Egress Code in Saskatoon
Saskatoon, known for its scenic riverfront, vibrant cultural scene, and growing housing market, is a city where homeowners are increasingly looking to maximise their living space.
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 requirements in Saskatoon. Every space, especially if there is a sleeping room, needs to have two means of egress to get out in the event of an emergency like a fire. When it comes to basements, the easiest way to achieve this second means is through a special window that complies with the building code.
What are Saskatoon Egress Window Requirements?
- The window must be openable from the inside without the use of tools or special knowledge.
- 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.
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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 City of Saskatoon's Basement Development Guide
The City of Saskatoon's Basement Development Guide, which is based on the National Building Code (NBC), requires that:
"Each bedroom without an exterior door shall have a window that is:
• openable from the inside without the need for special tools or knowledge (e.g., windows or security bars that are unlocked by a key are not permitted),
• the window shall provide a clear opening of at least 0.35 m2 (3.8 ft2) with with no dimension less than 380 mm (15 in), and
• the window shall remain in the opened position without the need for additional support (e.g., using a stick to hold a window open is not permitted)."
With an unobstructed clear opening of 0.357 square meters and the smallest clear opening height being 380 mm, Window A would pass Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon.
Egress Window Well Requirements in Saskatoon
Egress code in Saskatoon requires window wells to meet certain conditions. The City's Basement Development Guide states that:
"When an egress window opens into a window well, the window well must provide a clearance of at least 760 mm (30 in).
Window wells are to be drained to the footing level."
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 Saskatoon.
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 Saskatoon.
Permit Requirements
It is also important to know when a permit is required for your renovation in Saskatoon. More information about Saskatoon's permitting process can be found under the Building, Development & Construction section of the city's website. If you require clarification about what is required, it is best to contact City of Saskatoon Building Standards directly at 306-975-2645 or email building.standards@saskatoon.ca.
In Short
At the end of the day, if you are developing your basement in Saskatoon, 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 Saskatoon. If you need a specific size or a specific colour, we can have a custom window made just for you.
The Great Egress Company would like to thank the City of Saskatoon Building Standards for their assistance with this page.
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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.