California Bedroom Closet Conundrum: Is It A Requirement?

A bedroom in California is not required to have a closet. However, it must have a minimum size of 70 square feet, a ceiling height of at least 7 feet, an emergency escape route (such as a window), and adequate weather protection.

A bedroom does not need a closet to be considered a bedroom in California

In addition to not needing a closet, a bedroom in California also does not need to be a certain shape. The main requirements for a bedroom in California are:

• 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).
• Ceiling Height: At least 50% of the bedroom ceiling needs to be at least 7 ft tall.
• Escape: A bedroom must have one other method of egress beyond the entrance point. A door to the exterior or a window that meets certain size requirements can serve as an exit point.
• Size: The room should be at least 70 sq ft, and more specifically, the room cannot be smaller than 7 feet in any horizontal direction.

However, buyers expect a closet in a bedroom

While a bedroom in California does not legally require a closet to be considered a bedroom, buyers do expect one. This is especially true for master bedrooms and newer homes. Older homes, such as Victorian homes, may not be held to the same standard as they were often built without closets.

In fact, the International Residential Code (IRC) does not mandate a bedroom to have a closet. However, local city or county codes may have different requirements, so it is important to check with local authorities.

When selling or renting a property, it is crucial to meet buyer or renter expectations to avoid dissatisfaction and potential lawsuits. Even if a room meets all the other legal requirements of a bedroom, such as size, ceiling height, and emergency egress, the absence of a closet could be a deal-breaker for potential buyers or renters.

Therefore, if you are planning to sell or rent a property with a bedroom that does not have a closet, consider adding one if possible. Alternatively, you may need to market the room as a den, office, or bonus space, rather than a bedroom, to avoid any misunderstandings or legal issues.

A room without a closet may be called a bonus room

Bonus rooms are typically found in attics, above garages, or in other forgotten spaces. They are extra spaces that do not count as bedrooms because they lack the features of a traditional room. They may not have a closet, a door, windows, or four walls. The ceiling might be lower than standard in places.

Bonus rooms are not considered bedrooms because they do not meet the legal requirements for a bedroom. These requirements vary by state but generally include size (70 to 80 square feet), ceiling height (at least half of the ceiling must be 7 feet or taller), horizontal length (at least 7 feet), window size (at least 5.7 square feet), two means of egress, and a heating or cooling element.

Despite not being considered bedrooms, bonus rooms are still valuable. They can be used as home offices, guest rooms, nurseries, meditation rooms, laundry rooms, music studios, bars, workshops, home theaters, walk-in closets, playrooms, storage spaces, home gyms, or home libraries. They can also be used as a combination of these, such as a multipurpose room with a setup for a home office, guest room, and exercise equipment.

Bonus rooms are included in property taxes, as they add value to a home, but they are not explicitly listed. They may or may not be included in a home's square footage, depending on various factors such as whether the room is above ground, if it is finished, and whether it has two means of egress.

A room must meet other requirements to be called a bedroom

• Minimum size: A bedroom must meet the minimum size requirements, which vary from state to state. For instance, in California, a bedroom must be at least 70 square feet.
• Two means of egress: A bedroom must have two ways out, typically a door and a window.
• Minimum ceiling height: At least half of a bedroom's ceiling must be at least 7 feet tall.
• Heating and cooling: A bedroom must have heating and cooling elements, such as a heater and an air conditioner.
• Minimum window size: The window opening must be a minimum size, typically around 5.7 square feet.

A room must have two methods of egress, including a window

The International Residential Code (IRC) states that a bedroom must have a window with a minimum opening size of 5.7 square feet. The window must be at least 24 inches wide and 20 inches high, and it should be within 44 inches from the floor.

Some local codes may have additional requirements for egress, such as the need for a door to the exterior in addition to a window. It is important to check the specific regulations in your area.

It is worth noting that while a closet is not required for a room to be considered a bedroom, most buyers expect one.

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