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7/2023 Inspection Services I Building Division 525 N 3rd Ave, Pasco, WA 99301 P: [PHONE REDACTED] www.pasco-wa.gov I [EMAIL REDACTED] EMERGENCY EGRESS WINDOWS The most recent IRC code states that “additions, alterations or repairs (replacing windows) shall not cause an existing structure to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building.” Some problems replacing windows may occur in basement windows. If a bedroom o r w i n d o w is added the code is to be met; “additions or alterations to any building or structure shall conform with the requirements of the code for new construction,” therefore THE WINDOW(S) MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO THE CODE REQUIREMENTS. New windows have to be brought up to egress sizes, which may require bigger framed openings and sometimes a new header. Additionally, the Washington State Energy Code requires replacement windows to have a U-value of .30 EMERGENCY EGRESS WINDOWS INTERIOR VIEW ONE FOR EACH BEDROOM, AT LEAST ONE TO SERVE THE BASEMENT AND ONE IN EACH BASEMENT BEDROOM EMERGENCY EGRESS WINDOW REQUIREMENTS 20” Min. width (when open) 24” Min. height (when open) 5.7 Sq. ft. net clear opening minimum (see exception below) 44” Max vertical height to finished sill of window COMMON WINDOWS USED FOR EGRESS Sliding: 5’-0” wide x 3’-0” high 4”-0” wide x 4’-0” high Single hung: 3’-0” wide x 5’-0” high Casement, awning, and other types of windows may be used as long as the requirements noted above can be met. Exception: Grade floor openings, defined as a window or other opening located such that the sill height of the opening is not more than 44 inches above or below the finished ground level adjacent to the opening, shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet. ---PAGE BREAK--- 7/2023 Inspection Services I Building Division 525 N 3rd Ave, Pasco, WA 99301 P: [PHONE REDACTED] www.pasco-wa.gov I [EMAIL REDACTED] EMERGENCY EGRESS WINDOWS EXTERIOR VIEW ONE FOR EACH BEDROOM, AT LEAST ONE TO SERVE THE BASEMENT AND ONE IN EACH BASEMENT BEDROOM BASEMENT WINDOW WELL REQUIREMENTS Window itself must meet all 4 requirements listed on the front of this sheet. The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches shall have a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches shall project at least 3 inches from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches on center vertically for the full height of the window well.