Egress Windows in Arapahoe County, CO
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In Arapahoe County, each city issues its own egress window permits, and only unincorporated addresses go to the Arapahoe County Building Division, which builds to the 2021 IRC.
We install egress windows across Arapahoe County: we cut the foundation, set the window and well, and handle the permit. Who issues that permit depends on your address. Each city (Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, Englewood and the small cities) runs its own building department, and only unincorporated addresses go to the Arapahoe County Building Division, which builds to the 2021 IRC (Code Central). Tell us your address and we'll call you back with the right office.
Cities and areas we serve in Arapahoe County
- Egress windows in Aurora (Aurora also extends into Adams and Douglas counties)
- Egress windows in Centennial
- Egress windows in Littleton (Littleton straddles Arapahoe, Jefferson and Douglas)
- Egress windows in Englewood
- Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan & Glendale
- Columbine Valley, Foxfield, Bow Mar and unincorporated Arapahoe County addresses
Unincorporated Arapahoe County: permit office and code
- Permit office: Arapahoe County Public Works & Development, Building Division. It covers unincorporated Arapahoe County only (Code Central).
- Code edition: the 2021 International Building and Residential Codes, adopted by Resolution No. 21-394 (effective April 1, 2022). The county added the 2023 National Electrical Code on July 9, 2024 (same page).
- How to apply: online through the county's Customer Access portal, with PDFs only. The county's basement-finish guide requires an egress window or door for basements under 2021 IRC R310, and a site plan when the work adds a window well (basement guide; residential requirements).
Inside a city? Use the city's page
Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan and Glendale each have their own permit rules on the pages linked above. The size rules we build to (5.7 sq ft net clear opening, 24 in high, 20 in wide, sill no higher than 44 in, 9 sq ft well) are in the code guide.
Nearby counties: Denver · Jefferson County · Douglas County · Adams County
Services
Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress · Code guide · Permit guide · Cost guide
Frequently asked questions
Who issues egress window permits in Arapahoe County?
It depends on the address. Cities like Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan and Glendale issue their own permits. Only unincorporated addresses go to the Arapahoe County Building Division.
What building code does unincorporated Arapahoe County use?
The 2021 International Residential Code and International Building Code, adopted by Resolution No. 21-394 and effective April 1, 2022. The county also adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code on July 9, 2024.
Does unincorporated Arapahoe County require an egress window when finishing a basement?
Yes. The county's basement-finish permit guide requires an emergency escape opening, either an egress window or a door, under 2021 IRC R310.
How do I apply for an egress window permit in unincorporated Arapahoe County?
Apply online through the county's Customer Access portal and submit PDF files only. Include a site plan if the project adds a window well.
How big does an egress window have to be in Arapahoe County?
Under the 2021 IRC the county uses, the opening needs at least 5.7 sq ft net clear (5 sq ft at grade floor or below grade), at least 24 in high and 20 in wide, with the sill no more than 44 in above the floor. The window well needs at least 9 sq ft with a 36 in minimum dimension.
Do you install egress windows in Aurora, Centennial and Littleton?
Yes. We cut the opening, install the window and well, and pull the permit from the city that covers your address. Send your address and we'll call you back.