Plain English Breakdown
The official text notes a department transfer effective July 1, 2026; the explanation uses both names for clarity.
Building Standards for Single-Stair Residential Buildings
This law requires the state housing department to research and propose new rules allowing apartment buildings up to six stories tall to have just one stairway, while also creating an exception so local governments can allow this design without needing emergency approval.
What This Bill Does
- Requires the Department of Housing and Community Development (or its successor agency) to research, develop, and propose standards for multiunit residential buildings with a single exit and single stairway up to six stories tall.
- Mandates that these proposed standards be included in the next triennial edition of the California Building Standards Code.
- Requires the department to consult with the State Fire Marshal while developing these new rules.
- Adds an exception allowing cities or counties to permit single-stair designs for buildings up to six stories without needing emergency approval from the commission, which is otherwise required between October 1, 2025, and June 1, 2031.
- States the Legislature's intent to pass future laws that would allow housing buildings with four or more stories to have a single stair entry and exit.
Who It Names or Affects
- The Department of Housing and Community Development (which transfers to the California Housing and Homelessness Agency on July 1, 2026).
- The State Fire Marshal.
- Cities, counties, and city-counties that set local building rules for residential units.
- Developers or builders constructing multiunit apartment buildings up to six stories tall.
Terms To Know
- California Building Standards Code
- The official collection of state-approved construction and safety rules for buildings in California, updated every three years.
- Single-exit, single stairway
- A building design that has only one staircase used as the main way to enter or leave during an emergency.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill requires research and proposals but does not immediately change current laws until the standards are adopted in the next code edition.
- It is unclear if future legislation will be passed to allow single-stair buildings with four or more stories, as this section only states legislative intent.