Guide
Legal Basement Bedroom Window Code in Wichita, KS
Wichita amends the standard egress numbers. Here is what the local ordinance says, in plain English.
- Opening size
- Window wells and ladders
- Smoke alarms
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What makes it a bedroom
A bedroom needs a way out that does not go through the fire. Salina, Kansas explains the idea well: a fire on the floors above can block the basement exit, so each basement bedroom needs its own escape opening (City of Salina). Wichita sets the exact numbers in its own code.
The Wichita numbers
Under the 2018 residential code as Wichita amended it, the net clear opening is 4.5 square feet with a break-out area of 5.7 square feet, and the opening height is 19¾ inches for single-hung, double-hung and awning windows (Ordinance 50-833). Casement and slider windows list 17 inches of clear width, and single- and double-hung units list 30¼ inches.
These numbers differ from the model code and from other cities, so do not size a window from an online chart. The bottom of the opening can sit no higher than 44 inches above the floor, a standard rule Wichita does not amend (Prairie Village).
| Item | Wichita-Sedgwick County text |
|---|---|
| Net clear area | 4.5 sq ft |
| Break-out area | 5.7 sq ft |
| Ladder | Needed if the well is deeper than 44 inches |
| Guard or cover | Needed if the well is deeper than 30 inches |
Window wells
The local text requires a ladder or steps when the well is deeper than 44 inches, and a guard or a rated cover when it is deeper than 30 inches. The cover hatch must open with no more than 30 pounds of force. The well must drain to the foundation drain or sit on at least 12 inches of washed gravel (Ordinance 50-833). See window well replacement.
Smoke alarms
Alarms are required on each additional story, including basements and cellars, and multiple alarms must be interconnected (Ordinance 50-833).
Light and air
Habitable rooms need glazing of at least 8% of the floor area and openable area of at least 4% (Ordinance 50-833).
Keep reading
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Questions about bedroom code
What window size does Wichita require?
The 2018 local amendments list 4.5 square feet of net clear area (Ordinance 50-833).
When do I need a ladder in the well?
When the vertical depth is over 44 inches (Ordinance 50-833).
Does the sill height matter?
Yes. The bottom of the clear opening can be no more than 44 inches above the floor (Prairie Village).
Do I need smoke alarms in a basement?
Yes, on each added level (Ordinance 50-833).
Can a bedroom use a door instead of a window?
Ask MABCD before planning around a door. We check every bedroom plan with them.
Can you install the window?
Yes. See egress window installation.
Ready to plan your basement?
Call or send the form, and we will walk through your own basement before we price it.