Chicago’s City Council is considering a proposal to amend the building code to permit new apartment buildings up to five stories to have only one stairway and exit. This change aims to make construction more affordable and increase housing density, addressing the city’s housing shortage.

Safety Concerns Raised

The proposal, introduced by Ald. Matt Martin, has faced significant opposition due to safety concerns. Chicago fire and building department officials, along with the Chicago Firefighters Local 2 union, have expressed worries that the change could compromise safety. Erik Steinmetz, the union president, emphasized the importance of a second stairway as a critical safety feature, citing historical fires as cautionary examples.

Currently, Chicago’s building code requires buildings with more than two stories to have multiple stairwells. The proposed ordinance would extend the single stair rule to buildings up to five stories, provided they include modern fire protection measures such as sprinklers and self-closing doors.

Potential Benefits and Opposition

Proponents like Alex Montero of Strong Towns Chicago argue that single-stair buildings with modern safety features could be as safe as older buildings with two stairwells. The change could also facilitate the construction of more affordable housing units, as developers could save on construction costs and utilize space more efficiently.

However, influential city leaders, including Department of Buildings Commissioner Marlene Hopkins, have voiced concerns about the potential risks to both residents and firefighters. Hopkins stressed the importance of having multiple exits to ensure safety during emergencies.

Despite the opposition, Ald. Martin remains optimistic about finding a compromise that addresses safety concerns while promoting housing development. He plans to continue discussions with city departments and hopes to bring the proposal to a council vote by July.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.