Last updated
The Town of Firestone builds to the 2018 International Residential Code with local amendments, adopted through Ordinance No. 1029 (June 21, 2023). That means a basement bedroom needs an egress window under Section R310: 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, and it needs a ladder if it is deeper than 44 in.
The Town of Firestone builds to the 2018 International Residential Code, adopted with local amendments through Ordinance No. 1029 (June 21, 2023). That means a basement bedroom needs an egress window under Section R310. Our local installer builds to 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, and it needs a ladder if it is deeper than 44 in. We set up the project, and our local installer cuts the opening, sets the window and sets the well. Check with the Town's Building Division before work starts.
Egress code in Firestone
Firestone calls its version the Firestone Residential Building Code. Emergency escape and rescue openings fall under Section R310, and the rules are:
- 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.
Firestone's amendments matter here. Every basement sleeping room needs its own escape opening. In an unfinished basement, every window well needs a ladder, whatever its depth. Want to test a window you already have? Run it through our free egress window check.
Permits in Firestone
Adding an egress window means cutting the foundation and changing an opening, so plan on a building permit. Firestone's Building Division takes permits through the Town's online portal and publishes a Basement Finish building guide. Questions go to building@firestoneco.gov or 303-833-3291. Fees come from the Town's fee schedule and are based on project valuation (labor plus materials). Our Denver metro permit guide and permit checklist walk through the plans most departments want.
Window wells and covers
The well is what makes the window usable. It holds the soil back and gives room to climb out. 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 shows typical ranges, and the on-site quote is free.
Nearby. We also cover Frederick, Dacono, Mead, Longmont, Erie and Fort Lupton.
Codes and permit steps change, so check with your building department before work starts.
Services in Firestone
Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress
Ready to add egress to your Firestone basement?
Finishing a basement in Firestone? We set up the project, and our local installer does the work.
Frequently asked questions
What code does Firestone use for egress windows?
The 2018 International Residential Code with Firestone's local amendments, adopted through Ordinance No. 1029. Egress rules are in Section R310.
How big does an egress window need to be in Firestone?
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?
Plan on one, because the work cuts the foundation and changes an opening. Firestone takes permits through its online portal, and the Building Division is at building@firestoneco.gov or 303-833-3291.
Does the window well need a ladder?
Yes, when the well is deeper than 44 in. Firestone's amendments also require a ladder in every window well of an unfinished basement. The well needs at least 9 sq ft of floor area with 36 in. of projection.
How much does an egress window cost in Firestone?
It depends on the wall, the window and the well. Our cost guide explains what drives the price, and the quote is free.