Athens City Code

Every dwelling unit shall have a safe, unobstructed means of egress to a safe and open space at ground level. All structures of three or more stories with a dwelling unit occupying the third or higher story shall be provided with two separate, usable, unobstructed means of egress for each dwelling unit located above the second story. The exit facilities from such dwelling units shall lead to a public thoroughfare either directly or through a court or yard, and passage to such exits shall not lead through any other dwelling unit or through a space that might reasonably be locked by anyone who is not a member of the household. An escape hatch or scuttle to a flat roof for escape through adjoining buildings may be considered as a usable means of egress for the dwelling unit occupying the top floor. Dual egress will not be required of structures that are of fully fireproof construction.

(Code 1972, § 4-509; Code 1995, § 12-509)