VICTORIA, B.C. – The government of British Columbia has announced updates to the BC Building Code (BCBC) to allow single egress stair (SES) designs in low- and mid-rise buildings.
The previous code requirement for a second egress, or exit, stairwell per floor in buildings up to six storeys has been removed, a provincial government release said.
The change will make it possible to build housing projects on smaller lots and in different configurations, the release said, while allowing more flexibility for multi-bedroom apartments, more density within areas of transit-oriented developments and the potential to improve energy efficiency in buildings.
“With people struggling to find housing that meets their needs, we have to find ways to innovate and build differently. By adjusting B.C.’s building code to allow single egress stair buildings, we can not only boost housing supply, but also create more options for people and families who need larger layouts and more bedrooms. This will allow people to live, grow and prosper in the communities they call home.,” provincial minister of housing Ravi Kahlon said.
All new SES designed buildings will require specific safety measures, including sprinklers, smoke-management systems and wider stairwells, the release said.
The BCBC SES changes were drafted following the release of the report, Single Egress Stair Building Designs: Policy and Technical Options, in June 2024 after engagement with industry professionals, including engineers, architects and representatives of the fire services community.
From July to August 2024, the release said, representatives from the fire-service community and groups from the building sector and local governments were invited to review and comment on draft code language.
The provincial ministry of housing working with the Office of the Fire Commissioner will undertake further engagement to address the safety concerns raised, the release added.
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