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Comment by peller | Hacker News Reader

Yes, good points. I admit I could have done a better job expanding on their benefits.

It seems to me like it should really be a federal regulation, with tiers of strictness by population density or something. Then instead of having different codes for every municipality, you have one standardized set that enforces the major benefits where the stakes are highest, and yet allows more freedom on the edges. But yea, history didn't go that way.

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That might seem easier, but would have trouble adapting to local conditions. Not every city is in an earthquake zone. Not every city suffers huricanes. Many local initiatives would also be quashed. For instance, my city forbids doornobs while some small towns mandate them. (No joke. It's to do with disabled people and bears. It may sound silly but nobody really complains.)

Tell us more about bears and doorknobs.

Doorknobs are much harder than lever type handles for people with arthritis or similar conditions to operate (since they require gripping firmly, as opposed to just pushing). However in some areas where bears are a threat, doorknobs are mandated since bears have been reported to have learned how to open lever handles (but either haven't learned or lack the dexterity/grip strength to use doorknobs), so knobs are safer.

Also, anyone with a helper dog. You can tie a small rope to a lever, but not a nob. So the disabled can rent without having to change out all the nobs/locks.

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