Holiday Décor & Fire-Escape Compliance: What Owners and Managers Should Know

Fire escapes decorated for Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, it’s tempting for tenants to string lights, place planters, or hang decorations on fire escapes and outward-facing balconies. But when it comes to fire-escape systems in San Francisco buildings, what looks harmless can easily cross the line into a code violation or safety hazard.

“Stored or Attached” Means More Than You Think

According to the 2022 San Francisco Fire Code (SFFC) Section 1032.2.1.4:

“Fire escapes and related balconies, ladders, landings, and operating devices shall not be obstructed in any manner. No object shall be stored on or attached to a fire escape without the approval of the fire code official.”

In everyday terms:

Stored = anything placed on a fire-escape landing, ladder, balcony, or platform (for example, potted plants, boxes, crates) that impedes the free use of the escape.

Attached = anything fastened, hung, or affixed to the rails, ladder rungs, handrails, balcony edges, or structure of the fire escape (for example, wires for lights, decorative garlands, unapproved hooks).

These attachments or stored items can interfere with ladder deployment, restrict access, reduce traction on stairs or landings, or block an exit path — all of which put the means of egress at risk.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

• Stringing Christmas lights along a fire-escape railing or ladder: even if decorative, the wiring and fasteners may count as “attachments” and could impede safe egress.

• Placing decorative crates, storage bins, or seasonal planters on the fire-escape platform: these are “stored” objects that can block the weight-bearing path, reduce clearance, or create tripping hazards.

• Hanging wreaths or heavy decorations from handrails or ladder supports: these may interfere with ladder movement or reduce the usable width of the escape.

• Leaving decorations up long after the holiday season: what was a temporary risk becomes a longer-term safety exposure.

• Not considering building age: historic fire escapes may be even more vulnerable to load or clearance issues.

Best Practices for Owners & Property Managers

• Inspect and document the fire-escape system ahead of the season: check ladders, landings, rails, clearances, and make sure everything is operational and unobstructed.

• Communicate early with tenants: issue clear guidelines about what types of décor are allowed (if any), and what must remain off the fire escape.

• Set specific rules:

  • If lights are allowed, require UL-listed exterior lighting, secure mounting that does not fasten to structural rails or ladder rungs, and no extension cords crossing egress paths.

  • Prohibit storage of items, planters, or boxes on fire-escape landings or ladders.

  • Prohibit attachments to rails, ladders or handrails without prior review.

• Enforce clear “egress”: Keep the fire escape free of obstructions, ensure ladder deployment or stair access isn’t compromised, and maintain clear sight-lines and traction on walking surfaces.

• Retire decorations promptly: Remove seasonal décor once the holiday period ends so the system returns to its primary safety purpose.

“Housekeeping” reminder

When you’re reviewing your building’s fire-escape compliance, functionality, or tenant-access protocols (including matters like decorations, ladder inspections, clearance, and egress readiness), keep our trusted partner Great Escape Services on your radar. They provide expert inspection and compliance services for fire escapes in the Bay Area, making them one of our go-to resources when the fire-escape system warrants professional review.

Learn More About Great Escape

Brought to you by Property Atlas.