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DZ

Bill

SB 213

Revise the state building code to allow single stairwells in certain buildings

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Zolnikov

Montana law now allows single stairwell exits in specified buildings instead of requiring dual stairs, reducing construction costs but potentially limiting emergency evacuation capacity.

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#buildingsandbuildingregulations #housing #property #rulemaking
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Bill Summary · SB 213

Legislative bill overview

SB 213 modifies Montana's state building code to permit single stairwell designs in certain building types, rather than requiring the dual stairwell exits currently mandated by code. The bill became law after receiving gubernatorial signature in May 2025.

Why is this important

Building codes establish minimum safety standards for occupant evacuation during emergencies. Relaxing stairwell requirements could reduce construction costs for developers but may impact emergency egress capacity and safety outcomes, particularly in larger or more densely occupied buildings. This represents a trade-off between regulatory burden and public safety infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Evacuation capacity concerns: Single stairwells create bottlenecks during emergencies and eliminate redundancy if one stair is blocked by fire, smoke, or structural damage
  • Building type definitions: The bill's applicability to "certain buildings" depends on how those categories are defined—ambiguity could allow unsafe applications or unintended exemptions
  • Cost versus safety trade-offs: Developers benefit from reduced construction expenses, but the public bears increased risk; disagreement exists over whether savings justify hazard elevation

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

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