CSFD opposes House bill that would change building codes
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) stated on Thursday, Feb. 29 that they oppose House bill HB24-1239, which proposes a single-exit stairway multifamily structure.
If passed, the bill would require local government to “modify a building code to allow five stories of a multifamily residential building to be served by a single exit.” The bill would require a board of county commissioners to, before December 1, 2026, adopt a building code, or amend an existing code, to allow a 5-story structure to be served by a single exit.
“We oppose this bill as we believe it to be a dangerous over-reach for state legislation to supersede years of extensive research, experience, and learning from tragic events which have shaped our model codes to be what they are today,” said Fire Marshal Brett Lacey. “The model building and fire codes have an established formal code change process that forces research, explanation, and review to be presented in open testimony as well as before professional code bodies.”
One of the bill’s sponsors, Representative Alex Valdez, said on X (Twitter), “Single stair not only has the opportunity to ease our housing crunch but can also enhance the look of our city which is currently being dominated by Soviet value engineering.”
According to CSFD’s statement, political solutions that are put forth without the necessary scientific and/or professional input can result in “tragic missteps.” They suggested that to preserve and protect property and lives, sufficient professional evidence and supporting arguments must be in place before changing building codes.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
