A Resolution directing the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council to conduct a study and issue a report recommending modifications and limitations to the International Building Code that would allow for a single-exit stairway to serve multifamily residential structures up to six stories above grade plane.

PRINTER'S NO. 1856
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 348
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY STREET, SAVAL, A. WILLIAMS, BOSCOLA, CAPPELLETTI,
COSTA, VOGEL, COLEMAN, MALONE, SCHWANK, KEARNEY, HAYWOOD,
SANTARSIERO, ARGALL AND KEEFER, JUNE 26, 2026
REFERRED TO LABOR AND INDUSTRY, JUNE 26, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council to conduct a study and issue a report recommending
modifications and limitations to the International Building
Code that would allow for a single-exit stairway to serve
multifamily residential structures up to six stories above
grade plane.
WHEREAS, The Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council within the Department of Labor and Industry is obligated
to provide recommendations regarding proposed changes to the
Pennsylvania Construction Code Act to the Governor, General
Assembly and the Department of Labor and Industry, and to review
the most recent triennial building code updates published by the
International Code Council; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania adopts language from the International
Building Code (IBC), which most state and local governments in
the United States use as the foundation for their building
codes; and
WHEREAS, The IBC has always permitted buildings up to three
stories and 12 units to have one point of egress, but the IBC
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requires buildings above three stories to have at least two
separate stairways accessible from all points on each floor; and
WHEREAS, The IBC stairway requirement increases construction
costs and limits the range of sizes and floor plans available to
architects and residents of multifamily buildings in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Several states have reformed their state
construction codes to accommodate single stairways in
multifamily buildings up to six stories, and others have
commissioned studies and reports to study the concept and its
potential impacts in their respective jurisdictions; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Uniform Construction
Code Review and Advisory Council to conduct a study and issue a
report recommending modifications and limitations to the
International Building Code that would allow for a single-exit
stairway to serve multifamily residential structures up to six
stories above grade plane; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include considerations for adequate
and available water supply, the presence and response time of a
fire department and any other provisions necessary to ensure the
health, safety and general welfare of the public; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Uniform Construction Code Review and
Advisory Council provide its recommendations in time for the
adoption or amendment of rules or codes implementing the next
version of the IBC that is scheduled to be adopted; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Office of the State Fire Commissioner
issue to the council a supplemental report containing its own
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recommendations regarding the subject matter.
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