Bill > S492

This bill reforms the North Carolina State Building Code to allow single-exit stairways in certain multi-family residential buildings (called Group R-2 occupancies) that meet specific safety requirements. The bill defines a "qualifying R-2 building" as a multi-family residential structure with 5-32 dwelling units, no taller than 75 feet, and located on an individual lot. Buildings can qualify for a single-exit stairway under two scenarios: mid-rise buildings (up to eight stories with no more than seven stories above grade) or low-rise buildings (up to three stories with no more than two stories above grade). To ensure safety, these buildings must meet stringent requirements including fire-resistance ratings, automatic sprinkler systems, specific stairway designs, limited travel distances, corridor separations, and restrictions on building openings and adjacent occupancies. The North Carolina Building Code Council is required to adopt permanent rules implementing these provisions, and the bill includes temporary provisions to allow immediate implementation. The bill aims to provide more flexibility in building design while maintaining rigorous safety standards for multi-family residential construction.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S492