permitted to have electromagnetic locks unless the latching mechanism was removed.