Quick facts
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population (2020) | 10,153, up from 8,544 in 2010 |
| Elevation | 5,059 ft |
| Area | 8.76 sq mi, next to the California border |
| Residents under 18 | 31.3% |
At 5,059 ft, Cold Springs is about 550 ft above downtown Reno (4,505 ft). Reno's airport normals show roughly 122 freeze days a year and a July day-night swing of about 33.5°F; Cold Springs-specific figures are not confirmed. We have not confirmed the housing era or the wind or wildfire exposure here, so this page makes no claims about them.
Permits through Washoe County Building
A county permit search lists Cold Springs as unincorporated, so Washoe County Building is the office. Washoe County exempts door and window replacement with the same opening and size that meets applicable codes. Anything that enlarges or adds an opening, or that changes a bedroom escape window, needs a closer look from the county.
Bedroom windows in a family-heavy community
With nearly a third of residents under 18, bedroom windows are used as daily air and as emergency exits. The model code (IRC R310) calls for a net clear opening of at least 5.7 sq ft (5 sq ft at grade), a minimum height of 24 in, a minimum width of 20 in and a sill no higher than 44 in. Nevada's adopted edition has not been confirmed, so the installer should check.
- Casement windows open the whole sash and can meet egress with a smaller frame; see casement windows.
- Finished basements need egress windows with a well at least 9 sq ft and a 36 in projection; see egress windows.
- Tempered or safety glass near doors and low panes is required in many spots.
National guides put basement egress at $4,216 on average, with excavation and well at $3,000 to $7,000 and permits at $100 to $500 (This Old House).
Nearby
Sun Valley is another unincorporated Washoe County community with similar permit rules, and Verdi is a foothill community where wildfire-rated glass rules come up. See the cost guide for ranges.
Main guide: window replacement in Reno, NV.