The short answer
Under the California Residential Code, a bedroom emergency escape window generally needs at least 5.7 square feet of open area (5.0 on a ground floor), at least 24 inches of clear height, at least 20 inches of clear width, and a sill no higher than 44 inches off the floor. When you replace a window in an existing opening, the code allows some flexibility as long as the new window is the largest standard size that fits and opens at least as much as the old one. Your local building department makes the final call.
The basic numbers
- Net clear opening: at least 5.7 square feet. Ground floor openings can be 5.0 square feet.
- Clear opening height: at least 24 inches.
- Clear opening width: at least 20 inches.
- Sill height: no more than 44 inches above the floor.
Net clear opening means the space you can actually climb through with the window open, not the size of the glass. A window can be big and still come up short if only a small part of it opens.
This is general information based on the California Residential Code. Your city or county building department has the final say for your home.
Why the window style matters
The style of a window changes how much of it opens.
- Sliders open about half the width of the window.
- Single hung and double hung windows open about half the height.
- Casement windows swing open almost all the way, which is why they are often used to meet egress in tighter openings.
Replacing windows in an existing opening
Good news for older homes: you are not forced to cut your walls open to make every bedroom window bigger when you replace it. California allows a replacement window in an existing opening without meeting the minimum size and sill height rules, as long as the new window is the manufacturer's largest standard size that fits the existing frame or rough opening, and it is either the same style as the old window or a style that opens at least as much.
In plain terms: do not make the escape route worse. Swapping a bedroom slider for a fixed picture window, or for a style that opens less, is where people get into trouble.
The rule of thumb on a replacement: a new bedroom window should open at least as much as the old one, never less.
Things that block an escape window
- Security bars or grilles that cannot be opened from the inside without a key or a tool.
- Beds, dressers or desks pushed in front of the window.
- Windows that are painted shut, screwed shut or too stiff to open easily.
- Screens that do not pop out easily from the inside.
A replacement should open at least as wide as the window it replaces.
We measure the opening and check how the new window will open before anything is ordered, so you never end up with less escape room than before.
Sellers and landlords
Bedroom windows that will not open are a common item on home inspections and rental turnovers. If you are getting ready to sell, see window fixes that matter before you list. Managing rentals? Here is our property manager guide to window repairs.
Quick answers
Does every bedroom need an egress window?
In California homes, sleeping rooms generally need an emergency escape opening, either a window or a door to the outside. Your building department can confirm the requirements for your home.
Can a bedroom have a picture window?
Yes, but not as the only opening. There still needs to be an escape opening that meets the rules.
Do window replacements need a permit in Sacramento?
Often, yes. See our guide to window replacement permits in Sacramento for the details.
Can you tell me if my bedroom window meets egress?
We can measure the clear opening when we come out for an estimate and tell you how a replacement would compare.