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

March 20, 2026 · Home Safety · San Diego, CA

A surprising number of San Diego homeowners may be living in homes with bedrooms that do not meet California egress window requirements. According to the International Residential Code and California Building Code, every sleeping room must have at least one window large enough to serve as an emergency escape route.

What California Egress Code Requires

California follows the IRC standards for egress window requirements, which mandate that every bedroom must have at least one operable window with a minimum 5.7 square feet clear opening, minimum width of 20 inches and height of 24 inches. The windowsill cannot exceed 44 inches from the floor.

Why Many San Diego Homes Fall Short

This issue is common in older San Diego homes built before modern codes were standardized. Homes in Normal Heights, North Park, and City Heights often have bedroom windows too small for current egress requirements. Converted garages and bonus rooms are frequent offenders.

The Real-World Consequences

Non-compliant windows create problems during home sales — inspectors flag bedrooms without proper egress, and those rooms technically cannot count as bedrooms. In San Diego where median home prices exceed $900,000, losing a bedroom from your listing means a five-figure reduction.

What You Can Do

Local companies like Newman Windows & Doors specialize in egress window installations throughout San Diego County. Most installations complete in one to two days. Measure your bedroom windows — if the clear opening is less than 5.7 square feet, you likely need an upgrade.