The owner, operator, manager, or other person responsible for the operation of an assembly, educational, or mercantile occupancy, or other occupancy or building open to the general public, shall inspect and check egress facilities before such occupancy or building is occupied to determine compliance with this section. If such inspection reveals that any element of the means of egress cannot be accessed, is obstructed, locked, fastened, or otherwise unsuited for immediate utilization, admittance to the occupancy or building shall not be permitted until necessary corrective action has been completed and the means of egress restored to a safe and compliant condition.
(1998 Code, § 22-17)