St. Cloud Egress Window Guide: Code & Permits (2026)

Updated October 23, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change, so confirm with the agency listed before you start work.

Quick reference

Topic	What to know	Source
Where required	Basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room; each basement bedroom needs its own	MN DLI fact sheet (R310.1)
Opening size	5.7 sq ft clear (5 sq ft at or below grade); 24 in high; 20 in wide	MN DLI fact sheet (R310.2.1)
Sill height	No more than 44 in above the floor	MN DLI fact sheet (R310.2.2)
Window well	At least 9 sq ft; 36 in out and 36 in wide	MN DLI fact sheet (R310.2.3)
Ladder	Required when the well is deeper than 44 in; rungs no more than 18 in apart	MN DLI fact sheet (R310.2.3.1)
Covers and grates	Can't shrink the opening; must release from inside without key or tool	MN DLI fact sheet (R310.4)
Contractor license	State license when contracting with a homeowner in more than one special skill	MN DLI
Permits	City of St. Cloud Building Safety Department, via Accela	City of St. Cloud

Which code applies?

Minnesota uses one statewide residential code. DLI's current fact sheet on escape openings is based on the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code, which adopts the 2018 International Residential Code with state amendments. In February 2026, DLI published a request for comments on updating the residential rules to the 2024 IRC, with an effective date still to be determined. If you're planning a project, ask your city which edition it's enforcing on your permit date.

When is an egress window required?

Every basement, habitable attic and sleeping room needs at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening, and when a basement has sleeping rooms, each one needs its own. The opening has to lead to a public way or a yard or court that opens to one, and it has to work from inside without keys, tools or special knowledge. Exceptions include basements used only for mechanical equipment up to 200 square feet, and homes with qualifying automatic sprinkler systems. DLI also notes that altering an existing basement doesn't by itself require an escape opening, but adding a new sleeping room in an existing basement does.

How big, how low?

The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet, or 5 square feet for openings at or below grade, with at least 24 inches of clear height and 20 inches of clear width. The sill can be no more than 44 inches above the floor. A door can serve as the escape opening if it's side-hinged or sliding. Replacement windows in an existing opening are exempt from the size and sill rules if they're the largest standard size that fits, have the same or a more open operating style, and aren't part of a change of occupancy. St. Cloud's handout adds that the exception doesn't apply where a local rental code requires an egress window.

What does the code say about wells and ladders?

A below-grade window needs a well with at least 9 square feet of horizontal area, at least 36 inches of projection and 36 inches of width, and room for the window to open fully. A ladder or steps can protrude up to 6 inches into those dimensions. Wells deeper than 44 inches need a permanently attached ladder or steps at least 12 inches wide, projecting at least 3 inches from the wall, with rungs no more than 18 inches apart for the full depth. Wells must drain to the foundation drain system or another approved method, except on well-drained Group I soils. The Minnesota DNR describes much of the Anoka Sand Plain as sandy, well-drained soil and notes bedrock is exposed in places around St. Cloud, so conditions vary from lot to lot.

Covers and security bars

Bars, grilles, covers and screens over an escape opening can't reduce the required clear opening and must release or come off from inside without a key, tool, special knowledge or extra force. DLI points out that the code doesn't require guards over window wells, but suggests homeowners weigh fall risk and plan for snow removal. In a place that averages about 48 inches of snow a year, that last point matters.

Who can do the work?

DLI requires a residential building contractor or remodeler license for anyone who contracts directly with a homeowner to do work in more than one of eight special skills, which include excavation, masonry and concrete, and carpentry. An egress installation usually touches several of those. Specialty contractors doing only one skill generally don't need the state license, and a small-volume exemption applies to contractors with gross annual receipts under $15,000 who hold a certificate of exemption. You can check a license on DLI's lookup. St. Cloud's own contractor page confirms residential contractors are licensed through the state, not the city.

How do permits work in St. Cloud?

The City of St. Cloud lists finished basements and replacement windows and exterior doors among residential projects that need a building permit. Applications go through the city's Accela Permitting and Licensing System, and the Building Safety Department is on the main floor of City Hall. The city's window handout asks for a site plan showing the distance from the property line to the window well, and a floor plan with the new window size, nearby doors and header when an opening is enlarged or added. Plan review can take up to five business days. Before digging, call Gopher State One Call at least two business days ahead.

Alarms when finishing a basement

St. Cloud's basement finish handout says smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be brought up to current code throughout the house. Smoke alarms go in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level, interconnected when more than one is required. CO alarms go within 10 feet of each sleeping area and on each level with bedrooms.

Questions to ask an egress contractor

What's your DLI license number?
Will you apply for the permit and schedule the inspections?
What's the clear opening of the window you're proposing?
How will the well drain on my lot?
Does the well need a ladder, and is a cover included?
What's warrantied, and for how long?

Common questions

What size egress window does Minnesota require?

At least 5.7 square feet of clear opening, or 5 square feet at or below grade, with at least 24 inches of clear height, 20 inches of clear width and a sill no more than 44 inches off the floor.

Does an egress contractor need a license in Minnesota?

A company contracting directly with a homeowner for work in more than one special skill, such as excavation, concrete and carpentry, needs a DLI residential building contractor or remodeler license.

Who issues egress window permits in St. Cloud?

The City of St. Cloud's Building Safety Department, through the city's Accela online portal. Nearby cities like Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park handle their own permits.

St. Cloud egress window guide (2026)