Building code advisory group advances single-exit and multiplex housing appendices toward public comment

The Building Code Council’s Single Exit & Multiplex Housing ad hoc technical advisory group met Feb. 3, 2026, and adopted a series of edits to two draft appendices it plans to file into the CR102 rule‑making process.

Chair Roger opened the meeting by outlining the schedule for the 2024 code cycle: "the April 17 council meeting is the target for the council action, filing, May 6 through June 12" for public comment, and final adoption is now scheduled for 2027-05-01 because the CR102 must sit through a full legislative session. The board moved quickly through introductions and procedural business before discussing the two appendices.

On the single‑exit appendix, Richard (presenting John Sue’s edits) said the changes are mainly editorial and clarifying: the proposal moves a user note into a scope-and-purpose section and makes clear "this appendix is intended to provide an alternate method of construction to requirements listed in section 10‑0‑633, which is the single exit provisions that allows for the construction of a 6‑story Group R‑2 occupancy building with a single exit." The group clarified language about first‑story occupancies, agreeing that required means of egress for any first‑story occupancies must be separate from the single‑exit stair, and directed staff to update the figure that illustrates that point.

Members then turned to the multiplex housing appendix. Presenters proposed similar housekeeping changes (moving user notes into the body, adjusting titles and definitions) and discussed retaining an automobile‑parking‑space definition in light of state 2024 amendments. The group also refined an exception on stair construction so the reduction applies to interior or exterior stairways "connecting not more than 2 stories," language intended to base the relief on how many stories a stair serves rather than on overall building height.

After discussion, a voting member moved to adopt the shown edits to the single‑exit and multiplex drafts; the chair called for voice votes and the motions passed. Separately, the advisory group held a roll‑call vote on a contested corridor ventilation provision (discussed below) and announced that motion passed 5–3 to remove the item. The meeting ended with the group flagging a remaining question over basement/daylight basement language for follow‑up at the BFRW committee because quorum was later lost.

What happens next: staff will prepare the CR102 filings for council consideration on April 17, with the public comment period expected May 6–June 12. The advisory group’s work will then be carried forward to the BFRW committee and the full council for further consideration.