What is Egrees
EGRESS MEANS LEAVING OR EXITING A PLACE
Egress windows are made using dimensions that allow a person to exit in case of emergency. All bedrooms and sleeping areas are required to have egress windows. For a window to be egress, it has to have at least 15 inches of unobstructed opening in either height, width, or length and have an area of at least 3.77 sq. feet.
Calculate the area of your window easily
Here is a simple calculation to determine if your window area meets the Egress standard or not.
Multiply the opening of your window (its width with its height), then convert the result to square feet.
Example:
You have a window 15 “wide by 36.2” high (or vice versa). Multiply 15 “x 36.2”, giving 543“, which equals 3.77 sq.ft, the minimum area to meet.
Dimensions to be inside frame to inside frame
Windows A and B CONFORM to height, width and area requirements. Total opening area 3.77 Sq. foot..
Example of egress windows:
Building Permit Requirements:
- If structural changes such as altering or moving beams/ columns or modifications to foundation walls or floor structure is planned;
- If creation of a bedroom is part of the development;
- You are developing previously unfinished areas.
When a building permit is required, the following must be provided at the time of application:
- A scaled floor plan indicating the use of rooms. Signed and sealed engineered drawings for the alteration or moving of beams, columns or floor joist structure or the enlargement or creation of a bedroom window in a foundation wall.A section drawing showing the headroom clearance at the stairs.If a window is being added or enlarged in the sidewall of the home, a site plan and elevation drawing showing side yard clearances and dimensions of all openings. This may be required for front and rear as well in certain situations.
- If a bedroom window is being installed below grade, a section drawing through the window well. A separate electrical permit will always be required for development of a lower level. If any plumbing additions or alterations are planned then a separate plumbing permit will also be required. Electrical and plumbing information regarding permits, and installation details can be found on pages 10 to 12 in this booklet. The installation of a wood burning appliance will also require a building permit. If you are applying for a building permit to develop your lower level at the same time as your wood burning appliance is being installed then both will be included on the same permit.