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Central Park, the Denver neighborhood formerly called Stapleton, builds to the 2025 Denver Building Code, based on the 2024 International Residential Code. Finishing a basement bedroom means adding an egress window under Section R319: at least 5.7 sq ft of net clear opening, at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in. The window well must be at least 9 sq ft with 36 in. of projection (R319.4.1), and it needs a ladder or steps if it is deeper than 44 in. (R319.4.2).
Central Park, the Denver neighborhood formerly called Stapleton, builds to the 2025 Denver Building Code, based on the 2024 International Residential Code. Finishing a basement bedroom means adding an egress window under Section R319: at least 5.7 sq ft of net clear opening, at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in. The window well must be at least 9 sq ft with 36 in. of projection (R319.4.1), and it needs a ladder or steps if it is deeper than 44 in. (R319.4.2). We set up the project, and our local installer cuts the opening, sets the window and sets the window well. Check with Denver Community Planning and Development before work starts.
Egress code in Central Park
Denver's code is based on the 2024 IRC, so emergency escape and rescue openings fall under Section R319 (in 2021-code cities, the same rules sit in R310). Every basement bedroom needs one:
- Opening: at least 5.7 sq ft net clear
- Height and width: at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide
- Sill: no higher than 44 in. above the floor
- Well: at least 9 sq ft of floor area with 36 in. of projection
- Ladder: required when the well is deeper than 44 in.
Not sure your existing basement window qualifies? Run it through our free egress window check.
Permits in Central Park
Denver requires a permit for a new egress window, and you apply online through CPD's e-permits system. Our Denver egress permit guide and permit checklist walk through the plans to upload. Fees come from Denver's own schedule, so check CPD's Development Fees page. If your home is in a master-planned community with design rules, check those before you pick a well or cover.
Window wells and covers
The well holds the soil back and gives room to climb out. When it is deeper than 44 in., a ladder or steps are part of the job. Any cover has to open from inside without a key or tool. See window well installation and window well covers.
What it costs
Price depends on the foundation, the depth, the window and the well. Our cost guide explains each driver, and the on-site quote is free.
Nearby. See our Denver page, plus Aurora, Commerce City and the Adams County page.
Codes and permit steps change, so check with your building department before work starts.
Services in Central Park
Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress
Ready to add egress to your Central Park basement?
Finishing a basement in Central Park? We set up the project, and our local installer does the work.
Frequently asked questions
What code applies to egress windows in Central Park?
Denver's 2025 Building Code, based on the 2024 IRC. Egress rules are in Section R319.
How big does an egress window need to be?
At least 5.7 sq ft net clear, 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in. Try our egress window check.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Denver CPD says new egress window installations require permits. You apply through e-permits.
When does the window well need a ladder?
When it is deeper than 44 in. (R319.4.2). The well also needs at least 9 sq ft with 36 in. of projection (R319.4.1).
How much does an egress window cost in Central Park?
It depends on the wall, the window and the well. Our cost guide explains what drives the price, and the quote is free.