Egress Code in Vancouver
Vancouver’s mix of stunning scenery and a competitive housing market makes basement renovations and secondary suites a popular choice for homeowners. Whether you’re adding extra living space or creating a rental unit, it’s important to make sure your project meets the city’s building code requirements.
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 Vancouver 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 support.
- 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 (15”).
- 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 Vancouver Building By-Law 2019
The City of Vancouver currently uses the Vancouver Building By-law 2019, which is a free publication and can be accessed via the BC Publications website. Division B – Part 9, Article 9.9.10.1. (Egress from Bedroom Windows) of the by-law, states, in part:
"1) Except where the suite is sprinklered, each bedroom or combination bedroom shall have at least one outside window or exterior door openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge and without the removal of sashes or hardware. (See Article 9.5.1.2. and Note A-9.9.10.1.(1).)
2) The window referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) provide an unobstructed opening of not less than 0.35 m2 in area with no dimension less than 380 mm, and
b) maintain the required opening during an emergency without the need for additional support. (See Note A-9.9.10.1.(2).)
3) Where a window required in Sentence (1) opens into a window well, a clearance of not less than 760 mm shall be provided in front of the window. (See Note A-9.9.10.1.(3).)
4) Where the sash of a window referred to in Sentence (3) swings towards the window well, the operation of the sash shall not reduce the clearance in a manner that would restrict escape in an emergency.
5) Where a protective enclosure is installed over the window well referred to in Sentence (3), the enclosure shall be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge of the opening mechanism."
With an unobstructed clear opening of 0.357 square meters and the smallest clear opening height being 380 mm, Window A would pass Vancouver 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 Vancouver.
Egress Window Well Requirements in Vancouver
Egress code in Vancouver requires window wells to meet certain conditions. The well must provide 760 mm of clearance after the window. Where the window is below 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).
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 Vancouver.
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 Vancouver.
Further Information
Should you require further information regarding building requirements or the permitting process, Vancouver's Secondary Suite Office recommends contacting the Development & Building Services Centre by visiting http://vancouver.ca/building-development-support. All enquiries received through the form will immediately receive a reference number, which residents can use to obtain real-time status updates by calling 3-1-1.
For information on applying for a permit and the required documents, it is best to visit the City’s website at http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/apply-for-and-manage-your-permit.aspx. Electrical, plumbing and gas installations will require trades permits which will only be issued to licensed contractors. Your licensed contractor will be able to apply for these permits online.
In Short
At the end of the day, if you are developing your basement in Vancouver, 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 Vancouver. If you need a specific size or a specific colour, we can have a custom window made just for you.
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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.