SSB 6001
In CommitteeSenate
Scissor stairs
Concerning scissor stair regulations in the state building code.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill directs the State Building Code Council to study and recommend changes allowing scissor stairs in multi-unit residential buildings with more than two dwelling units where occupants are primarily long-term residents. The goal is to improve egress options and potentially reduce construction costs while maintaining safety standards.
- Requires the State Building Code Council to form a technical advisory group to study and recommend changes to the International Building Code that would permit scissor stairs in certain residential buildings.
- Defines scissor stairs as two interlocking stairways with two separate exits, enclosed and separated by fire-resistance rated walls.
- Directs the advisory group to consider public health, safety, and welfare, as well as construction costs, in its recommendations.
- Requires the council to adopt any necessary rule changes in the first major update to the state building code after January 1, 2027.
- Sets a sunset date of January 1, 2031, after which the provision automatically expires unless extended by future legislation.
Who is affected
- Residential developers and builders — Developers and builders of multi-unit residential buildings (e.g., apartment complexes, senior housing, or dormitories) who may gain flexibility in stair design and potentially reduce construction costs.
- Residents of multi-unit housing — Residents of multi-unit housing with more than two dwelling units, especially where sleeping units are for long-term occupants; may benefit from improved egress options and space efficiency in building design.
- Building code enforcement officials — State and local officials responsible for enforcing building safety standards, who must implement and monitor new code requirements for scissor stairs.
- Architects and engineers — Architects and engineers who design buildings, who will need to incorporate new scissor stair options into their plans when appropriate.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (3)
Permitting scissor stairs can reduce required footprint and structural complexity in multi-unit residential buildings, lowering construction costs and enabling more affordable housing units to be built—especially beneficial for developers building workforce housing, senior housing, or student housing where space is constrained.
HousingPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1), (2)Scissor stairs improve egress flexibility by providing two separate enclosed exits in a compact footprint, which can enhance emergency evacuation options in buildings where traditional dual-stair configurations are physically impractical—particularly beneficial for retrofits or infill developments in dense urban areas.
HousingPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1), (3)By reducing structural and spatial constraints in building design, the change may increase the feasibility of developing mid-rise residential projects, supporting local construction jobs and small-to-mid-sized developers who specialize in urban infill or affordable housing.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(1), (2)
Potential Concerns (3)
Allowing scissor stairs—despite their space-saving benefits—could compromise egress reliability in fire or emergency scenarios if fire-resistance ratings or construction quality are substandard, especially in older or lower-quality buildings where maintenance is inconsistent.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1(1), (2)The 2031 sunset date creates regulatory uncertainty for developers and local jurisdictions, potentially discouraging long-term planning and investment in new residential construction unless the provision is extended.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 1(4) (sunset provision)Without explicit inclusion of fire safety experts, building inspectors, or tenant advocates on the advisory group, the recommendations may over-prioritize cost savings over long-term occupant safety or accessibility needs.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 1(1) (advisory group composition not specified)
Who Is Most Affected
Developers of mid-rise and urban infill residential buildings may benefit from reduced design constraints and lower construction costs, especially for projects where site footprint is limited or where affordability pressures are high.
Residents of multi-unit housing may benefit from more affordable units and improved egress options in emergencies, but only if the design is implemented correctly and maintained over time—risks of substandard construction or poor maintenance could undermine safety.
Local building inspectors and fire safety officials will face new responsibilities in verifying compliance with scissor stair requirements, including fire-resistance ratings and exit separation—adding administrative burden unless standardized training and inspection protocols are developed.
Architects and engineers may gain design flexibility, but will need to relearn or update protocols for scissor stair integration—potentially increasing design time and liability concerns if fire safety outcomes are inconsistent.