If a basement contains habitable and unfinished space would the emergency escape and rescue opening have to be located in the habitable space portion of the basement?
No. The code requires that each basement sleeping room has access to an exterior window or exterior door directly from them, without traveling through other adjoining or intervening spaces. Other habitable spaces in the basements of dwelling units can have the required exterior windows or exterior doors located anywhere. Since other habitable spaces are not bedrooms or sleeping areas, the fire awareness times and evacuation times should not be as significant. Therefore, the occupants can travel to other portions of the basements to access the exterior windows and exterior doors (including bulkheads per 5310.3).
