8-503 Escape or Rescue Windows and Doors — 2025 California Historical Building Code
California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · California
Cite as: 2025 California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8) § 8-503 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
Basements in dwelling units and every sleeping room below the fourth floor shall have at least one openable window or door approved for emergency escape which shall open directly into a public street, public way, yard or exit court. Escape or rescue windows or doors shall have a minimum clear area of 3.3 square feet (0.31 m [2] ) and a minimum width or height dimension of 18 inches (457 mm) and be operable from the inside to provide a full, clear opening without the use of special tools.
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- When are "exit ladder devices" allowed as means of egress?
- What escape or rescue window and door requirements apply to historic buildings?
- Which basements and sleeping rooms must have an approved escape or rescue opening?
- How do alteration/repair rules and exiting apply to historic residential occupancies?
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