WAVO proposes new Appendix Q to allow single-exit stair for up to six-story multifamily buildings

The Washington Association of Building Officials (WAVO) presented a draft Appendix Q to the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) that would permit a single-exit stair to serve certain multifamily (Group R-2) buildings up to six stories above grade plain.

WAVO’s presenter, Bridal Jala, told the Single-Exit/Multiplex Housing technical advisory group that the appendix is intended to implement the legislature’s direction in RCW 19.27.115 and related bills. "This amendment is needed to address a specific state policy or statute," Jala said during the presentation. She said the draft draws heavily on long‑standing Seattle local provisions and feedback from fire marshals, and was assembled by a WAVO subcommittee that met multiple times.

The appendix proposal includes a package of minimum conditions and design requirements. Key features presented by WAVO were:

- Scope: single-exit path may serve up to five elevated stories and the building may be no more than six stories above grade plain; Group R-2 occupancies only, with limits on occupied roofs served by the single exit. - Occupancy separation: other occupancies shall not directly communicate with the R-2 portion or the single-exit stair (exceptions for accessory parking, unoccupied roofs noted). - Unit and layout limits: no…