Egress windows in Superior, Wisconsin
Across the harbor, the rules come from Wisconsin, not Minnesota. Here's what changes.
Superior is the seat of Douglas County, Wisconsin, with 26,751 people at the 2020 census. Together with Duluth it forms the Twin Ports, but the two cities sit in different states with different building codes. Most of Superior is level, sloping gently toward the lake, so basement walls tend to be evenly buried rather than half exposed.
How are Wisconsin egress rules different?
One- and two-family homes in Wisconsin fall under the Uniform Dwelling Code. Its exit rules, in SPS 321.03, set a nominal net clear opening of at least 20 by 24 inches and allow the lowest point of the opening to be as high as 60 inches above the floor, though anything over 46 inches needs a permanent platform or step under it. A window with any part of its opening below grade needs an areaway at least as wide as the window and 36 inches out from the wall, and one whose bottom is more than 46 inches below grade needs a ladder. Basements used for sleeping need at least two exits.
Who can pull the permit?
- The City of Superior's Building Inspection department issues residential permits, with categories for windows and doors and for alterations.
- Wisconsin requires the permit applicant on a one- or two-family home to hold Dwelling Contractor credentials, unless the applicant is the owner who lives there.
- Superior also requires contractors and subcontractors to register with the city before working there.
Hire someone who works on the Wisconsin side
An installer used to Minnesota rules may size things differently. Ask whether they hold Wisconsin credentials, are registered with Superior, and know the UDC well and ladder rules.
Common questions
Do Minnesota egress rules apply in Superior?
No. Superior is in Wisconsin and follows the Uniform Dwelling Code, which uses different window and areaway measurements.
Does my installer need to register with the City of Superior?
Yes. The city requires contractors and subcontractors to register before working within city limits.
Services in Superior
- Egress window installationA new code-size basement window, cut, set, sealed and finished, with the well outside.
- Cutting and enlarging openingsSaw-cutting poured concrete and reworking block, brick or stone walls for a bigger window.
- Window wells and laddersCode-size wells with built-in steps or ladders, drainage and backfill.
- Window well coversCovers that keep out snow, leaves and critters but still open from inside.
- Basement bedroom code complianceMake a basement room a legal sleeping room for a sale, a rental or a finished basement.
Nearby areas
Finishing the basement or adding a bedroom down there?
Call now and a local egress installer will look at the wall and quote the opening, the window and the well.