HB 5571
Allowing Mid-Rise Multifamily Buildings with a Single Stairway
House Bill 5571 updates Michigan’s Single State Construction Code Act to allow certain 5–6 story multifamily buildings to be constructed with a single interior exit stairway under strict safety and fire protection conditions.
Today, most multifamily buildings must include two interior stairways once they exceed certain thresholds. That requirement can make small and mid-rise apartment buildings financially or physically infeasible on compact urban lots. HB 5571 builds on HB 5570 (which allows smaller buildings to use single-stair configurations) in creating a pathway for single-stair buildings in communities with highly rated and accredited fire protection services.
What the bill does
Allows a multifamily dwelling to have a single interior exit stairway if:
The building has:
More than 4, but not more than 6, levels above grade, or
An occupiable roof with more than 3, but not more than 5, levels above grade.
There are no more than 4 units per floor.
Each level does not exceed 4,000 square feet.
Exit travel distance does not exceed 125 feet from the most remote point on each level.
Requires significant fire and life-safety protections, including:
Manual fire alarm system
Automatic smoke detection system with occupant notification
Smoke detectors in all common areas (corridors, stairways, mechanical rooms, gathering areas, etc.)
NFPA-compliant sprinkler protection within the stair enclosure
No elevator openings into the stair enclosure
No electrical receptacles within the stairway
Adds an additional safeguard not present in HB 5570:
The building must be located in a city or township served by a fire department that:
Is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (or previously accredited),
Has a Class 1 or Class 2 rating under the Insurance Services Office public protection classification system, and
Meets aerial apparatus requirements for that rating.
The bill only takes effect if HB 5570 (or its Senate companion) is also enacted.
Why this matters
Mid-rise multifamily buildings often require two stairways under traditional building codes, even when modern sprinkler systems and fire protection measures are present.
For 5–6 story buildings, requiring a second stairwell:
Increases construction costs
Consumes buildable floor area
Can make compact urban projects infeasible
Limits courtyard-style and narrow-lot apartment designs
HB 5571 creates a pathway for single-stair buildings in communities with high-capacity fire protection services, balancing housing flexibility with enhanced emergency response capability.
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2/24/2026: Introduced by Representative Stephen Wooden
Referred to Committee on Government Operations
5/14/2026: Passed Committee
6/10/2026: Second Reading in the House
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Stephen Wooden (District 81)
Matt Longjohn (District 40)
Parker Fairbairn (District 107)
Jasper Martus (District 69)
Jason Hoskins (District 18)
Joey Andrews (District 38)
Joseph Aragona (District 60)
Laurie Pohutsky (District 17)
Carrie Rheingans (District 47)
Gregory Markkanen (District 110)
Kristian Grant (District 82)
Tullio Liberati (District 2)
Donavan McKinney (District 11)
Timothy Beson (District 96)
Curtis VanderWall (District 102)
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