Planning a basement bedroom in Bloomington? Before you call it a bedroom, make sure someone can get out fast in an emergency. Minnesota and the City of Bloomington follow clear egress and safety rules that protect you and your future buyers. This guide outlines the exact sizes, window well specs, permits, and alarm requirements so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What makes a legal basement bedroom
Every sleeping room needs at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening that leads directly outside to a public way or yard that opens to a public way. This can be a window or an exterior door. Minnesota adopts IRC Section R310 with state amendments, which Bloomington enforces locally. A home protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system can have limited exceptions, so verify your situation in the rule text. See Minnesota Rules R310.
Key egress sizes at a glance
- Net clear opening (the usable opening when the window is open) of at least 5.7 sq ft. Grade floor openings may be 5.0 sq ft. Bloomington’s egress guide and R310 detail options.
- Minimum opening height 24 inches, minimum width 20 inches. For double-hung windows, only the lower sash opening counts. See R310.
- Maximum sill height 44 inches above the finished floor. The window must be operable from the inside without keys or tools. See R310.
Grade floor openings explained
A grade floor opening sits with the sill not more than 44 inches above or below the adjacent finished ground. These can use the 5.0 sq ft minimum clear opening. Small changes in grading can affect whether your window qualifies, so measure carefully against finished exterior grade. Use Bloomington’s definition and chart.
Window wells and drainage
If the window sill is below exterior grade, you need a window well. The well must provide at least 9 sq ft of horizontal area with a 36-inch minimum projection and width, and it must allow the window to open fully. Unless your soil is well-drained sand or gravel, you need positive drainage to the foundation drain or another approved method. See Bloomington’s egress sheet.
Ladders for deep wells
When a window well is deeper than 44 inches, it needs a permanently affixed ladder or steps that you can use with the window fully open. The ladder must be at least 12 inches wide, project 3 inches from the wall, have rungs spaced no more than 18 inches apart, and cannot intrude more than 6 inches into the required well dimensions. Review Bloomington’s ladder specs.
Covers and operability
Window well covers are common, but they cannot block escape or rescue. Covers must be removable from the inside without tools or keys, and they cannot reduce the required clear opening or well dimensions. See Minnesota Rule 7511.1104.
Replacement windows vs. new bedrooms
If you are simply replacing a window, Bloomington may allow the manufacturer’s largest standard size that fits the existing frame under the state’s replacement provisions. In some cases, replacement windows can be permitted without enlarging the opening. If you are creating a new sleeping room or enlarging an opening, you must meet current egress sizes and rules. Always confirm your scope with the city before you start. Read the city’s replacement window FAQ.
Permits and inspections in Bloomington
You need a residential building permit for window replacements and exterior door replacements, including egress windows. New egress windows or enlarged openings require framing and final inspections. Like-for-like replacement without changing size typically requires a final inspection. Separate electrical or mechanical permits may be needed if those systems are affected. Start with Bloomington Building & Inspections.
How the permit process works
- Plan your opening size, location, and well details using the city’s egress guide.
- Apply through the city portal and schedule required inspections. Someone age 18 or older must be on-site for inspections.
- At the final inspection, required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed and working. See city permitting details and Basement Finish guidance.
Smoke and CO alarms you need
When you finish a basement or create bedrooms, you must install smoke detectors in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement. Carbon monoxide alarms are required outside sleeping areas if you have fuel-fired appliances or an attached garage. Interconnection rules often apply, and everything must be operational at final inspection. Review Bloomington’s Basement Finish handout.
Selling or buying with a basement bedroom
Bloomington’s Time-of-Sale Housing Inspection Program may flag immediate hazards, like missing smoke detectors, that must be corrected before occupancy or addressed with buyer disclosure. Egress compliance and open permits can delay closing if issues surface late. Check the property’s permit and Time-of-Sale history early to avoid surprises. See the Time-of-Sale program.
Quick measuring checklist
- Net clear opening at least 5.7 sq ft; grade floor openings 5.0 sq ft minimum.
- Opening height ≥ 24 inches; width ≥ 20 inches.
- Sill height ≤ 44 inches above finished floor.
- Window well area ≥ 9 sq ft with 36-inch minimum dimensions; add a ladder if the well is deeper than 44 inches.
- Ensure proper well drainage and that any cover is removable from inside without tools.
Typical cost and timing
Installation costs vary by contractor, wall type, and well conditions. Consumer estimates often range from roughly the low thousands per egress window, commonly around 2,500 to 4,000 dollars including well and installation. Get multiple quotes and confirm your contractor will pull permits and pass inspections. See a cost overview.
Ready to plan your project or get your home market-ready? If you want a local perspective on code, permits, and buyer expectations in Bloomington, we are here to help you strategize. Reach out to Steve Schmitz for practical guidance before you start.
FAQs
Do Bloomington basement bedrooms need an egress window?
- Yes, each sleeping room needs an operable emergency escape and rescue opening unless the dwelling has an approved sprinkler system that qualifies for an exception under Minnesota Rules R310.
What size must a Bloomington egress window be?
- The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 sq ft, with minimum 24-inch height, 20-inch width, and a sill no more than 44 inches above the floor; grade floor openings may be 5.0 sq ft.
What are the window well size and ladder rules?
- If the sill is below grade, the well must be at least 9 sq ft and 36 inches by 36 inches; wells deeper than 44 inches need a permanently affixed ladder or steps meeting city specs.
Can I use a window well cover over an egress window?
- Yes, but the cover must be removable from inside without tools or keys and cannot reduce the required clear opening or well dimensions.
What if my finished basement bedroom has no egress window?
- You will likely need to add a compliant egress window or exterior door, or explore a qualifying sprinkler solution; creating or altering sleeping rooms must meet current rules.
Do I need a permit for an egress window in Bloomington?
- Yes, permits are required for replacements and new or enlarged openings, with framing and final inspections for new work and final-only for like-for-like replacements.
What does “grade floor opening” mean for sizing?
- If the sill is within 44 inches of the adjacent finished ground, the opening qualifies as a grade floor opening and may use the 5.0 sq ft minimum clear opening requirement.