But you can't use *both* minimums at the same time. If the opening is 24" high, the width needs to be about 35". If the width is 20", the height needs to be
You're reading the code incorrectly. It doesn't matter how damn big the window is, it matters how big the unobstructed opening is. Things like glass and frame generally obstruct movement through a window. That's how they're designed to work.
The code is intended to allow a fire fighter - or Santa Claus, it's that time of year and the chimney route is wreaking havoc with his back - to enter through the window while in full gear with breathing backpack.
a). Don't top post b). Don't top post when you're quoting more than one person and there's assorted information in the various quotes. c). Don't top post when you're saying "these are the correct current requirements" when it's not clear due to b) what you are referring to. d). If you're referring to your original post dimensions, and the plans examiner is agreeing that they are sufficient, he's wrong. e) If the plans examiner is wrong, approves your drawings, you build it, the building inspector fails it, you won't be able to say, " But he _said_ it was okay!" You can't violate code because someone made a mistake. f) Don't top post.
lol, I've heard the "fireman in full gear" explaination too. But the code for acceptable clear opening in a window calls for "Egress", in other words, exit. That and firemen have axes and are not afraid of using them. I doubt that a fireman would even check to see if the window was locked before ripping it out for ingress.
The 4' wide window would work with 40" height (@ 5.8 s.f. opening)
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