Egress Code in Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, is known for its vibrant arts scene, expansive river valley, and diverse neighbourhoods. As more homeowners look to develop basement spaces for additional living areas or rental units, ensuring compliance with local building codes is essential for safety and legal approval.
When adding a basement unit, or simply renovating a basement for your own personal use, it is important to ensure that the projects meets the egress code in Edmonton. Every bedroom in a suite that is not sprinklered, needs to have at least one means of egress to the outside that is large enough in size to allow an occupant to get out in the event of an emergency like a fire. When it comes to basements, the easiest way to achieve this means of egress is often through a special window (an egress window) that complies with the building code.
What are Edmonton Egress Window Requirements?
- The window must be openable from the inside without the use of tools or special knowledge, without the removal of sahses or hardware, and it must be able to remain open without the need for additional suppor.
- It must provide an unobstructed opening with a minimum area of 0.35 sq. m. (3.77 sq. ft.) with no dimension less than 380 mm (1’3”).
- There must be a 760 mm (30”) space of clearing in front of the window.
- Where a window sash swings towards a window well, it must not do so in a way that would restrict escape in an emergency.
Buy an Edmonton Code Compliant Egress Window Here
What are Egress Windows?
Egress means to go out. Egress windows, then, are windows you can use to leave your home. While they may seem like a regulatory burden, these windows furnish occupants with natural light, provide a source of natural ventilation, and can become a lifesaver in an emergency.
If there is a fire in your home, for example, a single stairwell may become unusable, leaving family members and tenants without a clear path to safety. For bedrooms and floors with doors that lead directly outside, these windows are not strictly necessary. This is because there are clear escape routes that can be taken in the case of an emergency. In basements, however, egress windows are essential and, if there is a bedroom, required by law.
The National Building Code Alberta Edition (NBC AE)
The City of Edmonton generally reverts to the National Building Code-2023 Alberta Edition (NBC-2023-AE). The NBC-2023-AE requires that (unless it is sprinklered) every bedroom in a suite includes at least one window opening to the outside that is large enough and easy enough to open and access so that it can be used as an egress to an open public thoroughfare in the event that a fire prevents the use of the building’s normal exits..
This window must provide an unobstructed open space greater than 0.35 sq. m. (3.77 sq. ft.) with no dimension less than 380 mm (15"). The window must also be able to maintain the required opening without the need for additional support. Where this window opens into a window well, that well must have a clearance of at least 760 mm (30") and, if the window swings towards the well, it must not restrict the opening of the window in such a way that it would obstruct the ability to escape in the event of an emergency.
If security bars are used on the window, they must also be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge.
With an unobstructed clear opening of 0.357 square meters and the smallest clear opening height being 380 mm, Window A would pass Edmonton Egress. It is important to note that, since the height is so small, the width must be rather large to meet the area requirements.
This window has the smallest square dimensions that will meet the area requirements. 592 mm x 592 mm leaves the window with exactly the 3.5 square meter clear opening required to pass egress.
This window meets the requirements for smallest dimension (380 mm), however it does not meet the minimum requirements for area. This window would not pass egress in Edmonton.
Egress Window Well Requirements in Edmonton
Egress code in Edmonton requires window wells to meet certain conditions. The well must provide 760 mm of clearance after the window. Where the window is belos grade and opens into a well, the possible accumulation of snow must be considered as it could hinder the occupant's escape in the event of an emergency.
When a cover is used over a window, the cover must also be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge of the opening mechanism (the same as the window).
While the maximum sill height is not directly prescribed in the code, the City of Edmonton advises that a maximum sill height should be considered so that the intent of the window is met. The city recommends the sill be no higher that 1.5m (59") above the floor. Providing built-in furniture beneath the window can help to improve window access in situations when the sill cannot be this close to the actual ground.
This is a side cross sectional diagram showing an in-swinging egress window opening into an egress window well. In this instance, the well must protrude at least 760 mm from the house to meet egress code in Edmonton.
This is a side cross sectional diagram showing an out-swinging egress window and its accompanying egress window well. In this instance, the well must protrude 760 mm from the end of the fully open window to meet egress code in Edmonton.
In Short
At the end of the day, if you are developing your basement in Edmonton, whether as a rental unit or for personal use, you will to ensure that there are two means of egress. Generally the easiest way to do this is by installing an egress window that has a wide clearance and be easily opened. The Great Egress Company provides a curated collection of windows that meet egress requirements. If you would like to get your hands on a code-compliant egress window, let us ship one straight to your door.
Our Canadian-made windows come in several types and sizes and have been specifically designed to meet egress in Edmonton. If you need a specific size or a specific colour, we can have a custom window made just for you.
Shop Our Egress Windows
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, building, or safety advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, building codes and regulations may change, and requirements can vary based on specific circumstances. For official guidance and to confirm compliance with local building codes, homeowners and contractors should consult directly with their local building department or an authorised building official. The Great Egress Company assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information provided.