CT fire officials voice opposition to single-stairway exit change

['Ginny Monk', 'More Ginny Monk', 'Housing', "Children'S Issues Reporter", 'Ct Mirror', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow', 'Class', 'Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus', 'Display Inline', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar'] Connecticut News and In-Depth Reporting | CT Mirror 2025-09-17 00:00:00

Connecticut officials are considering a change to state building codes that would allow some residential buildings to have only one way to exit, rather than two. Up to six stories would be allowed in cases where there is a commercial space on the first floor. Current state building code allows single-stairway exits for residences up to three stories tall. Advocates say the change would make it easier to build housing, while opponents fear the change would be unsafe. There also must not be more than 20 feet between any housing unit and the exit stairway.