Building Code Council advances structural, elevator and fire‑separation provisions for multiplex housing

The Building Code Council’s multiplex housing tag approved a set of safety and design provisions during its Nov. 18 meeting, moving the draft appendix closer to the full council’s review.

Roger Goringa, chairing the session, said the group had worked toward simplifying definitions and ensuring the draft aligns with the IRC. In three voice votes taken during the meeting, members approved (1) a package of structural provisions for three‑story multiplex housing, (2) section 1.0.6 addressing elevator standards and how residential conveyances are handled, and (3) text directing users to IRC Table R302.1(1) for fire‑separation distances in multiplex buildings.

Why it matters: The votes affect how local building officials and designers will apply the residential code for up to three‑story multiplex buildings, including whether…