Bill > H0706

This bill allows local governments in Idaho to permit apartment buildings (residential group R-2) to have a single stairway, deviating from the standard building codes like the International Building Code, under specific conditions designed to maintain safety. These conditions include limitations on the building's height and the number of dwelling units per floor, a maximum floor area per story, and requirements for specific construction types. Crucially, the bill mandates the installation of a comprehensive automatic sprinkler system throughout the building, fire-rated doors for the interior stairway that close automatically and are interconnected with the fire alarm system, and a two-hour fire-resistance rating for the stairway and elevator shaft. It also sets minimum widths for stairways, requires fire-rated corridors separating dwelling unit doors from stairways, limits travel distances to exits, and prohibits exits from discharging through other occupancies like parking garages. Additionally, the bill requires emergency escape and rescue openings, specific fire protection for exterior wall openings near exits, and prohibits electrical receptacles within interior stairways, while requiring lockable covers for those in common areas. An automatic smoke and fire detection system activating occupant notification is also required, along with a sign indicating the building has only one stair, and limits on the number of single-stair buildings per lot. The bill also revises existing law to clarify that local governments can adopt building codes, with an exception for these single-stair provisions, and includes an emergency clause for immediate effect.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

Business Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0706/