Committee hears public safety and design debate over proposed 'consolidated dwelling' IRC amendments to expand small multifamily options

City of Dallas staff and local architects briefed a committee on draft amendments to the International Residential Code that would create a new "consolidated dwelling" building type allowing up to eight dwelling units in some residential structures.

The proposal is intended to expand housing options by allowing developers to build denser small-multiunit housing under the IRC rather than the more stringent IBC. Staff and AIA representatives said the draft aims to preserve familiar IRC procedures for design and permitting while adding requirements for fire-resistance construction, sound isolation and accessibility.

Cindy Godreides, regional manager for the National Fire Sprinkler Association, told the committee she and NFSA colleagues reviewed proposals used by other cities and opposed drafts that would permit multiple units without automatic sprinkler protection. "One of the most concerning elements of the proposed code is that there would be multiple units allowed in buildings under 7,500 square feet without fire protection," Godreides said. She and other speakers argued that multiunit buildings without sprinkler systems increase risks for occupants and firefighters. Godreides said the ordinance…