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Federal Heights 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 the Federal Heights Building Department before work starts.
Federal Heights 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 the Federal Heights Building Department before work starts.
Egress code in Federal Heights
- Authority: City of Federal Heights Building Department (https://www.fedheights.org/building). Phone: 303-412-3526. Address: 2380 W. 90th Ave., Federal Heights, CO 80260 (both shown on the official page).
- Edition: 2021 IRC (amended). The Adopted Technical Codes page says City Council adopted the 2021 ICC codes with Ordinance 23-02 on March 7, 2023, effective April 15, 2023 by permit application date. Sources: https://www.fedheights.org/index.asp?SEC=%7BE609D616-1CC0-479B-B97B-643ECED84A42%7D&Type=B_BASIC&persistdesign=none and https://www.fedheights.org/vertical/Sites/%7B30BDEC4F-3AAB-430C-A5CC-E2BE8097AC8C%7D/uploads/Ord._No._23-02_-_Technical_Code_Adoption_v2.pdf
- 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: the IRC is listed as an amended code; amendments not reviewed. Electrical permits and inspections are run by the State (DORA), per the city page.
Egress windows in Federal Heights
Federal Heights is a compact Adams County city along US-36 and Federal Boulevard, with a mix of mid-century ranches, split-levels and newer homes. If your basement has a room you want to use as a bedroom, rent out, or simply make safer, an egress window is what turns it into a legal sleeping room.
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 the Federal Heights Building Department 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 Westminster, Thornton and Northglenn. See all of Adams 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 Federal Heights
Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress
Ready to add egress to your Federal Heights 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 the Federal Heights Building Department.
Frequently asked questions
Which code covers egress windows in Federal Heights?
Federal Heights adopted the 2021 IRC, with amendments, through Ordinance 23-02. Egress windows are covered in Section R310. Confirm with the Building Department before you build.
How big must a Federal Heights 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 a Federal Heights 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 Federal Heights?
Cutting a new egress opening in a foundation wall is permitted work. Check with the Federal Heights Building Department for your address. Permit paperwork is handled as part of the job.
How much does an egress window cost in Federal Heights?
It depends on the wall, the window and the well. Our cost guide explains what drives the price, and the quote is free.