Emergency Escape Windows

As required by State Code, an emergency egress window is required in every sleeping room and in all basement dwelling units. These egress windows must have:

• a minimum clear openable width of 20 inches
• a minimum clear openable height of 24 inches
• a minimum clear openable area of 5.7 square feet*
• a finished sill height that is not more than 44 inches above the finished floor

* To obtain the 5.7-square-foot openable area, one or both of the dimensions must be increased.

If the emergency escape window opening is below grade, a window well must be installed on the outside of the building. The window well must:

• be a minimum of 36 inches wide and give access to an area that is a minimum of nine square feet with window fully open
• have a minimum 6-inch drop from the window sill to the ground
• include a ladder if the well is more than 44 inches deep

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