CodeMandatory
Window fall protection: operable windows with sill below 24 inches and opening above 72 inches must have safety devices
Virginia USBC 2021 Amendment 21 (IRC R312.2.1)Description
In dwelling units, where the top of the sill of an operable window opening is located less than 24 inches above the finished floor and greater than 72 inches above the finished grade or surface below, the operable window shall have either fall protection (window guard, fall-prevention device, or restrictor) or be limited to a 4-inch maximum opening.
Why this exists
Child-fall-from-window protection. Standard residential code provision; Virginia confirms it without amendment.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
maxSillHeight | max | 24 | in | Window sill height above floor below which protection applies |
minOpeningHeight | min | 72 | in | Window-opening height above grade above which protection applies |
maxOpening | max | 4 | in | Maximum window opening if no fall-protection device |
Categories
Life safety
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: Virginia
Source
Virginia DHCDauthoritative
2021 Virginia Construction Code (Part I of USBC) (2021)
Section: Amendment 21 (IRC R312.2.1)
Published 2024-01-18 · last verified 2026-05-10
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Garage / dwelling fire separation · IRC R302.6
- Habitable space minimum ceiling height · IRC R305.1
- Egress window net opening dimensions · IRC R310.2
- Stair riser, tread, and headroom · IRC R311.7
- Smoke alarms required throughout dwelling · IRC R314
Last reviewed 2026-05-10.