Replies

1. 
   unclemike42 | Jun 24, 2022 06:43am | #1

   https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/windows-doors/emergency-escape-and-rescue-openings

   https://structuretech.com/egress-requirements/

2. 
   unclemike42 | Jun 24, 2022 06:48am | #2

   My grandfather left some stories he told from his youth in North Dakota.

   In one story, an older farmer asked his son to cut an opening in the barn so the cat could get out.

   The young lad cut a hole in the sliding barn door of suitable size.

   The old guy chastised his son when he saw the result.

   How is the cat going to get out when the barn door is open?

   The point here is that the code requirement is to be able to safely get out in case of a fire, or if rescue or medical help needs to get in. It does not have to be a window

3. 
   firedudec56 | Jun 24, 2022 07:54am | #3

   I think what you're really asking is do you need a means of escape. Egress is something you use every day to get in and out, basically a door.
   As mentioned by UncleMike, the concept is to get out (or in ) during a fire or other emergency.
   from my limited knowledge of single family code requirements, most bedrooms require a window and the window is usually sized to be an escape window.
   if you"re pulling permits to build the apartment (or alternative dwelling unit, term replacing in-law apartment), you should be checking with the authority having jurisdiction, aka the building inspector or fire inspector or both as sometimes building has a code requirement that conflicts with the fire code requirement.

   to be direct, the escape window can't be next to the front door. you should put in either a window well escape window in the bedroom or at least a window that opens at grade at the exterior. I'm guessing the grade slopes from high at the back to low in the front, since you have a front door.
   the garage door should be a fire rated door, which means a door jamb assembly, not just a rated slab and the separation between the living space and the garage should be rated.
   sorry about being so long
   good luck

4. 
   firedudec56 | Jun 24, 2022 08:09am | #4

   I just did a better read on Mr. Saltzman's article. While he's right about not opening the window to get in, it's an air tank, not an oxygen tank.
   And the windows should be measured to properly document the sizes and potential hazards. I can't imagine someone being told not to use an office as a bedroom and "listening" to that if they bought the house and need another bedroom.Measuring and documenting the windows and the height off grade to prove they don't qualify as escape windows goes a lot further than some body told me.
   again, sorry about being long picking on the article, but I heard of lot of "anyone can see" and "somebody told me" things that create unnecessary hazards for people

5. 
   florida | Jun 24, 2022 09:43am | #5

   An exterior door meets the code requirements as an egress even though it's really about firemen getting in rather than you out.