Michigan Basement Egress Window Code

A window must meet certain requirements to pass the Michigan basement egress window code. This Michigan egress window requirement ensures inhabitants stay safe by providing a second means of exit from a basement living space, in the event of an emergency.

Make sure that your new basement egress window meets the Michigan egress window requirements by using our Egress Window Calculator and by purchasing from a trusted company like The Great Egress Company.

What are the Egress Window Requirements in Michigan?

• The window must be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge.
• If there is more than one sleeping room in a basement, a means of egress is required in each sleeping room.
• It must provide an unobstructed opening with a minimum area of 5.7 sq. ft. (This requirement drops to 5 sq. ft. for grade floor or below grade openings).
• The height of the clear opening must be at least 24" and the width must be at least 20".
• The sill height must not be more than 44" above the floor.
• If the sill height is below grade, the window must have a window well.
• If required, the window well must be at least 9 sq. ft. in an area with a horizontal projection and a width of at least 36" each.
• Window wells deeper than 44" must have permanent steps or a ladder that do not impede the opening of the window.

What are Egress Windows?

Egress means to go out. Egress windows are windows you can use to leave your home. While they may seem like a regulatory burden, these windows furnish occupants with natural light, provide a source of ventilation, and can become a lifesaver in an emergency.

For example, if there is a fire in your home, a single stairwell may become unusable, leaving family members and tenants without a clear path to safety. For bedrooms on floors with multiple doors that lead directly outside, these windows are not strictly necessary. This is because there are clear escape routes that can be taken in the case of an emergency.

In basements, egress windows are essential and, if there is a bedroom, required by law in the State of Michigan.

The Michigan Residential Code

The specific requirements for egress windows in Michigan are detailed by the Michigan Residential Code, specifically section R310.