Egress Window Requirements in Duluth, Minnesota

At DBS Residential Solutions we like to help our customers pass inspections on their rental properties. In order to rent a home in the city of Duluth, Minnesota there are many different regulations that must be met. One important rule for landlords looking to add extra bedrooms to the basement of their home is the necessity of an egress window. At the time of this blog being published the current rule for egress windows in the city of Duluth is as follows: 

“One window from each sleeping room must be easily openable from the inside. Security grates and bars must have mechanisms that open easily from inside. These windows must have a minimum net clear openable area of five point seven (5.7) square feet. Minimum net clear opening height shall be twenty-four inches (24"). Minimum net clear opening width shall be twenty inches (20"), and a sill height of no more than forty-four inches (44") above the floor. Area wells must meet minimum sizes. This requirement is for new window installation. One & Two Family Dwelling Exception: Grade floor window (having a sill height not more than forty-four inches [44"] above or below the finished grade adjacent to the window) may have a minimum net clear openable area of five (5) square feet (the 20" & 24" dimensions still apply).” (Source) http://www.duluthmn.gov/media/122457/checklst.pdf  (Updated link as of 1/30/19: http://duluthmn.gov/media/WebSubscriptions/173/Residential%20Code%20Requirements%20Summary_2015.pdf)

Please note: We are not responsible for the accuracy of this information. Please consult with the City of Duluth for the exact requirements for your situation.