State SBCC panel recommends single‑exit IBC appendix with upgraded sprinklers and fire‑service criteria
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Summary
The BFRW voted to forward a new IBC appendix permitting limited single‑exit designs up to six stories if buildings use commercial NFPA 13 sprinklers, pressurized stair/elevator shafts, upgraded alarm systems, and if the local fire department meets defined professional criteria.
The Building and Fire‑Related Workgroup of the State Building Code Council voted Feb. 13 to send a proposed 2024 International Building Code appendix on single‑exit buildings to the full council for consideration.
The appendix would allow the use of a single means of egress for certain apartment buildings up to six stories, but only when the design includes enhanced safety systems and local fire‑service capacity. "We've upgraded the sprinkler system from the residential NFPA 13R to a commercial NFPA 13," Chair Roger Haringa said, adding that higher flow and more heads are required to extend single‑exit designs upward.
The proposal also requires emergency escape and rescue openings (EEROs) in all sleeping rooms served by a single exit, pressurization of interior exit stairways and elevator shafts to keep smoke out, and automatic notification appliances triggered by sprinkler flow. Staff emphasized that the appendix is an alternative method, not a mandate: "It's intended as an alternative to reduce the overall space requirements needed to build smaller residential units," Dustin said.
A key policy addition is a criteria set to define a "professional fire department," as directed by statute. The appendix would require documentation from the local fire chief showing aerial‑ladder capability, staffing, training, and mutual aid arrangements where necessary. The draft author said annual inspections by fire code officials would be authorized to confirm ongoing compliance.
The BFRW moved the appendix forward by voice vote; the chair noted the item will enter the CR102 public‑comment stage at the full council, providing additional opportunities for public input and refinement. The motion passed with no roll‑call tally recorded in the committee minutes.
Next steps: the full State Building Code Council will consider the appendix and the CR102 comment period will allow jurisdictions and stakeholders to submit formal feedback before any adoption decision.