Basement Finish

The following are general guidelines to be used by the homeowner or contractor when finishing off lower levels or basements in the City of Sauk Rapids. It is not intended to be a complete list of code requirements for basement finishing but does address the most common code issues.

Permit Requirements

  • Plans - Please provide a floor plan with dimensions, preferably drawn to scale. Indicate the use for each room, location of smoke detectors and electrical fixtures and outlets. Provide details of construction including, but not limited to; type, size and spacing of framing members; type, size and thickness of any insulation; type and thickness of any finish materials (e.g. gypsum board, panelling, plaster). Also show location of supply and return air ducts in room served by a natural gas furnace. Separate permits are required for any plumbing and mechanical work done on the project. Electrical permits are issued by the State Electrical Inspector, Mr. Kelly Johnson. He can be contacted at (320) 743-3149.
  • Fees - Fees are based on the value of the construction work performed. Value includes not only cost of materials, but labor as well, be it done by contractor or homeowner.

Occupancy Requirements

  • Bedrooms - Every sleeping room shall be provided with an egress window and hard-wired smoke detector. In addition, a hard-wired smoke detector must be provided in the hallway outside the bedroom(s). Smoke detectors must be interconnected so that if one goes off, the other will also sound an alarm.  Egress windows below grade shall be provided with a window well which contains nine square feet of area, and a minimum dimension of thirty-six inches. If the house is heated by forced air furnace, the room must be provided with supply and return air ducts. Electrical outlets must be spaced no further than twelve feet apart as measured along the perimeter of the room.
  •  Bathrooms - All bathrooms must be ventilated by either a window or ventilating fan. Electrical outlets must be served by a ground fault interuptor circuit (GFIC). Water closets (toilets) must be of the low-consumption type (1.6 gallons per flush). Shower faucets must be of the "scald guard" type. Water closets must have a minimum of 24" clearspace in front of the stool, and be centered in a space with a minimum dimension of thirty inches.
  • Closets beneath stairways - Enclosed closets beneath a stairway must be protected on the underside of stairs and interior sidewalls, with a minimum of one layer of 5/8" type "X" gypsum wallboard.
  • Laundry/Mechanical Rooms - Combustible construction must be kept at least six inches away from a gas flue unless the flue is of type "B" (double wall) construction. If a furnace is enclosed in a room, be sure it has been provided with ample combustion air. Main gas pipe shutoff valves must be maintained reachable through an access panel.
  • Inspections - Call 258-5300 for the following inspections: Framing, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, final. Electrical inspection is done by the State Inspector before cover-up and again upon completion.

 

 

Questions and Answers about Basement egress windows

 

  1. If a newly constructed basement is being used for only storage and utilities, is an egress window required?

A: No.   However, the homeowner/builder is wise to consider future use of the basement and the additional costs associated with not putting an egress window in at the time the structure is built.

2.      Is a basement egress window required to be installed when finishing an existing basement? A: If the basement was previously and lawfully (in your best judgment) constructed as "Habitable Space" and is being remodeled or finished and a bedroom is not being created, then a basement egress window will not be required to be installed. However, if the basement was used as storage and utility space or similar uses and the remodeling will convert non-habitable space to habitable, then the basement must meet all provisions of the code for habitable space and a basement egress window must be installed. Needless to say, if a bedroom is newly created all provisions for habitable space egress must apply.

  1. If an existing basement egress window was lawfully constructed with a sill height of 48" would you allow this sill height to qualify as meeting the code upon basement remodeling or a construction of a new basement bedroom?

A: The sill height of 48" is not considered to be "dangerous to life" and should be allowed to remain in place.

  1. If a newly constructed egress window is constructed with a sill height exceeding 44" may a step or a landing be installed to meet this requirement?

A: On a newly constructed dwelling this is very controversial in that there is no excuse for non-compliance. The building official must use judgment in this case.

  1. What kind of structure must be provided as a "window well" for basement egress windows?

A: The window must be openable to the full clear opening of 5.7 square feet required and the window well must maintain that full clear opening to provide a route of escape to or rescue from a public street, public alley, yard or exit court. The well must be at least 9 square feet.