Subpart 1.
IRC section R310.1,
Emergency escape and rescue opening required.
Section R310.1 is amended to read as follows:
R310.1
Emergency escape and rescue
opening required. Basements, habitable attics, and every sleeping room
shall have not less than one operable emergency escape and rescue opening.
Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, an emergency egress and
rescue opening shall be required in each sleeping room, but not be required in
adjoining areas of the basement. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall
open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court that opens to a public
way.
Exceptions:
1. Storm shelters and basements used only to
house mechanical equipment not exceeding a total floor area of 200 square feet
(18.58 m2).
2. Basements or
basement bedrooms when the building is protected with an automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with IRC Section P2904 or NFPA 13D.
3. Basements or basement bedrooms where the
entire basement area, including all portions of the means of egress to the
level of exit discharge, and all areas on the level of exit discharge that are
open to the means of egress is protected with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with IRC Section P2904 or NFPA 13D.
(Section R310.1.1 remains
unchanged.)
Subp.
2.
IRC section R310.2, Emergency escape rescue
openings.
Section R310.2 is amended by adding a subsection to read as
follows:
R310.2.5.1
Licensed
facilities.Windows in rooms used for foster care or day care licensed or
registered by the state of Minnesota shall comply with the provisions of
Section R310.2.5, or all of the following conditions, whichever is more
restrictive:
1. Minimum of 20 inches in clear
opening width;
2. Minimum of 20
inches in clear opening height;
3.
Minimum of 648 square inches (4.5 square feet) clear opening; and
4. Maximum of 48 inches from the floor to the
sill height.
Subp.
3.
IRC section R310.6, Alterations or repairs of existing
basements.
Section R310.6 is amended and a subsection added to read as
follows:
R310.6
Alterations or
repairs of existing basements. An emergency escape and rescue opening is
not required where existing basements undergo alterations or repairs.
R310.6.1
Sleeping rooms in existing
basements. New sleeping rooms created in an existing basement shall be
provided with emergency escape and rescue openings in accordance with Section
R310.1.
Exception: Emergency escape and rescue openings
are not required to be provided where the entire basement area, including all
portions of the means of egress to the level of exit discharge, and all areas
on the level of exit discharge that are open to the means of egress are
protected with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with IRC Section
P2904 or NFPA 13D.
