Basement as bedroom in Philadelphia?

Question

Is anyone legally renting out a unit in Philadelphia area with a basement listed as a bedroom? I read through the property maintenance code and it mentions an egress and specifies the size of the window area (8% of the floor area). Wondering if this is feasible and if anyone has had experience with this.

Alex Benazet · Answer

@Colleen F. Haha duh! That makes sense. Thanks! @Brett Hannon just thinking hypothetically, I like the idea of a four bedroom SFH with a basement that I can convert into a 5th bedroom and live in.

Brett Hannon · Answer

There has to be a 3' X 3' area that is outside the window area in order to escape in case of an emergency.

Is this basement below grade? If so you might want to look into bilco doors. They are not to difficult to install for a professional.

Colleen F. · Answer

@Alex B. is that the floor area in the window well perhaps ?

Alex Benazet · Answer

@Brett Hannon Thanks! This is very helpful. I was able to google your answer and find more detail. The website I'm on mentions "the window must be able to open all the way and give at least 9 square feet of “floor area” - do you know what that means?

Brett Hannon · Answer

As long as you have a window that has 5.7 sq. Ft. Of clear operable space it should not be a problem.  It also has to be 44" or less off the finished floor and have a way to get to grade level once you exit the window.  Meaning if the window is below grade and opens into a window well you will need a ladder to climb out of the window well.

This is done all the time in the city. Hope this helps.