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Bill

SR 348

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.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Argall and 14 co-sponsors

The bill directs a study to allow a single-exit stairway for multifamily buildings up to six stories, with safety conditions and IBC-aligned code changes.

Referred to Labor & Industry
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Bill Summary · SR 348

Overview

  • Bill: SR 348 (Pennsylvania Senate)
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Introduced: June 26, 2026
  • Referred to: Labor and Industry
  • Primary purpose: Direct the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council to study and issue a report on allowing a single-exit stairway to serve multifamily residential structures up to six stories above the grade plane, by modifying and imposing limitations within the International Building Code (IBC) as adopted in Pennsylvania.

What the bill would do

  • Direct the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council (UCC RAC) to conduct a formal study and prepare a report.
  • The report would recommend modifications and limitations to the IBC that would permit a single-exit stairway for multifamily residential buildings up to six stories above grade.
  • Ensure the study considers public safety factors such as:
    • Adequate and available water supply for firefighting and suppression
    • Fire department presence and response time
    • Any other provisions necessary to protect health, safety, and welfare
  • Require the council to provide recommendations in time for adoption or amendment of rules or codes implementing the next version of the IBC scheduled for adoption.
  • Include a supplemental report from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, which would offer its own recommendations on the subject.

Who would be affected

  • Multifamily residential buildings up to six stories tall (up to six stories above grade plane) that would seek to operate with a single-exit stairway.
  • Local building authorities and design professionals who would implement any approved changes to the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and related codes.
  • Fire safety and emergency response agencies, given the emphasis on water supply, response times, and coordination with the fire commissioner.
  • The Office of the State Fire Commissioner, which would contribute its own recommendations.

Key provisions and potential changes

  • Encourages alignment with IBC updates while tailoring requirements to Pennsylvania conditions.
  • Opens possibility for a single-exit stairway in mid-rise multifamily buildings (up to six stories), contrasting with the current IBC standard that generally requires two separate stairways for higher-rise occupancies.
  • Mandates a safety-oriented assessment, including water supply sufficiency and fire department capacity, to address risk considerations.
  • Timelines: The council must deliver its recommendations in time for the next IBC adoption cycle in Pennsylvania, influencing the rules or codes that implement the upcoming IBC edition.
  • Added input: The State Fire Commissioner would provide a supplemental report with its own recommendations, ensuring fire safety expertise informs the study.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The resolution directs ongoing consideration in the context of the triennial IBC updates, integrating state code changes with national code cycles.
  • Requires timely reporting so that the recommendations can influence the adoption or amendment of the next version of Pennsylvania’s codes.
  • The measure is a non-binding resolution guiding state agencies to study and report; any changes would still require subsequent legislative action and regulatory adoption.

Potential implications

  • If adopted, Pennsylvania could permit single-exit stairways in certain mid-rise multifamily buildings, potentially reducing construction costs and expanding design flexibility.
  • Any approval would be contingent on demonstrated safety, secure water supply, and capable fire department response, as assessed by the UCC RAC and the State Fire Commissioner.
  • Local jurisdictions would need to align permitting, inspections, and compliance with any modified provisions stemming from the study and subsequent code adoption.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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