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CC: ACTION ITEM - Discussion and Direction Regarding a Potential Local Amendment to the California Building Code and the California Fire Code that Would Allow a Single Exit Stairway in Residential Buildings up to Six Stories in Height.
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Meeting Date: September 8, 2025
Contact Person/Dept.: Timothy Koutsouros, Building Official, Planning and Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5802
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (09/04/2025)
Department Approval: Mark Muenzer, Planning and Development Director (8/29/25) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council discuss and provide direction regarding a potential local amendment to the California Building Code and the California Fire Code that would allow a single exit stairway in residential buildings up to six stories in height. Residential buildings could include mixed-use buildings that are predominately residential uses.
BACKGROUND
On August 11, 2025, the City Council reached a unanimous consensus to agendize a discussion on single exit stairways in residential buildings. Staff has further reviewed the topic and is providing the following information for discussion purposes.
The International Building Code (IBC) serves as the model code nationwide that various jurisdictions amend and adopt. California agencies amend the IBC, creating the California Building Standards Code (CBSC). The City has the authority to amend the CBSC at the local level. These local amendments must establish more, not less, restrictive building standards that are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.
The current City amended and adopted CBSC (2022), and the 2025 CBSC that goes into effect January 1, 2026, allows for single exit stairway buildings...
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