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OBC DIVISION B · PART 9 · SECTION 9.9 — MEANS OF EGRESS

What are the egress requirements for basements in Ontario?

Basements need a means of egress leading to an exit, typically the interior stair. Basement bedrooms need an escape route, commonly an openable window or exterior door, and secondary suites carry additional egress and separation conditions.

Code reference
Every floor level, including basements, requires a means of egress to an exit. Bedrooms require either a door to the exterior or an openable window suitable for escape, unless the suite is sprinklered or has a second egress path. Basement dwelling units must reach an exit without passing through another unit.
OBC Division B, Subsections 9.9.9. and 9.9.10.

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

For a finished basement in your own home, the interior stair generally suffices, but any room used for sleeping needs its own escape opening. Window wells must give clearance (at least 760 mm in front of the window) and the window must open without tools or special knowledge; security bars that don't release from inside are a common violation. For legal basement apartments, layer on fire separation, independent egress or sprinkler/alarm compensations, and ceiling height rules. Municipal registration programs often inspect exactly these items.

Plain language

Everyone in a basement needs a reliable way out: the stairs, plus an escape window or door for any bedroom down there. The window has to open easily and have enough well space to climb out.

Related questions

What size does a bedroom egress window need to be in Ontario?When does a house need two exits in Ontario?What are the travel distance limits to an exit in small buildings in Ontario?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.