Egress is one of the most important safety requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units. Under City of Yes, ADUs still must comply with New York State Residential Code, which governs exits, windows and escape paths. This is where many ADU designs fail before they begin.

What Counts as Legal Egress for ADUs

Under current NYS code:

• Every sleeping area must have a second means of egress.

• Egress windows must meet minimum opening sizes for rescue.

• Doors leading outside must be full height and unobstructed.

• Basement ADUs must have an exterior exit or compliant egress window well.

• Pathways to the street must not cross another property without a recorded easement.

Where Homeowners Run Into Trouble

• Semi-attached side yards too narrow for proper egress.

• Basement units lacking window wells large enough for rescue.

• Detached ADUs blocked by fences or storage structures.

• Existing garages without any egress-compliant openings.

• Egress paths requiring access across a neighbor’s lot.

Egress is a life safety rule, not a zoning preference. The city cannot waive it.

Why It Matters for Staten Island and Brooklyn

Homes with narrow side yards or deep basements often fail egress requirements, even if zoning allows an ADU. Detached ADUs usually require new windows and doors to meet code, which adds cost and complexity.

Understanding egress early prevents wasted design fees.

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Joseph Ranola | Five-Star Staten Island & South Brooklyn Realtor® (30 + Google reviews)
Associate Broker · Matias Real Estate | Founder · Bridge & Boro Team
Serving 103xx and 11209 / 11214 / 11228 | $25 M + closed volume
📞 917-716-1496 | ranolarealestate.com