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S 964

An Act to study single-stair residential buildings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts will study single-stair residential buildings to assess safety, code feasibility, and potential policy changes enabling denser, more affordable housing construction.

Accompanied a new draft, see S2647
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Bill Summary · S 964

Legislative bill overview

S. 964 directs Massachusetts to conduct a comprehensive study of single-stair residential buildings—structures with only one stairwell serving multiple dwelling units. The study would examine safety implications, building code compliance, feasibility of retrofitting existing buildings, and potential policy changes to allow or regulate such construction in the state.

Why is this important

Single-stair buildings are common in dense urban areas and can significantly increase housing density and affordability by reducing construction costs and footprint requirements. However, they present fire safety and emergency egress challenges, making this a critical policy question as Massachusetts grapples with housing shortages. The study's findings could reshape state building codes and housing development strategies.

Potential points of contention

  • Fire safety concerns: Single stairs create bottleneck evacuation scenarios during emergencies, potentially endangering residents and straining firefighter operations in high-occupancy buildings
  • Building code implications: Current Massachusetts building codes generally restrict single-stair residential use; changing this requires resolving conflicts between safety standards and housing density goals
  • Equity and gentrification risks: While dense housing can lower costs, single-stair buildings might enable rapid development that accelerates neighborhood gentrification and displacement

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

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