In an effort to increase attainable housing options in Tennessee – mainly in urban areas, a new law was passed during the 2024 legislative session to allow “single stair design”. Local municipalities now have the option of “opting-in” to allow this design option to be available to their community and craft codes that fit the needs of their community while maintaining health, safety and welfare of the public.
AIA Tennessee hosted an educational webinar on July 17 to educate members and the public on single stair design, the state legislation now enacted as Public Chapter 820. The webinar included a brief history of single stair buildings, an overview of how single stair design has been implemented in other municipalities, an overview of the state legislation and additional resources for local government entities to access while reviewing the best fit for your community and considerations if there is interest in adopting single stair codes.
Below is a list of resources which includes the recorded webinar, presentation slides and useful links.
Overview of Tennessee’s 2024 Single Stair Legislation
Public Chapter 820 (SB 2834 | HB 2925)
Are Two Exit Stairways Always Safer than One?
Exit Strategy: The Case for Single Stair Egress
Seattle’s Lead on Single Stair Buildings