D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, app 12-H-N r. 12-H-N103
Means of egress. The means of egress from each level of the one or two familydwelling unit used as a home day care occupancy shall comply with this section.
Below grade level, any number of occupants. Below grade levels shall be provided with two means of egress, one of which shall consist of an exit door that provides direct access to the exterior.
Exception: One and two family dwelling units used as a home day care occupancy where the occupancy is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section R313 of the Residential Code or Section 903.2.8 of the Fire Code, as applicable,need only provide an exit door that provides direct access to the exterior.
At grade level, 9 occupants or less. At grade levels with an occupant load of 9 or less shall be provided with an exit door that provides direct access to the exterior and a means of escape in compliance with Section R310 of the Residential Code.
Exception:One and two familydwelling units used as a home day care occupancy equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section R313 of the Residential Code or Section 903.2.8 of the Fire Code, as applicable, need only
provide an exit door that provides direct access to the exterior.
At grade level, more than 9 occupants. At grade levels with an occupant load of more than 9 shall be provided with two means of egress, one of which shall be an exit door that provides direct access to the exterior.
Second story, 9 occupants or less. The second story with an occupant load of 9 or less shall be provided with a means of exit access and a means of escape in compliance with Section R310 of the Residential Code.
Second story, more than 9 occupants. The second story with an occupant load of more than 9 shall be provided with two means of egress, one of which shall be an exit door that provides direct access to the exterior.
Exception: One and two family dwelling units used as a home day care occupancy equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section R313 of the Residential Code or Section 903.2.8 of the Fire Code, as applicable, need only provide a means of exit access and a means of escape in compliance with Section R310 of the Residential Code.
Dwellings with three or more stories, any number of occupants. Home day care shall not be provided above the second story in dwellings with three or more stories.
Exception: The third story is allowed to be used for home day care where the dwelling is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section R313 of the Residential Code or Section 903.2.8 of the Fire Code, as applicable, and where the third story is provided with a means of exit access and a means of escape in compliance with Section R310 of the Residential Code.
Yards. If the yard is to be used as part of the home day care operation it shall be fenced in accordance with N103.2.
Type of fence and hardware. The fence shall be of durable materials and be at least 6 feet (1529 mm) tall, completely enclosing the area used for the day care operations. Each opening shall be a gate or door equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device to be installed at a minimum of 5 feet (1528 mm) above the ground.
Exception: The door of any dwelling which forms part of the enclosure need not be equipped with self-closing and self- latching devices.
Construction of fence. Openings in the fence, wall or enclosure required by this section shall have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern that do not allow a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter to pass through. In addition, the following criteria must be met:
Decks. Decks that are more than 12 inches (305 mm) above grade shall have a guard in compliance with Section R312 of the Residential Code.
Type of lock and latches for exits. Regardless of the occupant load served, exit doors shall be capable of being opened from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort. When the occupant load is 10 or less, a night latch, dead bolt or security chain may be used, provided such devices are capable of being opened from the inside without the use of a key or tool, and mounted at a height not to exceed 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor.
Landings. Landings for stairways and doors shall comply with Section R311 of the Residential Code, except that landings shall be required for the exterior side of a sliding door when a home day care is being operated in a Group R- 3 occupancy.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, app 12-H-N r. 12-H-N103