State of Vermont and NEPA Code Requirements for Building Permits Smoke Detectors Hardwired/battery backup smoke detectors required in all sleeping rooms, outside of each sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms, and on each additional story of the dwelling unit, including basements. Carbon Monoxide Detectors Hardwired/battery backup carbon monoxide detector required outside all sleeping areas and in any room that has either a gas or wood burning appliance, and may be a combination smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector. combination must be photoelectric. Egress Windows A window in each habitable room (excluding kitchen and baths) providing a clear opening of not less than 5.7 square feet with the width not less than 20 inches and the height not less than 24 inches. The bottom of the opening shall be not more than 44 inches above the floor. Guardrails and Handrails Means of egress that are more than 30 inches above floor or grade shall be provided with guardrails. The height of guardrails shall be 42 inches high with spacing of less than 4 inches. Handrails on stairs shall be at least 34 inches and not more than 38 inches above the surface of the tread measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread. Separation