The question is at what square footing does the balcony become large enough to be considered to require a MOE? That's simple, always however what has always been seen as spaced used has also been seen as open access, unless a stunt is pulled.
The truth is, if you don't allow the lock, they will end up with a cut off broom handle laying in the track and which do you prefer?
If you are real worried about someone getting stuck outside, require that all the balconies must have "Windshield Breaker Tools secured for use" or "a Call station"
In either case locks have been allowed for decades and if you are worried about it, write an exception for the next code cycle.
Just my 2-Cents
TBZ
The truth is, if you don't allow the lock, they will end up with a cut off broom handle laying in the track and which do you prefer?
If you are real worried about someone getting stuck outside, require that all the balconies must have "Windshield Breaker Tools secured for use" or "a Call station"
In either case locks have been allowed for decades and if you are worried about it, write an exception for the next code cycle.
Just my 2-Cents
TBZ