Bathrooms
Ceilings
Closets
Egress Windows
Smoke Detectors

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For anyone who is inquiring about completing a basement, please have them submit the following:

2 sets of plans

show all room sizes and uses
show all window sizes and locations
measure and show ceiling heights

Bring a written cost estimate - it is not necessary to look up original building plans on microfilm. If it is a recent home chances are it will not have been converted to film yet.

What is the required clearance around a toilet?

A 24' fan from the front of the bowl and a 15" side distance from center of toilet drain to object on the left or right.

Are bath fans required in basement finish?

A bath fan is always required if there is not a window in the bathroom or if there is a window that is less than the minimum 1.5 square feet of opening that is required by code. 

Are anti-scald valves required in a shower?

Yes, they are always required.

For a remodel of the bathroom only in a basement, provide floor plans of basement showing where the bathroom is located. We would issue building, electric and plumbing permits.

What is the required height of a ceiling in a basement?

The required height is 7'6" in habitable rooms, 7' 0" for bathroom, closet and hallways and 6' 8" for soffits up to 8' (soffits cover heat ducts and piping). A variance can be requested for ceiling heights that do not meet code.

Are closets allowed in all basement rooms?

If a room is measured at a minimum of 70 square feet and it has a closet, it is considered a bedroom and must have an egress window and a smoke detector. 

What is an egress window?

This is the term given to a window placed in a bedroom or recreation room in the basement. It provides a way of escape for the tenant or the means of entry for a fire-fighter in case of emergency. 

What size does an egress window well have to be?

The egress window well must be 36" - measured from outside of the foundation wall to the inside of the back of the well. 

Are there any exceptions to the window well size?

You can apply for a variance but they are rarely granted for anything under 30".

Are smoke detectors required, and if they are how many are needed?

Yes, they are required: in the hallway (or in the room leading to bedrooms and in each bedroom on each level of the house (even if basement is unfinished), in media rooms (if light ventilation exception taken).

I am a contractor and I am not going to get final inspections, what can you do?

The utilities will not be changed to the homeowner until the contractor has all his final inspections. Your license will not be renewed  if you have old "A" status permits over 180 days old. An illegal occupancy certificate will be recorded with the county clerk and recorder.