Michigan Basement Egress Rules

The Code

• The 2006 Michigan Residential Code--based on the 2006 International Construction Code (ICC)--requires any habitable space and sleeping area to have egress.

Habitable Space

• The 2006 Michigan Residential Code, sections R201.1 and R201.2, defines a habitable space as "space in a building for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces." Basements used only for storage do not require egress.

Openings

• The code requires egress openings to have a clearance of 5 square feet for basement openings at grade level.The height of the opening needs to be at least 24 inches and the width should be 20 inches. The sill has to be 44 inches above or below the finished ground level. Windows used for egress have to be able to open from inside the room without the use of a key or tool.

Window Well

• The code dictates window wells have a minimum horizontal area of 9 square feet, with a horizontal depth and width of at least 36 inches. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches must be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps that can be used with the window fully open. The ladder should have an inside width of at least 12 inches and be spaced 18 inches on center vertically for the full height of the window well.