The city of Edmonton reports to CBC News’ Emily Williams, and reports that the city is reforming building standards.
“Also known as a point access block or single exit, proponents say they are opening new missing middle housing options that allow better units, family-friendly three-bedroom apartments and provide affordable housing opportunities.” One Edmonton developer estimated that removing the stairs in a small building could save up to $60,000 in construction costs.
Typology is prohibited in many jurisdictions, but changes are slowly occurring in North American cities, states and states.
A guide published by Edmonton requires developers to provide “alternative solutions” to requirements for double staircases, including sprinklers, staircase spreads, “an additional fire resistance assessment between suites and corridors,” and double staircases that prevent smoke spreading.
Some local firefighters oppose policy changes and argue that it is inherently dangerous to leave only one output option in the event of a fire. However, proponents of single-stair construction have argued that recent safety innovations make the building as safe as other buildings.
Source link
