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Supporters say single-stair allowances could expand middle housing; some urge cost-benefit analysis
Summary
Advocates including Futurewise supported allowing taller, single-stair residential buildings to expand housing options; planners and some witnesses urged the Council to study cost-benefit impacts (sprinklers, types, affordability) before finalizing amendments.
At the June 12, 2026 Washington State Building Code Council hearing, advocates urged the Council to keep or adopt changes that facilitate taller single-stair residential buildings and expanded multiplex allowances aimed at increasing housing supply.
Bryce Yadon, lobbyist for Futurewise, told the Council the proposals preserve the spirit of state housing legislation and would allow six-story single-stair residential buildings and variations (four- and five-story versions) that increase housing diversity and proximity to transit. "Everyone here knows our state is facing a housing shortage," Yadon said, and noted anecdotal testimony that stacked flats and denser housing can improve livability for older residents and people with mobility constraints.
Spencer Gardner, Planning Director for the City of Spokane and a participant in the single-stair/multiplex committee, thanked the Council but urged more systematic cost–benefit analysis. Gardner said some jurisdictions already allow Type 3A construction in single-stair configurations and suggested further review of sprinkler and life‑safety tradeoffs to ensure multiplex rules support affordability goals.
Micah Chappelle (WABO technical committee) also raised alignment issues between model-code tables and Washington amendments, particularly for plumbing fixtures and daycare bathtub requirements, and asked for follow-up workshops to reconcile licensing and code language.
The Council did not vote; staff said written testimony will be posted and workshops scheduled so the Council can reconcile technical edits before a final adoption decision on Aug. 28, 2026.
