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248-628-7550 |
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WE INSTALL EGRESS WINDOWS & WELLS YEAR ROUND! |
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EGRESS SOLUTIONS, INC. |
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SPECIALIZING IN BASEMENT EGRESS WINDOWS & WELLS |
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#1 INSTALLER OF EGRESS WINDOW & WELL SYSTEMS WE DO THE COMPLETE JOB |
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MI Residential Code |
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Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety Technical Bulletin Publication Number 37 Updated: July 2006 “Providing for Michigan’s Safety in the Built Environment” Technical bulletins are issued to provide clarification on issues that arise regarding code administration and enforcement. The information provided in the bulletin is developed to promote uniform interpretation and enforcement of the state codes by the Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety. 1 BASEMENT EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS Issue The Michigan Residential Code (MRC) requires that basements with habitable space and every sleeping room have at least one open able emergency escape window or exterior door opening for emergency escape and rescue. Two questions have been raised regarding the application of this code requirement: 1. When does a basement without a bedroom require an egress window? 2. If a basement contains a bedroom and a separate habitable space such as a recreation room, are emergency escape and rescue windows or exterior door openings required from each space? Code R310.1 of the MRC sets forth the provisions when emergency escape and rescue openings are required in the following areas: 1. Basements with habitable space. 2. Every sleeping room. Section R201.1, provides for the applicability of definitions: “Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings indicated in this chapter.” Section R202, defines a habitable space as “A 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.” Conclusion Section R201.1 of the code makes it clear that the only definition of habitable space applicable in one- and two-family dwellings is found in the MRC. Habitable space is defined as a 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. Section R303 of the MRC sets forth specific light, ventilation and heating requirements for habitable rooms. Section R305.1 provides the minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms. If a basement contains room or spaces meeting the requirements for habitability, an emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door would be required. Conversely, a basement designated and only containing storage, toilet, and utility spaces in accordance with R106.1.1 of the code, would not require an emergency and rescue window or exterior door. 2 If a basement contains a bedroom and a separate habitable space, such as a recreation room, section R310.1 of the code would require at least one emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door from each space. When a habitable basement contains a sleeping room and a separate habitable space, one window may be provided in the sleeping room when access to the sleeping room is not subject to locking. Reliance upon an egress passageway through an adjacent bedroom subject to locking would not meet the intent of the code for egress from a room or space.
Questions regarding this technical bulletin may be directed to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, Bureau of Construction Codes, Building Division, P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909 or by calling (517) 241-9317. www.Michigan.gov |
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The following bulletin was found on the web at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/dleg_bcc_techbu37_223418_7.pdf |
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Michigan Residential Code Information |
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Michigan Residential Code 2000 Details
EMERGENCY ESCAPE FOR BASEMENTS
Emergency escape and rescue required. Basements with living space and every sleeping room shall have at least one open able emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door opening for emergency escape and rescue. Escape openings for a means of escape and rescue shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor.
Minimum opening area for all emergency escape and rescue openings - minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq ft . Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet.
Minimum opening height. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches.
Minimum opening width. The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches.
Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools.
Window wells. Window wells required for emergency escape and rescue—horizontal dimensions that allow the door or window of the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened. The horizontal dimensions of the window well shall provide a minimum net clear area of 9 square feet with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 in. Exception: The ladder or steps required shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 inches into the required dimensions of the window well.
Ladder and steps. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches below the adjacent ground level shall have a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in fully open position. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches, project at least 3 inches from the wall and be spaced not more than 18 in on center vertically for the full height of the window well.
Bulkhead enclosures. Bulkhead enclosures shall provide direct access to the basement. The bulkhead enclosure with the door panels in the fully opened position shall provide the minimum net clear opening required.
Bars, grills, covers, and screens or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escapes and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or window wells that serve such openings, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the above code and such devices shall be released or removable from the inside without the use of a key tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.
Please direct questions Basement Egress Window & Well Code to: Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety, Building Division, P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909 or by calling (517) 241-9317—www.Michigan.gov |
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WE INSTALL EGRESS WINDOWS & WELLS YEAR ROUND — IT’S ALL WE DO. The best job at the best price! Call Mark today at 248-628-7550. |
