Egress Windows & Window Wells in Commerce City, CO
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Commerce City requires a permit for finished basements, and its basement-finish checklist requires egress openings of at least 5.7 sq ft, 20 in wide and 24 in high.
Commerce City homeowners finishing basements generally need code-compliant egress for basement bedrooms (IRC R310: summary).
Permits in Commerce City
Permits are issued by the City of Commerce City Building Safety Division. A permit is required for "Interior alterations (including finished basements)", while "Residential window or door replacements with no structural alterations" are exempt (When a Permit Is Required). Cutting a new egress opening in a foundation wall may count as a structural alteration, so check with the Building Safety Division before you plan on the replacement exemption. The city's basement-finish checklist requires egress openings at least 20 in wide and 24 in high, at least 5.7 sq ft, with a sill no higher than 44 in, a 36×36 in well, and a fixed ladder when the well is deeper than 44 in. Local amendment: Commerce City's 2021 IRC amendments require fall protection (bars, grills or covers rated for a 40 psf live load) on area wells deeper than 30 in, releasable from the inside without a key or tool. County: Adams.
Permit fees
Directory of fees. Fees and taxes are set by the jurisdiction; see the official Section 2 building permit fees for current amounts.
Services in Commerce City
Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress
Generally yes. Commerce City homeowners finishing basements generally need code-compliant egress for basement bedrooms under IRC R310. The City of Commerce City Building Safety Division. Residential window or door replacements with no structural alterations are exempt. Cutting a new egress opening in a foundation wall may count as a structural alteration, so check with the Building Safety Division before you plan on the replacement exemption. The city's basement-finish checklist requires egress openings at least 20 in wide and 24 in high, at least 5.7 sq ft, with a sill no higher than 44 in, a 36×36 in well, and a fixed ladder when the well is deeper than 44 in. They are valuation-based (Table 1-A, effective May 18, 2026). Check the official fee schedule linked on this page for current amounts.Frequently asked questions
Does a basement bedroom in Commerce City need an egress window?
Who issues egress window permits in Commerce City?
Does a basement window replacement need a permit in Commerce City?
What size egress opening does Commerce City require?
How are Commerce City permit fees calculated?