Could Single Staircases Unlock 130,000 New Massachusetts Housing Units?

Imagine living on the fourth floor of a residential building and having only one set of stairs to get out in an emergency. I'm not sure I'd be willing to do that.

What Would the Single-Stair Proposal Change?

Massachusetts is considering changing state building codes to allow single staircases in multi-family residential buildings up to six stories.

Advocates say the change would result in smaller buildings, space savings that could lead to 130,000 new housing units.

Healey Orders Safety Review Panel

Before changing the building codes, which currently require two exit stairways, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has signed an executive order establishing a technical advisory panel to study potential safety issues.

"We're all about making it easier to build more housing across our state to drive down costs for everyone," Healey said in a statement. "While the double-stair requirement plays an important role in ensuring safety, it's also holding us back from the type of housing construction we need to meet demand."

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"This group will include the best subject matter experts and fire safety officials to explore how we can make it easier to build housing by allowing single-stair construction, while continuing to protect our residents and first responders," Healey said.

New York City and Seattle, Washington have "permitted single-stair buildings up to six stories for decades," the administration says, adding that Honolulu has since allowed them, as have the states of Tennessee, Montana, and Connecticut.

Supporters Say Modern Fire Codes Make It Safe

Advocates argue that modern fire safety, including sprinklers and modern materials, makes single stairs safe and allows better apartment layouts with windows on multiple sides.

Firefighters Raise Serious Safety Concerns

The International Association of Fire Fighters told the Boston Herald that single stairways are dangerous for residents and firefighters entering during an emergency.