(6) Windows used for exiting. Windows which are installed for exit purposes shall comply with the requirements of this subsection.

(a) The window shall be openable from the inside without the use of tools or the removal of a sash. If equipped with a storm or screen, it shall be openable from the inside.

(b)

1. The nominal size of the net clear window opening shall be at least 20 inches by 24 inches irrespective of height or width. Nominal dimensions shall be determined by rounding up fractions of inches if they are ½-inch or greater or rounding down fractions of inches if they are less than ½-inch.

2. No portion of the window, including stops, stools, meeting rails and operator arms, shall infringe on the required opening.

(c) The area and dimension requirements of par. (b) may be infringed on by a storm window.

(d)

1. For any window used for exiting, the lowest point of clear opening shall be no more than 60 inches above the floor.

2. If the lowest point of clear opening is more than 46 inches above the floor, a permanent platform or fixture shall be installed such that a flat surface at least 20 inches wide and 9 inches deep is located no more than 46 inches directly below the clear opening.

3. The topmost surface of the platform or fixture shall be no more than 24 inches above the floor.

4. The topmost surface of the platform or fixture shall support a live load of at least 200 pounds.

5. A stair used for the sole purpose of reaching the top of the platform or fixture is exempt from the requirements of s. SPS 321.04.

(e)

1. An egress window with any point of clear opening below adjacent grade shall be provided with an areaway in accordance with this section.

2. The width of the areaway shall be at least equal to the width of the window.

3. The areaway shall be a minimum of 36 inches measured perpendicular from the outer surface of the below-grade wall.

4. If the bottom of the areaway is more than 46 inches below adjacent grade or the top of the areaway enclosure, the areaway shall be provided with a ladder or stair to aid egress. Stairs used to comply with this section are exempt from the requirements of s. SPS 321.04.

5.

a. Ladders or other stairs used to comply with subd. 4. may infringe on the required area of the areaway by a maximum of 6 inches.

b. Ladder rungs shall have a minimum inside width of at least 12 inches and shall project at least 3 inches from the wall behind the ladder.

c. Ladder rungs shall be able to support a concentrated load of 200 pounds.

d. Ladder rungs shall have a maximum rise of 12 inches between rungs and shall extend to within 12 inches of exterior grade.

6. The areaway shall be constructed such that water entering the areaway does not enter the dwelling.

(f) An egress window under a deck or porch shall discharge through a clear path of at least 36 inches in height and 36 inches in width, and no more than 15 feet in length, to a yard or open space.

Note: Under this paragraph, there is no maximum height above grade for an egress window. Similarly, egress windows are not prohibited from discharging to a roof, regardless of the slope of the roof.