POLICYMAKER
STARTER KIT
Practical tools to enable safe, high‑quality single‑stair housing: model language, safety guidance, implementation steps, and real‑world examples.
WHAT THIS COVERS
- Model ordinance language
- Safety and performance references
- Implementation checklist and timeline
WHO IT'S FOR
- City and county staff
- Planning commissions
- Elected officials
HOW TO USE
- Adopt model language or adapt locally
- Coordinate safety review with fire/building
- Share case studies during outreach
MODEL ORDINANCE LANGUAGE
Use the following as a starting point. Adjust references to your local code edition and administrative processes.
Section X.XX — Single‑Stair Multifamily Dwellings
- Purpose. To allow well‑designed small‑to‑mid‑scale multifamily buildings served by a single exit stair where safety performance is met through enhanced life‑safety features.
- Applicability. Buildings up to 6 stories and 85 ft in height, with a maximum single travel distance consistent with adopted code, may be served by one exit stair.
- Required features. Projects utilizing this section shall provide: sprinkler protection per NFPA 13, corridor smoke control/compartmentation, egress windows per dwelling, and fire‑department access as approved by the AHJ.
- Site review. The Fire Code Official shall verify apparatus access, hydrant spacing/flow, and staging.
- Design review. The Building Official shall verify compliance with structural, fire‑resistance, and mechanical/smoke control provisions.
SAFETY + PERFORMANCE
- Full building sprinklers (NFPA 13) and alarm/monitoring
- Compartmentalized corridors and smoke‑tight doors
- Direct egress windows for bedrooms/living spaces
- Fire‑department access, hydrant spacing, and standpipes as required
IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST
- Confirm local code edition and state amendments
- Draft ordinance text; coordinate with legal
- Set staff guidance: submittal, review triggers, inspections
- Plan outreach: FAQs, case studies, and developer guidance
STAFF PLAYBOOK
- Intake: flag single‑stair projects for coordinated review
- Building/Fire joint checkpoint at 30% and 90% design
- Pre‑construction meeting clarifying inspections
CASE STUDIES
Built examples demonstrating safety, livability, and context‑sensitive design.
Explore building examples →COMMON QUESTIONS
Through sprinklers, smoke control/compartmentation, FD access, and sensible limits on size/height/travel distance verified by the AHJ.
Small‑to‑mid‑scale multifamily (e.g., walk‑ups or courtyard buildings) that fit neighborhood contexts while improving housing variety.
Create a joint Building/Fire checkpoint early, standardize submittal requirements, and communicate inspection milestones up front.
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