When finishing or remodeling a basement, one element often overlooked is code-compliant egress window wells. While basement windows let in natural light, they’re there for safety, accessibility, and legal compliance.
Whether you’re installing a new egress window well cover, preparing your basement for a bedroom addition, or upgrading for better drainage and safety, make sure you follow Utah regulations. Local codes guide everything from dimensions to whether you’ll need a window well ladder.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the egress window well codes that apply across Utah, what homeowners need to know before any window well installation, and how to ensure safety and compliance.
What is an egress window well?
An egress window well is a life-saving exit in case of emergency. When your basement includes a living space or bedroom, building codes require a way for occupants to escape and for first responders to enter, should a fire or other emergency occur.
That’s where egress windows, and by extension, egress window wells, come in.
According to the International Residential Code (IRC), any room below ground intended for sleeping or living purposes must include an egress window. The window must be large enough to exit through and must open easily without the need for tools or keys. If the window is below ground level, a window well must provide enough clearance.
Window wells deeper than 44 inches from the bottom of the well to ground level must include a ladder permanently affixed to the well itself. The ladder allows a person to climb out in the event of an emergency.
Utah‑specific egress window well code requirements
If you’re installing a basement window in your Utah home, you must follow specific regulations.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Basement bedrooms need an escape window. If someone sleeps in a room below ground level, that room requires an escape route in case of fire or emergency.
- The window has to be big enough to crawl out of. It needs to open wide — at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall. The total opening should be at least five square feet if the window is below ground.
- It can’t be too high off the floor inside. The bottom of the window can’t be more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the basement.
- The window well itself needs to be roomy. The well needs to be at least 36 inches from the wall and 36 inches wide — big enough for someone to move around in and climb out.
- If your window well is more than 44 inches deep, it has to have a permanent ladder or steps built in. The ladder should be at least 12 inches wide and easy to climb.
- Egress window well covers must be easily removable. Some cities in Utah require a cover over the window well for safety, but it must be simple to lift off or open from inside. Clear covers work well because they allow light to pass through while keeping debris out, all while meeting regulations.
- You’ll need a permit before finishing your basement or installing a window well. An inspector will check everything — the size of the window, the depth of the well, the ladder, and the ease of escape — before it passes.
How to ensure your window well is up to code
Understand your local city’s rules
Before beginning any kind of window well installation, check with your local authorities. Most areas in Utah follow the same basic rules, but some cities, such as Salt Lake City or Provo, may have additional steps or slightly different measurements. Always ask your local building department for the requirements.
Measure carefully
Egress window wells must be large enough for someone to escape through safely. In Utah, the well usually needs to extend at least 36 inches from your basement wall and cover at least nine square feet of space inside. If the well is deeper than 44 inches, it must include a permanent window well ladder to meet code.
Choose the right egress window well cover
Not all covers are allowed by code. You need a cover that opens easily from the inside without requiring any keys, tools, or special tricks. A good option is a clear egress window well cover. Make sure the cover lifts off easily and doesn’t block the way out during an emergency.
Don’t forget the ladder
Deep window wells require a secure ladder. It must be attached firmly, be at least 12 inches wide, and have rungs spaced no more than 18 inches apart. The first rung should be within 18 inches of the bottom of the well for easy accessibility. Decorative or loose ladders may look nice, but they won’t pass inspection unless they meet these rules.
Make sure water drains properly
Water can accumulate in window wells if they don’t drain properly. That often leads to basement leaks or even flooding. Add gravel at the bottom of the well, or connect it to a drainage system, so water flows away from your house instead of sitting in the well.
When in doubt, hire a pro
If this all feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional. Contractors familiar with Utah building codes will help ensure your window well project meets requirements. They’ll also ensure that your cover, ladder, and drainage system work correctly.
When to replace or upgrade your window well system
Even with regular upkeep, there comes a time when replacing your window well components is the best course of action. Visible signs, such as rust, corrosion, cracking, or bowing of the well walls, indicate that the structure is no longer functioning properly. Water accumulation is another red flag, particularly if it’s still happening after cleaning the drain.
If your egress window well cover is difficult to remove, broken, or doesn’t meet local code standards, upgrade it immediately to ensure safe exit access.
Likewise, an old or poorly mounted window well ladder may not be up to code, especially if it’s missing rungs, is rusted through, or fails to meet the spacing and grip requirements. Over time, ladders can become unsafe due to wear and tear.
Protect your home with proper window well maintenance with Windowell Expressions
Your window well plays a role in the comfort and safety of your basement. From regular cleaning and drainage checks to ensuring your egress window well cover and basement window well ladder meet code, every part matters.
Window well installation helps prevent water damage, protects your foundation, and provides a reliable escape route in the event of an emergency.
For homeowners seeking to upgrade or maintain their window well systems, Windowell Expressions provides expert service and durable products made for Utah’s unique climate. Whether you need a custom-fit egress cover, a new ladder, or professional installation, we’re here to help you protect what matters most.
Contact Windowell Expressions today to learn more or get a free quote.
