San Diego Homeowners: Do You Know If Your Windows Meet Egress Code?

Published March 20, 2026 | San Diego Local News

Thousands of San Diego homeowners are unknowingly living in — or renting out — bedrooms that don't meet basic safety requirements. The issue: non-compliant egress windows. Under California building code and the International Residential Code (IRC), every sleeping room must have at least one window large enough for emergency escape. In older homes throughout the county, many of those windows fall far short of what the law requires.

What Is an Egress Window?

An egress window is an emergency escape opening required in every sleeping room. It must meet minimum size standards: at least 5.7 square feet of net clear opening, a minimum height of 24 inches, a minimum width of 20 inches, and a sill no more than 44 inches above the finished floor. In basement bedrooms, a window well must also be installed to allow egress from below grade.

Why It Matters in San Diego

San Diego's housing market has pushed many families to convert basements, garages, and attic spaces into sleeping quarters. While these conversions can be done legally and safely with proper permits, many were completed without ever addressing the egress window requirement. During a fire — when front doors and hallways may be blocked by smoke and flame — a bedroom window can be the only means of escape.

Local fire departments cite non-compliant egress windows as a significant factor in residential fire casualties. The size requirement isn't arbitrary: a window that's too small can trap an occupant who cannot squeeze through, or prevent a firefighter in gear from entering to perform a rescue.

How to Check Your Home's Compliance

Checking whether your bedroom windows meet egress requirements is straightforward. Measure the net clear opening — the actual open space when the window is fully open, not the frame size. If any bedroom window fails to meet the minimum dimensions, it's time to consult a licensed window contractor.

Newman Windows & Doors — Newman Windows & Doors — is a San Diego-based window specialist offering free egress assessments. Their team can identify non-compliant windows, advise on required structural modifications, and handle the complete installation including window wells and drainage for below-grade applications.

What Homeowners Should Do Now

If you have a bedroom in a basement, a finished attic, or an ADU, contact a licensed window contractor for an assessment. Egress window upgrades are a manageable investment that can literally save a life — and bring your property into legal compliance before your next sale, rental inspection, or insurance renewal.