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Edgewater has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code, so a basement bedroom needs an egress window under Section R310: at least 5.7 sq ft of net clear opening, 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in. Wells must be at least 9 sq ft with 36 in. of projection, and need a ladder past 44 in. deep. We set up the project and our local installer cuts the opening, sets the window and finishes the well. Check with Edgewater's Building & Planning team before work starts.
Edgewater has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code, so a basement bedroom needs an egress window under Section R310: at least 5.7 sq ft of net clear opening, 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in. Wells must be at least 9 sq ft with 36 in. of projection, and need a ladder past 44 in. deep. We set up the project and our local installer cuts the opening, sets the window and finishes the well. Check with Edgewater's Building & Planning team before work starts.
Egress code in Edgewater
- Authority: City of Edgewater Building & Planning (building division services are performed by SAFEbuilt for the city) (https://www.edgewaterco.gov/city-services/building-planning). Phone: (720) 763-3001 (Community Development, shown on the official page). Address: 1800 Harlan St, Edgewater, CO 80214 (shown on the official page).
- Edition: 2021 IRC. The city's Applicable Codes & Design Criteria page lists the 2021 International Residential Code. It was adopted by Ordinance No. 2023-08 (adopted 7/18/2023, in effect 9/1/2023). Sources: https://www.edgewaterco.gov/city-services/building-planning/applicable-codes-and-design-criteria and https://library.municode.com/co/edgewater/ordinances/municipal_code?nodeId=2023
- Section: Section R310 (Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings), with well size in R310.2.3 and the ladder in R310.2.3.1
- Local amendments: not reviewed. Ordinance 2025-01 later clarified Edgewater's IRC permit-exemption list.
Egress windows in Edgewater
Edgewater is a small city tucked between Sloan's Lake and Lakewood, and many of its homes are older brick bungalows and ranches with basements that were never built as bedrooms. If you want to finish one of those basements, rent out a lower-level room, or just give your family a safe way out, an egress window is usually the first step.
What the code asks for. Under the 2021 IRC, every basement sleeping room needs an emergency escape and rescue opening. Our local installer builds to the same numbers on every job: a net clear opening of at least 5.7 sq ft, at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, and a sill no more than 44 in. above the finished floor. Outside, the window well must be at least 9 sq ft with at least 36 in. of projection and width. Any well deeper than 44 in. gets a permanent ladder or steps.
How a project runs. We set up the job with you: we confirm the room, the wall and what the window needs to do. Then our local installer measures, cuts the foundation, sets the window and buck, digs and installs the well, and handles drainage and finish work. Permit paperwork with Edgewater's Building & Planning team is part of the job.
Not sure your current window qualifies? Try our free egress window check to compare your opening against the code numbers.
What it costs. Price depends on the wall, the depth of the cut, the window style and the well. See our Denver egress window cost guide for what drives the price.
Nearby. We also cover Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Denver. See all of Jefferson County.
Before work starts, check with your building department. It has the final say on your address, its code edition and any local amendments.
Services in Edgewater
Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress
Ready to add egress to your Edgewater basement?
We set up the project, and our local installer measures the room, cuts the opening, sets the window and well, and handles the permit paperwork with Edgewater's building department.
Frequently asked questions
Which code covers egress windows in Edgewater?
Edgewater lists the 2021 IRC as its adopted residential code (Ordinance 2023-08). Egress windows are covered in Section R310. Confirm with Building & Planning before you build.
How big must an Edgewater egress window be?
At least 5.7 sq ft of net clear opening, at least 24 in. high and 20 in. wide, with a sill no more than 44 in. above the finished floor.
When does an Edgewater window well need a ladder?
When it's deeper than 44 in. (R310.2.3.1). The well itself must be at least 9 sq ft, with 36 in. of projection and width.
Do I need a permit for an egress window in Edgewater?
Cutting a new egress opening in a foundation wall is permitted work. Check with the City of Edgewater Building & Planning team for your address. Permit paperwork is handled as part of the job.
How much does an egress window cost in Edgewater?
It depends on the wall, the window and the well. Our cost guide explains what drives the price, and the quote is free.