Building Code for a Basement Egress

Permit Requirements

• A permit is required when adding a basement egress window to a home. Most cities require you to fill out a building permit application. The building department also may require copies of the construction plans. Additionally, the city may ask for a survey plan showing the window in relation to the property line and other buildings.

Rooms

• All sleeping rooms in a basement must have an egress window to classify as a bedroom. An egress window serves as a safety feature for escaping the home, if necessary. Rooms adjoining bedrooms, not used for sleeping, usually do not require an egress window. The egress window should remain operable at all times to meet city building codes.

Emergency Use

• An egress window in a basement must be large enough for home occupants to escape in case of a fire. It also must be large enough that a firefighter or other emergency personnel can easily enter the window. The International Residential Code specifies the window should have a 20-inch opening, a minimum height opening of 24 inches and a maximum sill height above the floor of 44 inches.

Other Considerations

• Basement egress windows should be not only operable but easily opened. They should not have window sashes requiring tilting to open. The window should open out into an open street or yard. If the depth of the window well is greater than 44 inches, a ladder must be installed outside the window. Not all building codes address the use of a window well cover. The window should be easily opened from the inside, even if locked from the outside, to allow occupants to easily escape. Do not install bars, grills or steel shutters over a window well.