Last updated
The City of Fort Lupton now enforces the 2024 International Residential Code, so a basement bedroom needs an egress window under Section R319. That means 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 City of Fort Lupton now enforces the 2024 International Residential Code, so a basement bedroom needs an egress window under Section R319. That means 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 window well. Check with the City's Building Department before work starts.
Egress code in Fort Lupton
Fort Lupton moved from the 2018 codes to the 2024 codes, so emergency escape and rescue openings fall under Section R319 (in older codes, the same rules sat in R310). Every basement bedroom needs one, 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.
Confirm any City-specific rule with the Building Department before you buy a window. Want to test a window you already have? Run it through our free egress window check.
Permits in Fort Lupton
Adding an egress window means cutting the foundation and changing an opening, so plan on a building permit. Fort Lupton takes permit applications through its CommunityCore online portal, and the City publishes a 2024 Basement Finish building guide. SAFEbuilt handles plan review and inspections for the City. The Building Department is now at the new City Hall, 2500 9th Street, and the permit desk is at 720-466-6104. Fees are based on the cost of the project. The City does not enforce HOA or metro district covenants, so check those yourself. 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. When the well 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 shows typical ranges, and the on-site quote is free.
Nearby. We also cover Brighton, Lochbuie, Dacono, Frederick and Firestone.
Codes and permit steps change, so check with your building department before work starts.
Services in Fort Lupton
Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress
Ready to add egress to your Fort Lupton basement?
Adding a basement bedroom in Fort Lupton? We set up the project, and our local installer does the work.
Frequently asked questions
What code does Fort Lupton use for egress windows?
The 2024 International Residential Code. Egress rules are in Section R319.
How big does an egress window need to be in Fort Lupton?
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. Fort Lupton takes applications through its CommunityCore portal, and the permit desk is at 720-466-6104.
Who does plan review and inspections?
SAFEbuilt handles plan review and inspections for the City of Fort Lupton. The Building Department is at the new City Hall, 2500 9th Street.
How much does an egress window cost in Fort Lupton?
It depends on the wall, the window and the well. Our cost guide explains what drives the price, and the quote is free.