(1) The adult family home must ensure at least one window in each resident bedroom meets the following requirements:

(a) The sill height must not be more than forty-four inches above the finished floor.

For homes licensed after July 1, 2007, the department will not approve alternatives to the sill height requirement such as step(s), raised platform(s), or other devices placed by or under the window openings.

(b) The opening area must be a minimum of 5.7 square feet, except that the openings of windows in rooms at grade level as defined by the International Residential Code may have a minimum clear opening of 5.0 square feet. The window must also have:

(i) A minimum opening height of twenty-four inches;

(ii) A minimum opening width of twenty inches; and

(c) The home must ensure the bedroom window can be opened from inside the room without keys, tools, or special knowledge or effort to open.

(d) The window must be free from obstructions that might block or interfere with access for emergency escape or rescue.

(2) When resident bedroom windows are fitted with storm windows, the home must equip the storm windows with release mechanisms that:

(a) Easily open from the inside; and

(b) Do not require a key or special knowledge or effort to open.

(3) The home must ensure that each basement window is kept free from obstructions that might block or interfere with access for emergency escape or rescue.