California Bedroom Stand-Alone Wardrobe Requirements

A stand-alone wardrobe is not a requirement for a bedroom in California. According to the California Building Code, a room needs to be at least 70 square feet, have an entrance, and have an escape to be considered a legal bedroom. While certain rooms are still marketed online as things like an ‘optional bedroom’, they would not legally qualify as a bedroom without meeting those three criteria.

A standalone wardrobe is not required for a bedroom in California

According to the California Building Code, a room needs to be at least 70 square feet, have an entrance, and have an escape to be considered a legal bedroom. While certain rooms are still marketed online as things like an ‘optional bedroom’, they would not legally qualify as a bedroom without meeting those three criteria.

The room should be at least 70 sq ft, and more specifically, the room cannot be smaller than 7 feet in any horizontal direction. A bedroom needs at least two methods of egress, so it should be accessible from the house (commonly through a door), and then have one other exit (window or door).

A bedroom ceiling needs to be at least 7 ft tall. It’s okay if some portions of the ceiling are below this level, but at least 50% of the ceiling needs to be a minimum of 7 ft in height. A bedroom must have one other method of egress beyond the entrance point. A door to the exterior works as an exit point, and so does a window. According to the International Residential Code, a bedroom window can be between 24 and 44 inches from the floor, it needs at least 5.7 square feet for the opening, and it must measure no less than 24 inches high and 20 inches wide.

In addition to the above, a bedroom in California is required to have a heating and cooling element.

A room needs to be at least 70 sq ft to be considered a bedroom

A room needs to meet specific requirements to be considered a bedroom. While local building codes and regulations may vary, the International Residential Code (IRC) provides a set of guidelines that are generally followed. Here are the key requirements for a room to be considered a bedroom:

• Minimum Size: The room should have a minimum floor space of 70 square feet. Additionally, no single dimension can be shorter than 7 feet in length. This ensures that the room is spacious enough to accommodate a bed and other essential furniture.
• Entrance: A bedroom typically needs at least two methods of egress. It should be accessible from the house through a door and have an additional exit, such as a window or another door.
• Ceiling Height: The ceiling height of a bedroom is also important. At least 50% of the bedroom ceiling must be at least 7 feet tall. This ensures sufficient headroom and a comfortable living space.
• Escape: In addition to the entrance, a bedroom must have another method of egress for safety purposes. This could be a door leading to the exterior or a window that meets the minimum size requirements.
• Window Size: The window in a bedroom should be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide, with a minimum opening area of 5.7 square feet. It should also be easily accessible, typically no more than 44 inches from the floor.
• Heating and Cooling: Most states require bedrooms to have heating and cooling elements to maintain a comfortable and safe environment. The specific requirements may vary depending on the climate of the region.

While these are the primary considerations, there are a few other factors to keep in mind:

• Closet: While a closet is not mandated by the IRC, it is often expected by buyers and may be required by local codes. The presence or absence of a closet can impact how the room is perceived by potential buyers.
• Direct Access to a Hallway: In most cases, a room cannot be considered a bedroom if it is only accessible through another bedroom. It should have direct access to a common area, such as a hallway or living room.
• Smoke Detectors: While not a requirement for defining a bedroom, smoke detectors are important for safety and may be required by local codes.

A room must have an entrance and an escape

Entrance

A bedroom needs at least two methods of egress, so it should be accessible from the house (commonly through a door), and then have one other exit (window or door). The room also needs to have an entrance door that can close to provide privacy and a sense of personal space.

Ceiling Height

A bedroom ceiling needs to be at least 7 ft tall. It’s okay if some portions of the ceiling are below this level, but at least 50% of the ceiling needs to be a minimum of 7 ft in height.

Escape

A bedroom must have one other method of egress beyond the entrance point. A window or a door to the exterior works as an exit point. According to the International Residential Code, a bedroom window should be between 24 and 44 inches from the floor, with an opening of at least 5.7 square feet, and it must measure no less than 24 inches high and 20 inches wide.

Size

The room should be at least 70 sq ft, and no one dimension can be shorter than 7 feet in length.

A room must have a window

According to the International Residential Code, a bedroom window must be big enough for an adult to climb through in an emergency. Specifically, a bedroom window can be between 24 and 44 inches from the floor, needs at least 5.7 square feet for the opening, and must measure no less than 24 inches high and 20 inches wide.

In addition to safety, a window is also required for ventilation. Every habitable room in a home (except for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and hallways) is mandated to have natural light and ventilation. They need to be sized to a minimum of 8% of the floor area of the space, and the ventilation aspect has to be sized to a minimum of 4% of the floor area. An alternative to this requirement is whole-house mechanical ventilation and artificial light.

A room must have a minimum ceiling height of 7 ft

In addition to ceiling height, there are other requirements that define what makes a room a bedroom in California. These include size (at least 70 square feet), entrance (a door that can close), and escape (a window or another form of exit).

Frequently asked questions