Burglar Bars: These Are the Rules

Under a program the City of Los Angeles began enforcing in April, owners of homes or apartments with burglar bars will have to prove that their security systems comply with a 1985 ordinance.

The ordinance, which applies retroactively, says that:

- Bars can be put over a window in a “sleeping room” only if they contain a quick-release mechanism. An exception can be made if the room has a second, unobstructed window or door that leads directly outside.

- To make sure that the release mechanism can be operated with a minimum amount of confusion during a fire, it must be a “single-action” system that can be opened with a single handle or foot release.

- To make sure that it can be used by children or senior citizens, the release lever must be no higher than 48 inches above the floor and operate in response to no more than 10 pounds of pressure.

- A city building permit, costing $50, must be obtained to install the bars.

- A smoke detector must be installed in any sleeping room equipped with window bars.

Over the next three years, the city Building and Safety Department plans to contact all property owners who have window bars. Once an inspection is made, property owners will have about 45 days to make required changes, either installing quick-release devices or modifying older, less sophisticated ones if they do not comply with the ordinance.

If property owners refuse to make changes, their cases can be referred to the city attorney’s office for prosecution. Failure to comply with the ordinance is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.