If your Colorado business has 50+ occupants, a Certificate of Occupancy issue can shut you down until you install code-compliant panic hardware. The 2024 International Building Code (IBC), adopted by Highlands Ranch / Douglas County / Denver, has specific requirements. Here's what business owners need to know before code enforcement visits.

When Panic Hardware Is Required (2024 IBC)

Per IBC Section 1010.2.9, panic hardware (or fire-exit hardware on rated openings) is required on:

Doors serving any space with occupant load of 50 or more in Group A (assembly), E (educational), or H (high-hazard) occupancies
Doors serving any space with occupant load of 50 or more in Group B (business) or M (mercantile) IF the door has a key-operated lock on the egress side
Electrical rooms over 1,200 amps
Refrigeration machinery rooms with hazardous refrigerants

The occupant load is calculated from the building's net area divided by the use group factor in Table 1004.5 (e.g., assembly use is 7 sq ft per person net). Your architect or code enforcement officer can confirm the calculation.

Common Panic Bar Types

Type	Use Case	Brand Examples
Rim device	Single doors, surface-mounted on door	Von Duprin 99, Sargent 8800, Yale 7100
Mortise device	High-traffic exterior doors, prepped doors	Von Duprin 99 mortise, Sargent 8900
Surface vertical rod (SVR)	Pairs of double doors, no center post	Von Duprin 9947, Sargent 8700
Concealed vertical rod (CVR)	Same as SVR but cleaner aesthetic	Von Duprin 9947CVR

Fire-Rated vs. Non-Fire-Rated

If the door is in a fire-rated wall (between tenants in mixed-use, in stairwells, in mechanical rooms), you need fire-rated panic hardware: UL listed and labeled for the specific door rating. Standard panic hardware will fail your fire inspection. Look at the hinge edge of the door; if there's a fire label, the panic hardware needs to match.

Brands: Von Duprin 99-F, Sargent 8800F, Yale 7100F. We carry these in stock for Highlands Ranch / south Denver metro.

Outside Trim Options (How People Re-Enter)

Panic hardware is exit-only by design — you push the bar from inside. To allow controlled re-entry, you add an outside trim: a lever or knob with a key cylinder. Common functions:

Storeroom (08) — outside lever always locked, key required to enter, push bar exits. Most common for retail.
Classroom (05) — outside lever locked or unlocked by key. Teacher chooses lockdown vs normal mode.
Night latch (10) — outside lever active when push bar is dogged (held in retracted position). Common for daytime open / nighttime locked.
Dummy — pull handle only, no key. Stairwells and exit-only doors.

Pricing

Service	Range
Single-door rim device (Von Duprin 99)	$685-$1,180
Single-door mortise device	$985-$1,580
Pair of doors with SVR	$1,485-$2,485
Outside trim (lever + cylinder)	$285-$485
Fire-rated upgrade (per device)	+$185-$385

Documentation We Provide

Every panic device install includes written documentation: device manufacturer, model, UL listing, ANSI grade, fire rating (if applicable), egress capacity. This is what your code enforcement officer needs for Certificate of Occupancy. We can also coordinate with your contractor or architect during a tenant improvement project.

Full panic bar service details. Schedule via (720) 299-9964.