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Owner ordered to open shutters at 716 S. 7th St. to meet emergency-escape rules
Summary
Code enforcement found accordion-style shutters covering an emergency escape opening at 716 South 7th Street. The magistrate ordered shutters opened (fully or partially) within seven days, citing safety concerns, though staff recommended partial opening as an acceptable compliance method if security is a concern.
Code enforcement officer Charmaine Kirkland presented photographs showing accordion shutters covering windows that serve as emergency-escape openings at 716 South 7th Street. Owner Ethel Green said she had kept shutters closed after attempted break-ins and that certain windows are part of a single room with other exits; she asked whether shutters could remain partially closed for security. City staff emphasized that, except during a named storm, shutters used as a security device on an occupied property are not permitted to block emergency egress. "Technically, unless there's a named storm... you shouldn't have shutters up throughout the property," a staff member said.
The magistrate ordered removal or partial opening of the shutters within seven days to ensure compliance with IPMC 702.4 (emergency escape openings); staff and the court suggested non-structural security measures (signs, cameras) to address safety concerns. Failure to comply will trigger a $100-per-day fine and a 30-day appeal window.
