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Panel debates single-stairwell building bill amid housing and safety arguments
Summary
Senate Bill 213 would allow a single stairwell as the required exit in small, fully-sprinklered apartment buildings (up to six stories, four units per floor) if units have a window or alternate emergency egress; proponents argued it reduces construction costs 6–13% and increases density, while lawmakers pressed sponsors on fire and active-shooter scenarios and asked for supporting studies and interstate comparisons.
Senator Daniel Zolnikoff presented Senate Bill 213 as a measure to lower construction costs and increase housing supply by permitting a single stairwell to serve small multifamily buildings that meet specified safety conditions. "It allows... a building to have a single stairwell serving as an exit for all units if the building meets the following conditions: has no more than 6 stories above the grade plain, no more than 4 dwelling units on 1 floor. It has an automatic sprinkler system, and each unit has at least 1 window or other emergency exit provision," Zolnikoff said.
Proponents from housing, business and policy groups told the committee the change can reduce construction costs and enable more infill housing. Jake Brown of Shelter Whitefish said single-stair…
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