Egress Windows & Window Wells in Longmont, CO
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Longmont requires a building permit even for window replacement, and every basement and bedroom needs an escape opening of at least 5 sq ft, 24 in high and 20 in wide.
Permits in Longmont are issued by the City of Longmont Building Inspection Division (Development Services Center, 385 Kimbark St.) (Longmont basement finish guide).
What Longmont requires
- Longmont lists window replacement and basement finish under "Alterations and Remodels" that need a building permit (Permits). That's stricter than cities that exempt same-size swaps.
- Longmont's basement-finish requirements say every basement and each bedroom needs an operable escape window or door with "a minimum clear openable area of 5 square feet", 24 in clear height, 20 in clear width, and a sill no higher than 44 in. The well must be at least as wide as the window and 36 in out from the house, with a ladder when it's deeper than 44 in (Longmont requirements PDF).
- For comparison, the IRC's general minimum is 5.7 sq ft, or 5.0 sq ft for grade-floor openings. Longmont's figure above is quoted from the city's own guide.
Older Longmont homes: existing wells
The same guide grandfathers existing wells by construction date. On houses built between 3-30-86 and 01-01-96, existing wells may be 30 in. On houses built before 3-30-86, they may be 24 in. If you're adding a new egress window to an older home, plan for the current 36 in projection (requirements PDF).
Longmont FAQ
- Can I pull the permit myself? Longmont's guide says a homeowner can act as their own contractor on the home they live in. Anyone they hire must be licensed and insured with the City of Longmont (basement guide).
- How are inspections scheduled? Online through Longmont's Citizen Access portal, or by the city's inspection voicemail line (basement guide).
Permit fees
Valuation-based, using ICC/RS Means data. Fees and taxes are set by the jurisdiction; see the official 2026 Fee Manual for current amounts.
Services
Egress windows · Window wells · Covers · Basement egress · Code guide
Frequently asked questions
Who issues egress window permits in Longmont?
The City of Longmont Building Inspection Division.
Does window replacement need a permit in Longmont?
Yes. Longmont lists window replacement and basement finish under Alterations and Remodels that need a building permit.
What size egress opening does Longmont require?
Longmont's guide requires a minimum clear openable area of 5 square feet, 24 in clear height, 20 in clear width and a sill no higher than 44 in. The well must be at least as wide as the window and 36 in out from the house, with a ladder when it's deeper than 44 in.
Can I pull the permit myself?
Longmont's guide says a homeowner can act as their own contractor on the home they live in. Anyone they hire must be licensed and insured with the City of Longmont.
How are inspections scheduled in Longmont?
Online through Longmont's Citizen Access portal, or by the city's inspection voicemail line.
How are Longmont permit fees calculated?
They are valuation-based, using ICC/RS Means data. Check the official fee schedule linked on this page for current amounts.