Violation

California Code § 87705(f)Locked Exit Doors

How CCLD inspectors cite this regulation, what providers do to stay clear of it, and where it appears in the public record.

Type A, seriousAffects rcfe36 facilities cited in the last 90 days

ℹ️ Educational reference based on public CCLD inspection records. Not legal or compliance advice. Verify requirements with official sources. Full disclaimer →

Regulation text

What California Code § 87705(f) actually says

California Code § 87705(f)

Licensees that lock exterior doors or perimeter fence gates shall meet the following initial and continuing requirements:

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

35 California RCFEs were cited for improper exit locking. LPAs check exterior doors and gates within the first walk-through of every inspection. Test every lock monthly and keep a dated log. A single non-compliant deadbolt triggers a Type A citation and a mandatory follow-up visit.

By the numbers

36^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
11^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
--^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady

36 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days. See if yours is one of them.

Check a facility

What other providers do

Common practices to stay clear of Locked Exit Doors

Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.

Common practices

All locked exterior doors must use approved hardware that permits resident egress
Perimeter fence gates with locks must meet CCLD safety specifications
Maintain initial and continuing compliance with all locking requirements
Ensure locking mechanisms do not impede emergency evacuation of residents

What to avoid

Installing deadbolts or non-approved locks on exterior doors
Locking perimeter gates without providing an emergency release mechanism
Failing to maintain and test exit hardware on a regular schedule
Using keyed locks that residents cannot easily operate from the inside

Regional record

Where this citation appeared in the past 90 days

Citation counts and rates by California county, drawn from CCLD inspection records.

Regional citations for Locked Exit Doors, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Ventura	7	--	--
Los Angeles	7	--	--
Orange	5	--	--
Kern	3	--	--
San Diego	3	--	--
Contra Costa	3	--	--
Sacramento	2	--	--
Sonoma	1	--	--
Alameda	1	--	--
San Mateo	1	--	--

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-05-30Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.

What is a locked exterior exit violation under Section 87705(f)?

A locked exterior exit violation occurs when an assisted living facility locks exterior doors or perimeter gates without meeting CCLD safety requirements. Title 22, Section 87705(f) mandates specific protocols for securing exits, including proper hardware and resident egress provisions. Violations put residents at risk of being trapped during an emergency.

How common are locked exit violations in California assisted living?

According to California CCLD inspection records, 35 RCFEs were cited for locked exterior exit violations, with 37 total citations across 12 counties. Los Angeles and Ventura counties each had 7 cited facilities, and Orange County had 5. This is classified as a Type A citation, reflecting the direct and immediate safety risk to residents.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for improper exit locking?

CCLD classifies this as a Type A citation because improper exit locking poses an immediate risk to resident life safety. Type A citations carry higher civil penalties than Type B and require immediate correction. A Licensing Program Analyst will conduct a follow-up inspection to verify the exit hardware and locking mechanisms meet all requirements.

How do I fix or prevent a locked exit door citation?

Audit every exterior door and perimeter gate to confirm the locking mechanism meets Title 22, Section 87705 requirements. Install approved hardware that allows resident egress from the inside while maintaining security. Test all locks monthly and document each inspection. LPAs typically check exit locks during their first walk-through of the facility.

Does a locked exit violation affect my RCFE license?

Yes. Exit locking violations are Type A citations that appear on your facility's public CCLD record. Repeated Type A citations can trigger a non-compliance conference, provisional licensing, or revocation proceedings. CCLD considers egress violations among the most serious because they directly affect resident life safety during emergencies.

Related violations

Other citations in this regulation family

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed residential care compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

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