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Senate hearing considers single‑stair option to lower multifamily construction costs
Summary
A Montana Senate committee heard testimony for Senate Bill 213 to allow controlled single‑stair configurations in certain multifamily buildings as a cost‑saving measure, with proponents citing affordability gains and opponents — primarily fire officials — warning of life‑safety risks at greater heights.
Senator Daniel Zolnikov, sponsor of Senate Bill 213, told the Senate Local Government Committee he is proposing a change to allow “a single stair construction, instead of requiring dual” stairwells in specified residential buildings. The bill, Zolnikov said, would permit single‑stair designs under controlled conditions while relying on safety measures such as sprinkler systems and emergency exit provisions.
The bill’s backers told the committee that allowing single stairs could lower building costs and expand development of housing. Jake Brown of Shelter Whitefish said the change “provides some more flexibility for residential building design while maintaining key safety standards through requirements like sprinkler systems.” Brown and other proponents argued the design can improve unit layouts, lower per‑unit land cost and increase housing supply without sacrificing safety.
The sponsor and…
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