Final answer:
The correct space required for an egress opening under a deck or porch is 36 inches to ensure safety and room for emergency exits and access for first responders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option "36 inches" for the open space required under a deck or porch for an egress opening.
According to most current building codes and safety guidelines, an egress window well must provide enough space for a safe exit in case of an emergency, typically requiring at least 36 inches of open space in front of the egress window.
This allows for ample room to safely exit the building, as well as for first responders to access the space if necessary. While an older "rule of thumb" might have suggested smaller dimensions, modern safety standards often call for larger space to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
The correct answer is option 15 inches. According to newer work, it is suggested that an open space of at least 8 diameters side-to-side and 15 diameters deep should be present if the egress opening is located under a deck, porch, etc.
This means that the open space under the deck, porch, or other structure should have a minimum width of 8 times the diameter of the egress opening and a minimum depth of 15 times the diameter of the egress opening.