Code Cafe > Headroom clearance above egress window well

What is the minimum height requirement above an egress window well to the bottom of deck floor joists?

Contractor wants to build room addition on a beam system above an egress window coming out of the basement.
October 25, 2005 | Unregistered CommenterJake
Jake, I don't know which codes your authority having jurisdiction uses, however the 2003 International Building Code specifies in section 1003.2 that the means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 ft. The IBC goes on to state in section 1025.1 exception 4 that basements with a ceiling height of less than 80 inches shall not be required to have emergency escape and rescue windows. Also, IBC section 1208 which deals with interior dimensions, but may also hold true with your question of head room, exception 1 gives an allowance for one and two family dwellings. It allows for beams and girders spaced not less than 4 ft. on center protruding not more than 6 inches below the required height of the ceiling.
October 27, 2005 | Unregistered CommenterDavid